Daktronics Venus 1500 User manual

Venus 1500 Radio – Gen 2
Operation Manual
ED-13932 Rev 6 28 August 2007
Website: www.daktronics.com
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
331 32nd Ave, PO Box 5128, Brookings SD 57006

ED-13932
Product 1146
Rev 6 – 28 August 2007
DAKTRONICS, INC.
Copyright ©2002-2007
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 hereon may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means – graphic,
electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, taping, or information storage and retrieval
systems – without written permission of the publisher.
Venus®is a registered trademark of Daktronics, Inc. All others are trademarks of their respective
companies.

Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction.................................................................................................................3
1.1 Safety Precautions...................................................................................................................3
1.2 Component Identification......................................................................................................3
1.3 Site Selection............................................................................................................................5
1.4 Line-Of-Sight ...........................................................................................................................5
1.5 Antenna Orientation...............................................................................................................6
1.6 Channel Number.....................................................................................................................6
1.7 Baud Rate .................................................................................................................................7
Section 2: Installation Guidelines...............................................................................................9
2.1 Site Survey ...............................................................................................................................9
2.2 Server Radio Installation........................................................................................................9
2.3 Installing a Server Radio........................................................................................................9
Direct Server Installation ..............................................................................................10
Server Installation via Modem.....................................................................................12
2.4 Installing the Client Radio...................................................................................................14
Display with Quick-connect Option ...........................................................................14
Display without Quick-connect Option......................................................................15
2.5 Multi-Client Radio Installations .........................................................................................16
2.6 Indoor Server Radio Installation.........................................................................................17
Installing an Indoor Server Radio ...............................................................................17
2.7 Indoor Radio Server Board..................................................................................................20
2.8 Signal Termination between Two Displays ......................................................................20
Primary - Mirror.............................................................................................................20
Primary – Primary Signal Termination.......................................................................21
Section 3: Maintenance and Troubleshooting.........................................................................23
3.1 Service and Diagnostics .......................................................................................................23
Addressing......................................................................................................................23
Server/Client Selection.................................................................................................23
Signal Strength Mode....................................................................................................24
Reconfiguration..............................................................................................................24
Client Cable Connection ...............................................................................................25
3.2 Troubleshooting ....................................................................................................................26
3.3 Loop-back Test ......................................................................................................................27
Conducting the Venus 1500 Software Test.................................................................27
3.4 Replacement Parts ................................................................................................................29
3.5 Daktronics Exchange and Repair & Return Programs ....................................................30
Exchange Program.........................................................................................................30
Repair & Return Program.............................................................................................31
Appendix A: Reference Drawings ....................................................................................................33
Table of Contents i

Section 1: Introduction
This manual provides installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting information for Daktronics
Venus 1500 Radio, Generation 2. For questions regarding the installation, operation, or service of this
system, please refer to the contact information listed on the cover page of this manual.
1.1 Safety Precautions
•Read and understand these instructions before installing.
•Be sure the display and radio enclosures are properly grounded with an earth-
grounding electrode.
•Disconnect power when servicing the display or radios.
•Do not modify the display structure or attach any panels or coverings to the
display without the written consent of Daktronics, Inc.
1.2 Component Identification
Client Radio: This radio must be mounted within 25 feet (8 m) of the display. It
communicates with the display via RS-232 signal. Power is provided by the display. A client
radio is shown in Figure 1.
Server Radio: This radio is connected to the control computer, sending information to the
display via the client radio. It is connected to the computer either directly or through a J-
box/signal converter. Server radios may be either outdoor or indoor types. An outdoor
server is shown in Figure 2.
Figure 1: Client Radio
Figure 2: Server Radio
Radio Channel: The channel set on the radios must be the same for all radios within the
same network. The default channel is 67, which corresponds to address 0 on the radio hex
dial.
Introduction 3

J-box/Signal Converter: In the case of Venus 1500-controlled
radios, a J-box/signal converter is used to send RS4-22 signal and
power to the server radio. The signal converter will be one of two
types: one that accepts serial information from a computer via
RS-232 and one that accepts RS-232 information and a modem or
dial-up input. The same J-box/signal converter (Figure 3) is used
with both the indoor and outdoor server radios.
Figure 3: J-box/Signal
Converter
RS-232: RS-232 is a standard PC communication type with a
maximum cable length of 25 feet (8 m). The output of the client
radio is RS-232.
RS-422: RS-422 is a standard differential communication type
with a maximum cable length between the J-box/signal converter
and the serial radio of 1000 feet (300 m).
Signal Strength Indicator: The server and client radios have
eight LEDs that are used to display signal strength. Refer to the left side of Figure 4.The
number of LEDs that are lit on the client radio indicates the signal strength, with eight being
full strength and one indicating a weak signal. The specific address needs to be set on the
server radio to display signal strength, as explained in Section 3.1.
Figure 4: Outdoor Server/Client Radio Board Layout
4Introduction

1.3 Site Selection
Due to the uncertainties associated with radio communication, it is recommended that the
radios be temporarily installed to check signal strength and consistency of communication.
Once the radios have proven reliable in a location, they can be mounted permanently.
The performance of high-frequency radios may be diminished by obstructions that impede
the signal. Therefore, a clear line-of-sight between antennas is required for optimum
performance at maximum range. Refer to Figure 5.
Obstructions that interfere with radio signal include but are not limited to:
•Electrical interference from power lines or street lights close to radio locations.
•Physical features, such as hills, large buildings, or trees.
•Telephone, radio, television towers, etc. in the immediate area.
•Two-way radios or other communication equipment used at the business.
•Transmission through glass, especially security glass, and communication through a
doorway in indoor installations.
If the radios are not working at optimal performance levels, communication may be slowed
or even lost. In addition, weather conditions, such as strong winds, rain, or snow may
adversely affect the communication signal. The type of message sent can also affect the time
needed to download to the display, with graphic frames and animations taking greater time
than simple text messages.
Figure 5: Good Site and Obstructed Site
1.4 Line-Of-Sight
The radios operate at 2.4 GHz. Radio waves at high frequencies such as this travel in a nearly
straight line-of-sight path. To relay strong signal, the radio antennas that communicate with
each other must be free of any obstructions. Refer to Figure 5.
To achieve optimal performance, the radios must meet the following criteria:
•A clear line-of-sight path among all antennas that communicate directly with each
other. Some obstruction may be tolerated in short range, but it is difficult to predict
the performance if the signal is obstructed.
•A maximum distance of 500 feet (150 m) indoors and 1,500 feet (450 m) outdoors
between server and client radios. The signal strength indicator LEDs will show the
maximum range of the radios possible in a specific location.
•All antennas be properly oriented. The antennas distributed with the radio are dipole
antennas that must be oriented in a parallel position for maximum performance.
•The presence of other radio signals may also cause interference if they are located in
or near the line-of-sight.
Introduction 5

1.5 Antenna Orientation
The radios come with high quality dipole antennas. Dipole antennas perform the best when
information is being received on the broadside of the antenna. To maximize the performance,
mount the radios so that their antennas are in an upright position and are on equal
elevations.
Figure 6: Correct/Incorrect Antenna Orientation
An inclination of more than 45 degrees from a perfect parallel position may reduce the
performance of the radios by more than half. However, dipole antennas are not directional
and will transmit signal equally for 360 degrees around the antenna.
A difference in elevation may be allowed depending on the distance and orientation of the
antennas. If both antennas are angled at 45 degrees, performance can again be maximized.
Refer to Figure 7 for details.
Figure 7: Correct Antenna Orientation at Elevations
1.6 Channel Number
The channel number is a parameter that must be the same for all server and client radios in
the same network. Each product line will have a set of channels on which the radios may
operate. The Venus 1500 radio can operate on channels 67-74. The default channel is 67,
which corresponds to address 0 on the radio’s hex dial. To change the radio address, refer to
Section 3.1.
6Introduction

1.7 Baud Rate
If a modem is used for signal transmission, the baud rate must also be the same for all the
server and client radios in the same network. This parameter will also be unique to each
product line. The Venus 1500 radio default configuration is 19200, and has been set prior to
shipment.
Introduction 7