Daktronics Fiber Optic Communication User Manual
Fiber Optic
Communication Manual
Installation, Maintenance,
& Troubleshooting
ED-14743 Rev 1 11 October 2004
331 32nd Ave PO Box 5128 Brookings SD 57006
Tel 605-697-4034 or 877-605-1113 Fax 605-697-4444
www.daktronics.com e-mail: helpdesk@daktronics.com
ED-14743
Product 1321
Rev 1 – 11 October 2004
DAKTRONICS, INC.
Copyright © 2004
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 hereon 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.
®
Galaxy
is a registered trademark of Daktronics, Inc. All others are trademarks of their respective companies.
i
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................1
Network Concepts......................................................................................................................1
System/Cable Requirements........................................................................................... 1
Component Identification............................................................................................... 1
Installation..................................................................................................................................2
Signal Termination Between Displays.......................................................................................3
Primary - Mirror............................................................................................................. 3
Primary – Primary (RS422)............................................................................................ 4
Primary – Primary (Fiber).............................................................................................. 5
Replacement of the Fiber Optic Board.......................................................................................6
Alternate Location Installation...................................................................................................7
Troubleshooting .........................................................................................................................8
Signal Converter............................................................................................................. 8
Loop-Back test with Fiber.............................................................................................. 9
Conducting the Venus 1500 Software Test .................................................................... 9
Replacement Parts List.............................................................................................................11
Appendix A: Reference Drawings..................................................................... A-1
Table of Contents
Introduction
The typical system consists of a Windows based personal computer running Venus 1500
software and one or more displays. In addition, some means of signal connection must be
used to relay signal between the computer and the display
available: RS232, RS422, Modem, Fiber Optic, Radio, and Ethernet. Up to 240 displays can
exist on one network.
. There are six network systems
The purpose of this manual is to explain those items that are unique to a fiber communication
system, including the installation and possible servicing requirements. In addition, if there is
more than one display the manual will discuss the possible ways of connecting signal between
displays.
Network Concepts
System/Cable Requirements
A fiber optic network is a standard communication method transmitting light (signal)
through a glass fiber. A signal converter is needed to convert the computer’s RS232
signal to fiber optic signal; a minimum of two fibers is required.
The cable is usually a 4-fiber cable (Daktronics part number W-1376). Two fibers
are used for display communications and the other two are saved for spares. The
cable may be either direct burial or routed in conduit, but it should not be subjected
to mechanical flexing. The maximum length of a fiber optic cable is 2,000 feet
(611.6 meters) from the signal converter to the fiber signal termination enclosure at
the display.
One advantage of using fiber over copper wire is that the signal and power lines can
be routed through the same conduit.
Component Identification
RS232: RS232 is a standard PC
communication type with a maximum cable
length of 25 feet (7.62 meters).
Signal Converter: The signal converter,
shown in Figure 1, is a Daktronics supplied
unit that converts the data from RS232 to
fiber optic signal. The signal converter is
connected to the control PC via a straight
through serial cable.
Serial Port: An actual serial port is required
for direct connections from the computer to
the signal converter.
Note: Certain USB adapters create an
“actual” serial port and others create
“virtual” ports. The Venus 1500
software will not recognize a virtual
port. Therefore, the use of a USB
adaptor is not supported by Daktronics.
Fiber Optic Communication Manual 1
Figure 1: RS232 to Fiber Signal Converter
Venus 1500: Daktronics designed, Windows
messages on the display. Refer to the Venus 1500 Software manual, ED-13530, for
software operation.
®
based software used to create and edit
Installation
Reference Drawings:
System Riser Diagram, Comm Box, Fiber, QC........................ Drawing A-211735
A fiber-controlled display requires the following connections:
1. The control computer connects to the signal converter (Daktronics part number 0A-
1127-0256) through a DB9 to DB25 serial cable (W-1249).
2. From the signal converter, fiber cable (Daktronics part number W-1376) is run to the
fiber optic board in the weather resistant enclosure at the display. (In certain cases,
the display may be ordered with the fiber optic board mounted in the display. In
those cases, the terminations will be the same.)
3. When connecting fiber cables, always connect transmit (TX) to receive (RX) and
receive (RX) to transmit (TX). Refer to Figure 2 and Drawing A-211735 for the
system layout.
4. In the case of fiber only, signal and display power can be run through the same
conduit.
Figure 2: Fiber Optic Display Controller
Note: The cable from the signal termination enclosure to the display can be routed though
conduit, through the display pole or should be secured to protect it from weathe r or
vandalism.
Complete the following steps to connect the signal termination enclosure:
1. Mount the signal termination enclosure within 25 feet of the display.
2. Route fiber optic cable to the enclosure. Two fibers are required.
3. Connect transmit (J4/J2) at the signal converter to receive (J5) in the enclosure and
receive (J5/J3) to transmit (J4). Refer to
termination locations.
4. Connect the quick connect cable from the enclosure to the primary display. Connect
the cable to the red jack, J33, top, labeled RS 232/RADIO.
2
Figure 3 and the provided table for fiber
Fiber Optic Communication Manual
5. For displays with an internal fiber optic board only: Route the fiber cable into
the back of the display, being careful not to damage any interior components. Make
the connections to the fiber optic board as normal.
Figure 3: Signal Converter to Fiber Optic Enclosure
Signal Converter to Display Fiber Optic Board
Signal Converter Field Cabling Fiber Optic Board
J2 Transmit (TX1) (Color varies) J5 Receive (RX2)
J3 Receive (RX1) (Color varies) J4 Transmit (TX2)
Signal Termination Between Displays
Reference Drawings:
Controller II, Galaxy, 8-conn, J1087 .........................................Drawing B-204771
Primary - Mirror
Most displays are shipped as either a single Primary display or two displays in a 2V,
Primary – Mirror configuration.
The Primary – Mirror (2V) quick connect cable (W-1503) is used to terminate signal
between two displays. The six-foot cable goes from the Signal OUT (J34) on the
primary display to the Signal IN (J32) on the mirror display.
Fiber Optic Communication Manual 3
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