Daktronics SI-32 User manual

201 Daktronics Drive
Brookings, SD 57006-5128
www.daktronics.com/support
800.325.8766
SI-32 INTERFACE
DISPLAY MANUAL
P1146
28 February 2018
ED-10606
Rev 5

Copyright © 2018
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.
Daktronics trademarks are property of Daktronics, Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective companies.

– i –
Table of Contents
1 Introduction.........................................1
How to Use This Manual ............................1
Product Description...................................2
Denitions ...................................................2
2 Mechanical and Electrical
Installation ...........................................4
Mechanical Installation ............................4
Computer to SI-32 Connections ..............4
RS232 System ..........................................4
RS422 System ..........................................5
Switches to SI-32.....................................6
SPST .......................................................6
SPDT ......................................................7
Momentary ..........................................7
BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) ...........8
Rotary ...................................................9
3 Version 3 Software Operation..........10
Using the Venus®1500 Version 3 Software.
...................................................................10
Using the Switch Interface......................10
SI-32 Mode Setup ..............................12
Toggle Mode .....................................12
SPST Switch .........................................12
SPDT Switch ........................................12
Momentary Mode ...................................13
BCD Mode (Binary Coded Decimal) ....13
Connecting Two SI-32 Units ....................14
SI-32 Setup ................................................14
4 Version 4 Software Operation..........15
Using the Venus®1500 Version 4 Software
...................................................................15
Using the Switch Interface......................15
SI-32 Mode Setup .................................16
Toggle Mode.........................................16
SPST Switch ............................................16
SPDT Switch............................................16
Momentary Mode ...................................17
BCD Mode (Binary Coded Decimal) ....17
Connecting Two SI-32 Units ....................18
SI-32 Setup ................................................18
5 Maintenance and Troubleshooting ....
............................................................19
Getting Started ........................................19
Technical Specications .........................19
LED Functions ...........................................19
Routine/Preventative Maintenance .....20
Troubleshooting .......................................21
Replacements Parts List ..........................22
Daktronics Exchange and Repair &
Return Programs ......................................22
Exchange Program ..............................22
Repair & Return Program .....................23
Shipping Address..................................23
Email ......................................................23
A Reference Drawings .........................25

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Introduction
1
1 Introduction
Reference Drawings:
System Riser Diagram: Single Pole (SP)............................................................. DWG-093476
System Riser Diagram: Momentary................................................................... DWG-096221
System Riser Diagram: BCD Switch................................................................... DWG-096315
System Riser Diagram: Rotary............................................................................ DWG-097099
How to Use This Manual
This manual explains the installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of
the SI-32 (Switch Interface - 32 Input). For questions regarding the safety, installation,
operation, or service of this system, please refer to the telephone numbers listed on the
cover page of this manual.
Important Safeguards:
1. Read and understand these instructions before installing.
2. Do not drop the SI-32 or allow it to get wet.
3. Be sure the display is properly grounded.
4. Disconnect power to the sign when it is not in use.
5. Disconnect power when servicing the sign.
The manual contains ve sections: Introduction, Mechanical and Electrical Installation,
Operation, Maintenance and Troubleshooting, and Reference Drawings.
• Introduction covers the basic information needed to make the most of the rest
of this manual. Take time to read the entire introduction as it denes terms and
explains concepts used throughout the manual.
• Mechanical and Electrical Installation provides general guidance on terminating
power and signal cable at the sign.
• Operation provides general information on using the Venus®1500 Software with
the Switch Interface, and the type of switch modes.
• Maintenance and Troubleshooting addresses such topics as care of the unit,
troubleshooting the unit, and performing general maintenance.
• Reference Drawings includes the drawings referenced in this manual.
Daktronics identies manuals by the ED or DD number located on the cover page of
each manual. For example, this manual is referred to as ED-10606.
Figure 1 illustrates Daktronics’ drawing numbering system. This number is located in the
lower-right corner of the drawing. The manual refers to drawings by listing the last ve
digits and the letter preceding them. In the example below, the drawing would be
referred to as DWG-069945.
Figure 1: Drawing Label

Introduction
2
Product Description
The SI-32 is a 32 input message selector for Daktronics DataTracTM and Galaxy®displays.
This unit provides 32 optically isolated inputs. Two SI-32 units can be chained together to
provide for a total of 60 isolated inputs.
The 32 input switch interface (SI-32) controls what preprogrammed messages, created
using the Venus®1500 Software, appear on the display. These messages must exist at
the display for the SI-32 to run them. Refer to the proper display manual for questions
regarding the display. Refer to the Venus®1500 Software Manual for information on
message editing.
Denitions
BCD: A BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) is a switch with multiple contacts. When a number is
selected, the corresponding BCD combination of contacts is closed.
Momentary: Momentary is a type of switch with two terminals and one movable contact.
When the switch is depressed, the contact closes the two terminals. When the switch is
released, the contact opens the two terminals
Network: A network consists of multiple displays connected to each other. Up to 240
Venus®1500 controlled displays can exist on one network.
RS232: RS232 is a standard PC communication type with a maximum cable length of 25
feet (7.62 meters).
RS422: RS422 is a standard differential communication type with a maximum cable
length of 4000 feet (1.2 kilometers).
Sign Address: The sign address is an identication number assigned to each sign of a
network. The Venus®1500 Software uses the address to locate and communicate with
each display. Signs on the same network cannot use the same address.
SPDT: A SPDT (Single Pole, Double Throw) is a type of switch action found on many types
of switches. A SPDT switch has three (3) terminals and one movable contact that make a
connection between two (2) terminals at a time. A SPDT switch controls two circuits.
Figure 2: SI-32 Switch Interface

Introduction
3
SPST: A SPST (Single Pole, Single Throw) is a type of switch action found on many types
of switches. A SPST switch has two (2) terminals and one movable contact that make a
connection between terminals when switched on. A SPST switch controls one circuit.
Venus®1500 Version 3 Software: The Venus®1500 Version 3 Software is a Daktronics
designed, Windows®based software used to make and edit display messages. The
Venus®1500 operating Version 3 software requires Windows®98, NT 4.0, Windows®2000, or
Windows®XP Home/Professional with the most current updates installed.
Venus®1500 Version 4 Software: The Venus®1500 Version 4 Software is a Daktronics
designed, Windows®based software used to make and edit display messages. The
Venus®1500 operating Version 4 software requires Windows®XP Home/Professional,
Windows®Vista™, or Windows®7 with the most current updates installed.

Mechanical and Electrical Installation
4
2 Mechanical and Electrical Installation
Reference Drawings:
System Riser: Signal Pole .................................................................................... DWG-093476
System Riser: Momentary................................................................................... DWG-096221
System Riser: BCD Switch ................................................................................... DWG-096315
System Riser: Rotary............................................................................................ DWG-097099
OSI-32 Wiring Diagram ....................................................................................... DWG-097134
Mechanical Installation
The switch interface should be
mounted near the operator. It
can be placed on a desktop
or hung from a wall nearby.
Refer to Figure 3 for the
mounting hole conguration
on the back of the interface.
Computer to SI-32
Connections
RS232 System
A RS232 system connects the
SI-32 directly to the computer
with an adapter.
1. Plug the 9-pin or 25-
pin DB to RJ11 adaptor
(depending on your PC) to
the PC’s RS232 serial COM
port.
2. Plug one end of the phone cable into the adapter and the opposite end into the
“RS232 IN” jack on the SI-32.
3. Indoor Displays: Use a ipped 24 AWG phone cable to connect the display to the
RS422 output (J3).
Figure 3: Switch Interface Mounting Hole Locations

Mechanical and Electrical Installation
5
4. Outdoor displays: Use a 6-conductor cable from the SI-32 (TB9) to the RS422 IN at the
display. The signal cable will be wired one-to-one from the SI-32 to the display input.
(See your display installation manual for RS422 input location.)
5. Connect additional displays as described in the display’s installation manual.
RS422 System
A RS422 system requires a signal converter to connect the SI-32 to the computer. This
provides up to 4000 feet between the SI-32 and the computer.
1. Plug the serial cable’s DB25 pin connector into the signal converter.
2. Plug the DB9 connector into the RS232 COM port being used. If your computer has a
DB25, use the DB9 to DB25 adaptor.
3. Plug the signal converter’s power cord into a 120 VAC grounded outlet.
4. Plug a ipped phone cable into the “RS422 OUT” (J2) of the signal converter and the
opposite end into the “RS422 IN” (J2) of the SI-32.
5. Indoor Displays: Use a ipped 24 AWG phone cable to connect the display to the
RS422 output (J3).
Figure 4: RS232 Layout

Mechanical and Electrical Installation
6
6. Outdoor displays: Use a 6-conductor cable from the SI-32 (TB9) to the RS422 IN at the
display. The signal cable will be wired one-to-one from the SI-32 to the display input.
(See your display installation manual for RS422 input location.)
7. Connect additional displays per your display’s installation manual.
Switches to SI-32
The switches are NOT supplied by Daktronics.
Note: Each switch input has a P and an N connection, which are connected to an
internal +5V and ground respectively.
Note: Set the DIP switch to the correct setting before powering up the switch
interface. The switch setting is only recognized on boot-up. If you change the
switch setting, recycle power to the unit.
SPST
Each SPST switch connects to
one switch input and controls
one message. Refer to the OSI-
32 Wiring Diagram.
1. Connect one N.O.
(Normally Open) terminal
of the SPST switch to SW1-P
and connect the other C
(Closed) terminal to SW1-N
as shown in Figure 6.
2. Connect all other SPST
switches per Step 1.
Figure 5: RS422 Layout
Figure 6: SPST Mode Connection (Toggle Switch Shown)

Mechanical and Electrical Installation
7
SPDT
Each SPDT switch connects to
two switch inputs and controls
two messages. Refer to Figure 7
and the following steps for SPDT
switch wiring.
1. Connect one outer N.O.
(Normally Open) terminal of
the SPDT switch to SW1-P.
2. Connect the center
(common) terminal to
SW1-N.
3. Connect the other outer
(N.O.) terminal to SW2-P.
4. Connect all other SPDT switches per Steps 1 through 3.
Momentary
Each momentary switch
connects to one switch input
and controls one message.
1. Connect one N.O. (Normally
Open) terminal of the
momentary switch to SW1-P
and connect the other C
(Closed) terminal to SW1-N
as shown in Figure 8.
2. Connect all other
momentary switches per
Step 1.
Figure 7: SPDT Mode Connection (Toggle Switch Shown)
Figure 8: Momentary Mode Connection (Toggle Switch
Shown)

Mechanical and Electrical Installation
8
BCD (Binary Coded Decimal)
Each BCD switch connects to eight switch inputs and controls 32 messages. Connect the
terminals of the BCD switch to SI-32 as shown in the tables and refer to Figure 9 for BCD
switch wiring.
Tens Digit SI
8 SW1-P
4 SW2-P
2 SW3-P
1 SW4-P
C SW4-N
Ones Digit SI
8 SW5-P
4 SW6-P
2 SW7-P
1 SW8-P
C SW8-N
Figure 9: BCD Mode Connection

Mechanical and Electrical Installation
9
Rotary
Each rotary switch can connect to several switch inputs. A rotary switch can operate in
either single pole or momentary mode. Refer to Figure 10.
1. Connect the common pin to any SW_-N.
2. Connect each terminal to a SW_-P as shown below.
Rotary Switch
C
1
2
3
...
SI-32
SW1-N OR
SW2-N...
SW1-P
SW2-P
SW3-P
...
Figure 10: Rotary Switch Connection

Version 3 Software Operation
10
3 Version 3 Software Operation
Using the Venus®1500 Version 3 Software
Refer to the Venus®1500 Version 3 Operation Manual for the operation of the Venus®
message programming software.
Using the Switch Interface
Messages are created using the Venus®1500 Software. All switch interface controlled
messages must be located in a library called “SWITCH”, and be named “MSG001”
through “MSG032.” MSG001 is the message for SW1, MSG002, is the message for SW2, etc.
This allows the switch interface to determine what message to run for each switch.
The messages will be stored at the display only. When the switch to run the message
is closed, the corresponding message will run. The Venus®1500 Software will show the
messages as stored messages, except for those that are currently running.

Version 3 Software Operation
11
Each display wired to the switch interface must have a unique address. The switch
interface will broadcast a RUN or STOP command to all sign addresses on the network.
The switch interface cannot pick individual displays to run separate messages. i.e. The
operator cannot run MSG001 on display 1, MSG004 on display 2 if both displays have
both messages, etc. Closing the switch to run MSG001 will run MSG001 on all the displays
that have MSG001, regardless of the display’s address.
Up to 32 messages can be run simultaneously using one SI-32. However this number is
subject to the display’s memory capacity and the size of the messages. Refer to switch
modes for exact operation.
If two SI-32 units are chained together, potentially up to 60 messages could be run at the
display. However, several display types have limits on the number of running and stored
messages at the display. See table below for the number of messages for your display.
Sign Type Stored
Messages
Running
Messages
DataTrac 60 32
Infonet 60 32
Galaxy (MDC) 32 32
Galaxy (M2) 60 60
Many different displays sizes or technologies may be used. A message (MSG001) need
not be the same message on every display. However, it must have the same name
(MSG001) and switch library for the switch to activate it.

Version 3 Software Operation
12
SI-32 Mode Setup
The SI-32 has a DIP switch to
select different operating
modes. The location of the DIP
switches is shown in Figure 11.
Unplug the SI-32 power cord
before removing the panel. Set
the DIP switches to the required
mode noted in Using the Switch
Interface.
Toggle Mode
Toggle mode is based on the
action of a switch contact
closing or opening.
• If switch contact X is
closed, message X
will be continuously
displayed.
• If switch contact X is opened, message
X will be blanked on the display.
• If multiple switch contacts are closed,
the messages will cycle through in
the same order the switch contacts
were closed. When cycling, the time
each message remains displayed is
determined by the hold time congured
using the Venus®1500 Software.
When using toggle mode, set all the DIP
switches to the “OFF” position as shown in
Figure 12.
SPST Switch
SPST mode will control one message per switch. When a switch is turned on, the
corresponding message will run until that switch is turned off. When multiple switches are
activated, each message will run in the same order the switches were activated until the
switches are turned off.
SPDT Switch
SPDT mode will control two messages per switch. Each switch has two “ON” settings (one
for each of two messages). When a switch is set to either “ON” position, it will run that
message until set to “OFF,” or when the adjacent message is run. Multiple messages can
be selected, but not both messages on the same switch.
Figure 11: SI-32 DIP Switch Location
Figure 12: SI-32 DIP Switch Settings: Toggle
Mode

Version 3 Software Operation
13
Momentary Mode
Momentary mode is based on the action of a switch contact closing.
• If switch contact X is closed, message
X will be displayed for the hold time
congured using the Venus®1500
Software. Upon completion of this hold
time, the message will be automatically
blanked on the display.
• If multiple switch contacts are closed,
each message will be displayed once in
the same order the switch contacts were
closed for the duration of its hold time.
When using momentary mode, set DIP switch S1 to the “ON” position. All other switches
should be set to “OFF.” Refer to Figure 13 for the momentary mode DIP switch settings.
BCD Mode (Binary Coded Decimal)
BCD mode allows only one message to be
displayed at a time. If a number is selected, that
message will be continuously displayed. Upon
selecting a new number, the previous message
will be blanked on the display and the new
message will be continuously displayed until
another number is selected.
When using BCD mode, there are two DIP switch
settings dependent on the type of BCD switch
used. The two types are settings of Normal and
Complementary.
When using Normal BCD switches, set DIP switch
S2 to the “ON” position. All other switches should
be set to “OFF.” Refer to Figure 14 for the Normal
BCD mode DIP switch settings.
When using Complementary BCD switches, set
DIP switch S3 to the “ON” position. All remaining
switches should be set to “OFF.” Refer to Figure 15
for the Complementary BCD mode DIP switch
settings.
Figure 13: SI-32 DIP Switch Settings:
Momentary Mode
Figure 14: SI-32 DIP Switch Settings:
Normal BCD Mode
Figure 15: SI-32 DIP Switch Settings:
Complementary BCD Mode

Version 3 Software Operation
14
Connecting Two SI-32 Units
By chaining two SI-32 units together, there are a total of 60 switches available. To operate
correctly, the following conditions need to be observed:
1. The rst SI-32 will control switches 1-32 and the second will control switches 33-60.
2. DIP switch four will be set on one unit, so that the units can be used together.
3. On each SI-32, set the DIP switch for the mode of that unit.
4. In most cases, the two units must be set to the same mode. Only when using toggle
and momentary modes, can two different modes be set.
5. Both units cannot be used to send a switch command to the displays at the exact
same time.
SI-32 Setup
1. Connect from the computer to the rst
SI-32 at J1, RS232 IN.
2. Using a ipped RJ11 cable, connect
from J3 (RS422 OUT) on the rst SI-32 to J2
(RS422 IN) on the second SI-32.
3. From the second SI-32, connect to the
display.
4. When chaining the SI-32 units, set DIP
switch S4 to the “ON” position on one
unit. Refer to Figure 17 for the DIP switch
setting.
Figure 16: SI-32 Connections
Figure 17: SI-32 Setup

Version 4 Software Operation
15
4 Version 4 Software Operation
Using the Venus®1500 Version 4 Software
Refer to the Venus®1500 Version 4 Operation Manual for the operation of the Venus®
message programming software.
Using the Switch Interface
Messages are created using the Venus®1500 Software. All switch interface controlled
messages must be located in a library called “SWITCH”, and be named “MSG001”
through “MSG032.” MSG001 is the message for SW1, MSG002, is the message for SW2, etc.
This allows the switch interface to determine what message to run for each switch.
The messages will be stored at the display only. When the switch to run the message
is closed, the corresponding message will run. The Venus®1500 Software will show the
messages as stored messages, except for those that are currently running.
Each display wired to the switch interface must have a unique address. The switch
interface will broadcast a RUN or STOP command to all sign addresses on the network.
The switch interface cannot pick individual displays to run separate messages. The
operator cannot run MSG001 on display 1, MSG004 on display 2 if both displays have
both messages, etc. Closing the switch to run MSG001 will run MSG001 on all the displays
that have MSG001, regardless of the display’s address.
Up to 32 messages can be run simultaneously using one SI-32. However this number is
subject to the display’s memory capacity and the size of the messages. Refer to switch
modes for exact operation.
If two SI-32 units are chained together, potentially up to 60 messages could be run at
the display. However, several display types have limits on the number of running and
stored messages at the display. See the table below for the number of messages for your
display.
Sign Type Stored Messages Running Messages
Galaxy®(M2) 60 60
Galaxy®(M3) 60 60
Many different displays sizes or technologies may be used. A message (MSG001) need
not be the same message on every display. However, it must have the same name
(MSG001) and switch library for the switch to activate it.

Version 4 Software Operation
16
SI-32 Mode Setup
The SI-32 has a DIP switch to select different operating modes. The location of the DIP
switches is shown in Figure 18.
Unplug the SI-32 power cord before removing the panel. Set the DIP switches to the
required mode noted in Using the Switch Interface.
Toggle Mode
Toggle mode is based on the action of a switch contact closing or opening.
• If switch contact X is closed, message X
will be continuously displayed.
• If switch contact X is opened, message X
will be blanked on the display.
• If multiple switch contacts are closed, the
messages will cycle through in the same
order the switch contacts were closed.
When cycling, the time each message
remains displayed is determined by the
hold time congured using the Venus®
1500 Software.
When using toggle mode, set all the DIP switches to the “OFF” position; refer to Figure 19.
SPST Switch
SPST mode will control one message per switch. When a switch is turned on, the
corresponding message will run until that switch is turned off. When multiple switches are
activated, each message will run in the same order the switches were activated until the
switches are turned off.
SPDT Switch
SPDT mode will control two messages per switch. Each switch has two “ON” settings (one
for each of two messages). When a switch is set to either “ON” position, it will run that
message until set to “OFF,” or when the adjacent message is run. Multiple messages can
be selected, but not both messages on the same switch.
Figure 18: SI-32 DIP Switch Location
Figure 19: SI-32 DIP Switch Settings:
Toggle Mode