Daktronics DF-2300 Series User manual

Petroleum Price Displays
DF-2300 Series
Flexible Drop-in Model
Installation and Operation Manual
ED-17026 Rev 0 10 January 2007
331 32nd Ave PO Box 5128 Brookings SD 57006
Tel: [phone] or 877-605-1113
Fax: [phone] Website: www.daktronics.com

ED-17026
Project-1356
Rev 0 – 10 January 2007
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. __________________________________________
DAKTRONICS, INC.
Copyright ©2007
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™and DataTime®are trademarks of Daktronics, Inc. Other trademarks used in this manual are
the property of their respective owners.

Table of Contents
i
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction.........................................................................................1-1
1.1 Product Overview............................................................................................1-1
Model Number .........................................................................................1-2
1.2 Drawing and Label Information......................................................................1-2
Section 2: Mechanical Installation......................................................................2-1
2.1 Display Specifications.....................................................................................2-1
2.2 Installation.......................................................................................................2-2
Section 3: Electrical Installation .........................................................................3-1
3.1 Power Installation............................................................................................3-2
Grounding ................................................................................................3-2
Power Disconnect.....................................................................................3-3
Power Installation.....................................................................................3-3
3.2 Signal Connection ...........................................................................................3-4
LED Drivers.............................................................................................3-4
Signal Wiring ...........................................................................................3-4
Address Dip Switch Settings....................................................................3-4
Section 4: Maintenance and Troubleshooting...................................................4-1
4.1 Component Location and Access....................................................................4-1
4.2 Diagnostics......................................................................................................4-2
4.3 Troubleshooting...............................................................................................4-3
Section 5: Parts Replacement.............................................................................5-1
5.1 Replacement Parts List....................................................................................5-1
5.2 Instructions for Replacing Parts ......................................................................5-3
Replacing a Digit (10" and 13" digits).....................................................5-3
Replacing a Digit Segment (22 inch digits)..............................................5-4
Replacing a Driver....................................................................................5-4
5.3 Daktronics Exchange and Repair & Return Programs....................................5-5
Exchange Program ...................................................................................5-5
Repair & Return Program.........................................................................5-6
How to Reach Us......................................................................................5-6

ii Table of Contents
Section 6: POS Interface Installation and Operation.........................................6-1
6.1 System Installation.......................................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Configuring the DM-100 for Gilbarco G-Site Interface................................. 6-2
Preparation............................................................................................... 6-2
Configuration........................................................................................... 6-2
6.3 Configuring the DM-100 for Allied Interface................................................ 6-3
Preparation............................................................................................... 6-3
Configuration........................................................................................... 6-3
6.4 Configuring the DM-100 for PAM 1000 Interface......................................... 6-4
Preparation............................................................................................... 6-4
Configuration........................................................................................... 6-5
6.5 Changing Prices Manually.............................................................................. 6-6
Section 7: DM-100 Controller...............................................................................7-1
7.1 DataMaster 100 Overview.............................................................................. 7-1
Replacement Parts List............................................................................ 7-1
7.2 Connecting the DM-100 to the Display.......................................................... 7-2
7.3 DataMaster Insert and Code ........................................................................... 7-3
7.4 Petroleum Price Display Operation ................................................................ 7-3
Petroleum Price Display Startup.............................................................. 7-4
Petroleum Price Controller Operation..................................................... 7-5
Modifying Price Line Settings................................................................. 7-5
Menu Items.............................................................................................. 7-6
Modem Settings....................................................................................... 7-6
Display Status.......................................................................................... 7-7
Set Time................................................................................................... 7-9
Dimming.................................................................................................. 7-10
Update Display........................................................................................ 7-11
Section 8: RC-50 Controller .................................................................................8-1
8.1 RC-50 Operation............................................................................................. 8-1
Editing the Display.................................................................................. 8-1
Section 9: RC-100 Controller ...............................................................................9-1
9.1 Petroleum Price Display Operation ................................................................ 9-1
Petroleum Price Display Startup.............................................................. 9-1
RC-100 Controller Operation.................................................................. 9-2
Modifying Price Line Settings................................................................. 9-2
Dimming.................................................................................................. 9-3
Appendix A: Reference Drawings ...........................................................................A-1

List of Figures iii
List of Figures
Figure 1: DF-2300 Flexible Display Face..................................................................1-1
Figure 2: Sign with Digit Displays..............................................................................1-1
Figure 3: Daktronics Drawing Label..........................................................................1-2
Figure 4: Display Identification Label ........................................................................1-2
Figure 5: Installing Display in Curved Sign ...............................................................2-2
Figure 6: Power and Signal Routing..........................................................................3-1
Figure 7: Power Connection......................................................................................3-3
Figure 8: Driver..........................................................................................................3-4
Figure 9: Dip Switches...............................................................................................3-5
Figure 10: Back Access Options...............................................................................4-1
Figure 11: Inside Views of Front and Back Panels ...................................................4-2
Figure 12: Driver Diagnostics....................................................................................4-2
Figure 13: Digit Assembly..........................................................................................5-3
Figure 14: Segmented Digit Panel ............................................................................5-4
Figure 15: Driver........................................................................................................5-4
Figure 16: DataMaster 100........................................................................................7-1
Figure 17: Wire Control Outdoor...............................................................................7-2
Figure 18: Wire Control from Building Location ........................................................7-3
Figure 19: DataMaster 100 Insert, LL2551 ...............................................................7-3
Figure 20: RC-50 Controller......................................................................................8-1
Figure 21: RC-100 Controller....................................................................................9-1

Section 1: Introduction
This manual explains the installation, maintenance, and operation of Daktronics DataMaster™
Outdoor LED Petroleum Price Displays. If questions arise regarding the safety, installation,
operation, or service of these systems, contact Daktronics Customer Call Center 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. Figure 1 illustrates the DF-2300 Series
Flexible Drop-in Petroleum Price display.
Figure 1: DF-2300 Flexible Display Face
The DataMaster Series Petroleum Price Displays show gas prices in the U.S.
employing a 9/10 fraction. This display type is a flexible, drop-in model, allowing
the face to fit a curved sign. The displays feature highly visible PanaView®digits
that are 10", 13", or 22" tall.
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.
Figure 2: Sign with Digit Displays
The DataMaster outdoor LED displays have been
designed for use with a DataMaster™ 100 hand-held
controller, a radio controlled RC-100 system, or the
RC-50 mini remote control. All controller devices use a
keyboard overlay (called an insert) for display 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.
Introduction 1-1

Model Number
The DataMaster model number for these displays is described as follows:
DF-2300-HH-NA-DI, FLEX
DF-2300 = Outdoor digit display
HH = Digit height in inches (10, 13, or 22)
NA Not applicable to these displays
DI Drop-in type
FLEX Flexible frame
C = LED Color- R (Red), A (Amber), or G (Green)
1.2 Drawing and Label Information
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-181218.
Figure 3: Daktronics Drawing Label
The serial and model numbers of a Daktronics display can be found on the ID label
on the back of 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
1-2 Introduction

Section 2: Mechanical Installation
Important Safeguards:
•Read and understand these instructions before installing the display.
Mechanical Installation 2-1
•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 the display is not in use.
•Disconnect power when servicing the display.
•Do not modify the display structure or attach any panels or coverings
without the express written consent of Daktronics.
2.1 Display Specifications
Reference Drawings:
Shop Drawing DF-2300-10-NA-DI-SHE, FLEX ........................Drawing B-275571
Shop Drawing DF-2300-13-NA-DI-SHE, FLEX ........................Drawing B-281224
Shop Drawing DF-2300-22-NA-DI-SHE, FLEX ........................Drawing B-287545
The table below gives the size, weight, and power specifications for each display
model. Models are listed by digit size. Note that the display dimensions and cutout
dimensions are both provided here.
DataMaster Petroleum Price Flexible Drop-In Displays
Digit Size Dimensions
height x width x depth Weight Max.
Watts
10"
(254 mm) 12.90 x 33.00 x 3.05 inches (305 x 819.2 x 77.5 mm)
Cutout: 12.0" x 32.25"
40 lb
(18 kg) 75 W
13"
(330 mm) 16.50 x 43.00 x 3.05 inches (396.2 x 1073.2 x 77.5 mm)
Cutout: 15.6" x 42.25"
40 lb
(18 kg) 75 W
22"
(559 mm) 25.00 x 61.50 x 3.05 inches (616 x 1543.1 x 77.5 mm)
Cutout: 24.25" x 60.75"
50 lb
(22.7 kg) 75 W
Refer to the Shop Drawings in Appendix A for additional mounting details.

2.2 Installation
Mechanical installation for the drop-in models typically consists of inserting the
display into an opening in a large sign and securing it with mounting clips. Follow
these specific steps for installing the display cabinet into the sign.
Figure 5: Installing Display in Curved Sign
1. Remove the curved plastic face unit from the sign.
2. Cut a rectangular opening in the sign face, centered between the retainers.
Use the dimensions in the appropriate shop drawing or the previous chart as
a reference for the size of the opening.
3. Test-fit the display in the opening.
4. Once the fit is correct, install the nuts on the screws to attach the display to
the sign. Leave these somewhat loose to allow for the curve of the cabinet.
5. Refer to Section 3 for power and signal connections. Make those
connections before re-installing the sign face.
6. Re-install the plastic face with display in the sign.
Gasoline Price
2-2

Section 3: Electrical Installation
Electrical installation consists of the following processes, as shown 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 3-1

3.1 Power Installation
Only qualified individuals should perform power routing and
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.
Reference Drawing:
Wiring Schematic, DF-2000/4000 Series...........................Drawing A-263988
Daktronics DataMaster displays have been designed for simple hook-up of power
and signal. Correct power installation is imperative for proper display operation.
Only qualified individuals should attempt to complete the electrical installation;
untrained personnel should not attempt to install these displays or any of the
electrical components. 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
Reference Drawing:
Wiring Schematic, DF-2000/4000 Series...........................Drawing A-263988
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 Schematic Drawing
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.
Electrical Installation
3-2

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.
Power Disconnect
The National Electrical Code requires the use of a lockable power disconnect within
sight of or at the display. The use of a disconnect also significantly protects the
circuits against lightning damage. 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 control console 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 console'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. 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
Electrical Installation 3-3

3.2 Signal Connection
LED Drivers
Reference Drawing:
Specifications; Gas Price Driver, 4 Col.........................Drawing A-250728
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.
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
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.
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 8). 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.
Figure 8: Driver
Address Dip Switch Settings
Every driver, either host or client, must have a unique address.
The address is set by moving the individual switches in the eight-
position dip switch case located on the driver (Figure 9).
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.
Electrical Installation
3-4
Figure 9: Dip Switches

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 Revision number of software
XLY X = sign #; L is constant, Y = line #
Electrical Installation 3-5

Section 4: Maintenance 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 pinpoint the problems and find solutions.
4.1 Component Location and Access
Two methods are available to access the components of these displays, depending on
the tasks that need to be accomplished. Refer to Figure 10.
•Back panel removal: The back panel may be taken off if the digits or
driver need to be removed or if the transformer must be accessed. To do
this, open the six latches by turning the latch access screws counter-
clockwise.
•Access panel removal: If the driver needs to be accessed but not removed,
the access panel may be opened. Remove the two screws holding it in place.
Note: Disconnect power before servicing the display. Disconnect power, also,
when the display is not in use. Prolonged power-on may shorten the life of some
electronic components.
Figure 10: Back Access Options
Maintenance and Troubleshooting 4-1

The internal components of the display are located as shown in Figure 11. Note that
the transformer is attached to the back panel. The driver is mounted between two
digit boards. The power hook-up pigtail will be connected to the power source
wiring with wire nuts.
Figure 11: Inside Views of Front and Back Panels
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 12 for their
location. These LEDs can help pinpoint problems with driver set-up or
operation.
The LEDs give the following information:
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
4-2
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.
Figure 12: Driver Diagnostics
Information shown
on display Meaning of information
rNN Revision number of software
XLY X = sign #; L is constant, Y = line #

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
•Power incorrectly set up.
•Addresses not set correctly.
•Open display with host driver
and check Power LED
(Section 4.2).
•Check each driver to verify
correct address settings
(Section 3.2).
Multiple line sign
with all lines
showing same
prices
•Addresses not set
correctly.
•Set up different address for
each line of sign (Section 3.2).
Digit will not light •Black wire to digit broken.
•Poor contact at driver
connection.
•Driver malfunction.
•Replace harness.
•Clean contacts.
•Replace driver.
Segment or several
LEDs will not light
•Broken LEDs.
•Driver failure.
•Broken wire between
driver and digit.
•Poor contact at driver
connector.
•Replace segment or digit.
•Replace driver.
•Replace harness.
•Clean contact or replace
harness.
Segment or digit
stays lit
•Driver failure.
•Short circuit on digit.
•Replace driver.
•Replace harness.
Data appears in the
wrong place on the
sign
•Signal connections are
not correct.
•Reconnect signal wiring to
drivers (Section 3.2).
Data appears on the
wrong line of the
display
•Incorrect address settings
on drivers.
•Change addresses on drivers
(Section 3.2).
Display shows "E4". •No Message Error: This
code is shown when no
messages are
downloaded to the
display.
•Download a new message to
the display using the <UPDATE
DISPLAY> key on the
DataMaster 100 controller.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting 4-3