AMSIG Portable Changeable Message Sign User manual

Jan 2021 Revision
AMERICAN SIGNAL COMPANY
Portable Changeable Message Sign
Quick Use and Reference Guide
Page 1:
• Message Sign Configuration using Quick Edit Feature
• Reference Information for Message Display, Passwords,
Settings
• Web Training via YouTube
Page 2:
• How to set up a Sequence of Messages using the Handheld
Controller
Page 3:
• Solar Panel Assembly
• Quick-Recharge of Battery description
Page 4:
• Message Sign Maintenance Checklist and Storage
Information
• Web Training via YouTube
Page 5:
• Battery Maintenance Full Instruction (Manufacturer
Instruction)

Jan 2021 Revision
AMERICAN SIGNAL COMPANY
2755 Bankers Industrial Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30360
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Quick Edit feature for
American Signal PCMS
• Press the BLANK switch inside the control cabinet to turn off the sign display.
• Press Q on the hand held (QUICK Edit)
• Enter an Extended- or Full-level password (default password is OWNER) and press enter
• At the next screen you will see P1 L1 which means Page 1 Line 1. Enter the desired text for your
first line, then press enter to go to the next line (Pl L2). Enter the desired text for your second
line, or press enter again to make blank lines. A maximum of 3 pages with 3 lines of text each
can be entered using Quick Edit.
• Once all 3 pages have been created then the message is automatically saved in the next available
CHANGEABLE message slot, and ACTIVATED on the sign.
• Press the BLANK switch inside the control cabinet to display the activated message.
• Note: The message will be formatted according to the default message settings (font size,
alignment, on/off time, etc.). The default message settings can be changed in the ADMIN menu.
Individual message settings can be changed in the MESSAGE menu.
Please see pages 9-11 of the Software Operations Manual for information on displaying messages
through the menu commands.
Please see page 17 of the Software Operations Manual for more information on passwords.
Please see page 20 of the Software Operations Manual for more information on default settings.
YouTube programming video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP-8F5w3S48
If you have questions you can contact the Amsig Service Department at 770.448.6650 ext 3 or
[e-mail].

Jan 2021 Revision
American Signal Company
3.5 Sequences Screen
The sequence screen allows the user to set multiple changeable and/or permanent messages to display
in a sequence. This function is useful for the user to choose from the messages already programmed
instead of manually entering each message. From the Messages menu scroll to Sequences, select ENTER
and press [Ent er].
• In the Sequences menu select ADD and press [Enter].
• Scroll and select desired message and press [Enter].
• Repeat this step until all desired messages have been selected.
• Added Sequences will be stored as new changeable messages.
• Once completed return to home screen, then select messages and press [Enter].
• Select Changeable Messages and press [Enter].
• Select the Sequence desired then select Active and press [Enter].

Jan 2021 Revision
AMERICAN SIGNAL COMPANY
2755 Bankers Industrial Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30360
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
PCMS Power System Overview (- excerpt from Service and Maintenance Manual)
2.3 Solar Panel Assembly
The Solar Panels converts sunlight into electrical power (12VDC) to maintain the charge state of
the Batteries. This re-charging of the Batteries allows the VMS to operate over a longer period
of time before requiring landline (or generator) 120V charging. See Specifications section for
more information on the Solar Panel.
3.4 Quick Re-Charge the Batteries
The Solar power supply system furnished with Amsig VMS includes multiple deep-cycle 6V
Batteries which are uniquely able to withstand the deep discharges that occur periodically
during normal operation. The system has been designed to provide sign operation over all of
the usable state of charge level of the Batteries.
Depending upon several factors (i.e., length & duration of message displayed, the brightness
level, the number of Solar Panels, the amount of available sunlight, the number of Batteries, the
age of the Batteries and the ambient temperature), voltage level of the Battery pack can
eventually drop below 11.2VDC (Default) and the VMS will stop operating. At that time (or
sooner if desired), it will be necessary to recharge the Batteries with 120VAC (from a landline or
generator). An abbreviated summary of steps to charge the Batteries with the provided 75A
Charger are shown below:
• Turn the VMS system off at Main Power or Sign Display Switch. (Note: The system can
be left on during charging, however, it will require more time to fully recharge the
Batteries.)
• Bring 120VAC to Trailer and plug into covered Receptacle on right side of Pedestal
Assembly
• For fully discharged Batteries, charge for a minimum of 72 hours. Batteries in a higher
state of initii:11 charge can be charged for less than 72 hours.
• When Batteries are fully charged, unplug 120VAC power source from Pedestal.
Batteries are fully charged when the Specific Gravity with a temperature compensated
hydrometer is 1.25:t.010.

Jan 2021 Revision
AMERICAN SIGNAL COMPANY
2755 Bankers Industrial Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30360
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST
BEFORE DEPLOYMENT
Check the battery voltage level of each sign before deploying it. If the batteries are not fully charged then
charge the batteries with AC power until a full charge is achieved.
WEEKLY
Clear/clean solar panels on deployed signs. A push broom should be sufficient to clear off most debris or
snow. Ice should be removed ASAP by applying warm water. Wipe off the cells with rags or paper
towels if there is considerable buildup. Do not use industrial cleaner.
MONTHLY
Check the batteries. Make sure there is plenty of distilled water in every cell of every battery. Check the
poles of the batteries for buildup - Coca-Cola scrubbed with a wire brush is a quick remedy for
removing buildup; applying Vaseline to the poles is a good preventive measure.
SEASONAL STORAGE
Fully charge and fully deplete batteries while in storage. If the sign is in storage for longer than a month,
take the following measures to insure optimal battery and sign performance:
1. Blank the sign display.
2. On a full battery charge, leave the sign unused for 30 days.
3. Use the AC adapter to charge the batteries for 2 days.
4. Repeat the 30/2 cycle for the duration of storage.
Letting the batteries die for an extended period of time may prevent them from holding a charge again.
In a blanked state, the batteries may last longer than 30 days before running out of a charge, but we
schedule the charging to coincide with regular monthly maintenance for user convenience. Also, when
pulling a sign in from the field for either storage or maintenance the user may notice the mast is rusted
and/or dry from being exposed to weather. DO NOT lubricate the mast to assist in the lowering process.
If hydraulic operation is not possible for some reason, call our Service Department immediately.
Refer to sections 2.3, 3.4, and 4.3 of the Service and Maintenance Manual for detailed information.
YouTube maintenance video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2vs4yWJ2Bc
If you have questions you can contact the Amsig Service Department at 770.448.6650 ext 3 or
[e-mail].
AMERICAN SIGNAL COMPANY

Jan 2021 Revision
2755 Bankers Industrial Dr.
Atlanta, GA 30360
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Battery Service Instruction Guide:
A regular maintenance check of battery health and service serves to minimize the frequency of emergency
maintenance events on the sign. American Signal Company recommends that when the sign is retrieved that the
sign is serviced in a well-lit and well-ventilated area at a temperature between 60⁰F and 80⁰F. Before continuing
any service, please use proper PPE for battery maintenance including acid resistant rubber gloves, apron, and safety
glasses.
• Disconnect the battery pack from the sign using the battery switch.
• Clean the top of each battery with a mildly alkaline solution. Baking soda or soda ash mixed with water are
preferred.
• Remove any residue with clean water.
• Ensure terminals are clean and that all terminal nuts are tightened to 100 in-lbs.
• Open the battery caps and ensure that the plates are submerged in acid. If the plates are not submerged add
distilled water only until the plates are covered. Additional filling can result in the batteries boiling over
during equalization.
• Close the battery caps.
• Charge the battery to full capacity.
• Open the caps on the battery.
• Add distilled water until the electrolyte level is ~1/4” from the bottom of the vent well. Over filling can
result in the batteries boiling over during equalization.
• Close the battery caps.
• If any water was added or it has been over 1 month since the last equalization, perform an equalization on
the batteries.
o Equalization voltage: 15.2V
o Duration: 3hrs minimum
• Open the battery caps
• Test the specific gravity with a hydrometer. A successful equalization will result in a specific gravity
>1.265 in each cell with a variance between the cells less than +/-0.015.
• Close the battery caps.
• Reconnect the battery pack to the circuit using the battery switch.
For further information and in-depth instructions or service kit availability please contact your American Signal
Company representative or our partners at US Battery. US Battery has a wonderful website that explains the above
procedure in both written and video format. Just go to USbattery.com
American Signal Company US Battery
www.amsig.com www.usbattery.com
770-448-6650 US Battery MFG. California
2755 Bankers Ind. Drive, Atlanta GA 30360 1675 Sampson Ave. Corona, CA 92879
(800) 695 - 0945