RF (1/4 & 1 Watt) (Option 2, Option 9)
What is it?
RF stands for Radio Frequency (wireless) and works similar to your portable telephones at home. It consists of a transmitter that is attached to the computer and a receiver that is matched to the transmitter and resides in the sign. The “Watt” rating is an indication of the strength of the unit and the higher the “Watt” rating the farther the sign can be from the transmitter. In all RF units, they need “line of sight“ clearance between the transmitter antenna and the receiver sign antenna. The quality of the RF signal (and therefore the ability to access the sign using Sigma software) can be affected by many factors such as: the “Watt” rating of the RF radios, obstructions (such as: weather, uneven terrain, large metal structures, water towers and trees) in between the sign antenna and the Computer transmitter antenna, distance between the antennas, position of the antennas, how the antennas are mounted, etc. The 1 watt RF option is offered for just these reasons, minimize the impact and make the installation a little less worrisome because it has more power to blast through some of these obstacles. The RF units are matched so they are a very secure network to use if there are concerns with piracy or hackers. RF is a relatively slow communication device and should not be used if movie or picture files need to be programmed in the sign.
When should I Use it?
- Direct wire cable methods can not be used due to High installation costs. RF units tend to be less expensive when installation costs are factored in for retrofitting and more expensive for new installations.
- When your computer has an available RS232 port or you utilize Electro-Matic Product’s USB converter OICUSB/232-232/485 that converts the USB of your computer to RS232.
- Communication speed is not an issue. Only sending text type messages or movie/picture files will not be used or the slower speed is tolerable (i.e. a movie file can take up to several hours to load to the display).
- The sign and the computer are a long distance apart but within line of sight. For the ¼ Watt unit the distance can be up to several hundred feet, for the 1 Watt unit the distance can be up to 5-10 miles.
- Excessive RF interference is not present at the 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 including other display signs.
- A sight survey was done to insure that the RF will work properly (even though this reduces the risk of failure it does not guarantee it because situations can change)
Wireless Ethernet (Option 8, Option W, Option Z, Option B)
What is it?
Wireless Ethernet is sometimes called WiFi, 802.11 or a bridge. It is Ethernet over an RF network and uses off the shelf RF equipment that can be bought at 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 help prevent Hackers from unauthorized access. In utilizing this type of network, initially there is some setup involved to get the sign talking with the master transmitting unit. To make things simple, just order our “OPTION W, Z or B” and everything is setup for plug and play operation between the sender and receiver. In all Wireless Ethernet units, they need “line of sight“ clearance between the transmitter antenna and the receiver sign antenna. The quality of the RF signal (and therefore the ability to access the sign using Sigma software) can be affected by many factors such as: obstructions (such as: weather, uneven terrain, large metal structures, water towers and trees) in between the sign antenna and the Computer transmitter antenna, distance between the antennas, position of the antennas, how the antennas are mounted, etc. The speed of the network is very good and is suitable for movie and picture files. With the various options, the differences have to do with ease of setup and strength of the device for added distance. Option B is easiest for setup but has a very limited range. Option 8 allows for use with an existing WiFI network but requires extensive IT type setup, Option W has a medium range and ease in setup and Option Z utilizes an external High Gain antenna that will allow 5 miles line of sight distance between the sign and computer.
When should I Use it?
- Direct wire cable methods can not be used due to High installation costs. Ethernet Wireless units tend to be the least expensive when installation costs are factored in RF units tend to be less expensive for retrofitting and more expensive for new installations. .
- When your computer has an available ethernet port.
- The sign and the computer are a long distance apart but within line of sight. For Option B and Option W the distance can be up to several hundred feet, for Option Z the distance can be up to 5-10 miles.
- Excessive RF interference is not present at the 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 including other display signs.
- A sight survey was done to insure that the Wireless Ethernet will work properly (even though this reduces the risk of failure it does not guarantee it because situations can change)
- High speed connection is desired for sending Movie files or large picture files to the sign quickly.
- Need access to the sign from several computers or from a company wide network.
Ethernet
What is it?
TCP/IP over Ethernet network is another term used for this. Ethernet is a wired communication method allowing an Ethernet communication card (installed in your computer) to communicate with the display over a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN). Ethernet is a very fast communication method. In simple terms, a movie file can be transferred to a sign in under a minute versus 15 to 20 minutes using RS232 or RS485. It is recommended that Ethernet cable not be more than 300 ft in length. You can get more distance than 300 feet by connecting to an Ethernet HUB or Switch to allow you to extend another 300 ft. It is possible to utilize your existing TCP/IP network.
When should I Use it?
- Ethernet Network is already available (LAN or WAN) and a dedicated IP address is available for the display.
- High speed connection is desired for sending Movie files or large picture files to the sign quickly.
- When you need access to the sign from several computers or from a company wide network.
- Distance from the Sign to the Computer or Network switch is less than the maximum recommended distance of 300 feet (115 m) for a CAT5 cable.
- Have a separate conduit system for the Ethernet cable because it cannot be installed in the power conduit.
- When you are interested in a low cost, high speed, simple communication method and installation costs are not a factor
RS232
What is it?
RS232 is a 4 wire communication method to the displays. It typically uses a 9 pin D shell plug on the computer. It has a maximum distance restriction of 50 feet (15m) and only one sign can be connected to the computer at any given time. This 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 port and you are close to the sign or you utilize Electro-Matic Product’s USB converter OICUSB/232-232/485 that converts the USB of your computer to RS232.
- When temporarily communicating to the sign using a laptop.
- When only sending messages and not Movie files or pictures
- When you are interested in a low cost, simple communication method and installation costs are not a factor.
- When only sending messages and not Movie files or pictures because this method is typically slow for large amounts of data like a Movie or pictures.
RS485
What is it?
RS485 is a 2 wire communication method to the displays. It has a maximum distance restriction of 5000 feet (1500m) and you can connect (daisy chain) many signs to the computer. This is a simple connection system that is relatively easy to install and use. Most computers do not have this type port installed so a converter must be purchased (you can utilize Electro-Matic Products USB/RS232 converter OICUSB/232-232/485).
When should I Use it?
- When connecting several displays together to one computer.
- When the distance between the sign is less than 5000 feet but greater than 50 feet.
- When only sending messages and not Movie files or pictures. This connection system is typically slow and large files such as movies and pictures can take a long time to process between the computer and the display.
- Have a separate conduit system for the RS485 cable because it cannot be installed in the power conduit.
- When you are interested in a low cost, simple communication method and installation costs are not a factor.
Phone Modem (Option P)
What is it?
Phone Modem is a communication method using public telephone networks to provide access to the sign over the phone system using standard phone modems. This is not available in all areas and you should contact your local phone company to ensure they have phone lines near the sign for service. The phone company will typically charge a monthly fee for this access. The speed of the communication is controlled by the modem and is based on the integrity of the phone lines but is typically slow. The computer must also have an external phone modem and access to a dedicated phone line attached to it to access the sign.
When should I Use it?
- Remote access for programming the sign is desired by the customer or the ability to program the sign from many different computers over the phone is desired.
- The phone service is readily available by the display and the customer has a dedicated phone line at their computers.
- Customer wants Electro-Matic to have access to the sign for troubleshooting or adding content to the sign over the phone.
- The monthly phone charge for the line at the computer and at the sign is not an issue for the customer.
- When only sending messages and not Movie files or pictures. This connection system is typically slow and large files such as movies and pictures can take a long time to process between the computer and the display.
DSL/cable Modem (Option D)
What is it?
DSL/cable Modem is a communication method using high speed phone/cable lines to provide access to the sign over the internet. This is not available in all areas and you should contact your local phone company or cable TV provider to ensure they have phone/cable lines near the sign for DSL/cable communication. The phone company will typically charge a monthly fee for this access. The sign requires the DSL provider to supply a dedicated IP address for the access point. The DSL/cable modem, supplied by the phone company, plugs directly into the Ethernet port of the Hyperion Display. The display will have a power receptacle and plate preinstalled in the sign to accept the modem.
When should I Use it?
- Remote access for programming the sign is desired by the customer or the ability to program the sign from many different computers over the internet is desired.
- The DSL phone or cable TV modem service is readily available near the display and the customer has internet access at their computers.
- The modem provider will perform the installation service and setup the IP address for the modem and signs.
- The customer wants Electro-Matic to have access to the sign for troubleshooting or adding content to the sign over the internet.
- The monthly service charge is not an issue for the customer. - High speed connection is desired for sending Movie files or large picture files to the sign
Fiber Optics (Option F)
What is it?
Fiber Optics is a communication method using a fiber optic cable that utilizes light instead of electrical impulses to send information from the computer to the sign. A signal converter is required on the computer and also at the sign to change the signal to light and then back to an electrical pulse. This system is very robust for noise immunity, which means the speed can be very fast over long distances. In simple terms, a movie file can be transferred in under a minute versus 15 to 20 minutes using RS232. The Key differences between Fiber optic and Ethernet is: the distance between the computer and the display can be much greater with Fiber Optic, the fiber cable can be run in the same conduit as the power lines and fiber optic has a high immunity to lightning strikes.
When should I Use it?
- Ethernet Network is already available (LAN or WAN) and a dedicated IP address is available for the display.
- High speed connection is desired for sending Movie files or large picture files to the sign quickly.
- When you need access to the sign from several computers or from a company wide network.
- When you are interested in a medium cost, high speed, simple communication method and installation costs are not a factor.
- Distance from the Sign to the Computer or Network switch is less than the maximum recommended distance of 2.5 miles.
- When reliability for communication is premier to all other considerations.
Infrared Handheld Remote Controller
What is it?
4U2SEE makes programming your sign as easy as using your televisions remote control. Our handheld remote puts the power of your sign at your fingertips. This remote utilizes Infra Red light pulses to program the sign. The sign must be within line of sight of the remote and is good from 20 feet or less. The angle between the remote and the sign is also critical and must be within 20 degrees of straight on to work effectively.
When Should I Use it?
- When a computer is out of the question to program the sign.
- When a simple, easy and inexpensive method to program the sign is desired.
- When the distance between the remote and the display are less than 20 feet (6m) and the front of the sign is easily accessed.
- When messages are changed infrequently.
- When it is not necessary to store all the possible messages for quick edits, changes and scheduling
USB
What is it?
USB requires a standard commercial USB A male to A male cable between the computer and the display (a 20 foot cable is supplied with the indoor displays). Utilizing standard USB Hubs will allow for extending the cable to a maximum length of 96 feet. Also, utilizing a special extender on each end and utilizing standard Cat5 cable, the cable length can be increased to a maximum of 150 feet. Several signs can be connected to the computer at any given time with the only restriction being the number of USB ports available on the computer. This is a simple connection system that is relatively easy to install and use. The computer must be loaded with the 4U2SEE USB driver for the system to recognize the displays.
When Should I Use it?
- When the distance between the computer running the Display software and the display are less than 20 feet (6 m), hubs are utilized or a special cable is purchased for longer distances.
- When your computer has an available USB port and you are close to the sign.
- When temporarily communicating to the sign using a laptop.
- When you are interested in a low cost, simple communication method and installation costs are not a factor.
RS485
What is it?
RS485 is a 2 wire communication method to the displays. It has a maximum distance restriction of 5000 feet (1500m) and you can connect (daisy chain) many signs to the computer. This is a simple connection system that is relatively easy to install and use. Most computers do not have this type port installed so a converter must be purchased (you can utilize Electro-Matic Products USB/RS232 converter OICUSB/232-232/485).
When should I Use it?
- When connecting several displays together to one computer.
- When the distance between the sign is less than 5000 feet.
- When you are interested in a low cost, simple communication method and installation costs are not a factor.
Ethernet
What is it?
TCP/IP over Ethernet network is another term used for this. Ethernet is a wired communication method allowing an Ethernet communication card (installed in your computer) to communicate with the display over a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN). In an ethernet Network LAN or WAN, the sign can be accessed from any computers connected to the network. Ethernet is a very fast communication method and readily available on most computers.
When should I Use it?
- Ethernet Network is already available (LAN or WAN).
- High speed connection is desired for sending.
- Need access to the sign from several computers or from a company wide network.
- Distance from the Sign to the Computer or Network switch is less than 300 feet (115 m) which is the maximum distance recommended for a CAT5 cable.
- When you are interested in a medium cost, simple communication method and installation costs are not a factor.
Wireless Ethernet
What is it?
Wireless Ethernet is sometimes called Wifi or 802.11. It is Ethernet over an RF network and uses off the shelf RF equipment bought at local computer stores (similar to the wireless used on your laptop). Typically there is data encryption or Key’s used to access the network. In utilizing this type of network, initially there is some setup involved to get the sign talking with the master transmitting unit. In all wireless units, they need “line of sight“ clearance between the transmitter antenna and the receiver sign antenna. The quality of the RF signal can be affected by many factors such as: obstructions in between the sign antenna and the Computer transmitter antenna, distance between the antennas, position of the antennas, how the antennas are mounted, etc. The display must be located within an area where the signal from the nearest transmitter is strong enough.
When should I Use it?
- Need access to the sign from several computers or from a company wide network.
- The display is moving.
- Direct wire cable methods can not be used due to High installation costs
- Excessive RF interference is not present at the 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.
- Have the capability or hire someone to configure and setup the network and sign WiFi -Do not have an issue with supplying an extra 120VAC receptacle for the WiFi adapter plugged into the display.
- Want low cost communication method and Wifi signal already exists.
Text Messaging
What is it?
This uses cell phone technology to allow messages to be posted on the display by sending text messages or emails. The interface device plugs into the RS232 serial port of the sign and may also require a 120VAC outlet (1 line signs will require this and multi line signs will not). Messages sent from emails or other cell phones through text messaging will appear on the signs. This unit requires a cell phone text messaging contract and SIM card. The messages are restricted to a total of 160 characters maximum per message. Only one message will play on the sign at any given time. This is optional as a SMS format or GPRS format depending on the cell phone carrier. Sigma software can not be used for this type of communication.
When should I Use it?
- Need access to the sign from several computers having email capabilities or from a cell phone.
- The display is moving.
- Direct wire cable methods can not be used due to High installation costs
- Excessive RF interference is not present at the sign or the transmitter location. This can be caused by radio stations, TV stations, wireless handsets and numerous other wireless devices prevalent on the market today.
- Do not have an issue paying an initial installation charge and a monthly service charge from the cell phone service provider.
- Have the capability or hire someone to configure and setup the network and sign cell phone network. The display interface requires a SIM card and the SIM needs to be inserted in the cell phone interface.
- Cell phone coverage is adequate where the sign is mounted.
- Do not need to have the capabilities of Sigma Software which cannot be used for this type of
communication
RS232
What is it?
RS232 is a 4 wire communication method to the displays. It typically uses a 9 pin D shell plug on the computer. It has a maximum distance restriction of 50 feet (15m) and only one sign can be connected to the computer at any given time. This is a simple connection system that is relatively easy to install and use. The speed of transmission will depend on the wire used and the amount of electronic interference present.
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 port and you are close to the sign or you utilize Electro-Matic Product’s USB converter OICUSB/232-232/485 that converts the USB of your computer to RS232. -When temporarily communicating to the sign using a laptop.
- When you are interested in a low cost, simple communication method and installation costs are not a factor.
- When only sending messages and not Movie files or pictures because this method is typically slow for large amounts of data like a Movie or pictures.
- When only one sign is being communicated with.
RS485
What is it?
RS485 is a 2 wire communication method to the displays. It has a maximum distance restriction of 5000 feet (1500m) and you can connect (daisy chain) many signs to the computer. This is a simple connection system that is relatively easy to install and use. Most computers do not have this type port installed so a converter must be purchased (you can utilize our USB converter OICUSB/232-232/485). This system is more immune to electrical noise than RS232.
When should I Use it?
- When connecting several displays together to one computer.
- When the distance between the sign is less than 5000 feet but greater than 50 feet.
- When install cost is not an issue (running wire to sign).
- Have a separate conduit system for the RS485 cable because it cannot be installed in the power conduit.
Ethernet
What is it?
TCP/IP over Ethernet network is another term used for this. Ethernet is a wired communication method allowing an Ethernet communication card (installed in your computer) to communicate with the display over a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN). Ethernet is a very fast communication method. In simple terms, a movie file can be transferred to a sign in under a minute versus 15 to 20 minutes using RS232 or RS485. It is recommended that Ethernet cable not be more than 300 ft in length. You can get more distance than 300 feet by connecting to an ethernet HUB or Switch to allow you to extend another 300 ft. It is possible to utilize your existing TCP/IP network.
When should I Use it?
- Ethernet Network is already available (LAN or WAN) and a dedicated IP address is available for the display.
- High speed connection is desired for sending Movie files or large picture files to the sign quickly.
- When you need access to the sign from several computers or from a company wide network.
- Distance from the Sign to the Computer or Network switch is less than the maximum recommended distance of 300 feet (115 m) for a CAT5 cable.
- Have a separate conduit system for the ethernet cable because it cannot be installed in the power conduit.
- When you are interested in a low cost, high speed, simple communication method and installation costs are not a factor.
Ethernet/Wireless
What is it?
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. In utilizing this type of network, initially there is some setup involved to get the 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 sign quickly.
- Distance from the Sign to the Computer or Network switch is less than 100 feet (65 m).
- Need access to the sign from several computers or from a company wide network.
- Direct wire cable methods can not be used due to High installation costs
- There is a direct line of sight from transmitter to display receiver.
- Have the capability or hire someone to configure and setup the network and sign WiFi
- Excessive RF interference is not present at the 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.