Troubleshooting Hub - Blank Scoreboard with Hardwired Communication

Several Quick Troubleshooting Tips:
1) Verify the correct operation code is being used on the controlling console; see Scoreboard showing wrong information or is blank, Wrong sport code .
2) Verify the board has power; see Scoreboard blank, No boot sequence or POST, No primary power
3) Try using another output on the back of the console (only applicable to 1/4" outputs); see All Sport: Wired scoreboard is not responding to the console, Console output bad
4) Verify driver is set to correct address with address plug or dip switches; see Scoreboard: Blank or lighting incorrectly, Wrong driver address

I  Verify Scoreboard POST (Power-On Self-Test)

This verifies the scoreboard has power, and the driver (main controlling board inside the board) is functioning and is properly addressed.

1. Turn the All Sport console off, otherwise the POST will not run.
2. Find the breaker for the scoreboard:
   • for outdoor scoreboards, there is usually a disconnect for power at the base of the support structure/I-beam,
   • for indoor scoreboards, you can either find the breaker the scoreboard is tied into or unplug the power cord (the power cord normally comes out the top of the scoreboard).
3. Cycle power to the scoreboard by turning off power for at least 30 seconds and then restoring power.

II  Sequence of the POST

Note: some older scoreboards may not have a POST.

• If the scoreboard has a 4 to 6 digit clock then the following will show in the clock:
  1. Typically P0 will show up in the first two clock digits (protocol zero) if there is no TOD (time of day) protocol plug installed.
  2. Then AD &#35&#35 should appear (""AD" will look like "A0", &#35&#35 stand for the address; just verify some numbers do come up; to verify the actual correct address setting, you will likely need to contact tech support; otherwise it could be verified in the All Sport manual: AS-5000, AS-1600).
  3. The digit segments should then light up in a circular pattern with each segment lighting in sequence.
• If the scoreboard does not have a clock, the address setting may appear in the home and guest scores, otherwise it may not appear at all.

III  No POST

If there is no POST see the following article: How do I troubleshoot a blank scoreboard or timing display with no POST . 

• Note: If the scoreboard does go through part of the POST, but does not show the Address Number, the driver inside the scoreboard has possibly lost its address setting requiring either a driver replacement or reseating of the address plug/checking dip switches.  The address determines what information the driver/scoreboard pulls from the console.  The address is normally set by using a 12-pin address plug (plugged into J19 on the master driver board) or by set of dip switches on the driver board (newer scoreboards).
• If power is suspected as the issue, Tech support can be contacted for additional help troubleshooting.  If the scoreboard does not have 120V AC in, then a local electrician will likely need to be contacted.

IV Scoreboard Displays POST

If the scoreboard does go through its POST, then it is likely a signal issue; a volt/multi-meter will then be needed.
Possible Issues:

• A bad output(s) from the console (J1, J2, J3, or 25-pin output).
• Bad cable from console to junction box (j-box).
• Bad field wiring.
• Loose connection for signal inside scoreboard.
• Somehow positive and negative signal wires got swapped (sometimes occurs on new installations). 

V  Try Another Output

• If another 1/4" output is available on the back of the console, try at this time (i.e. J1, J2, J3).

VI Unplug Phono Cable at J-box

• If no change, unplug the 1/4" phone plug that plugs into the junction box (if used).

VII   Measure Voltage at 1/4" Stereo Jack

• Follow How do I measure the wired current loop voltage output of an All Sport console? .

VIII Console Outputs Good

• If the voltage measurements from the console are good then the issue is likely farther down the line (i.e. field wiring, loose connection, partial driver failure).

IX  Driver Access Panel

• At this point, it will be necessary to locate the master driver access panel (usually a hinged door) to troubleshoot any further.
• Some indoor scoreboards have a signal in jack on the scoreboard itself (often found on top of the scoreboard near the power cable).  One can plug the console into this jack, bypassing any field wiring.  If the output console voltage measured was good and the scoreboard turns on, then there is an issue with the field wiring or there is loose connection at one of the j-boxes (continuity tests could be done on the field wiring to determine breaks or shorts in the wiring).

X Troubleshooting Steps at Driver Enclosure

1. Ensure the controlling console is turned on, and the scoreboard has power.
2. Check the diagnostic LED's on the main driver (typically 3 of them).
   • The green power (pwr) light should be on steady.
   • The amber status light should blink steadily (heartbeat of the driver); if this light is on or off all, then the driver has failed.
   • The red receive (rx) light should flicker when receiving signal from the console.
3. Gyrus driver diagnostic LED's on the main driver are all red
   • DS8 power light should be on steady.
   • DS2 run light should blink steadily.
   • DS5 receive (CL RX) light should flicker when receiving signal from the console.
4.   Measure signal voltage at J17: should at bare minimum be 6V DC.
   • This plug is a 12-pin plug normally located near the center of the driver board
   • A red and black wire will be used for signal (these wires can be traced to the terminal block).
   • The red wire is positive; the black wire is negative.
   • If a negative voltage is measured, swap the wires at the terminal block.

XI No Voltage at Driver

If there is no signal voltage measured at the driver, perform the following:

• Note: in general, red and black wires are used for signal (indicating a DC voltage).

1.  For Outdoor Scoreboards, there is also a small surge card (square board) that signal voltage can be measured at.
   • Measure signal voltage at the input and output terminal blocks on the surge card.
   • If voltage is measured on the input but not at the output, then the surge card is bad (ensure the clamping screws are securing the wires).
2.  For Indoor and Outdoor Scoreboards, the signal wires first go to a terminal block (location varies).
   • Measure signal voltage at this location.
   • If there is no signal voltage measured or it is low, then the issue is with the field wiring.