14
Networking
AlphaPremiere™ series signs can be connected together so that messages can be sent to each of the signs
on the network. There are three ways to network AlphaPremiere™ series signs:
•
RS232 (only available with the Standard Configuration) — This type of sign network allows “point-to-
point” communication. This means that a single PC can be connected to a single sign. The length of
this network is limited to 50 feet.
•
RS485 (available with both Standard and optional Ethernet Configurations) — This type of sign
network permits communication to a single or to multiple signs. The length of this network can be
4000 feet @ 9600 baud.
•
Ethernet (only available with the optional Ethernet Configuration) — This sign network allows
connection of almost an unlimited number of signs over a virtually unlimited network length.
RS232
The diagram below shows how to connect a sign to your PC, through the PC’s RS232 jack. The PC can not
be separated from the sign by more than 50 feet, due to signal loss in the cable:
Item
Part #
Description
A
—
Ferrite (ferrite end towards sign)
B
1088-8625
25-foot 6-conductor RS232 data cable
1088-8627
50-foot 6-conductor RS232 data cable
C
4370-0001C
25 pin sub-D/to 6 pos. RJ11 adapter
1088-9108
9 pin sub-D/to 6 pos. RJ11 adapter
MK
A
B
C
To one of the
PC’s COM
(RS232) ports
To sign’s
RS232 jack
PC running
AlphaNET plus™ or
other messaging software
NOTE: You can
not
use the IR
remote to program messages
AlphaPremiere™ 9000 series sign
Data signals get lost if
RS232 cable is longer
than 50 feet.
