VARSITY Scoreboards VSBX-744LED User manual

1
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
FOR
Model VSBX-744LED
www.varsityscoreboards.com

2
Table of Contents
DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
THE SCOREBOARD SYSTEM SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING PARTS: ............................. 3
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPORTING SHIPPING DAMAGE ......................................................................... 3
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................... 4
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................................................................................. 4
Overall D mens ons: ........................................................................................................................................... 4
We ght: .................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Mount ng Requ rements: ................................................................................................................................. 4
Power Requ rements: ....................................................................................................................................... 4
Commun cat on Cable Requ rements (for cable-controlled systems only): .............................. 5
DETERMINING LOCATION AND ORIENTATION ....................................................................................... 5
Helpful Installat on T ps: ................................................................................................................................. 5
INSTALLING THE MOUNTING POLES/BEAMS .......................................................................................... 5
DETERMINING INSTALLATION TYPE ........................................................................................................... 6
ASSEMBLING AND MOUNTING THE SCOREBOARD ............................................................................... 7
Installat on Type B: ............................................................................................................................................ 9
RUNNING/CONNECTING THE CONTROL CABLE .................................................................................. 11
At the scorekeeper’s locat on: .................................................................................................................... 11
At the scoreboard: ........................................................................................................................................... 12
RUNNING & CONNECTING THE ELECTRIC SERVICE .......................................................................... 13
TESTING THE INSTALLED SYSTEM ............................................................................................................ 13
Connect ng cable-controlled systems: .................................................................................................... 14
Connect ng w reless systems: ..................................................................................................................... 14
Test ng the scoreboard system n d agnost c mode: ........................................................................ 14
IMPORTANT! ......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Warranty Act vat on/Installat on & Complet on S gn Off Sheet ..................................................... 15

3
DESCRIPTION
MODEL VSBX-744LED
OUTDOOR SCOREBOARD
NOTE TO INSTALLERS: PLEASE RETURN THIS MANUAL TO THE INDIVIDUAL IN CHARGE OF THE
SCOREBOARD UPON COMPLETION OF INSTALLATION.
The scoreboard and all accompanying accessories have been carefully inspected and tested before
leaving the factory. However, it is possible for damage to have occurred during shipping. Therefore,
we ask that you inspect all shipping containers upon arrival for damage and ensure that you have all
of the parts listed below. If you find that damage has occurred during shipping: DO NOT refuse the
shipment, follow the instructions for filing a freight damage claim found below, and notify the
manufacturer immediately.
THE SCOREBOARD SYSTEM SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING PARTS:
ITEMS IN LARGE PACKAGE
(1) 8’ x 24’ scoreboard; shipped in six (6) sections
ITEMS IN ACCESSORY BAG
(1) Keyboard controller with keypad inserts
(1) 12-volt DC wall transformer
(1) CD ROM (including installation, operation, maintenance, warranty, and support information)
Cable-controlled systems (standard):
(1) Junction box cover with built-in 5-pin din socket
(1) 20-ft. din cable with male 5-pin plugs
(1) 150' roll of control cable or longer if customer specified
For wireless systems (Optional):
(1) Wireless transmitter with interface cable
(1) Keyboard mounting bracket for transmitter
Optional parts:
(1) Internal Battery Pack for LCD Keyboard Controller
NOTE: INSTALLATION HARDWARE NOT SUPPLIED. CHECK LOCAL CODE FOR
REQUIREMENTS. ANCHORS, BOLTS, CHAINS, CABLES AND RELATED HARDWARE MUST
MEET MINIMUM WEIGHT REQUIREMENTS.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR REPORTING SHIPPING DAMAGE
Shipping damage must be noted at the time of delivery. Consignee must note on the “Delivery
Receipt” form DAMAGED. Please make notations of the type of damage to the freight and to the
packaging. Ask the delivery driver to call the local terminal and report immediately. The shipper is not
responsible for the shipments that are not signed for as damaged upon arrival. Please contact the
manufacturer immediately to report. The shipper is responsible for filing the claim, unless shipped 3
rd
party.
If damage is discovered after delivery, call the delivery company to report the concealed damage and
please call the manufacturer immediately to report. Concealed damage must be reported within 5

4
days after the delivery date. If the damages are found after this time, the manufacturer will not be
responsible.
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
This manual will walk you through the installation of the scoreboard. While care has been
taken to consider the many scenarios for installation, some general information applies to all. Use this
guide as closely as possible to ensure proper installation, as follows:
1. Review the product specifications below to determine your specific installation hardware.
2. Mount the scoreboard to the wall or suspend it from a ceiling structure.
3. Install the electrical service for the scoreboard and the controller.
4. Install the control cable for cable-controlled systems. No additional installation is necessary
for Wireless Remote Control systems.
5. Install any options, such as sponsor panels or protective nets, according to the installation
instructions included with each option package.
6. Test the installed system.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Overall Dimensions:
8’-0” tall x 24’-0” long x 8” deep, shipped in six (6) sections
Weight:
Hanging weight approx. 1510 lbs.
Shipping weight approx. 1560 lbs.
Mounting Requirements:
(3) 8” steel I-beams (W8 X 31), or (3) 8” OD galvanized steel poles (schedule 40)
Power Requirements:
Scoreboard:
•1 - 120-volt, 20-amp, 60 Hz grounded AC circuit. Ideally, this will be a dedicated circuit.
•Access must be provided to turn off the power to the scoreboard after each use. Failure
to turn off the power to the scoreboard could affect the functionality of the scoreboard;
such as from a power surge or lightning strike.
•It is important to utilize the equipment ground inside the scoreboard cabinet at the utility
box provided for the AC power connection.
Keyboard controller:
•1 - 120-volt, 15-amp, 60 Hz grounded AC circuit - standard wall receptacle.

5
Communication Cable Requirements (for cable-controlled systems only):
Four conductor cable – 28 gauge, twisted pair (two pairs), shielded data cable.
DETERMINING LOCATION AND ORIENTATION
The scoreboard should be positioned so that the greatest number of spectators can easily view it.
Also, consider the best orientation of the scoreboard should the system be used to score a daytime or
afternoon game. The scoreboard should be positioned so that sunlight does not glare off of its face.
In the U.S., placement on the South or West side of the field is recommended. Consult with the local
building or zoning department before final determination and installing the scoreboard.
Helpful Installation Tips:
1. When removing the scoreboard from its packaging, do not pry against or cut into the
scoreboard. Cut the packing straps and remove the box.
2. Inspect the unit for shipping damage according to the instructions on page 1.
3. Each piece of the provided 12’ X 3” angle iron has two holes provided for a lifting shackle or
clevis. Choose two of the 12’ angle iron as the top mounting angle iron. Ensure that the pin
for your clevis will pass through those holes. If not, it is easier to make changes before
going further, whether a smaller clevis or a larger hole is required.
4. When installing the poles/I-beams that support the scoreboard, it is important to keep the
spacing accurate and the faces straight. If you are using beams, a good way to keep the
faces straight is to clamp a length of the 3” X 12’ angle to the first and middle beams and
the middle and third beams as they are placed, and if necessary, provide bracing until the
concrete has cured. The poles/beams should be allowed to stand overnight for the concrete
to cure enough to support the scoreboard.
5. Arrange 6 each 2” X 4” X 10’ boards into two rows, three in each row, roughly seven feet
apart on the ground in front of where you are to install the scoreboard. This will serve as a
“table” for assembly and helps to keep the face of the scoreboard off of the ground. If the
scoreboard uses wireless communication, remove the antenna from the panel it is mounted
on until the scoreboard is mounted.
INSTALLING THE MOUNTING POLES/BEAMS
1. The following information for installing the mounting poles/beams is for suggestions only. Local
codes, field placement, scoreboard options, customer preference, and other special
considerations will determine the above ground height and total length of the poles/beams.
The center to center pole/beam spacing should not be changed.
2. Install the three (3) mounting poles/beams (supplied by the customer) on the field 8’-0” (eight
feet, zero inches) center to center with 18’-6”(*) of pole/beam above ground (refer to the
installation diagram below). If a sponsor panel is to be mounted above the scoreboard, leave
21’-0” (*)of pole/beam above ground (an additional 30”).
3. The poles/beams must be set into concrete footers.

6
4.
5. When installing the poles/I-beams that support the scoreboard, it is important to keep the
spacing accurate and the faces straight. If you are using beams, a good way to keep the faces
straight is to clamp a length of the 3” X 12’ angle to the first and middle beams and the middle
and third beams as they are placed, and if necessary, provide bracing until the concrete has
cured. The poles/beams should be allowed to stand overnight for the concrete to cure enough
to support the scoreboard.
6. Make sure the poles are level and plumb. If the face of a pole/beam (either at the top or bottom
of the mounting points of the scoreboard) is not straight, shims will be needed to continue the
installation.
7. The required dimensions for the footers vary from city to city and state to state depending on
the soil conditions, scoreboard size, and the building and sign codes for your area. Consult
with local building officials for the required pole sizes and footer construction regarding this
installation. A local architect, structural engineer, or sign installer may also be a source of
assistance
NOTE: CONSULT WITH LOCAL BUILDING CODE OFFICIALS REGARDING THE REQUIRED
DIMENSIONS/CONSTRUCTION OF THE FOOTERS, POLE/BEAM SIZES, AND OTHER
REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS REGARDING THE INSTALLATION OF THE
SCOREBOARD.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT MOUNT FLAT TO A WALL. A MINIMUM OF 18” CLEARANCE MUST BE
LEFT FOR ACCESS TO THE REAR OF THE UNIT, AS THE ELECTRONIC MODULE ACCESS
AND ALL POWER AND SIGNAL CABLE ACCESS DOORS ARE LOCATED ON THE BACK OF
THE SCOREBOARD. 24” CLEARANCE IS RECOMMENDED.
DETERMINING INSTALLATION TYPE

7
IMPORTANT NOTE: The main consideration when choosing installation type A or B is whether
the lifting device you will use is capable of supporting the weight of the entire assembly. Your
lift should be capable of lifting 2000 pounds in order to use Install Type B with this
scoreboard. We do not recommend using Install Type B if the lift you will use is borderline of
supporting the total weight or if the lift will not be stable during the lifting process.
NOTICE: Determining the installation method is the responsibility of the installer.
ASSEMBLING AND MOUNTING THE SCOREBOARD
IMPORTANT: DO NOT MOUNT FLAT TO A WALL. A MINIMUM OF 18” CLEARANCE MUST BE LEFT FOR
ACCESS TO THE REAR OF THE UNIT, AS THE ELECTRONIC MODULE ACCESS AND ALL POWER AND SIGNAL
CABLE ACCESS DOORS ARE LOCATED ON THE BACK OF THE SCOREBOARD. 24” CLEARANCE IS
RECOMMENDED.
Installation Type A:
1. After unpacking the scoreboard, arrange the panels in order A – G from left to right, face down,
with the top away from the mounting poles or I beams. Keep the panels aligned at the top and
against each other, making sure not to pinch cables that may be hanging outside of each
cabinet.
2. Join sections A, B, and C using two of the four 12’ mounting angle irons and join sections D, E
and F using the remaining two 12’ mounting angle irons, resulting in two assemblies.
3.
4. Install crossover nipples between cabinets A, B, & C in one section and between cabinets D, E
and F in the other section. Failure to install crossover nipples will void the warranty.

8
5.
6. Connect ALL crossover cables between cabinets as in the “Cable Connections” image above,
making sure the red stripe on the edge of the ribbon cables are aligned when connected. The
power harnesses are male/female and cannot be connected incorrectly.
7. Looking at the back of the scoreboard, mount the left section assembly (D, E and F)
assembly to the mounting poles/beams.
8. Looking at the back of the scoreboard, mount the right section (A, B, &C) assembly to the
mounting poles/beams, mating it to the right section.
9. Install crossover nipples between cabinets C and D.
10.Connect crossover cables between cabinets C and D as in Step 4 above.
11. Install any options; such as sponsor panels, horns, or protective screens according to the
installation instructions included with each option.
12. Run and connect the control cable for cable-controlled systems. No additional installation
is necessary for Wireless Remote Control systems as the wireless receiver is built-in the
scoreboard.
13.
14.NOTE: IF THE WIRES IN YOUR CABLE DO NOT COLOR MATCH WHAT IS SHOWN
ABOVE, CONNECT TO THE TERMINALS WITH THE BLACK, GREEN, AND WHITE
CONDUCTORS. DO NOT CONNECT A WIRE TO THE RED TERMINAL. MATCH THE
SAME COLORS IN YOUR CABLE TO THE BLACK, GREEN, AND WHITE WIRES ON THE
BACK OF THE WALL PLATE AT THE SCORING LOCATION.

9
15.Run and connect the electrical service to the scoreboard and the controller.
16.Replace the antenna on the front of the scoreboard if your scoreboard is wireless.
17.Test the installed system.
18.Install access covers on the rear of the scoreboard.
19.Fax/return warranty activation sheet to Scoreboard Service Company at [phone].
Installation Type B:
1. After unpacking the scoreboard, arrange the panels in order A – G from left to right, face
down, with the top away from the mounting poles or I beams. Keep the panels aligned at the
top and against each other, making sure not to pinch cables that may be hanging outside of
each cabinet.
2. Install crossover nipples between cabinets. Failure to install crossover nipples will void
the warranty. Connect wiring in each of these sections.
3. Join the cabinets using the 3” X 12’ mounting angle, making one assembly.
4.
a.
5. Connect ALL crossover cables between cabinets as in the “Cable Connections” image above,
making sure the red stripe on the edge of the ribbon cables are aligned when connected.
6. Lift the assembly from the top angle irons to a vertical position, still resting on the ground and
install the top sponsor panel if included in the installation. Install the 2” X 8” flat steel brackets

10
with the bolts provided in the pre-drilled holes along the top of the sponsor panel, with the
bracket being perpendicular to the scoreboard, as shown below in the figure on the right.
i.
7. Lay two pieces of the 2” X 2” X 12’ angle in the top channel of the scoreboard. These will be
installed after the scoreboard is mounted.
8. Pick the scoreboard up high enough to install the bottom sponsor panel if included in the
installation. Repeat the bracket assembly process from Step 3.
9. Raise the scoreboard to the mounting poles or I Beams and at the proper height, use a clamp
at one pole or I beam to hold that corner in place.
10.Using a level in the top channel of the scoreboard, slowly raise the scoreboard to level it and
clamp to the other end mounting pole or I Beam.
11.Weld or bolt the mounting angle to the poles or I Beams you are clamped to and follow the
same procedure at the bottom of the scoreboard, clamp and weld or bolt. Follow by welding or
bolting the angle to the center pole or I Beam at the top and bottom. It may be necessary to
use clamps here as well.
12. At the top sponsor panel, clamp the two 2” X 2” X 12’ angle to the I beams or poles level with
the top of the sponsor panel and weld or bolt them to the poles or I Beams.
13.Weld or bolt the sponsor panel brackets that were fastened to the sponsor panels in Step 5 to
the 2” angle, making sure to check for straightness along of the top edge of the sponsor panels
before welding.
14.Repeat Steps 9 and 10 for the bottom sponsor panel.
15.Install any options such as horns or protective screens.
16.Run and connect the control cable for cable controlled systems. No cable is required for
wireless systems.
17.

11
18.NOTE: IF THE WIRES IN YOUR CABLE DO NOT COLOR MATCH WHAT IS SHOWN
ABOVE, CONNECT TO THE TERMINALS WITH THE BLACK, GREEN, AND WHITE
CONDUCTORS. DO NOT CONNECT A WIRE TO THE RED TERMINAL. MATCH THE
SAME COLORS IN YOUR CABLE TO THE BLACK, GREEN, AND WHITE WIRES ON THE
BACK OF THE WALL PLATE AT THE SCORING LOCATION.
19.Run and connect the electrical system for the scoreboard and controller.
20.Replace the antenna on the front of the scoreboard if your system is wireless.
21.Test the installed system.
22.Install access covers on the rear of the scoreboard.
23.Fax/Return the Warranty Activation Form to Scoreboard Service Company at 1.270.753-3773.
RUNNING/CONNECTING THE CONTROL CABLE
(For scoreboards with Wireless Remote Control, skip this step.)
The control cable may be buried with or without conduit if the cable is direct burial-rated. Direct burial-
rated cable in conduit is recommended for extended trouble free use. If the cable is not direct burial-
rated cable, then it must be buried in a sealed, watertight conduit. The same is true for the electric
cable powering the scoreboard. Both cables may be buried in the same trench but they must be kept
at least 6” apart. If conduit is required for both, separate conduits must be used.
The control cable should run from the scoreboard to a location that is within 10 feet of the
scorekeeper’s location. Here, the supplied junction box cover should be installed on a 2x4, single-
gang junction box. The keyboard will connect to the receptacle on the junction box cover via the
included 20-ft. control cable.
At the scorekeeper’s location:
1. Bring the control cable into a 2x4 single-gang junction box located within 10 feet of the
scorekeeper.
2. Connect the leads inside the control cable to those on the junction box cover according to the
label on the junction box cover. Refer to the installation diagram on the following page for
more information.

12
i.
3. NOTE: IF THE WIRES IN YOUR CABLE DO NOT COLOR MATCH WHAT IS SHOWN
ABOVE, CONNECT TO THE TERMINALS WITH THE BLACK, GREEN, AND WHITE
CONDUCTORS. DO NOT CONNECT A WIRE TO THE RED TERMINAL. MATCH THE
SAME COLORS IN YOUR CABLE TO THE BLACK, GREEN, AND WHITE WIRES ON THE
BACK OF THE WALL PLATE AT THE SCORING LOCATION.
4. Secure the junction box cover to the installed junction box.
At the scoreboard:
1. Remove the signal/power access door located on the back of panel A. For access door
location, refer to the diagram on the following page.
2. From the ground, run the control cable through sealed, rain tight conduit then through a rain-
tight conduit fitting into the left side of the signal cable/power access door and into the
scoreboard.
3. Inside the scoreboard, connect the control cable leads to the appropriate terminals on the
terminal block, according to the label above the terminal block.
a.
4. NOTE: If the colors of the wires in the control cable differ from those referenced on the label
or shown in the following diagrams, refer to the notes you made when connecting the control
cable to the junction box cover at the scorekeeper’s location. Ensure that each lead on the

13
junction box cover is connected to the same color lead on the scoreboard terminal block,
regardless of the color(s) of the wires in the control cable that connect them.
5. Re-secure the signal/power access door to the scoreboard.
NOTE: Even if the control cable was not buried in conduit, it must be run in sealed, watertight,
conduit from the ground up to the signal cable/power access door located on the back of the
scoreboard. Here, it must pass through a rain-tight conduit fitting where it will connect to the signal
cable terminal block inside the scoreboard.
RUNNING & CONNECTING THE ELECTRIC SERVICE
NOTE: IT IS RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A LICENSED ELECTRICIAN FOR THIS PORTION.
IDEALLY, THE SCOREBOARD WILL BE POWERED FROM A DEDICATED 120-VOLT / 20 AMP
CIRCUIT. ADDITIONALLY, SINCE THE SCOREBOARD’S POWER SHOULD BE TURNED OFF
AFTER EACH USE, THERE SHOULD BE EASY ACCESS TO THE POWER SWITCH OR CIRCUIT
BREAKER. IF ACCESS TO THE CIRCUIT BREAKER IS NOT AN OPTION, INSTALL A SWITCH
SOMEWHERE THAT IS ACCESSIBLE, EVEN IF UNDER THE SCOREBOARD AT AN ABOVE
AVERAGE HEIGHT.
1. The scoreboard has a ½” knock-out on the lower right corner for bringing in the electrical
service. It can be enlarged if the conduit size is ¾”. This is where the conduit from the power
source needs to terminate.
2.
3. The connections are standard black, white, and green (ground). Replace the cover when
complete.
TESTING THE INSTALLED SYSTEM
NOTE: Please refer to the OPERATORS MANUAL on the CD, or included with the system to
operate the scoreboard.

14
Connecting cable-controlled systems:
Connect one end of the supplied 20-ft. control cable into either of the two control cable jacks on
the back of the controller and the other into the receptacle on the supplied junction box cover
installed at the scorekeeper’s location.
Connecting wireless systems:
Connect the wireless transmitter to the controller using the interface cable by plugging the large
end of the interface cable into either of the control cable jacks on the back of the controller.
Testing the scoreboard system in diagnostic mode:
1. Connect the appropriate end of the 12-volt DC wall transformer to the power receptacle on the
back of the controller. Plug the transformer into a live, 120-volt outlet. If the optional battery
pack was purchased with the keyboard, the transformer is also used to charge the battery.
2. Turn the power to the scoreboard ON using the power disconnect switch or circuit breaker.
The HOME and GUEST scores should read “0”, DOWN and QTR should read “1”, BALL ON
should read “20”, TO GO should read “10”, and the clock should display the start-up time.
3. With the controller OFF, press and hold the OPTION key while turning the controller ON. The
controller’s LCD will briefly display the controller’s software version. When the display
changes and reads “SELECT DIAG MODE <DIGIT TEST>,”” press ENTER. The LCD will
now read “SEGMENT TEST – SEGMENTS OFF.”
4. NOTE: None of the scoreboards components should be lit at this time. If any
components are lit, especially with a solid “8”, check the crossover connections
between cabinets. Ensure that the red stripes on the ribbon cables are matched where
they are connected.
5. Pressing the UP arrow (located on the far right of the controller’s keypad) will cycle the
scoreboard into “digit count” mode and all displays on the scoreboard will count 0-9
repetitively. Pressing the UP arrow again will cycle to “<ALL ON>”, and all components should
display an “8”. At this time, take a look at the segments of each component for LEDs that are
not lit.
6. To exit the diagnostic mode, press the RESET key twice.
7. If all components pass this test, the installation is complete.
NOTE: Always turn both the controller and the scoreboard OFF after each use. If the controller is
turned OFF but the scoreboard remains ON, (or if the controller loses communication with the
scoreboard), the scoreboard’s STRIKE digit will begin to flash. This feature is intended to remind
the user to turn power to the scoreboard OFF after each use.

15
IMPORTANT!
Warranty Activation/Installation & Completion Sign Off Sheet
NOTE: This sheet must be completely filled out and returned/faxed [phone] to Scoreboard
Service Company before your warranty can be activated.
Your Serial Number _______________________________________
Your Model Number _______________________________________
Date Purchased _______________________________________
Sales Agent _______________________________________
Person Authorizing Purchase (title) ____________________________
Date Installation Completed _________________________________
Company or Person Responsible
For Installation (address/phone number) ________________________
This document confirms that the installation for the 6-ft.x 24-ft. Football Scoreboard has been
completed. All structural, wiring, and power requirements have been met. This unit has been
tested in scoring and diagnostic modes, ensuring the functionally of the unit.
___________________________________
Scoring/timing equipment responsible party
________________________________
Installer
So that we may better serve you, please have this information available in the event you need to
call technical support. Customer Service: 1-800-411-3136