Proper Handling of Modules and Cables

The signal and power cables connected to the modules are not designed to be used as lanyards to hold the modules in place when unlatched from the display face. When performing maintenance on the display face, Daktronics recommends removing the modules completely from the display face to avoid possible damage.
If module removal is not possible, use the module safety lanyards — located in the spare parts box or installation kit — to hang modules from the display face. Refer to Figure 1 for an example of module damage caused by using a SATA cable as a lanyard.

Figure 1: Broken SATA Jack
If a signal jack does break, the only option is to replace the module with one from the spare parts box. The jack cannot be repaired on site, so the damaged module must be returned to Daktronics to determine if the module is repairable.

Module Removal and Reinstallation from the Rear of the Display

If the module is unobstructed by display components, follow the procedures below. If a display component obstructs access to a module, refer to the display-specific service manual for procedures on removing display components.

Refer to Figure 2 for module terminology used in this article.


 Figure 2: Module and Installed Module

1. Use a safety lanyard. Refer to Figure 3 when performing steps 1a-1c.
2.  Figure 3: Attach Safety Lanyard to Module
   1.  Attach one end of the safety lanyard to a lanyard attachment ring at the top of the module.
   2. Feed the lanyard over a wire rod, or through a nearby upright. Do not anchor the lanyard to another module.
   3.  Attach the other end of the safety lanyard to the lanyard attachment ring on the bottom of the module.
   4. Disconnect the signal cables and power cable.
   5. With a T-handle Allen wrench, turn the top and bottom latch releases approximately 1/4 turn clockwise to disengage the module latches.
      1. Note: Always maintain a firm grip on the module as you carefully remove the module from the face ​sheet of the display.. Rotate the module in a way that allows you to guide it through the frame opening without catching the louvers or LEDs on the cabinet. Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 for examples of proper and improper removal of modules.

 Figure 4: Proper Module Removal

 Figure 5: Improper Module Removal

Reinstall module

1. To reinstall a module, attach a safety lanyard in the same way as described above. Rotate and carefully guide the module through the opening.
2. Note: To ensure proper alignment, the word “top” is printed on the back of the module, in the upper-left and upper-right corners. Additionally, if the module is upside down, the precision alignment pegs will bind on the face sheet.
3. Once the module is through the opening, align the module with the face sheet so the gravity load pegs fit in the gravity load peg holes. Refer to Figure 6. Ensure the lanyard or cables are not pinched between the module and the display.
   2.  Figure 6: Reinstallation: Align Gravity Load Pegs
4. Once the module is in place, use the bottom module lanyard rings or the lanyard to pull the module tight against the face sheet. This is to ensure the module latches clear the face sheet when engaging the latches. 
5. Note: Use care when engaging the module latches. It is possible to damage the module latches if they do not clear the face sheet.
6. With the T-handle Allen wrench, turn the bottom latch release approximately 1/4 turn counter-clockwise to engage the bottom latch. Verify the latches clear the face sheet.
7. Repeat Step 8 to secure the top latch.
8. Connect signal cables and the power cable. Verify the cables are properly seated.
9. Remove the module safety lanyard and return it to the parts box/installation kit.

Module Removal and Reinstallation from the Front of the Display

1. With one hand on the module face, insert the T-handle Allen wrench in the access holes. Refer to Figure 7 for the location of the access holes.
   1.  Figure 7: Front Access
2. Turn the top and bottom latch releases approximately 1/4 turn counter-clockwise.
3. Pull the module from the display just far enough to reach around to the back of the module. Disconnect the power and signal cables from the back of the module.
4. Gently set the module down on a clean and dry surface.
   1.  If there is no place to set the module down, use a safety lanyard to hang the module from the display.
   2. Attach the safety lanyard in a way that takes up slack on the lanyard. Refer to Figure 8, Figure 9, and Figure 10 for examples of attaching the lanyard and hanging the module.
   3. Note:  This is done to secure the module as much as possible when performing this procedure. When resting the module against the display face, ensure the gravity load pegs do not damage LEDs on the display face.
   4.  Figure 8: Top View: Safety Lanyard Attached to Module Lanyard Attachment Rings
   6.  Figure 9: Safety Lanyard Secured to nearby Wire Rod in Display
   8.  Figure 10: Side View: Safety Lanyard Prevents Module from Falling

Reinstall the Module

1. To reinstall the module, ensure the module is properly aligned with its location in the display.
2. Reattach signal and power cables. Ensure no cables are hanging between the display and the module. Verify cables are properly seated.
3.  Align the module with the gravity load pegs and insert the module. Place your hand on the module to keep it in place.
4. Firmly push in the lower half of the module to ensure the module latches clear the face sheet. With the T-handle Allen wrench, turn the bottom latch release approximately 1/4 turn clockwise.
5. Repeat Step 8 to secure the top latches.
6. Gently pull the module to verify that it is properly seated.
7. If the module is not latched properly, the springs on the back of the module will force the module out.