Please fill in the information below for this DataMaster display and controller.
Use it for reference when calling Daktronics for assistance. Refer to the cover
page of the manual for Daktronics Customer Call Center contact information.
Display Serial No. _____________________________________________
Display Model No. _____________________________________________
Date Installed _________________________________________________
DataMaster Serial No. __________________________________________
All rights reserved. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the
publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. No part of this book covered by the
copyrights here on may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means – graphic,
electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, taping, or information storage and retrieval
systems – without written permission of the publisher.
DataMaster
property of their respective owners.
™
and DataTime® are trademarks of Daktronics, Inc. Other trademarks used in this manual are the
Reproduction Reference
ED-16637 – P1356
DF-2100 Single-face Series Displays
1. This page is for reproduction reference only and will not be included in the manual.
2. This manual is to be copied on FRONT AND BACK PAGES –8 ½ x 11 paper.
Note: The first and second pages, Cover Page and Copyright Page, use the front of the page
(blank on back). Section heading pages always start on a new page; they never start on
the back of another page.
3. Group and insert the drawings as listed in Appendix A: Reference Drawings. Print all A
drawings back-to-back and all B drawings back-to-back.
4. All sections and Appendices are to be tabbed with the following labels. Wording in bold goes on
the labels.
This manual explains the installation, maintenance, and operation of Daktronics DataMaster™ DF2100 Outdoor LED Petroleum Price Displays. If questions arise regarding the safety, installation,
operation, or service of these systems, contact Daktronics Customer Service at the contact numbers
listed on the cover page of this manual.
1.1 Product Overview
DataMaster Petroleum Price displays are part of a family of Daktronics products designed
for easy installation, readability, and reliability. Microprocessor control assures consistent
operation and accuracy. These displays are available in two full-cabinet styles, with a backlit
caption either above the digits or to the left of the digits, as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: DF-2100 with Top Caption DF-2100 with Side Caption
DataMaster displays use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to illuminate their numeric digits.
LEDs are high-intensity, low-energy lighting units that use a semiconductor to transform
electrical current into light. All DataMaster displays may be configured with red, amber, or
green LEDs. Because of their LED technology, the displays consume little power, some
barely more than a household lamp.
The DataMaster outdoor LED displays have been designed for use with a DataMaster
hand-held controller, a radio controlled RC-100 system, or the RC-50 mini remote control.
In this manual, the complete structure will be
referred to as a "sign." Each sign typically
consists of a number of digit displays. Refer to
Figure 2.
Figure 2: Sign with Digit Displays
™
100
Introduction 1
Model Number
The DataMaster model number for these displays is described as follows:
DF-
2100 =
HH =
C =
X# =
SF =
Outdoor digit display with backlit ID panel
Digit height in inches
LED Color- R (Red), A (Amber), or G (Green)
Illuminated product ID, options:
Drawings are sometimes referenced at the beginning of a section. Daktronics identifies
drawings with a number which is located in the bottom right corner of each drawing (Figure
3). This reference number includes the last set of digits and the letter preceding them. The
drawing in this example would be referred to as Drawing A-244838.
Figure 3: Daktronics Drawing Label
The serial and model numbers of a Daktronics display can be found on the ID label inside the
display. The label will be similar to the one shown in Figure 4. When calling Daktronics
Customer Service, please have this information available to ensure that your request is
serviced as quickly as possible. For future reference, note the display model number, serial
number, and installation date inside the front page of this manual.
Figure 4: Display Identification Label
2Introduction
Section 2: Mechanical Installation
Important Safeguards
• Read and understand these instructions before installing the display.
• Do not drop the controller or allow it to get wet.
• Properly ground the display with a ground rod at the sign location.
• Disconnect power when servicing the display.
• Do not modify the display structure or attach any panels or coverings without the written
consent of Daktronics, Inc.
2.1 Shop Drawings
The table below gives the shop drawing number for each display model. All drawings are
inserted into Appendix A.
While DataMaster outdoor digit displays are designed for pole mounting, every installation
will be different. Actual site demands will dictate the appropriate mounting method.
Daktronics strongly recommends using a spreader or lifting bar to lift the display. Using a
spreader bar ensures that the force on the eyebolts is straight up, minimizing lifting stress.
Figure 5 illustrates the correct and incorrect lifting methods.
Figure 5: Lifting the Display
Note: Daktronics assumes no liability for display damage or injury resulting from
incorrect setup or incorrect lifting methods.
Eyebolts are intended for lifting during installation only. Do not attempt to
permanently support the display by the eyebolts.
Eyebolts may be removed once the display is in place. The bolt sizes and threads vary based
on the size and weight of the display. Common bolts used are 1/4"-20, 3/8"-16, 1/2"-13, and
5/8"-11.
RC-100 Controller 5
Section 3: Electrical Installation
Reference Drawing:
Specifications; Gas Price Driver, 4 Col........................................................... Drawing A-250728
Electrical installation consists of the following processes, as illustrated in Figure 6:
• providing power and ground to a disconnect near the display.
• routing power and ground from the main disconnect to the display driver/power enclosure.
• connecting the display ground to a ground rod at the sign location.
• routing the control signal cable from the control location to the sign location. Signal options
include the DM-100, RC-100, and RC-50.
Each of these steps is covered in the following section.
Figure 6: Power and Signal Routing
Electrical Installation 7
3.1 Power Installation
Only qualified individuals should perform power termination to the display.
It is the responsibility of the electrical contractor to ensure that all electrical
work meets or exceeds local and national codes.
Daktronics DataMaster displays have been designed for simple hook-up of power and
signal. Correct power installation is imperative for proper display operation. Improper
installation could result in serious damage to the equipment and could be hazardous to
personnel.
The DataMaster outdoor displays require a dedicated, 120 V circuit for incoming power. The
display itself has no breakers or fuses. Refer to Drawing A-263988 and to the chart in Section 2 to determine maximum power requirements for this model.
It is critical that the display circuit be fused at 15 A, and that all conductors used must
be designed to pass a 15 A current in normal operation. Failure to meet wiring and
over-current protection device requirements is a violation of the National Electrical
®
Code
and will void the display warranty.
Grounding
Displays MUST be grounded according to the provisions outlined in Article 250 of
the National Electrical Code and according to the specifications in this manual.
The display system must be connected to an earth electrode installed at the display. Proper
grounding is necessary for reliable equipment operation. It also protects the equipment from
damaging electrical disturbances and lightning. The display must be properly grounded or the warranty will be void. Refer to SchematicDrawing A-263988.
Important points about grounding:
• Follow local and national codes: The material of an earth-ground electrode differs from
region to region and from conditions present at the site. Consult the National Electrical Code
and any local electrical codes that may apply.
• Support structure cannot be used as an earth-ground electrode: The support is generally
embedded in concrete. If embedded in earth, the steel is either primed or it corrodes, making
it a poor ground.
• One grounding electrode for each display face: The grounding electrode is typically one
grounding rod for each display face. Other grounding electrodes as described in Article 250
of the National Electric Code may be used.
• Resistance to ground 10 ohms or less: This is required by Daktronics for proper display
performance. If the resistance to ground is higher than 10 ohms, it will be necessary to install
additional grounding electrodes to reduce the resistance. The grounding electrode should be
installed within 25 feet of the base of the display. The grounding electrode must be connected
to the ground wire inside the display.
8Electrical Installation
Power Disconnect
The National Electrical Code requires the use of a lockable power disconnect within sight of
or at the display. Follow these guidelines for correct connection:
• Connect the grounding electrode cable at the local disconnect, never at the display
driver/power enclosure.
• Use a disconnect that opens all of the ungrounded phase conductors.
In order for this device to provide protection, the power must be disconnected when the
display is not in use. The controller should also be disconnected from power and from the
signal j-box when the system is not being used. The same surges that may damage the
display's driver can also damage the controller's circuit.
Power Installation
For this type of installation, the power circuit must contain an isolated earth-ground
conductor. Power connects to the pigtail inside the display (Figure 7). The pigtail has three
wires: black (120 V AC line), white (neutral) and green (ground), and a 5-pin plug on one
end. The plug is connected to the mating plug on the transformer. Use wire nuts to connect
power wires to the pigtails.
Figure 7: Power Connection
To access the power pigtail inside the display, open the latch access fasteners on the digit
panels. Smaller models have a single door that opens from the right. Larger models have two
doors that open near the center. Use a screwdriver to turn the fasteners a half-turn
counterclockwise to open the panel. Remove two wing nuts to open the left panel, if present.
Figure 8: Example of Power Pigtail Location
Electrical Installation 9
3.2 Signal Connection
LED Drivers
In the display, the LED driver performs the task of
switching digits on and off. One driver at each sign
installation is designated as the “host driver.” This
driver receives its signal directly from the controller
on the Signal In connector J6. The Signal Out
connector J8 is used to connect to “client drivers,”
the drivers in other displays in this network.
Other communication types are initially connected
as shown in the chart: J11 (Radio, RC-100 system)
and J12 (RC-50 receiver). These initial connections
are then routed to the J6 Input jack. Refer to
Drawings A-250728 for a complete listing of driver
connector functions and wiring pin numbers.
4-Column LED Driver
Connector No. Function
J1 – 4 Digits
J5 Not loaded
J6 CL Input
J7 Program
J8 CL Output
J9 Not loaded
J10 Modem
J11 Radio
J12 RC-50 Input
Signal Wiring
Signal wires are terminated with a telephone-type RJ14
connector. Route the cable from the jack in the j-box to J6 on the
host driver (Figure 9). Run another RJ14 connector from J8
(Output) to the next (client) display, connecting at J6 (Input).
Follow this sequence to all displays in the sign network.
Address Dip Switch Settings
Every driver, either host or client, must have a unique address.
The address is set by moving the individual toggle switches in
the eight-position dip switch case located on the driver (Figure
10). The dark area shows that the switch has been pushed down.
In the example, switches 2 and 4 are on.
Figure 10: Dip Switches
Figure 9: Driver
Addresses allow the user to set both line number (switches 1-3) and sign number (switches 4-
6) in as many as eight sign groups. All displays with the same line number will show the
same price.
Refer to Drawing B-256001 for an illustration of the client/host driver setups and for a chart
showing line number and sign number settings.
10Electrical Installation
3.3 Power Up Self-test
Every time the display is powered up, it will run through a verification sequence. This is a
good way to check that the displays are set up and working correctly. The following items
will be shown on the digit displays. The second column explains the significance of each
item.
Information shown
on display
Meaning of information
rNN
XLY
Revision number of software
X = sign #; L is constant, Y = line #
Electrical Installation 11
Section 4: Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Important Notes
Disconnect power before doing any repair or maintenance work on the display.
Allow only qualified service personnel access to internal display electronics.
Disconnect power when not using the display.
Daktronics displays are built for long life and require little maintenance. However, at times, displays
may not work correctly. Use this section to define the problems and find solutions.
4.1 Component Location and Access
To access the components of these displays, open the latch access fasteners on the digit
panels. Some models have one door that opens from the right. Other models have two doors
that open near the center. Use a screwdriver to turn the fasteners a half-turn
counterclockwise to open the panel. Remove two wing nuts to open the left panel, if present.
The internal components of the display are located as shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12. The
driver is typically mounted between two digit boards. The power pigtail will be connected to
the power source wiring with wire nuts.
Note: Disconnect power before servicing the display. Disconnect power, also, when the
display is not in use.
Figure 11: Inside View of Left Panel, Single-door Display
Figure 12: Inside View of Top Panel, Two-door Display
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting 13
4.2 Diagnostics
Driver LEDs
The driver inside the display contains three LEDs that provide information
about the working of the display. Refer to Figure 13 for their location. These
LEDs can help pinpoint problems with driver set-up or operation.
The LEDs give the following information:
LED Color Status
DS1 Green Continuous light when driver has power.
DS2 Red Blinks when driver receives signal.
DS3 Amber Blinks when driver is running.
Power On Self-Test
A useful troubleshooting tool is the power on self-test performed by the host
driver every time the display powers up: The display should show the
information listed in the left column. Every “X” in the chart refers to a
number.
Information shown
on display
rNN
XLY
Meaning of information
Revision number of software
X = sign #; L is constant, Y = line #
Figure 13: Driver
Diagnostics
14Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
4.3 Troubleshooting
This section lists potential problems with the display, indicates possible causes, and suggests
corrective action. This list does not include every possible problem, but it does represent
some of the more common situations that may occur. (Refer to the appropriate manual for a
list of potential problems with add-on or separately mounted message centers.
Symptom/
Condition
Possible Cause Solution
No displays in the
sign will light
Multiple line sign
with all lines
showing same
prices
Digit will not light •Black wire to digit broken.
Segment or several
LEDs will not light
Segment or digit
stays lit
• Power incorrectly set up.
• Addresses not set correctly.
• Addresses not set
correctly.
•Poor contact at driver
connection.
• Driver malfunction.
• Broken LEDs.
• Driver failure.
• Broken wire between
driver and digit.
•Poor contact at driver
connector.
• Driver failure.
• Short circuit on digit.
• Open display with host driver
and check Power LED
(Section 4.2).
•Check each driver to verify
correct address settings
(Section 3.2).
•Set up different address for
each line of sign (Section 3.2).
• Replace harness.
• Clean contacts.
• Replace driver.
• Replace segment or digit.
• Replace driver.
• Replace harness.
• Clean contact or replace
harness.
• Replace driver.
• Replace harness.
Data appears in the
wrong place on the
sign
Data appears on the
wrong line of the
display
Display shows "E4". •No Message Error: This
•Signal connections are
not correct.
•Incorrect address settings
on drivers.
code is shown when no
messages are
downloaded to the
display.
•Reconnect signal wiring to
drivers (Section 3.2).
•Change addresses on drivers
(Section 3.2).
•Download a new message to
the display using the [Update
Display] key on the
DataMaster 100 controller.
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting 15
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