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1 Introduction
How to Use This Manual
This manual explains the maintenance and troubleshooting of VF-24X0 series Dynamic
Message Signs (DMS). For information regarding the safety, installation, operation, or
service of this system, refer to the telephone numbers on the cover page of this manual.
Daktronics identifies manuals by the ED or DD number located on the cover page of
each manual. For example, this manual is referred to as
DD3811006
.
The serial and model numbers for the display are on the ID label attached to the display.
This label looks similar to
. When calling Daktronics Customer Service, please have
this information available to ensure timely response.
Refer to the
Daktronics Exchange and Repair & Return Programs (p. 18)
if any
component needs replacement or repair.
Theory of Operation
Vanguard
®
Software
Daktronics Vanguard
®
software allows the DMS operator to check display status and to
control messages. Refer to the
Vanguard
®
Software Help File [F1]
for information about
operating Vanguard
®
software.
VFC-3000 Controller/Vanguard
®
Field Controller
The VFC-3000 controller/Vanguard
®
Field Controller is the communication hub for DMS
management;
it may be located in the display or the traffic cabinet
.
The central controller creates messages and transmits them to the VFC-3000 controller/
Vanguard
®
Field Controller for storage. Upon request from the central controller or the
front panel interface, the VFC-3000 controller/Vanguard
®
Field Controller locates the
message to display and sends it to the display’s modules via the Vanguard
®
control
board. The modules activate the appropriate pixels to form the message.
The VFC-3000 controller/Vanguard
®
Field Controller also monitors local sensors (display-
based sensors) like temperature, light level, and door detection. The VFC-3000 controller/
Vanguard
®
Field Controller interprets sensor data for display control and diagnostic
functions, such as adjusting the display’s intensity for current lighting conditions.
Refer to the controller manual for configuration information.
Figure 1:
Display ID Label
