Daktronics

Time & Temperature: Not holding the correct time, Time drifts.

Potential Symptoms

  • Not holding the correct time on display.
  • Time drifts.
  • Losing time on display (ex: 5 minutes every 2 months).

Environment

  • Product: DataTime, Time and Temperature display, DF-1010, DF-1011, DF-1012
  • Component: 60Hz time keeping
  • Control System:

 

Resolution

Verify 60hz & voltage on input and output of transformer (Some models of the DF-1010 do not have a transformer - Check the BOM to verify).

Input voltage - should be 120VAC, 60hz going into pins 1 & 4 (white & black wires) of the transformer.
  • If we have verified that we don't have the 60Hz on the input, then we can setup the display to use RTC to see if time drift improves.
    • To use RTC, remove the orange and brown wire from the transformer. They should just pull off from pins 5 & 8 of the transformer.  Do this with power off. When you turn the sign back on, the driver will now be using Real Time Clock circuitry (RTC) instead of relying on the 60hz signal to keep track of time. (In general, we use the 60hz as it is far more accurate overall)
    • May be able to talk to a qualified electrician and ask about how we can get a 60hz signal to site as the RTC is more of a backup system and may not keep the time as well as we want.
Output voltage - should be 10VAC to 12VAC, 60Hz coming out of pins 5 & 8 (orange & brown wires) of the transformer.
  • If the input is fine but the output from the transformer is not 60Hz, replace the transformer (Should be a 2nd one on a double-faced setup)
Verify connections and wiring - Pull the Schematic from the BOM of the display wiring.
  • Check for loose pins or connections from driver to transformer (examine connectors closely).
  • The 12-pin jack will have the number details located on the jack (can be hard to see).
Review sign structure.
  • Another item in the sign structure may be producing harmonics on the 60Hz power line.
    • Example: Bad ballast.
    • This could affect the sampling circuit used to keep time accurate.
    • Isolate the display from other items, if possible.
Driver failure.
  • It is not working as intended and needs replacement.
  • Typically, there are 2 displays. We should be able to try swapping host driver for secondary driver, making sure to also swap addressing (plugs will have to stay on their designated host/secondary side along with the protocol plug).

For Temporary Operation

Update time on DM-100 and send to the display at a higher frequency. See if the time is still drifting. If time still drifts, replace host driver.

KB ID: DD2089524

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