Daktronics

How to use the Radio Config Utility (RCU)

Topic

  • How do I use the Radio Configuration Utility for troubleshooting serial radio communication?
  • Is there a test or diagnostic tool /utility to detect serial radios from the control computer?

Environment

  • Product:
  • Component: Gen 2. Serial Radios
  • Control System: Radio Config Utility (RCU) (RadioCfg_r4.exe), Venus 1500

Steps

Note: Before starting the troubleshooting it is recommended to turn power off to the display and radio j-box and then turn them back on to see if communication is restored.

Warning: Misuse of this utility can render your radios inoperable.

  1. Run the radio configuration utility from: https://dakfiles.daktronics.com/downloads/venus1500/utils/Radio_Config/RadioCfg_r4.exe.  
  2. Save the file to the desktop.  Note: The file can simply be ran (no installation required).
  3. The only setting that needs to be adjusted is selecting the correct COM port.
    Radio Config 1.jpg
  4. Click Poll Information.
  5. On the new window that opens up, select Poll For Server Radio Only.
    1. If the server radio can be polled, then the serial port/USB to serial adapter, serial cable, radio j-box, and wiring from the j-box to the server radio are all good.  Note: Does not mean the server radio is working though.  Proceed to step 6.
    2. If the server radio cannot be polled, then there is an issue somewhere from the com port to the server radio.  Use standard loopback testing to determine root cause also power cycling the radio j-box.
      Poll_Server.jpg
       
  6. Click Poll For Client Radio Only.
    • If the client radio can be polled, then the server radio is good.  Note: Does not mean the client radio is working as the 232 circuitry or cabling on that radio could be at fault.  Go to step 7.
    • If unable to Poll the client radio, further testing will need to be done as this client polling does not work adequately.  Contact Daktronics technical support for assistance.
  7. If able to successfully poll data from both radios but still unable to communicate.  There is an issue further down the line from the client radio such as: Cabling, Quick connect, ribbon cable or controller.

 Additional Info

ED13348_REV3.pdf - Adobe Reader.bmp

 

 

 

 

Here is a picture of a successful poll.  Note the client radio is the only radio that shows signal strength and it is showing 8 in this example which means all 8 signal strength LEDs would be lit on the client radio

 

KB ID: DD2605825

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