Daktronics Venus 1500 User Manual

Venus 1500

Installation & Operation Manual

ED-9067

Venus , SunSpot and Glow Cube are registered trademarks of Daktronics, Inc. DataTrac , Galaxy and

InfoNet are trademarks of Daktronics, Inc. Paint , Windows 98 and Windows NT are trademarks and Microsoft

registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Ethernet is a trademark of Xerox

, Windows 95â and Windowsâ are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. IBMâ is a

Corporation. Lantronix is a trademark of its company.

ED-9067 Product #1147 Rev. 16 - 4 August 2000

All rights reserved. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omiss ions. 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 s tor age and r etrieval s ystem s - without written permission of the publisher.

DAKTRON ICS, IN C.

DAKTRON ICS, IN C.DAKTRON ICS, IN C.

Communication Solutions

Communication Solutions Communication Solutions

Through Technology

Through TechnologyThrough Technology

P.O. Box 5128 331 32nd Ave. Brookings, SD 57006

Phone (605) 697-4033 or (877) 605-1112 Fax 697-4444

www.daktronics.com e-mail helpdesk@daktronics.com

Table of Contents

Section 1:

Section 2:

Section 3:

Section 4:

Introduction....................................................................................................1-1

System Requirements..................................................................................................1-1

1.1

1.2 Using The Mouse........................................................................................................1-1

1.3 Using the Keyboard ....................................................................................................1-1

1.4 Definitions ..................................................................................................................1-2

1.5 Help.............................................................................................................................1-3

1.6 Exiting Venus 1500 ....................................................................................................1-4

1.7 Contacting Daktronics.................................................................................................1-4

Installation......................................................................................................2-1

Getting Started – Example ...........................................................................3-1

Running the Venus 1500 for the First Time................................................................3-1

3.1

3.2 Running the Software..................................................................................................3-1

3.3 Setting up the Network ............................................................................................... 3 -1

3.4 Setting Up a Sign Type...............................................................................................3-2

3.5 Configuring the Sign Parameters ................................................................................3-4

3.6 A Basic Message.........................................................................................................3-4

3.6.1 Creating the Message.....................................................................................3-5

3.6.2 Text Options..................................................................................................3-5

3.7 Communications .........................................................................................................3-6

Configuration.................................................................................................4-1

Communications .........................................................................................................4-2

4.1

4.1.1 Add Network..................................................................................................4-2

4.1.1.1 Direct Connection.............................................................................4-2

4.1.1.2 Dial Up Connection..........................................................................4-3

4.1.1.3 TCP/IP Connection...........................................................................4-3

4.1.2 Edit Network..................................................................................................4-4

4.1.3 Remove Network ...........................................................................................4-4

4.2 Sign Database..............................................................................................................4-5

4.2.1 Add Type.......................................................................................................4-5

4.2.2 Remove Sign Type.........................................................................................4-6

4.2.3 Edit Signs.......................................................................................................4-6

4.2.3.1 Add Sign...........................................................................................4-6

4.2.3.2 Add Group........................................................................................4-7

4.2.3.3 Edit Sign...........................................................................................4-7

4.2.3.4 Remove Sign.....................................................................................4-7

4.3 User’s Kit.................................................................................................................... 4-8

4.4 Security.......................................................................................................................4-8

4.4.1 Password........................................................................................................4-8

4.4.2 Profanity Protection.......................................................................................4-9

Table of Contents

Section 5:

5.1

5.2 Sign Type...................................................................................................................5-2

5.3 Messages....................................................................................................................5-2

5.4 Copy, Rename, Delete Message .................................................................................5-3

5.5 The Message Editor....................................................................................................5-3

5.6 Frames........................................................................................................................5-4

5.7 Text Frames................................................................................................................5-5

5.8 Graphic Frames.......................................................................................................... 5-8

5.9 Delete Command........................................................................................................5-9

5.10 Preview..................................................................................................................... 5-10

5.11 Date/Time/Temperature Field...................................................................................5-10

5.12 RTD Fields............................................................................................................... 5-11

5.13 Horn Control.............................................................................................................5-13

5.14 Description...............................................................................................................5-14

5.15 Extended ASCII/Graphic Font Viewer.....................................................................5-14

5.16 Saving & Exiting......................................................................................................5-14

5.17 Editor Defaults .........................................................................................................5-15

5.18 Keyboard Shortcuts ..................................................................................................5-15

Section 6:

6.1

6.2 Schedules....................................................................................................................6-2

6.3 Copy, Rename, Delete Schedule.................................................................................6-3

6.4 Schedule Editor.......................................................................................................... 6-3

6.5 Sample Schedule........................................................................................................ 6-7

Message .........................................................................................................5-1

Libraries......................................................................................................................5-2

5.6.1 Moving Between Frames............................................................................... 5-4

5.6.2 Holding A Frame...........................................................................................5-4

5.7.1 Fonts..............................................................................................................5-5

5.7.1.1 InfoNet Signs....................................................................................5-5

5.7.1.2 Matrix Signs.....................................................................................5-5

5.7.2 Entry Effects..................................................................................................5-6

5.7.3 Effect Rate.....................................................................................................5-6

5.7.4 Attributes....................................................................................................... 5-7

5.7.4.1 Flashing Text....................................................................................5-7

5.7.4.2 Color.................................................................................................5-7

5.7.4.3 Line Justification.............................................................................. 5-7

5.8.1 Editing a Bitmap............................................................................................5-8

5.8.2 Replacing the Bitmap....................................................................................5-9

5.8.3 Deleting a Bitmap.......................................................................................... 5-9

5.8.4 Graphic Frame Entry Effect...........................................................................5-9

5.12.1 Data Fields...................................................................................................5-12

5.12.2 Horn Field ...................................................................................................5-12

5.12.3 Extended RTD Fields.................................................................................. 5-13

Schedule.........................................................................................................6-1

Libraries & Sign Types...............................................................................................6-2

6.4.1 Event ............................................................................................................. 6-4

6.4.2 On/Off Time.................................................................................................. 6-4

6.4.3 On/Off Date...................................................................................................6-5

6.4.4 Days of the Week ..........................................................................................6-5

6.4.5 Description.................................................................................................... 6-5

6.4.6 Saving & Exiting...........................................................................................6-6

Table of Contents

Section 7:

Appendix A: System Riser Diagram................................................................................. A-1

Appendix B: Graphic Fonts............................................................................................... B-1

Appendix C: Counters & Timers....................................................................................... C-1

Communications ...........................................................................................7-1

Selecting A Sign Type And Network..........................................................................7-2

7.1

7.1.1 Selecting a Sign Type ....................................................................................7-2

7.1.2 Connecting to a Network ...............................................................................7-2

7.2 Commands..................................................................................................................7-2

7.2.1 Get Status.......................................................................................................7-2

7.2.2 Send Message ................................................................................................7-3

7.2.3 Run Message..................................................................................................7-3

7.2.4 Stop Message.................................................................................................7-3

7.2.5 Set Default Message.......................................................................................7-3

7.2.6 Remove Message ...........................................................................................7-3

7.2.7 Retrieve Message List....................................................................................7-4

7.2.8 Blank Sign .....................................................................................................7-4

7.2.9 Send Schedule................................................................................................7-5

7.2.10 Run Schedule.................................................................................................7-6

7.2.11 Stop Schedule ................................................................................................7-6

7.2.12 Reset Sign......................................................................................................7-6

7.2.13 Set Brightness................................................................................................7-7

7.2.14 Set Time.........................................................................................................7-7

7.2.15 Clear Default Message...................................................................................7-7

7.2.16 Set Temperature Offset..................................................................................7-8

C.1 Network Requirements & Sign Firmware Compatibility...........................................C-1

C.2 Accessing Counters/Timers in the Venus 1500 Software..........................................C-2

C.3 Creating a New File ...................................................................................................C-2

C.4 Opening an Existing File............................................................................................C-2

C.5 Counter ......................................................................................................................C-3

C.5.1 Counter Numbers..........................................................................................C-3

C.5.2 RTD Information ..........................................................................................C-3

C.5.3 Counter Setup ...............................................................................................C-4

C.5.4 Event.............................................................................................................C-4

C.5.5 Communications...........................................................................................C-5

C.5.6 Counter RTD Map........................................................................................C-5

C.6 Timer..........................................................................................................................C-6

C.6.1 Timer (Counter) Numbers.............................................................................C-6

C.6.2 RTD Information ..........................................................................................C-6

C.6.3 Timer (Counter) Setup..................................................................................C-6

C.6.4 Event.............................................................................................................C-6

C.6.5 Communications...........................................................................................C-7

C.6.6 Timer RTD Map...........................................................................................C-7

C.7 Example.....................................................................................................................C-8

Table of Contents

iii

Section 1: Introduction

The purpose of this manual is to assist in the installation and operation of the Venus 1500 Sign Network. Refer to Appendix A for the system riser diagram for a multiple sign hookup.

1.1 System Requirements

The Venus 1500 operating software has the following requirements:

q= Personal computer with Windows 95/98 or Windows NT (4.0 or higher) q= Personal computer using a DX4 100 (Pentium class recommended) q= 8MB RAM (16MB for Windows NT) q= Mouse or other pointing device q= One available serial communications port, or modem (14.4k baud), or Ethernet

(TCP/IP Support required)

q= 6MB hard disk space (10MB recommended) q= Additional space may be required for additional schedules

1.2 Using The Mouse

The following terms are used to describe various mouse actions:

•= CLICK means quickly press and release the primary mouse button.

•= DOUBLE-CLICK means quickly press and release the primary mouse button twice.

•= HIGHLIGHT means to click the mouse bu tton over text. The text will have a colored bar

placed over it.

•= SELECT means to click the mouse button over text. The text will be marked , such as by a

check mark

1.3 Using the Keyboard

Many of the options in the Venus 1500 software can be accessed with the keyboard. Where applicable, both mouse and keyboard actions will be given to accomplish a command. Many screen buttons have labels which have a letter underlined. Pressing the < keyboard and then typing the underlined letter will activate that particular button.

An uppercase word in brackets (such as [ letters of keys on the keyboard will be given enclosed in arrows (such as < differentiate between the screen commands. For two or more key combinations, such as

ALT><E>, <CTRL><HOME> or <CTRL><SHIFT><SPACE>, hold down the first key (and second

< key, if applicable) as the last key is pressed.

q, in a nearby box.

ALT> key on the

OK]) represents a button on the screen. The names or

ENTER>) to

Introduction

1-1

1.4 Definitions

The following are terms and definitions used throughout the manual and software.

Attributes: Attributes are various characteristics and options applied to frames and text. Attributes can includ e color, justification and flashing text, as well as various entry and exit effects.

Baud Rate: Baud Rate refers the speed of serial communications.

Cancel: Clicking on the CANCEL icon

This icon can also be activated by pressing <

Com Port: The Com Port is the serial port in the PC that is used to communicate with th e sign. Valid ports are COM1 through COM9.

Configure: Configure refers to programming the size and sign type of a sign or specifying parameters for a network or group of signs within the software.

Dial Up: Dial up refers to the type of communication the main controller has with a sign. Dial up indicates that a di aling modem is required to communicate with the sign.

Direct: Direct refers to the type of communication the main controller has with a sign. Direct indicates a dedicated wire con nection between the PC and sign(s).

Effect: An effect is a “moving” characteristic applied to line of text to create interest and variety in a message.

Ethernet: A local area network (LAN) protocol using a bus topology.

Event: Event refers to the message displayed within a schedu le.

Frame: A frame is a “page” of text on the sign. Text and/or characters are typed onto the

frame to create messages. A message can be composed of one frame or multiple frames.

Group: A group is a collection of signs of the same sign type. The group may be selected instead of the individual signs. When signs belong to a group, the signs will have the ability receive the same commands when the group is selected. For example, if a group of cafeteria signs are to have the same message, a group called CAFETERIA could be created.

Help: Clicking on the HELP icon

Hold: Hold refers to the length of time a frame will remain still once all the entry effects have

been completed.

Library: A Library is a group of messages or schedules of similar type. For example, a series of Christmas messages could be saved in a library called CHRISTMS. Libraries are stored based on sign type.

Network: A network consists of multiple signs connected to each other. Up to 240 Venus 1500 controlled signs can exist on one network.

cancels the last command and closes the window.

ESC> on the keyboard.

brings up the on-line h elp screen.

1-2

Introduction

OK: Clicking on the OK icon can sometimes be activated by pressing <

Schedule: A schedule is a similar to an appointment book for a sign. It allows the user to tell a sign what message to display when and sets the brightness of the sign. These instructions can be set on a day to day, hour to hour or minute to minute basis. For example, a sign can be told to start a message called BIGSALE at 1:33pm on 1/3/98 and at the same time, set the brightness level at 50%. Refer to Section 6 for more information.

Sign Address: Sign address is a number in the range of 1 through 240 that identifies an individual sign. Each sign on a network must have a unique address.

Sign Type: Sign type refers to the type of sign (DataTrac, InfoNet, Galaxy, SunSpot or Glow Cube), sign color (monochrome or tricolor), number of lines and characters per lin e. Messages and schedules are based on sign type−not the sign. Knowing the sign’s sign type is required for configuring the software.

Status: When communicating with a sign, sometimes it is helpful to know th e status of the sign. Status refers to the sign’s name and version number, the date and time running on the sign, last reset time, temperature, sign brightness and running messages.

TCP/IP: Abbreviation for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol; the suite of communications protocols used to connect hosts on the Internet or Local Area Network (LAN).

TCP/IP Connection Type: Sign connection across an Ethernet network using the TCP/IP protocol. This type of connection requires a serial server device connected to the network for communication to displays.

TCP/IP Socket: Software communication component within the TCP/IP protocol used for sending and receiving data across the network.

1.5 Help

Help is available by clicking on the [ help can also be accessed through the pull-down menu from the main screen.

To access Help from the pull-down, click on [ appear: Contents, Search and About.

Contents

Press <

ALT><C> or click on [CONTENTS] to access

the Contents help screen. This screen can also b e accessed directly from the main screen by pressing

F1>.

executes a command and/ or closes the window. This icon

ENTER> on the keyboard.

HELP] button located throughout the software. However,

HELP] or press <ALT><H>. Several options will

Introduction

1-3

Search The Search screen is accessed by pressing <

ALT><S> from the Help pull-down menu

or by clicking on [

SEARCH] with the mouse.

This screen allows the user to quickly find information about a desired topic.

About The About screen contains information about the Venus 1500 software, including the software version, and Daktronics address and phone number. Click on or press <

ENTER> to exit the About screen.

1.6 Exiting Venus 1500

To exit the Venus 1500 software, go to the File pull-down menu (press < screen. Highlight Exit or press <

1.7 Contacting Daktronics

Mail: Daktronics, Inc., Customer Service Customer Serv ice Fax: 1-605 / 697-4444

PO Box 5128 331 32nd Avenue e-mail: helpdesk@daktronics.com Brookings, SD 57006

Phone: Daktronics Help Desk: 1-877 / 605-1112 (toll free) or 1-605 / 697-4033

ALT><F>) at the main

ALT><X>.

1-4

Introduction

Section 2: Installation

The Venus 1500 software must be copied to a hard disk before use. To install the software onto a computer, follow these steps:

1. Place the Venus 1500 installation diskette #1 or compact disk (CD) containing the Venus 1500 software into the appropriate di sk drive (presume drive A:).

2. Click on the Start button and highlight Run from the menu.

3. Type A:\SETUP.

4. Follow the instructions on the screen. SETUP will copy the files necessary to run the Venus 1500

software to the hard disk and create Venus 1500 in the Start menu. Note: The Venus 1500 software installs to the C:\V1500 directory by default; this is the recommended location.

5. The Venus 1500 control software is now installed and ready to be configured for use with the Venus 1500 Sign Network.

Installation

2-1

Section 3: Getting Started – Example

This section provides a compact guide for running the signs. Read the entire manual for complete information regarding the Venus 1500 software.

3.1 Running the Venus 1500 for the First Time

This section describes how to quickly get started with the Venus 1500. The instructions provide an example of editing and running a message on a sign connected directly via serial cable to one of the controller PC’s serial ports. Your system w ill vary.

It is assumed here that a sign has already been in stalled. This involves setting the sign’s communication address, connecting its communication cable to the PC and applying power to the sign. For information on h ow to install your sign, refer to the sign’s installation manual.

It is also assumed that the user has a basic understanding of the Windows operating system. For information on Windows refer to the Windows Owner’s Manual or the Windows help file.

3.2 Running the Software

Open the Programs group from the Start Menu. Then open the Venus 1500 group and click on Venus 1500.

3.3 Setting up the Network

A network is a set of one or more signs which are wired together and to the Venus 1500. Each sign must be configured on a network. This section will configure a network for communications.

Before the Venus 1500 software can communicate with a sign on a network, certain information must be provided. This includes the following:

COM Port - This is the serial port in the PC that is u sed to communicate with the sign. Valid ports are COM1 through C OM9. For our example, you will need to know which serial port is connected to your sign.

Baud Rate - The speed of the serial communications. The baud rate is 19,200 baud for all standard sign types.

To configure a network on the Venus 1500 either click on the [ Configure from the File menu. This will activate the Configure Venus 1500 dialog box. Click on the [ on [ parameters of the new network.

COMMUNICATIONS] button. When the Configure Communications box appears, click

ADD NETWORK]. The Configure Network editor will appear. This editor sets the

CONFIGURE] button or select

Getting Started – Example

3-1

A network named “My Network” is now configured. Click configuration screen.

3.4 Setting Up a Sign Ty pe

Once the network is setup, the sign can be configured. Before a sign can be setup, the sign type must be configured. The sign type is a name assigned based upon the sign technology (DataTrac, InfoNet, Galaxy, SunSpot or Glow Cube) and the sign size.

4. Select “4” and “24” from the Num Lines and Chars Per Line boxes, resp ectively, to select the sign’s size.

5. Click on

to save the sign type. The Edit Sign Types screen will be automatically

activated for the newly configured sign type.

Use the following steps to configure your network.

1. With the mouse click on Direct in the Connection Type list. This tells the Venus 1500 that the signs

on this network are connected through a serial port and not via modem or an Ethernet connection.

2. Select the correct serial port from the Com Port list box.

3. Enter a name for the network in the Network Name editor. Example: “My Network”

4. Click on

or press <ENTER> to save these

settings.

to return to the main

DataTrac

For a monochrome DataTrac sign with four lines and 24 characters p er line, the sign type is “DataTrac 4x24 Monochrome.”

1. To configure a sign type, first click on

SIGN DATABASE] from the Configure

[ Venus 1500 screen.

2. Click on [

ADD TYPE]. Select “DataTrac”

from the Sign list.

3. Choose “Monochrome” from the Color list.

3-2

Getting Started – Example

InfoNet

For a tricolor InfoNet sign with a character height of 6 pixels, 40 columns of pixels per line and two lines of display area, the sign type is “InfoNet 2 line 6x40 Tricolor.”

1. To configure a sign type, first click

SIGN DATABASE] from the

on [ Configure Venus 1500 screen.

2. Click on [

ADD TYPE].

3. Select “InfoNet” from the Sign list.

4. Choose “Tricolor” from the Color list.

5. Select “6”, “40” and “2” from the Character, Width and Num Lines boxes, respectively, to select the sign’s size.

6. Click on

to save the sign type.

The Edit Sign Types screen will be automatically activated for the newly configured sign type.

5. Select “24” and “48” from the Pixels High and Pixels Wide boxes, respectively, to select the sign’s size.

6. Click on

to save the sign type. The Edit Sign Types screen will be automatically

activated for the newly configured sign type.

SunSpot

For a SunSpot sign 32 pixels high by 56 pixels wide, the sign type is “SunSpot 32x56.” (All SunSpot signs are monochrome.)

1. To configure a sign type, first click

SIGN DATABASE] from the

on [ Configure Venus 1500 screen.

2. Click on [

ADD TYPE].

3. Select “SunSpot” from the Sign list.

4. Select “32” and “56” from the Pixels High and Pixels Wide boxes, respectively, to select the sign’s size.

5. Click on

to save the sign type. The Edit Sign Types screen will be automatically

activated for the newly configured sign type.

Galaxy

For a tricolor Galaxy sign 24 pixels high by 48 pixels wide, the sign type is “Galaxy 24x48 Tricolor.”

1. To configure a sign type, first click on

SIGN DATABASE] from the Configure

[ Venus 1500 screen.

2. Click on [

ADD TYPE].

3. Select “Galaxy” from the Sign list.

4. Choose “Tricolor” from the Color list.

Getting Started – Example

3-3

3.5 Configuring the Sign Parameters

Before a sign can receive information from the Venus 1500 software, its address must be identified. The sign address is a number in the range 1 - 240 that identifies a sign. Each sign must have a unique address. We will assume for the example that the sign is connected to the PC with an address of one (1).

Once the sign type is configured (refer to Section 3.4), click on [ window will automatically appear, allowing the first sign to be added.

ADD SIGN]. The Edit Sign

1. Enter a name for the sign in the Sign Name box. For our example we will use “Sign 1.”

2. Enter the sign’s communication address in the Address box. Refer to the sign’s installation

manual to determine the proper address. We will assume that the sign has an address of “1.”

3. Click on

to activate the listing of configured

networks. Select “My Network” from the

Network list.

4. Click on

. The new sign’s name should

appear in the Configured Groups and Signs list.

5. Click on

6. Click on

7. Click on

to return to the Edit Sign Types screen. to return to the Configure Venus 1500 screen. to return to the main Venus 1500 window.

We now have configured a network, sign type and sign. The next step is to create a message to display on the new sign.

3.6 A Basic Message

For the first message we will keep things very simple. Click on [

MESSAGE] from the main

screen or select Message from the Edit menu. The main Edit Message window will appear.

When messages are created, they are stored on the PC’s hard disk. The messages may be organized into groups called lib raries. Please note that the word DEFAULT is highlighted in the Libraries list. The user can create other libraries (refer to Section 5.1). For this example, the message will be stored in this default library.

3-4

Getting Started – Example

3.6.1 Creating the Message

1. Click once on [ ].

TYPE

SIGN

2. Select the sign that you

configured in the previous two sections.

3. Click on [

MESSAGE

CREATE

4. Enter a name for a new

message. Call it “Message1” for this example.

5. Click on

. The

message editor will now load.

The window will show one frame of the message. The size of the editing area will vary with the sign type. For this test, we will only use one frame.

3.6.2 Text Options

Text Effects

Enter several lines of text into the ed iting area. This is the text that will be displayed on the sign when we send the message. Place the cursor on the first row and click on one of the abbreviated “Effect” buttons at the top left side of the window (IN, SL, SR...). The button chosen will set an effect for that line. Look to the right of the first row. The letters in the list box should have changed.

Justification

Place the cursor on another row. Go to the justification buttons located along the top of the window. Click on the left one. The text should now be flush to the left of the line.

Flashing

Highlight a word in the th ird line of text then click on the [

FLASH] button. The

highlighted text should now have a gray background to show that it is set to flashing.

Inserting a Time Field

Place the cursor on a blank line. Click on the date/time/temperature button the top of the screen. Several examples will show the variety of ways that the date or time can be set. Choose the last bu tton in the time column (12:00 PM). T he text will appear on the grid with a blue background. The background is to show that it is a field, not individual text.

Previewing the Message

Click on the preview arrow at the bottom right of the window. A small window should appear on the monitor. Congratulations! You are watching a preview of the message you have just created. Click on

Getting Started – Example

to exit the preview window.

3-5

Saving

Now, click on the button at the top of the window that looks like a floppy disk with an arrow pointing to the right. This button saves the message and activates the message sender.

3.7 Communications

We are now in the Sign C ommunications screen. This is the screen that is used to communicate with signs. Note that the Send Message entry in the Commands list is checked. We are now able to send our test message to the sign.

1. Select the DEFAULT entry from the Libraries list and “Message1” from the Messages list. This selects our test message from the default library.

2. Now, select “Sign 1” from the Select Signs and Groups list. Our message will be sent to that sign.

3. Click on [

EXECUTE COMMAND] to download our message to the sign. The message should

now be present in the sign’s memory. Note: The message is not yet running on the sign.

To run the message:

1. Select Run Message from the Commands list.

2. Select the default entry from the Libraries list and “Message1” from the Messages list. This selects our test message from the default library.

3. Now, select “Sign 1” from the Select Signs and Groups list. Our message will be run on that sign, because we previously downloaded it there.

4. Click on [

EXECUTE COMMAND] to run the message. The message should now be running

on the sign.

3-6

Getting Started – Example

Section 4: Configuration

Click on Start, then the Programs group, Venus 1500 group and the Venus 1500 icon. The following screen appears.

Click on [ with the keyboard from the File pull-down menu by pressing < by just pressing <

CONFIGURE] to configure a sign in the Venus 1500 software. Configure can also be accessed

ALT><F> then selecting Configure or

CTRL><N>.

iIf a password has been configu red, a window will appear asking the user to enter a password once

CONFIGURE] is activated. This password is used to establish a layer of security for the configuration of

[ signs. (To set a password, refer to Section 4.4.1.) Enter the password and click

Once the password is entered correctly, the program will allow the user to continue. To return to the Main Screen, click on [

CANCEL] or press < ESC>.

The Configure window allows the user to access the Sign Database, configure a network for Communications and set

some security measures. Click on return to the main screen.

or press <ENTER>.

or press <ENTER> to

Configuration

4-1

4.1 Communications

4.1.1 Add Network

Click on [

ADD NETWORK] or press <ALT><A> to create a network. A screen will

appear asking for the name of the network and the communication parameters.

There are three (3) connection types that can be used for a sign: direct, dial up and TCP/IP.

4.1.1.1 Direct Connection

A direct connection indicates a line of communication directly from the operator’s computer to the sign or network.

Clicking on [

COMMUNICATIONS] or pressing <ALT><C>

configures a network for communicating with signs.

The Configure Communications window allows the user to add a network, edit an existing network or remove a network.

The icons next to each name indicate what type of connection is used.

Click

or press < ENTER> from this

window to return to the main screen.

1. To use this type of connection, click on Direct in the Connection Type box. A

dot will appear in the box next to the word to indicate it has been selected.

2. Next it is time to select the Communication Parameters. Click once

on the down arrow next to the Com Port box. A listing of valid ports (C OM1 through COM9) will appear.

3. Select the desired serial port for sign communications. (The default is COM1.)

4. Click on

to save the changes and return to the Configure Communications window. [

CANCEL] will abort the

Configure Network screen without saving any settings.

4-2

Configuration

4.1.1.2 Dial Up Connection

A dial up connection uses a modem to communicate with the sign or network. It is assumed a modem is already installed and operating properly prior to selecting a dial-up connection type. For more information regarding modem installation, consult the manual accompanying the modem or contact the modem’s manufacturer.

1. To use this type of connection, click on Dial Up in the Connection Type box. A dot will appear in the box next to th e word to indicate it has been selected.

2. Use the mouse to click once in the Dialup Number box. Enter the phone number of the

sign. The use of commas and dashes between numbers are permissible but not necessary.

3. Next it is time to select the Communication Parameters. Click once on the down arrow next to the Com Port box. A listing of valid ports (COM1 through COM9) will appear.

4. Select the required serial port for sign communications. (The default is COM1.)

5. Click on Communications window. [ screen without saving any settings.

*Do not change the Baud Rate from 19,200 for standard sign types. Some custom applications require other baud rates.

4.1.1.3 TCP/IP Connection

A TCP/IP network uses an Ethernet network and a serial server device to establish a connection between the Venus 1500 and signs.

The TCP/IP Address is the address of the serial server device on the Ethernet Network. If you are using a Lantronix MSS1-T, this is the address that was set on the device when it was configured. Refer to Daktronics manual ED- 9623 for instructions on configuring MSS1-T and assigning a static IP

address. address must match and be configured on both the Venus 1500 and the MSS1-T.

The Default Socket should always be checked MSS1-T.

Configuration

mNote: This

to save the changes and return to the Configure

CANCEL] will abort the Configure Network

q when using the Lantronix

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The Socket Number field is only visible when the Default Socket is not checked. This field can be used to interface to another serial server device. For information on the socket number, refer to the serial server’s operation manual to find which socket is used for a raw data or RS232 connection.

mNote: TCP/IP must be installed and correctly configured for the computer

that the Venus 1500 software is installed on. The TCP/IP protocol must also be bound to the Ethernet packet/ODI driver. DHCP is not used. The address of the serial server must be static. Contact your system administrator to obtain a static IP address and to configur e the computer as needed for your sign network.

1. To use this type of connection, click on TCP/IP in the Connection Type

box. A dot will appear in the box next to the word to indicate it has been selected.

2. Use the mouse to click once in the TCP/IP Address box. Enter th e correct address for the network.

3. If a Lantronix MSS1-T is being used, click on Default Socket, otherwise enter the socket number in the corresponding box.

4. Click on Communications window. [

to save the changes and return to the Configure

CANCEL] will abort the Configure Network

screen without saving any settings.

4.1.2 Edit Network

Click on [

EDIT NETWORK] or press <ALT><E> to edit any information entered about

the network.

4.1.3 Remove Network

To remove a network, first highlight the desired network and press <

REMOVE NETWORK]. A message will appear asking for a confirmation of the

on [ deletion. Click on [

YES] (or press < ALT><Y>) or [NO] (or press <ALT><N>).

ALT><R> or click

mNote: Performing this action can leave signs unusable.

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Configuration

4.2 Sign Database

Clicking on [

ALT><S> will bring up the Ed it Sign

SIGN DATABASE] or pressing

Types window. From this screen, the user can add and/or delete sign types or edit signs and groups for sign types.

The number of sign types configured in the system is virtually unlimited.

4.2.1 Add Type

Note: Confirm your sign size, technology and color before configuring the Venus 1500 controller. Incorrect configuration settings may cause unwanted sign results.

Clicking on [ pressing < window for creating new sign types. Enter the sign technology (DataTrac, InfoNet, Galaxy, SunSpot or Glow Cube).

The next series of prompts depend on the type of technology entered. If the sign is a DataTrac, enter the color (monochrome or tricolor), number of lines in the sign and the number of characters per line; if the sign is an InfoNet, enter the color, character height, the width of each line and the number of lines in the sign.

The matrix signs, Galaxy, SunSpot and Glow Cube, require the number of pixels high and wide to be entered. Galaxy signs may be configured as monochrome or tricolor. SunSpot and Glow Cube signs are available as monochrome only.

The corresponding description for the configured sign type will automatically appear above the

Once the sign type has been configured, click on Sign window (refer to Section 4.2.3) will automatically appear.

ADD TYPE] or

ALT><T> activates a

button.

to save the settings. The Edit

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4.2.2 Remove Sign Type

To delete a sign type from the system, highlight the desired sign type and click on [

REMOVE TYPE] or press <ALT><Y>.

Three windows will appear to confirm the deletion.

4.2.3 Edit Signs

Clicking on [

EDIT SIGNS] or pressing <ALT><E>

will bring up a window for adding a group, adding a sign, editing a sign or removing a sign or group.

The symbols next to the name indicate visually whether it is a group or a sign.

mNote: A network must be created before a sign

can be added to the Venus 1500. Refer to Section

4.1.1.

4.2.3.1 Add Sign

Clicking on [

ADD SIGN] (pressing <ALT><S>) creates a new sign under the

chosen sign type.

To add a sign:

1. Enter a name for the sign. It can be a number

or a brief description of its location.

2. Enter the sign’s network address. (The address

of the sign appears as part of the boot up initialization information. Refer to the sign’s maintenance and troubleshooting manual for more information.)

3. Specify the network the sign is located on.

4. Set the Time Offset if necessary. The offset is

an adjustment from the current time setting on the PC running the Venus 1500 software. An offset is advised if you are operating a sign located in another time zone. The time may be adjusted by up to

5. Click on

?23 hours.

to save the sign.

If a network is not configured, no selections will be available for network. Refer to Section 4.1 for instructions on configuring networks.

mNote: A sign cannot be programmed if a network is not configured.

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Configuration

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