Troubleshooting Guide
The following are solutions to some typical errors which might be encountered during the set-up and operation of a LED Digital Sign. If you experience problems which are not addressed here, please contact Technical Support at: 832-680-6111
Possible LED digital sign issues
1
Sign is all out
The sign is completely dark, showing no images.
Solutions:
1. Check power to the sign components.
2. Check software for the sign for function, schedule and content.
3. Power off the sign and wait 10 minutes, then start back the sign.
2
Dashed line
Solutions:
1. Usually involves bad modules or ribbon cables at the right-most part of the dashed line.
2. First, replace the ribbon cable ( A ).
3. If this doesn’t solve the problem, replace module (B).
4. If this doesn’t solve the problem, replace module (C).
3
Line out
Only one line of module boards are out.
Solutions:
1. Usually involves bad modules or ribbon cables at the right-most part of the dashed line.
2. First, replace the ribbon cable ( A ).
3. If this doesn’t solve the problem, replace module (B).
4. If this doesn’t solve the problem, replace module (C).
4
Section out
A section (more than one line of boards) is out, beginning at the far rightside of the sign.
Solutions:
1. Locate the “Control card” If there is more than one control card shown on the sign, locate the one nearest to the section that is out.
2. Remove the LED module(s) covering the control card.
3. Locate indicator lights on control card. Make sure the indicator lights are on. If the lights are on, proceed to the next step. If the lights are not on, there is no power going to the control card. See “How to replace a power supply”
4. Verify that the control card has a light turn on to it.
a) If the control card light is working, and all of the LED modules connected to this control card are still not working, replace the interface card. See “How to replace a control card”
b) If the control card light is working, but only some of the LED modules connected to this control card are not working, then you may have a problem with failed power supplies. See “How to replace a power supply”
5
Section Out - Half the sign is out
A section (more than one line of boards) is out.
Solutions:
1. Remove one or more LED modules at the far right hand side of the outage. Trace back the power cable to the LED power supply.
2. Look for the LED indicator lights on the power supply.
3. If any indicator light is out. see: “How to replace a power supply”
6
Discoloration on One Module
One discolored LED module. For example: one color is missing or one LED module is too bright or too dim.
Solutions:
1. See “How to replace an LED module”
7
Discoloration of multiple modules in one line
Multiple discolored LED modules. For example: one color is missing or one LED module is too bright or too dim
Solutions:
1. Usually involves bad modules or ribbon cables at the right-most part of the dashed line.
2. First, replace the ribbon cable ( A ).
3. If this doesn’t solve the problem, replace module (B).
4. If this doesn’t solve the problem, replace module (C).
8
Data corruption on one line
Data is not displaying correctly on only one line of the sign. This will often look like static on a television set, with modules displaying areas at full bright and other areas on the same module that are completely dark.
Solutions:
1. Usually involves bad modules or ribbon cables at the right-most part of the dashed line.
2. First, replace the ribbon cable ( A ).
3. If this doesn’t solve the problem, replace module (B).
4. If this doesn’t solve the problem, replace module (C).
9
Dimming or brightness issues
The entire sign is too bright or too dim.
Solutions:
1. Check brightness setting on the software
and re-send the program using software.
10
Two sides, one working
& one side not working
Solutions:
1. Change the ethernet cable between two sides. See "How to change Ethernet cable".
The side that is not working is not receiving data from working side.
How to replace an LED module - Front Service
Locate the hex head screws on the face of the module. Locate the hex head screws of the module. Using a 5/64” or 7/64” T-Handle Allen wrench, turn the screws approximately a 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Gently lift the module up and out. Remove both ribbon cables for input and output. When re-installing, align the ribbon cable connector keys to ensure proper re-installation.
How to replace an data ribbon cable - Front Service
Locate the data ribbon cable. The data cable is connected to the right and left sides of the module board. Disconnect the data ribbon cable by carefully pulling the cable out from the module by grasping the end of the cable. It is very important when re-installing, align the ribbon cable connector keys to ensure proper re-installation.
How to replace an LED module - Front Access
Once you located which module panel to replace, open the cabinet using the provided key and access under the sign. Gently pull the red & black power cable located on center of the module. Next, gently pull the ribbon cable from each sides of the module panel. Either drill machine or screwdriver to remove screws behind the module panel. Gently push the module and the module will come out.
How to replace an data ribbon cable - Front Access
Locate the data ribbon cable. The data cable is connected to the right and left sides of the module board. Disconnect the data ribbon cable by carefully pulling the cable out from the module by grasping the end of the cable. It is very important when re-installing, align the ribbon cable connector keys to ensure proper re-installation.
How to replace an Power supply
Locate the failed power supply by checking if any LED indicator light is out. Unscrew with your finger to release the power supply by turning then lifting it up and out of the back panel. Remove all the screws from the power supply. It is important when re-installing, to put all wires as they were removed from the power supply to ensure proper re-installation.
How to replace an Control Card
Locate the failed control card and remove enough modules to gain access if the sign is front service or for front access sign you can open the sign to have access. Disconnect two ethernet cables from the display port and PC port. Disconnect red and black wire by removing the screw. Disconnect the data ribbon cable by carefully pulling the cable out from the control card. Remove the screws from the control card to release the control card from the back panel.
LED Digital Sign component’s diagram
