Daktronics

Unable to communicate to the Ethernet port on a VL display

Potential Symptoms

  • Unable to ping, send message or get status of the sign through the Ethernet port.

Environment

  • Product Family:  Transportation
  • Product:  VL display
  • Component:  M3 controller (NTCIP)
  • Control System:  Vanguard configuration Utility, DFTP Software, LCD Simulator software

Cause

  • Sending large graphic messages, or frequent pinging or polling, may cause the memory to fill up, slow down, and eventually not be able to process any commands.
  • Controller's memory is full causing the controller's communication ports to lockup.

Resolution

  • Utilize the VL controller RAM Volatile database:
  1. Cycle power to the display. This should free up the controllers Ethernet port.
  2. Attempt to establish communication to the display again.
  3. Using Vanguard Configuration Utility or DFTP, load VL firmware to the controller (VL Firmware).
    1. Reset the controller using the software, this will save new firmware to memory.
  4. Enable RAM mode.
    1. Connect to display with LCD Simulator Software.
    2. Select to CONFIGURATION.
    3. Select SYSTEM CONFIGURATION.
    4. Select CONFIGURE OPTIONS.
    5. Select SPECIAL FEATURES.
    6. Select DAKT SPECIAL FEATURES.
    7. Press the down arrow to scroll down and select USE VOLATILE DATABASE.
    8. Put the controller back in Remote once this change is made.
    9.  The controller will now process data differently & the communication port won't freeze up anymore. 

KB ID: DD2533850

DISCLAIMER: Use of this content may void the equipment warranty, please read the disclaimer prior to performing any service of the equipment.

DAKTRONICS DOES NOT PROMISE THAT THE CONTENT PROVIDED HEREIN IS ERROR-FREE OR THAT ANY DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED, OR THAT YOUR USE OF THE CONTENT WILL PROVIDE SPECIFIC RESULTS. THE CONTENT IS DELIVERED ON AN "AS-IS" AND "AS-AVAILABLE" BASIS. ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. DAKTRONICS DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTIES OF ACCURACY, NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. DAKTRONICS DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR THE ACTS, OMISSIONS AND CONDUCT OF YOU OR ANY THIRD PARTIES IN CONNECTION WITH OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF THE CONTENT. ADJUSTMENT, REPAIR, OR SERVICE OF THE EQUIPMENT BY ANYONE OTHER THAN DAKTRONICS OR ITS AUTHORIZED REPAIR AGENTS MAY VOID THE EQUIPMENT WARRANTY. YOU ASSUME TOTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR USE OF THE CONTENT AND ANY LINKED CONTENT. YOUR SOLE REMEDY AGAINST DAKTRONICS FOR DISSATISFACTION WITH THE CONTENT IS TO STOP USING THE CONTENT. THIS LIMITATION OF RELIEF IS A PART OF THE BARGAIN BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

The above disclaimer applies to any property damage, equipment failure, liability, infringement, or personal injury claim arising out of or in any way related to your use or application of the content, whether such claim is for breach of contract, tort, negligence or any other cause of action.