Wireless Ethernet LED Sign Communication

Ethernet/wireless is sometimes called WiFi or 802.11. It is Ethernet over an RF network and uses off the shelf RF equipment bought at the local computer stores (similar to the wireless used on your laptop). Typically there is data encryption or Key’s used to access the network to prevent Hackers accessing the network. In utilizing this type of network, initially there is some setup involved to get the LED sign talking with the master transmitting unit . The distance for the device is limited to 100 feet or less and the broadcast antenna must be located outside the building to be effective. The speed of the network is very good and is suitable for movie and picture files.

When should I use it?

• High speed connection is desired for sending Movie files or large picture files to the LED sign quickly.
• Need access to the LED sign from several computers or from a company wide network.
• Direct wire cable methods can not be used due to High installation costs
• Excessive RF interference is not present at the LED sign or the transmitter location. This can be caused by Cell phone towers, radio stations, TV stations, wireless handsets and numerous other wireless devices prevalent on the market today.

Benefits:

• Direct wire cable is not required reducing installation cost.
• Ethernet networks are common
• Multiple signs can be controlled from single network
• Files load quickly to sign.

Considerations:

• Installer should be familiar with computer networks to link the network to the signs IP address.
• Clear “Line of Site” (no buildings or metal walls between access points) required between transmitter and receiver. 
• Connectivity and performance and subject to interference by many factors such as: obstructions (such as: weather, uneven terrain, large metal structures, water towers, trees, vehicles, radio signals) in between the sign antenna and the transmitter, distance between the antennas, position of the antennas, etc. A site survey is strongly recommended before installation.
• Recommended method for sending movie, picture or large data files due to its fast speed.

Ethernet TCP/IP LED Sign Communication

Ethernet is a wired communication method allowing an Ethernet communication card (installed in your computer) to communicate with the LED display over a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN). TCP/IP over Ethernet network is another term used for this. Ethernet is a very fast communication method. In simple terms, a movie file can be transferred to a LED sign in under a minute versus 15 to 20 minutes using RS232.

When should I use it?

• Ethernet Network is already available (LAN or WAN).
• High speed connection is desired for sending Movie files or large picture files to the LED sign quickly.
• Need access to the LED sign from several computers or from a company wide network.
• Distance from the LED sign to the Computer or Network switch is less than 300 feet.

Benefits:

• Cable is inexpensive 
• Ethernet networks are common
• Multiple signs can be controlled from single network
• Files load quickly to sign.

Considerations:

• Installer should be familiar with computer networks to link the network to the signs IP address.
• Recommended for distances less that 300 feet
• Will need to be able to run a CAT5 cable between the sign and network connection. The may be obstacles in the way such as sidewalks or parking lots.
• Recommended method for sending movie, picture or large data files due to its fast speed.

What is RS232 LED Sign Communication?

How you communicate with your sign is an important factor in setting up your sign system. One of the most common methods for indoor scrolling LED signs that typically display only  text messages is RS232.  

RS232 is a cable method for connecting a display directly to a computers serial com port using a 9 pin plug. The serial port on a PC is a full-duplex device, meaning that it can send and receive data at the same time. The RS232 serial interface is a point-to-point communication: one port, one device or one computer, one sign. Hence with this method, only one sign can be connected to the computer at any given time. This communication method requires software be installed on the designated computer which will control the messages sent to the sign. It has a maximum distance restriction of 50 feet (15m), but  is a simple connection system that is relatively easy to install and use. 

When should I use it?

• When the distance between the computer running the display software and the display are less than 50 feet (15m).
• When your computer has an available RS232 serial port or you can utilize a USB adapter that converts the USB of your laptop to RS232.
• When temporarily communicating to the sign using a computer or laptop.
• When only sending text files and not picture files, because this method is typically slow for large amounts of data
• When you are interested in a low cost, simple communication method and installation costs are not a factor.

Benefits:

• Easy to use
• Easy to install
• Inexpensive 

Considerations:

• Newer model laptops may not have a serial port which would require the use of a USB to serial port adapter.
• Only one sign can be connected at a time
• Recommended for distances less that 50 feet
• Not recommended for sending movie, picture or large data files.