Adaptive alpha User manual

1
Introduction
The ALPHA Discrete Input Interface allows messages to be displayed on standard ALPHA electronic signs
by using simple on/off contacts to trigger messages that have been stored in a sign. The ALPHA Discrete Input
Interface is designed for low-voltage applications.
Messages to be displayed are stored in a sign using either:
• Infrared handheld remote control
• Adaptive software such as ALPHA Messaging software (see “Creating messages using ALPHA
Messaging software” on page 23)
The ALPHA Discrete Input Interface consists of three types of modules which can be connected in any
order:
• CPU Module — serves as an interface between the Input Modules and ALPHA signs
• Input Module (up to four can be used, depending on the Operating Mode used) — the eight, dry
contact inputs of each Input Module can be configured to one of five possible Operating Modes (see
“Operating Modes” on page 9):
— Mode Ø: Discrete Fixed
— Mode 1: Momentary Triggered
— Mode 2: Binary Coded Decimal (BCD)
— Mode 3: Binary
— Mode 4: Counter
• Power Module — supplies power to the CPU Module and Input Modules
ALPHA Discrete Input Interface
Operating Instructions
DIN rail
(If conductive, the rail
should be connected
to earth GND because
the rail serves as the
chassis GND for all
the modules.)
Power Module
CPU Module
Input Modules
(up to four, depending on Operating Mode
used. See “Operating Modes” on page 9.)
NOTE: Modules should be mounted in an appropriate NEMA enclosure to
ensure isolation from noise and protection from harsh environments.
PWRL2
DISPLAY
SERIAL COM
L1
(RS 232/485) (RS 232)
5V
I7
24V
I3
I6 I2
I5 I1
I4 I0
INPUT
STATUS
POWER
Int. Ext.
Sinking (NPN)
Sinking (NPN)
5V
I7
24V
I3
I6 I2
I5 I1
I4 I0
INPUT
STATUS
POWER
Int. Ext.
Sinking (NPN)
Sinking (NPN)
5V
I7
24V
I3
I6 I2
I5 I1
I4 I0
INPUT
STATUS
POWER
Int. Ext.
Sinking (NPN)
Sinking (NPN)
5V
I7
24V
I3
I6 I2
I5 I1
I4 I0
INPUT
STATUS
POWER
Int. Ext.
Sinking (NPN)
Sinking (NPN)
End clamp
Use end clamps to hold
the modules in place.
Revision date: 2/3/2000 © 2000 Adaptive Micro Systems 9711-Ø7Ø1A
The distinctive appearance of this product is a Trade Dress of Adaptive Micro Systems, Inc.

2
Related documentation
Technical specifications
Title Part # Description
Network Configurations 97Ø8-8Ø46 Detailed information on how to network ALPHA signs.
ALPHA Remote Control Programming Manual 97Ø4-ØØØ2 Examples of how to program messages into ALPHA signs using a handheld
infrared remote control.
ALPHA Messaging Software User Manual v1.Ø 97Ø1-Ø2Ø2 Instructions on using the ALPHA Messaging software to program messages
into ALPHA signs.
All Modules
Dimensions: 2.75"W x 4.25"H x 1"D
Weight: 4 oz per module
Operating temperature: 60°C
Humidity range: 10 – 95% non-condensing
Mounting: DIN rail 35 x 7 mm
Power Module
AC input voltage
1
Max. AC voltage: 25 Vrms
Min. AC voltage: 14 Vrms
Power consumption: 15W @ 24 Vrms
DC input voltage
Max. DC voltage: 36 VDC
Min. DC voltage: 18 VDC
Output voltage 24 VDC
Max. voltage: 36 VDC
Min. voltage: 18 VDC
Max. current: 700 mA
Bus output voltage 5 VDC
Max. voltage: 5.05 V
Min. voltage: 4.95 V
Max. current: 500 mA
Protection
Type: Polyswitch
Self-resetting: Yes
Terminals
Type: Screw
Wire size: 0, 14-2, 5
2
/ AWG 26 - 14
CPU Module
Operating voltage: 5 V
Current draw: 150 mA
Power consumption: 0.75 W
Communications
Serial (in):
Communication type: RS232
Terminal type: RJ11
Protocol: EZ95

3
Installation
1. Determine the type of Operating Mode to be used and set the internal Input Module jumpers as required. See
“Operating Modes” on page 9.
2. Determine the circuit type (i.e., Sinking or Sourcing) to be used and wire the circuit for the modules as
required. See “Operating Modes” on page 9.
3. Determine the content of the messages to be displayed on the ALPHA sign(s). Then create the messages and
store them on the sign(s). See “Creating messages using ALPHA Messaging software” on page 23.
Display (out):
Communication type: RS485
Terminal type: RJ11
Protocol: EZ95
Terminals (out):
Communication type: RS485
Terminal type: Screw
Wire size: 0, 14-2, 5
2
/ AWG 26 - 14
Protocol: EZ95
Max. number of drops: 32
Max. distance: 4000 ft (1200 m)
Input Module
Bus power required (5 VDC)
Max. operating voltage: 5.05 V
Min. operating voltage: 4.95 V
Max. current: 15 mA
Input power required (24 VDC)
Max. operating voltage: 36 VDC
Min. operating voltage: 18 VDC
Max. current: 90 mA
Min. current: 5 mA
Inputs per module: 8
Discrete fixed: 8
Discrete momentary: 8
BCD: 8
Binary: 7
Counter: 3 (min.)
Protection: Polyswitch, 300 mA
Terminals:
Type: Screw
Wire size: 0, 14-2, 5
2
/ AWG 26 - 14
Input impedance: 3600 ohms
Max. input voltage: 36 VDC
Min. input voltage: 18 VDC
Max. current draw: 3.5 mA (36 V)
Min. current draw: 4.1 mA (18 V)
1
Only one power supply, 18 – 36 VDC or 24 VAC, can be used to power this
product.

4
Module descriptions
NOTE: Always remove power from a module before changing wiring or jumper settings.
Failure to do so may damage the equipment.
NOTE: Parts are not serviceable on any of the modules. In case of malfunction, return to the manufacturer.
CPU Module
NOTE: Only one CPU Module can be used at a time. See “Operating Modes” on page 9.
Item Name Description
A Module Top The internal PCB is attached to the Module Top.
B Release Button Depress each Release Button to remove the Module Bottom.
C Module Bottom Can be removed to expose internal PCB.
D Intermodule Connector Used to pass power and signals between modules. When attached to a conductive DIN rail, the
rail serves as the CHASSIS GND for all modules connected to the DIN rail.
E DIN rail latch Used to attach the module to a DIN EN 5Ø Ø22 mounting rail.
F Serial Output
Shielded RS485 output to one or more ALPHA signs.
Because of the signal protection afforded by shielding, this is the recommended
way of connecting ALPHA signs to the CPU Module.
To connect ALPHA signs, see “Creating messages using ALPHA Messaging software” on
page 23.
PWRL2
DISPLAY
SERIAL COM
L1
(RS 232/485) (RS 232)
Side view Front view
D
B
B
E
A
F
G
H
I
C
J
B
B
D
L1 L2 PWR
(
R
SHLD (Shield)
GND
(–) RS485
(+) RS485
AWG 26 – 14
( Ø.14 – Ø.25 ❏ )
For shielded RS485 output, use SHLD
with (–) RS485 and (+) RS485.

5
G CPU Status Indicators
PWR — When lit, this indicates the unit is powered.
L1 — Lit during power up until the CPU Module initializes.
If indicator on continuously after power up, this indicates that the power source is not sufficient.
If indicator flashing continuously , this indicates one of four possible conditions:
• no Input Module is connected
• too many Input Modules are attached for the current Operating Mode
• Input Modules are set to different Operating Modes
• an Input Module has failed or a communication failure to an Input Module has
occurred
If indicator flashes once , this means that the binary input is greater than or equal to 80 or that
count is either < -2,147,483,647 or > +2,147,483,647.
L2 — During power up, L1 and L2 flash together X+1 times, where X = Mode number (Ø - 4).
During normal operation, L2 flashes when the CPU Module is processing an input event.
H DISPLAY
Unshielded RS485 output to a single ALPHA sign. Used to:
• program messages into a sign
• trigger messages already in a sign
This is not a telephone connector.
I SERIAL COM
RS232 input from a PC. Used to program messages and send them to a CPU Module that is up to
5Ø feet from the PC .
This is not a telephone connector.
J Serial Input Unused.

6
Input Module
Item Name Description
A Module Top The internal PCB is attached to the Module Top.
B Release Button Depress each Release Button to remove the Module Bottom.
C Module Bottom Can be removed to change jumpers on the internal PCB.
D Internal Jumpers
The AØ, A1, and A2 internal jumpers are used to set the Operating Mode and Input Module
Address. (See “Operating Modes” on page 9.)
NOTE: Spare jumpers are included inside each Input Module.
E Intermodule Connector Used to pass power and signals between modules.
F DIN rail latch Used to attach the module to a DIN EN 5Ø Ø22 mounting rail.
G Type of Input Module Input Modules are configured for either Sinking (NPN) or Sourcing (PNP) current
applications.
5V
I7
24V
I3
I6 I2
I5 I1
I4 I0
INPUT
STATUS
POWER
Int. Ext.
Sinking (NPN)
Sinking (NPN)
Side view Front view
E
B
B
F
A
H
E
C
H
I
B
B
J
A1 A0 A2
Internal view
D
G
G

7
H Input Terminals
I Power Indicators
Int. — When lit, this indicates that a power source is present.
Ext. — When lit, this indicates that an external 24 VDC power source is present.
J Input Status Indicators When lit, this indicates activity from an input (IØ – I7).
COM (ØV)
I7
COM (ØV)
I6
5V
I7
24V
I3
I6 I2
I5 I1
I4 I0
INPUT
STATUS
POWER
Int. Ext.
Sinking (NPN)
Sinking (NPN)
COM(ØV)
I5
COM(ØV)
I4
IØ
I1
I3
I2
+24V (+18 - 36V)
COM (ØV)
IN
COM (ØV)
+24 V (+ 18 - 36 V)
IN/OUT
AWG 26 – 14
( Ø.14 – Ø.25 ❏ )

8
Power Module
NOTE: Only one Power Module can be used at a time. See “Operating Modes” on page 9.
Item Name Description
A Module Top The internal PCB is attached to the Module Top.
B Release Button Depress each Release Button to remove the Module Bottom.
C Module Bottom Can be removed to expose the internal PCB.
D Intermodule Connector Used to pass power and signals between modules.
E DIN rail latch Used to attach the module to a DIN EN 5Ø Ø22 mounting rail.
F Power Output
G Power Input
Side view Front view
D
B
B
E
A
F
C
G
B
B
AWG 26 – 14
( Ø.14 – Ø.25 ❏ )
D
+24 V (+ 18 - 36 VDC)
NEG (ØV)
NEG (ØV)
+24V (+ 18 - 36 VDC)
AWG 26 – 14
( Ø.14 – Ø.25 ❏ )
~ 24 VAC
~ 24 VAC
NEG (ØV)
+24 V (+ 18 - 36 VDC)

9
Operating Modes
NOTE: Only one Operating Mode can be used at a time. For example, if three Input Modules were
connected together, all three modules would have to use the same Operating Mode.
Discrete Fixed (Mode Ø)
Description:
When an input (IØ - I7) is high, the associated sign message is displayed. It is possible to have several messages
running simultaneously on a sign.
Module configuration:
(modules can be connected
in any order)
Maximum no. of messages: 32
Maximum no. of inputs: 32 (8 inputs per module x 4 Input Modules connected)
Sinking (NPN) circuit:
Power
Module
CPU
Module
Input
Module
AØ = Ø
A1 = Ø
A2 = Ø
Input
Module
AØ = 1
A1 = Ø
A2 = 1
Input
Module
AØ = Ø
A1 = 1
A2 = 1
Input
Module
AØ = 1
A1 = 1
A2 = 1
Minimum configuration
+++++
Input Module
internal jumper settings:
ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC
+18-36 VDC
+
COM(ØV)
I7
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
COM(ØV)
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sinking (NPN)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
NON-ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC
COM(ØV)
I7
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
COM(ØV)
NEG(ØV)
24 VDC
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sinking (NPN)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
COM(ØV) is internally connected.
24 VDC is internally connected.
NOTE: All Input Modules are internally fused. Also, the Power Module is internally fused.
NOTE: Wire the modules according to local electrical code.

10
Sourcing (PNP) circuit:
ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC (see NOTE 1)
+18-36 VDC
+
COM(ØV)
I7
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
COM(ØV)
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sourcing (PNP)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
NON-ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC24 VDC
COM(ØV)
I7
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
COM(ØV)
NEG(ØV)
24 VDC
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sourcing (PNP)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
COM(ØV) is internally connected.
24 VDC is internally connected.
NOTE 1: This connection is only necessary to light the 24 VDC LED to show that power is present.
NOTE: All Input Modules are internally fused. Also, the Power Module is internally fused.
NOTE: Wire the modules according to local electrical code.

11
Momentary Triggered (Mode 1)
Description:
When an input (IØ - I7) goes to a high state (i.e., rising edge), the associated sign message is displayed until a new
message is triggered.
Module configuration:
(modules can be connected
in any order)
Maximum no. of messages: 32
Maximum no. of inputs: 32 (8 inputs per module x 4 Input Modules connected)
Sinking (NPN) circuit:
Power
Module
CPU
Module
Input
Module
AØ = 1
A1 = Ø
A2 = Ø
Input
Module
AØ = 1
A1 = Ø
A2 = 1
Input
Module
AØ = Ø
A1 = 1
A2 = 1
Input
Module
AØ = 1
A1 = 1
A2 = 1
Minimum configuration
+++++
Input Module
internal jumper settings:
ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC
+18-36 VDC
+
COM(ØV)
I7
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
COM(ØV)
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sinking (NPN)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
NON-ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC
COM(ØV)
I7
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
COM(ØV)
NEG(ØV)
24 VDC
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sinking (NPN)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
COM(ØV) is internally connected.
24 VDC is internally connected.
NOTE: All Input Modules are internally fused. Also, the Power Module is internally fused.
NOTE: Wire the modules according to local electrical code.

12
Sourcing (PNP) circuit:
ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC (see NOTE 1)
COM(ØV)
I7
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
COM(ØV)
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sourcing (PNP)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
NON-ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC24 VDC
COM(ØV)
I7
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
COM(ØV)
NEG(ØV)
24 VDC
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sourcing (PNP)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
COM(ØV) is internally connected.
24 VDC is internally connected.
NOTE 1: This connection is only necessary to light the 24 VDC LED to show that power is present.
+18-36 VDC
+
NOTE: All Input Modules are internally fused. Also, the Power Module is internally fused.
NOTE: Wire the modules according to local electrical code.

13
Binary Coded Decimal (Mode 2)
Description:
The BCD value read at the inputs (IØ – I7) determines the message to run (see “For BCD and Binary modes . . .” on
page 21).
Module configuration:
(modules can be connected
in any order)
Maximum no. of messages: 8Ø
Maximum no. of inputs: 8 (with 1 Input Module connected)
Sinking (NPN) circuit:
Power
Module
CPU
Module
Input
Module
AØ = Ø
A1 = 1
A2 = Ø
++
Input Module
internal jumper settings:
ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC
+18-36 VDC
+
COM(ØV)
I7
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
COM(ØV)
I7
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
COM(ØV)
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sinking (NPN)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
2
2
2
1
2
3
2
Ø
2
3
2
2
2
1
2
Ø
LSD
MSD
2
2
2
1
2
3
2
Ø
2
3
2
2
2
1
2
Ø
LSD
MSD
NON-ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC
COM(ØV)
COM(ØV) is internally connected.
24 VDC is internally connected.
NEG(ØV)
24 VDC
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sinking (NPN)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
NOTE: All Input Modules are internally fused. Also, the Power Module is internally fused.
NOTE: Wire the modules according to local electrical code.

14
Sourcing (PNP) circuit:
ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC (see NOTE 1)
+18-36 VDC
COM(ØV)
I7
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
COM(ØV)
I7
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
COM(ØV)
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sourcing (PNP)
+
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
2
2
2
1
2
3
2
Ø
2
3
2
2
2
1
2
Ø
LSD MSD
2
2
2
1
2
3
2
Ø
2
3
2
2
2
1
2
Ø
LSD MSD
NON-ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC24 VDC
COM(ØV)
COM(ØV) is internally connected.
24 VDC is internally connected.
NOTE 1: This connection is only necessary to light the 24 VDC LED to show that power is present.
NEG(ØV)
24 VDC
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sourcing (PNP)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
NOTE: All Input Modules are internally fused. Also, the Power Module is internally fused.
NOTE: Wire the modules according to local electrical code.

15
Binary (Mode 3)
Description: The Binary value read at the inputs (IØ – I7) determines the messages to run (see “For BCD and Binary modes . . .”
on page 21).
Module configuration:
(modules can be connected
in any order)
Maximum no. of messages: 8Ø
Maximum no. of inputs: 8 (with 1 Input Module connected)
Sinking (NPN) circuit:
Power
Module
CPU
Module
Input
Module
AØ = 1
A1 = 1
A2 = Ø
++
Input Module
internal jumper settings:
ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC
+18-36 VDC
+
COM(ØV)
I7
I6
2
6
2
5
2
4
2
3
2
2
2
1
2
Ø
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
I7
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
COM(ØV)
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sinking (NPN)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
2
6
2
5
2
4
2
3
2
2
2
1
2
Ø
NON-ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC
COM(ØV)
COM(ØV)
COM(ØV) is internally connected.
24 VDC is internally connected.
NEG(ØV)
24 VDC
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sinking (NPN)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
NOTE: All Input Modules are internally fused. Also, the Power Module is internally fused.
NOTE: Wire the modules according to local electrical code.

16
Sourcing (PNP) sample:
ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC (see NOTE 1)
COM(ØV)
I7
I6
2
6
2
5
2
4
2
3
2
2
2
1
2
Ø
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
I7
I6
I5
I4
I3
I2
I1
IØ
COM(ØV)
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sourcing (PNP)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
2
6
2
5
2
4
2
3
2
2
2
1
2
Ø
NON-ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC24 VDC
COM(ØV)
COM(ØV)
COM(ØV) is internally connected.
24 VDC is internally connected.
NOTE 1: This connection is only necessary to light the 24 VDC LED to show that power is present.
NEG(ØV)
24 VDC
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sourcing (PNP)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
+18-36 VDC
+
NOTE: All Input Modules are internally fused. Also, the Power Module is internally fused.
NOTE: Wire the modules according to local electrical code.

17
Counter (Mode 4)
Description:
This mode refreshes the sign’s String file “1” each time a command is processed, using the following configuration:
IØ: +/– 1I5: Store current value in the CPU Module
I1: +/– 1ØI6: Recall stored value from the CPU Module
I2: +/– 1ØØI7: Positive/Negative number (Pos. if high, Neg. if low).
I3: +/– 1ØØØMax. pos. value = +2,147,483,647. Max. neg. value = –2,147,483,647
I4: +/– 1ØØØØ
Module configuration:
(modules can be connected
in any order)
Maximum no. of messages: 1 (the “A” message file). This message should be programmed using a handheld remote control, and
not the ALPHA Messaging software.
Maximum no. of inputs: 8 (with 1 Input Module connected)
Sinking (NPN) circuit:
Power
Module
CPU
Module
Input
Module
AØ = Ø
A1 = Ø
A2 = 1
++
Input Module
internal jumper settings:
ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC
+18-36 VDC
+
COM(ØV)
I7 POS/NEG
I6 RECALL VALUE
I5 STORE VALUE
I4 ±1Ø,ØØØ
I3 ±1,ØØØ
I2 ±1ØØ
I1 ±1Ø
Iر1
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sinking (NPN)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
NON-ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC
COM(ØV)
COM(ØV)
COM(ØV) is internally connected.
24 VDC is internally connected.
NEG(ØV)
24 VDC
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sinking (NPN)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
I7 POS/NEG
I6 RECALL VALUE
I5 STORE VALUE
I4 ±1Ø,ØØØ
I3 ±1,ØØØ
I2 ±1ØØ
I1 ±1Ø
Iر1
COM(ØV)
NOTE: All Input Modules are internally fused. Also, the Power Module is internally fused.
NOTE: Wire the modules according to local electrical code.

18
Sourcing (PNP) circuit:
ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC (see NOTE 1)
COM(ØV)
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sourcing (PNP)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
NON-ISOLATED
Power Module
~24
~24
24 VDC
OR
24 VDC24 VDC
COM(ØV)
COM(ØV) is internally connected.
24 VDC is internally connected.
NOTE 1: This connection is only necessary to light the 24 VDC LED to show that power is present.
NEG(ØV)
24 VDC
NEG(ØV)
CPU Module
Input Module
Sourcing (PNP)
+18-36 VDC
24 VAC
+
~
+18-36 VDC
+
I7 POS/NEG
I6 RECALL VALUE
I5 STORE VALUE
I4 ±1Ø,ØØØ
I3 ±1,ØØØ
I2 ±1ØØ
I1 ±1Ø
Iر1
COM(ØV)
I7 POS/NEG
I6 RECALL VALUE
I5 STORE VALUE
I4 ±1Ø,ØØØ
I3 ±1,ØØØ
I2 ±1ØØ
I1 ±1Ø
Iر1
COM(ØV)
NOTE: All Input Modules are internally fused. Also, the Power Module is internally fused.
NOTE: Wire the modules according to local electrical code.

19
Sample counter application:
PWRL2
DISPLAY
SERIAL COM
L1
(RS 232/485) (RS 232)
5V
I7
24V
I3
I6 I2
I5 I1
I4 I0
INPUT
STATUS
POWER
Int. Ext.
2
1COUNT
RESET
COUNT = 103
Here is an example of how to use the above counter circuit:
1. Initiate Counter mode by triggering I5 and I6 at the same time for at least 5 seconds. This clears ALL
messages from the signs networked to the Input Module and creates an “A” message file for use as a
counter. This also stores a counter value of Ø in the CPU Module.
2. Wait 1 minute before proceeding.
3. (Optional) Use a handheld remote control to edit the “A” message file. For example, if you wanted the text
“COUNT =” to appear before the counter value (as shown above), use a remote control to add this text:. (A
two-line sign is used as an example below.)
4. To increase the count, trigger IØ, and COUNT = 1, COUNT = 2, etc will appear on the sign.
5. To reset the count to Ø, trigger I6.
PROGRAM
TEXT FILE A
Press PROGRAM:
[HLD][NHL][SS7][RED][STR]1
Press ADV until the text stops
scrolling: A]
[HLD][NHL][SS7][RED]
Press BACK until [RED] is at the end
of the line: A]
[HLD][NHL][SS7][RED]COUNT =
Press INSERT. Type: COUNT =.
Then press INSERT again. A]
[NHL][SS7][RED]COUNT = [STR]1
Press ADV again until the text stops
scrolling: A]
COUNT = 0
Press RUN twice:

20
Message numbering
For Discrete Fixed and Momentary Triggered modes . . .
IR Remote
Message
File Letter
ALPHA
Messaging
Software
Message
Number
(decimal)
CPU
Module
Message
Number
(decimal)
Operating Mode
Discrete Fixed
(Mode Ø)
“1”= closed contact
Input Modules
Momentary Triggered
(Mode 1)
“1”= rising edge pulse
Input Modules
I7 I6 I5 I4 I3 I2 I1 IØI7 I6 I5 I4 I3 I2 I1 IØ
“A”1ØNo input = message “A”displayed on sign
Message “A”will be displayed until another
message is triggered.
Then message “A”will not appear again.
“B”2 1 1
First Module
1
First Module
“C”32 1 1
“D”4 3 1 1
“E”54 1 1
“F”6 5 1 1
“G”76 1 1
“H”8 7 1 1
“I”981 1
“J”1Ø9 1
Second Module
1
Second Module
“K”11 1Ø11
“L”12 11 1 1
“M”13 12 1 1
“N”14 13 1 1
“O”15 14 1 1
“P”16 15 1 1
“Q”17 16 1 1
“R”18 17 1
Third Module
1
Third Module
“S”19 18 1 1
“T”2Ø19 1 1
“U”21 2Ø11
“V”22 21 1 1
“W”23 22 1 1
“X”24 23 1 1
“Y”25 24 1 1
“Z”26 25 1
Fourth Module
1
Fourth Module
“a”27 26 1 1
“b”28 27 1 1
“c”29 28 1 1
“d”3Ø29 1 1
“e”31 3Ø11
“f”32 31 1 1
“g”33 32 1 1