Software Applications and Tools

Overview

Computer software makes the process of programming messages for the Alpha, AlphaVision, Alpha Premiere, AlphaEclipse, Alpha Director, Alpha Solar, and BetaBrite displays fast and easy, while giving users full access to the many features built into these displays. Innovative Industry Application Programs integrate the display of messages and the display of real-time business, production, and financial information. Software tools and custom programs round out the programming options that are available.

Messaging programs invoke the following display features:

• Colors
• Character Heights
• Character Fonts
• Character Widths
• Fixed or Proportional Spacing
• Display Modes
• Display Speeds
• Animations
• Graphics
• International Characters
• Special Symbols
• Day, Date and Time
• Temperature

Advanced features are included, such as:

• Individual Display Addressing
• Message Sequencing
• Message Scheduling
• Up and Down Counters by Minute, Hour and Day
• Counter Target Messages
• Priority Messaging
• Audible Alerts
• Concurrent Computer and Remote Keyboard Messaging
• Diagnostic Features

• AlphaNet – AlphaNet has evolved from a full-featured DOS message editor into a comprehensive suite of Windows programs and diagnostics routines that can invoke many features designed into the Alpha, AlphaVision, AlphaEclipse, Alpha Premiere, Alpha Director, and BetaBrite displays. AlphaNet software will also program older Alpha models - the Alpha 210, Alpha 221, Alpha 430, Alpha 440, Alpha 460, Alpha 480, Alpha 710, Alpha 715, Alpha 790i, and Alpha Solar series. The newest version, AlphaNet 3 for Windows, has features to program the new Alpha Eclipse StreetSmart and Alpha Eclipse Pure Color RGB full-color models. AlphaNet features include:
  
  
  • Saves messages as files on disk. These messages can then be retrieved and modified and resent to the sign(s). Today's messages become tomorrow's message templates.
  • Has a message Scheduling feature. Messages can be scheduled to run at specific times on specific days.
  • Has a Counters feature that will increment or decrement up to five counters at once by day, hour, or minute in any interval, eg. increment by 2 every second starting with a specific value. This is handy for Safety Counters, such as Days Since a Lost Time Accident.
  • Has a Message Simulator that shows how messages will appear on any Alpha or BetaBrite sign model.
  • Has many additional features. Click here to read more.
    
    
• Alpha File Loader – The Alpha File Loader system is designed to compose and store messages, animations, and graphics in each of the specific memory areas in Alpha and BetaBrite signs. It a full-featured software program that provides multiple message editors (one for each Alpha or BetaBrite sign memory area) with pull-down menus for modes, positions, characters, colors, speeds, animations, international characters, special characters, editing features, and more. It has multiple message simulators (one for each sign memory area) that display the message exactly as it will display on any Alpha or BetaBrite sign model. The Alpha File Loader program was designed for two types of users:
  • Users with the Alpha Discrete Input Interface Device who need a convenient way to program up to 36 messages in their Alpha signs. These stored messages are triggered automatically by the Alpha Discrete Input Interface Device. At present, most of these users enter messages using the Infrared Keyboard. This is time-consuming and error-prone, and there is no way to save the messages on disk, and there is no way to easily replace all the messages with a different set of messages.
  • Many users do not have a computer where their sign is normally used. These locations include buses, taxis, and limousines; restaurants and bars; coin laundries; convenience stores; trade show booths; department store point-of-sale; business, church, or casino lobbies; and many others. These users need a way to program their signs with multiple stored messages that can be triggered easlily by two or three keystrokes on the Infrared Keyboard. For example, a sign could have a message list like this:
    • A-WELCOME, TIME, and DATE
    • B-HAPPY HOUR FROM 5-6PM
    • C-MARGARITAS $5.95
    • D-BUFFET DINNER $10.95
    • E-FRIDAY NIGHT IS KARAOKE NIGHT
    • F-HAPPY BIRTHDAY
    • G-SORRY, WE'RE CLOSED. WE REOPEN AT 9 AM.
    • H-COFFEE AND DONUT SPECIAL $2
    • I-LUNCH SPECIAL-BURGER AND FRIES $5

  Then their Infrared Keyboard can be used to RUN A or RUN B or RUN ABC.

  The Alpha File Loader meets the needs of these users. It allows multiple lists of messages to be composed easily, saved on disk, and a selected list of messages can be transmitted quickly to Alpha and BetaBrite signs. Saved messages can be retrieved and modified later and transmitted again to the sign. Alpha File Loader software supports RS232, RS485, TCP/IP, and UDP connectivity. It will automatically play one message, selected messages, or all messages when the messages are transmitted to the sign(s), and it can trigger special devices, such as strobe lights, stack lights, and alarms.

• BetaBrite Messaging Program and Alpha Messaging Program –
  These two WYSIWYG – What You See Is What You Get – messaging programs simplify the messaging process for users with little or no computer experience. Both programs allow a message to be typed on the computer screen in the same color and font it will have on the sign. Simple point and click icons specify message features, such as color, font, speed and display mode.

• Alpha Remote Messaging System – This network-based program allows multiple users to compose, modify and send messages to the same Alpha display(s). It solves the problem of one user's messages replacing another user's messages on the same sign. The Alpha Remote Messaging System creates and maintains a message database that is shared by all users.

• Alpha Web Ticker Software – Integrates your own custom messages and real-time text from a Web site..

• Call Center Industry Application Programs integrate messaging and real-time information on one or more displays:

  • Alpha ACD Statistics and Messaging is for Call Center supervisors to display both messages and real-time ACD statistics on their displays.
  • Alpha Popup Statistics and Message Display System displays ACD statistics and Supervisor messages on a small sign on Agent workstation screens.
  
  
  
• Alpha ProductionView and Messaging integrates messages and real-time information from manufacturing processes.


• Alpha Broadcast Service and Messaging integrates messages and real-time sports scores, news and financial reports.
  
  
• Alpha Marquee Active X Control – This software tool for program developers simplifies the development of custom applications for Alpha, AlphaVision, and AlphaEclipse displays.

• Alpha Communications Protocol – The internal language of the Alpha, AlphaVision, and AlphaEclipse displays is published and explained in detail. Sample programs in BASIC and C++ are included.

• SmartAlec – (Discontinued) - The Smart Alec Intelligent Messaging System was an application development tool that allowed developers to integrate Alpha, AlphaVision, AlphaEclipse messaging with a wide variety of input and output devices, networks and protocols. Give Alpha-American Programmable Signs a call. We'll show you a better way to achieve your custom applications..

Software Technical Support

Alpha and BetaBrite programs and software tools are supported by knowledgeable and experienced programmers, instructors, technicians and application support personnel at Alpha-American Programmable Signs. Assistance is available by telephone, on site in your location, by e-mail, or online.

• For prices, please call Alpha-American Programmable Signs at (800) 223-4636 or use our Request Form.
• 8.75% California Sales Tax is added to sales of items delivered in California, unless other arrangements are made.
• Shipping charges are added to each order.
• Submit orders by fax, mail, e-mail or telephone.
• Various terms are available.

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