Fuelink 5: How do I detect displays and format my display

Connect to the software user interface through one of these options:

• Wired (network): Plug a customer-provided CAT5 cable into the NETWORK jack on the controller and navigate to http://fuelink5 
• Wired (direct): Plug a customer-provided CAT5 cable from a computer to the NETWORK jack on the controller and navigate to http://fuelink5.local
• Wireless (Wi-Fi): From any Wi-Fi enabled smart device, connect to the Fuelink 5 Wi-Fi access point then open a web browser and navigate to http://fuelink5.
  • Enter the Fuelink 5 credentials. 

Fuelink 5: How do I install and connect to the controller?

Note: Display modules with firmware version 211 or older do not support the display detection process. Refer to the Fuelink 5 Module Firmware Update process to verify module firmware and update as needed.

1. Go to Configuration > Detect and click Detect System. 
2. After modules are detected, enter the number of Total Displays.
3. Look at the displays and write down the highest number shown on each display (this will be either the top-right or bottom-right module). Enter this number in the Last Address field of each display.
4. Click Save when finished to save the system to the controller and display memory.

Note: Verify the communication method (wire or radio) to each pylon shows correctly and that each pylon shows the correct number of displays and number of modules within each display.

Go to Configuration > Display.

• Dimming – The dimming or brightness level is usually left at the default settings (AUTOMATIC, 0-100%). If adjustment is needed, click and drag either end of the slider bar to set the minimum and maximum automatic dimming levels, or select MANUAL to set the maximum brightness only.
• Frames – For cash/credit displays requiring multiple frames, choose the Number of Frames (up to four) and set the Hold Time in seconds for each frame.
• Font – Choose from one of five font styles.  Note: Prices $10.00 and higher are unaffected by the font choice.
• Format – Choose from one of four fraction formats.
• Reset Network – This option should be selected only if instructed by Daktronics!

Display modules that are on firmware version 211 or earlier are incompatible with the Fuelink 5 controller and necessitate a firmware upgrade as outlined below.

Note: Monitor the displays during power-up, or consult the 'Run Tests' process and select 'Firmware Version' to check the module firmware and ensure compatibility.

A supporting version of display firmware comes pre-packaged with the Fuelink 5 controller. To load it, navigate to Configuration > Display and click Bootload Mod Firmware (Version <number>). 

This update will take up to 7 minutes per client radio, and the progress for each client will be shown in the status window. The update for each client will happen sequentially and start the percent progress over again for each.

• The display network currently being updated will blank content and show steady or pulsing lights on each module in the display.
• If the displays revert to showing price content prior to 100% file transfer, then the update process has failed and will need to be reattempted. Repositioning of the radio server during this update to assist with the file transfer may be required.
• All display networks will be updated on each bootload attempt. Note: Updating display modules with firmware version 211 uses an older file transfer method which may fail in high RF noise environments or areas of high radio obstruction. 

1. Go to Configuration > Detect and click Refresh. Verify server and client radios are shown properly.

2. Go to the System menu to view the radio signal strength. 

A value lower (more negative) than -85 dBm may indicate higher signal loss and difficulty in sending information to and from the client radio. Reposition the server and/or client radios to get more height and avoid obstructions between them. Once the signal strength is acceptable, permanently mount the server radio. Note: If the position of the server cannot be adjusted to get acceptable signal strength, connect a longer cable to allow mounting the server on the exterior of the building.

For more on setup, reference: Fuelink 5: How do I install and connect to the controller?