Daktronics Galaxy AF-3165, Manual, Page: 9 / 85

Introduction
4
Control Area Network: Serial Communication Protocol supporting distributed real-time control and
multiplexing.
Galaxy
®
: Daktronics trademarked name for LED monochrome, tri-colored or RGB matrix displays.
Network:
A network consists of multiple displays connected to each other. Up to 240 displays can
exist on one network.
Power Supply: converts AC line voltage from the load center to low DC voltage for one or more
module driver boards.
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).
Display Address: The display address is an identification number
assigned to each display of a network. Rotating the address switches
on the controller sets it. The control software uses the address to
locate and communicate with each display. Displays that are on the
same network cannot have the same address.
Signal Converter: The signal converter, shown in Figure 2 on the
right, is a Daktronics supplied unit that converts the data from
RS232 to RS422, or RS232 to fiber optic signal. The signal
converter is connected to the control PC via straight through serial
cable.
Signal Termination Panel (A35): The RS232, RS422 IN, RS422
OUT, and CAN Signal is terminated at this panel.
Driver/Pixel Board: The LED pixels are mounted directly onto the
driver/pixel board. This board is also responsible for the switching
and intensity levels of the LEDs.
LED (light emitting diode):
Low energy, high intensity lighting units.
Louver:
Black plastic shade positioned horizontally above each pixel row. The louvers increase the
level of contrast on the display face and direct LED light.
Module:
34mm Galaxy modules are 8 pixels high by 8 pixels wide. Each is individually removable
from the front of the display.
Module Latch Assembly:
Device utilizing a rotating retainer bar to hold the module firmly to the
display frame. There are two per module: one near the top and one near the bottom. Use a 1/8" Allen
wrench to turn the retaining bar.
Pixel:
Cluster of LEDs. The number and color of the LEDs depends on display application.
Figure 2: Signal Converter
(RS232 to RS422 Shown)