Adaptive Micro Systems Sign User Manual

© 1996 - 2007 Adaptive Micro Systems, Inc.Form No. 97088081 rev.HRevision date: October 15, 2007AlphaNET™version 3.0User ManualCompatible withWindows

PC hardware and software requirements10 1 — Connecting your PC to a signPC hardware and software requirementsMinimum hardware and software requirement

How to edit a counter file100 3 — Creating and sending messages4. Next, either open an existing counter file (like the default file shown below) or ty

How to edit a counter file3 — Creating and sending messages 1016. Next, select Target Files. For Target File 1, select Browse and then select the file

How to edit a counter file102 3 — Creating and sending messages8. Next, select Sign Info and attach the counter file you just created to the Engineeri

How to use real-time data in a message3 — Creating and sending messages 103How to use real-time data in a messageString Variables + ActiveX® = real-ti

How to use real-time data in a message104 3 — Creating and sending messages2. Create a sign memory configuration by checking either:• Assign Fixed Mem

How to use real-time data in a message3 — Creating and sending messages 1055. Select Options>String to insert a string variable into the message:Up

How to use real-time data in a message106 3 — Creating and sending messagesTable 18: Alpha® String Update Control Methods & PropertiesMETHODSIniti

How to create and use a custom automode sequence3 — Creating and sending messages 107How to create and use a custom automode sequenceThe message mode

How to create and use a custom automode sequence108 3 — Creating and sending messages4. To add another mode to our custom automode sequence, click Add

How to create and use a custom automode sequence3 — Creating and sending messages 1092. Select the Sign Info tab. Then click Automode File and select

Types of sign connections1 — Connecting your PC to a sign 11Types of sign connectionsAn overview of the methods of connecting signs is presented on th

How to create and use a custom automode sequence110 3 — Creating and sending messagesTHIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK

4 — Reference 111Reference

Message Editor112 4 — ReferenceMessage EditorMessage Editor is used to create messages for signs. Text, graphics, and animations (or flicks) can be us

Message Editor4 — Reference 113Table 19: Message EditorMenu Item DescriptionFileNew Opens a new message window.Open... Opens an existing message file.

Message Editor114 4 — ReferenceEdit(continued)Customize...Sets the availability of Message Editor drop-down menu options, whether text or pictures wil

Message Editor4 — Reference 115Cycle Color Cascades colors through the message from the bottom up.ClockWipes information on and off the sign as if a s

Message Editor116 4 — ReferenceOptionsSome options may not be available on a sign. See “Appendix D — Display Options available on signs” on page 140.T

Message Editor4 — Reference 117Options(continued)NOTE: Some options may not be available on a sign. See “Appendix D — Display Options available on sig

Message Editor118 4 — ReferenceSnippetCapture...After highlighting some text in a message, select Capture to store the text in one of 5 snippets. This

Message Editor4 — Reference 119WindowCascadeThese are standard Windows® software methods of arranging windows and icons on the screen.TileArrange Icon

Types of sign connections12 1 — Connecting your PC to a signWireless networkAlphaNET™ 3.0 software can send messages to Alpha® signs on wireless netwo

Site Manager120 4 — ReferenceSite ManagerSite Manager is used to set up devices, sites, and groups. Devices are methods of communicating with signs. F

Site Manager4 — Reference 121Table 20: Site ManagerMenu item DescriptionFileNew SiteCreates a new site using four tabs of setup information:• Site Inf

Site Manager122 4 — ReferenceFileNew Site(continued)• Group Info (see “Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups” on p

Site Manager4 — Reference 123FileOpen Site Opens an existing site.New GroupCreates a new group. For more information, see “Step 3: Creating or changin

Site Manager124 4 — ReferenceEditConnection Device...Ways to connect a sign to a PC that is running AlphaNET™ 3.0 software. There are four types of co

Site Manager4 — Reference 125MessagesAdd... Adds a message to the end of the current message list.Insert... Inserts a message above the message that i

Communications Manager126 4 — ReferenceCommunications ManagerCommunications Manager keeps track of messages you send to signs and reports on transmiss

Communications Manager4 — Reference 127Table 21: Communications ManagerMenu item DescriptionFileViewAllows you to see the status of messages being tra

Diagnostics128 4 — ReferenceDiagnosticsDiagnostics allows you to test the functions of a single Alpha® sign or a network of Alpha® signs. Diagnostics

Diagnostics4 — Reference 129Each action in Diagnostics requires that you select the address of the signs on which you want information. To do this, cl

2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 13Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites

Diagnostics130 4 — ReferenceTable 22: DiagnosticsMenu item DescriptionCommuni-cationsSerial/WirelessUse the drop-down menus to set the COM port, baud

Diagnostics4 — Reference 131ActionsRead Information from SignDisplays the information you can request from a sign.Select the information you want Diag

Diagnostics132 4 — ReferenceActionsConfigure Sign (Advanced)Allows you to set additional specific information on a sign.Complete the information you w

Diagnostics4 — Reference 133ActionsBroadcast MessageAllows you to send a message to one or more signs, or to continually send a series of messages to

Diagnostics134 4 — ReferenceTHIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK

5 — Appendix 135Appendix

Appendix A — Macintosh® computer setup136 5 — AppendixAppendix A — Macintosh® computer setupThe following instructions describe how to use a Macintosh

Appendix B — Modes available on signs5 — Appendix 137Appendix B — Modes available on signsModes are special effects used to change the way a message a

Appendix B — Modes available on signs138 5 — AppendixTable 25: Mode descriptionsMode FunctionAutomodeThis is the default mode, which actually consists

Appendix C — Character fonts and colors available on signs5 — Appendix 139Appendix C — Character fonts and colors available on signsAlphaNET™ 3.0 soft

How to install AlphaNET™ 3.0 software14 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sitesHow to install AlphaNET™ 3.0 software1. Start Micros

Appendix D — Display Options available on signs140 5 — AppendixAppendix D — Display Options available on signsOptions is a Message Editor menu compose

Appendix E — Understanding message line positions (Top, Middle, Bottom, Fill)5 — Appendix 141Appendix E — Understanding message line positions(Top, Mi

Appendix E — Understanding message line positions (Top, Middle, Bottom, Fill)142 5 — Appendix• These signs are of varying heights and widths, but have

Appendix E — Understanding message line positions (Top, Middle, Bottom, Fill)5 — Appendix 143blank rows on the bottom. All text and objects are then l

Appendix E — Understanding message line positions (Top, Middle, Bottom, Fill)144 5 — AppendixTriple-line (7000 series) and AlphaVision™ Full MatrixTop

Appendix E — Understanding message line positions (Top, Middle, Bottom, Fill)5 — Appendix 145centerline with a second top/bottom command. For example:

Appendix E — Understanding message line positions (Top, Middle, Bottom, Fill)146 5 — Appendix• If a graphic is received that is smaller than seven dot

Appendix F — How text and graphics are displayed on signs5 — Appendix 147Appendix F — How text and graphics are displayed on signsEach sign is made up

Appendix F — How text and graphics are displayed on signs148 5 — AppendixText comes in four basic sizesThe Characters menu contains a list of availabl

Appendix F — How text and graphics are displayed on signs5 — Appendix 149Graphics must be bitmapped to a sign’s columns and rowsBefore you create a bi

How to change a sign’s serial address2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 15How to change a sign’s serial addressWhat is a seria

Appendix F — How text and graphics are displayed on signs150 5 — AppendixPaint Shop Pro — an image editorAt a minimum, the program you use should have

How to change a sign’s serial address16 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sitesChanging a sign’s serial address1. To change the add

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 17Step-by-step tut

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups18 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sitesTable 2: Schemat

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 19Step 1: Creating

2Manual MapInstalling AlphaNET™ 3.0and setting up sitesThis chapter explains the basics of connecting your personal computer to a sign.This chapter sh

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups20 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sitesSetting up a mod

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 212. Select Edit &

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups22 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites4. Once you sele

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 23Setting up a cab

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups24 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites7. Once you sele

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 25Setting up a wir

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups26 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites11. If you want

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 27Setting up a Loc

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups28 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites13. Once you sel

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 29Step 2: Creating

3Creating and sending messagesThis chapter explains how to create and send messages with Message Editor, as well as how to include graphics and animat

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups30 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites4. After selecti

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 315. Next, enter i

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups32 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites6. In this examp

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 33Creating the Sal

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups34 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites11. Next, enter

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 3512. In this exam

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups36 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sitesCreating the Lob

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 3717. Next, enter

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups38 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites18. In this exam

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 3921. The Engineer

4© Copyright 2007 Adaptive Micro Systems LLC. All rights reserved.Adaptive Micro Systems7840 North 86th StreetMilwaukee, WI 53224 USA414-357-2020414-3

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups40 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sitesCreating the Shi

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 4124. Next, enter

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups42 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites25. In this exam

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 43Step 3: Creating

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups44 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites2. Select File&g

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sites 455. To see the si

Step-by-step tutorial in setting up connection devices, sites, and groups46 2 — Installing AlphaNET™ 3.0 software and setting up sitesTHIS PAGE INTENT

3 — Creating and sending messages 47Creating and sending messages

Basic message editing48 3 — Creating and sending messagesBasic message editingBecause AlphaNET™ 3.0 software allows you an infinite number of ways to

Basic message editing3 — Creating and sending messages 492. Type The first message in the window:3. Use File>Simulate to view what the message will

5What’s new in AlphaNET™ version 3.0 softwarePassword protectionSite Manager and Message Editor can now be password-protected. Select Set Password fro

Basic message editing50 3 — Creating and sending messages4. Add the current date to your message. First, close the window in which your message is bei

Basic message editing3 — Creating and sending messages 51Using modes to change the look of a messageModes are special effects that change the way a me

Basic message editing52 3 — Creating and sending messages8. The icon for Hold will appear in the message window:9. Type Birthdays. Then select Modes&g

Basic message editing3 — Creating and sending messages 5310. Next, click to view your message:11. Save this message by selecting File>Save and th

Basic message editing54 3 — Creating and sending messagesUsing characters to change the look of a messageCharacters are options that change the appear

Basic message editing3 — Creating and sending messages 5515. Because we want large text, select Characters>15/16 Row Normal. Then type Las Vegas $8

Basic message editing56 3 — Creating and sending messages18. To make the large 15/16 Row characters appear correctly on a two-line sign, start by dele

Basic message editing3 — Creating and sending messages 5721. Save your message and name it Alpha2.msw. However, keep using the message for the followi

Basic message editing58 3 — Creating and sending messages24. To format the text so that Las Vegas $85 and Chicago $199 and New York $235 all appear on

Basic message editing3 — Creating and sending messages 59Using international charactersInternational characters—such as the é in résumé—are available

6New modesTwo new modes are available with this version of AlphaNET™, Clock mode and Explode mode. Clock mode is a wipe mode that updates information

Basic message editing60 3 — Creating and sending messages3The editor.ini file will look something like this:4Type the following line exactly as shown:

Basic message editing3 — Creating and sending messages 618Imagine you want to add the letter ä to your message:9Return to Message Editor. Add the ä ch

How to send a message to a sign62 3 — Creating and sending messagesHow to send a message to a signWhat happens when messages are sent to a sign?Messag

How to send a message to a sign3 — Creating and sending messages 63Sending messages from Message Editor1. Before sending a message, you must create at

How to send a message to a sign64 3 — Creating and sending messagesSending messages from Site Manager1. Before sending a message, you must create at l

How to send a message to a sign3 — Creating and sending messages 65The difference between all messages and common messagesWhen you select a single sit

How to use graphics in messages66 3 — Creating and sending messagesHow to use graphics in messagesThe Animation, Graphic, Flick, and Gif options allow

How to use graphics in messages3 — Creating and sending messages 671. Select Start>Programs>Paint Shop Pro to open Paint Shop Pro:2. Next, selec

How to use graphics in messages68 3 — Creating and sending messages3. A very small window will appear. Use the zoom tool to click in the window to inc

How to use graphics in messages3 — Creating and sending messages 695. Then draw the right arrow and save it as a BMP bitmap named rarrow.bmp:6. Create

7ContentsManual Map ... 2What’s new in AlphaNET™ versi

How to use graphics in messages70 3 — Creating and sending messages8. Select Modes>Hold, using the Middle line position. Then select Options>Gra

How to use graphics in messages3 — Creating and sending messages 71Creating a flickNOTE: The Flick option only works with AlphaVision™ and Series 7000

How to use graphics in messages72 3 — Creating and sending messages1. Select Start>Programs>Paint Shop Pro to open Paint Shop Pro:2. Next, selec

How to use graphics in messages3 — Creating and sending messages 733. A very small window will appear. Use the zoom tool to click in the window to inc

How to use graphics in messages74 3 — Creating and sending messages5. Then draw the first bitmap image:6. After you are finished drawing the first bit

How to use graphics in messages3 — Creating and sending messages 757. Create the other bitmaps in the flick. Each bitmap file must end with a consecut

How to use graphics in messages76 3 — Creating and sending messagesAnother way to create a flickThough the Flick option will only work with AlphaVisio

How to use graphics in messages3 — Creating and sending messages 77Creating a GIFNOTE: The GIF option will only work with the 7000 series, 9000 series

How to use graphics in messages78 3 — Creating and sending messages7. Select Edit>Resize Animation and resize the file to your sign’s specification

How to use graphics in messages3 — Creating and sending messages 7910. On the Optimizations tab, uncheck all the boxes and click OK.11. Click the Next

8Creating and sending messages...47Basic message editing ...

How to use graphics in messages80 3 — Creating and sending messages15. Select Option>Gif. Then select your GIF file and click OK. An icon represent

How to edit a counter file3 — Creating and sending messages 81How to edit a counter fileWhat is a counter file?A counter file sets up from 1 to 5 nume

How to edit a counter file82 3 — Creating and sending messagesThree examples of how to use counter filesIn these examples, we discuss three basic ways

How to edit a counter file3 — Creating and sending messages 83Example 1 — Using a counter in a messageIn this example, we will end up with a message o

How to edit a counter file84 3 — Creating and sending messages3. Save this counter message as countshp.msw:4. After saving the message, close Message

How to edit a counter file3 — Creating and sending messages 856. When the Counter Setup window appears, select the Counter 1 tab. Then type in the val

How to edit a counter file86 3 — Creating and sending messages7. Select OK after entering the setup information. Double-click the Shipping site to ope

How to edit a counter file3 — Creating and sending messages 878. Next, select the Sign Info tab and attach the counter file you just created to the Sh

How to edit a counter file88 3 — Creating and sending messages9. Add the message that contains counter 1 to the Shipping site:Select Shipping. Then cl

How to edit a counter file3 — Creating and sending messages 8910. Finally, in order to display the message you just added to the Shipping sign, the me

1 — Connecting your PC to a sign 9Connecting your PC to a sign

How to edit a counter file90 3 — Creating and sending messagesExample 2 — Using a counter in a message and displaying a target file messageIn this exa

How to edit a counter file3 — Creating and sending messages 912. In the message window, type Days without an accident: and a space. Then add a counter

How to edit a counter file92 3 — Creating and sending messages4. Next, create the target message — the message that will appear when counter 2 reaches

How to edit a counter file3 — Creating and sending messages 936. Next, either open an existing counter file or type a new file name (such as target.ct

How to edit a counter file94 3 — Creating and sending messages8. Next, select the Target Files tab and for Target File 1, select Browse and then the f

How to edit a counter file3 — Creating and sending messages 959. After selecting the target file, click Open, and then OK to close the Counter Setup w

How to edit a counter file96 3 — Creating and sending messages10. Next, select the Sign Info tab and attach the counter file you just created to the M

How to edit a counter file3 — Creating and sending messages 9711. Add the message that contains counter 2 to the Manufacturing site:Select Manufacturi

How to edit a counter file98 3 — Creating and sending messages12. Finally, in order to display the message you just added, it must be transmitted to t

How to edit a counter file3 — Creating and sending messages 99Example 3 — Using a counter to display just a target messageIn this example, we will use