Daktronics

FL-3000/4500: How do I run loopback tests on displays with serial radio communication.

Topic

  • How do I troubleshoot an FL-3000/FL-4500 system that is using wireless (serial radios) communication?
  • How do I run a loopback test with a DM-100?

Environment

  • Product: FL-3000, FL-4500
  • Component: FLR3-1500, Gen 3 serial radios
  • Control System: DM-100 handheld (DD-2256160 revision 2.2 or lower and 3.0 or higher)

Steps

Tools Required:
  1. 2 paper clips or small conductors.
  2. Small flathead screw driver (eyeglass or jeweler's size).
  3. Phillips head screw driver for opening radios or j-boxes.
Step 1: Set DM-100 in loopback mode.
 Note: The menus have change slightly between the different revisions of the DM-100.  Below will have directions for the different menus.
  • DM-100 - DD-2256160 (3.0 or higher).  (This is displayed on the boot up of the handheld)
    1. Press MENU.
    2. Using the arrow buttons, scroll to DIAGNOSTICS and press Enter.
    3. Using the arrow buttons, scroll down to COM DIAGNOSTICS and press Enter.
    4. Using the arrow buttons, scroll down to COM PORT TESTS and press Enter.
    5. Using the arrow buttons, scroll down to RS232 COM0 and press Enter. (If loopback is not already in place, DM-100 will tell you which pins to connect; these pins are only for testing the DB9 output on the DM-100 and on the RS232 Cable).
  •  DM-100 - DD-2256160 (2.2 or lower).  (This is displayed on the boot up of the handheld)
    1. Press Menu.
    2. Using the arrow buttons, scroll to DIAGNOSTICS and press Enter.
    3. Using the arrow buttons, scroll down to PORT TESTS and press Enter.
    4. Using the arrow buttons, scroll down to RS232 COM0 and press Enter. (If loopback is not already in place, DM-100 will tell you which pins to connect; these pins are only for testing the DB9 output on the DM-100 and on the RS232 Cable).
Step 2: Put loopback in place at the desired test point. Test points are listed below.
 
Note: with the FL-3000/4500 systems, a loopback test cannot be performed on the radio j-box or the cable going to the server radio. Once plugged into the radio j-box, the DM-100 must see the server radio to initialize.
 
DM-100 and RS232 cable
  • To test the DB9 output on the DM-100, connect pins 2 & 3.
  • To test the DB9 RS232 cable, connect pins 2 & 3.
  • Verify the loop back test is passing on both. (DM-100 will display "Loop back pass"). (Indicates good DM-100 and RS232 cable).
  • Note - If loopback test passes, remove the loopback and test again to ensure test fails.
Note: Paper clips or another conductor can be inserted into the DB9 female port on the DM-100 or the DB9 RS232 cable to connect the pins.
 
Server radio
  • Power the display down before performing this loopback test.  Having the client radio powered up may affect testing conditions as it will continue to transmit/receive signal.
  • Connect RX to TX(pins 5 and 6) on TB1 signal out.
  • Verify the loop back test is passing. (DM-100 will display "Loop back pass"). (Indicates good server radio).
  • Note - If loopback test passes, remove the loopback and test again to ensure test fails.
 
                                                                           
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Client radio
  • Remove wires from RX (White)pin5 and TX (Green)pin6 and jumper RX to TX(pins 5 and 6) on the radio.
  • Verify the loop back test is passing. (DM-100 will display "Loop back pass"). (Indicates good client radio.

Note: This does not test the cables between the client radio and driver. This is only testing the board inside the client radio). 

Note: If loopback test passes, remove the loopback and test again to ensure test fails.

 
DD2032686_4.bmp 

KB ID: DD2857651

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