Troubleshooting A-2826 Transition Networks converter: Ethernet fiber communication system

Note: For standard use the A-2826 fiber media converter dip switches should be set to the following: How to set the dip switches on the A-2826 media converters for a Message Center?

1. Begin at the Transition Networks media converter inside of the building connected to the network.  Disconnect the network cable from the network port, and connect a laptop directly to it if it is not already.  Attempt to connect with the appropriate Daktronics software, or configuration utility to the display.
   • If you are able to communicate here, but not through your network, proceed to Step 2.
   • If you are unable to communicate by bypassing the network, proceed to Step 3.
2. Verify the following items depending on your display version.  If none of these resolve the issue, please contact your IT administrator for assistance.
   • Link speed should be set to automatic if the display is on a network. Refer to How to change the NIC settings on a Galaxy controller using the M2Config utility?
   • Ports needed open for communication in VCS are 443 and 80, resolve as per "Communication Error!" in Venus Control Suite, Network blocking communication to venus.daktronics.com.
   • Verify Internet Protocol (IP) information on Network and Display by power cycling the display. When the display is powered back on it will display a Boot Sequence which will include the display IP information. It is recommended that if possible, video record the Boot Sequence to allow for ease of review. To verify network IP information, work with Information Technology (IT) group.
3. Place the converter into testing mode.  Reference How to put a Transition Networks Fiber Converter into test mode. .  Disconnect the fiber cables, and reference the activity lights at the base of the converter.
   • If the LNK ACT on the right light is dark, utilize a different network cable between.
   • If the LNK ACT on the right light is still dark, replace signal converter.
   • If the LNK ACT on the right light is green, proceed to Step 4.
4. With a Fiber Patch Cable (Daktronics part #W-1505), and the media converter still in testing mode, disconnect the Ethernet cable from the device, and place the fiber patch cable from the TX to the RX of the converter.  Be careful to not bend the fiber cable too far as this will damage the fiber cable.
   • If the LNK ACT on the left side of the device does not light, replace the media converter as per No communication to Galaxy display; Failed media converter
   • If the LNK ACT on the left side of the device lights, proceed to Step 5.
5. With a Fiber Splice Adapter (Daktronics Part #P-1197), and the in building converter still in Testing mode, remove the fibers from the fiber media converter at the display inside of the communications box, and splice them together.
   • If the LNK ACT on the left side of the in building device does not light, the fiber run is damaged and needs to be replaced/repaired.
   • If the LNK ACT on the left side of the in building device lights, proceed to Step 6.
6. Place the display side media converter into testing mode. Utilize the patch fiber cable to connect the TX and RX on the converter.
   • If the LNK ACT on the left side of the device does not light, replace the media converter as per No communication to Galaxy display; Failed media converter .
   • If the LNK ACT on the left side of the device lights, proceed to Step 7.
7. Check the LNK ACT light on the display side media converter with the connection to the display connected.
   • If the LNK ACT light is dark, proceed to Step 8.
   • If the LNK ACT light is lit, proceed to Step 9.
8. Try to connect with a different network cable if the one you have has not been verified to work.
   • If LNK ACT light remains dark, replace media converter as per No communication to Galaxy display; Failed media converter
   • If LNK ACT light lights, continue to Step 9.
9. Try to connect at the Communication box. Communication can be tested at the drop down cable connected between the media converter and display.
   • If you can connect to the display through the drop down cable. Reseat the drop down cable to the media converter and test from the control computer.
   • If you cannot communicate here, continue to Step 10.
10. Connect the laptop at the Quick Connect (QC) input if it has J32 (RJ45 - Ethernet) with known working Ethernet cable and try to communicate. Refer to How to connect directly to AF-3500 Galaxy display with Ethernet?
    • Note: J32 ports are found on AF-3500, AF-3550, GPX and GS6 product.
    • If you can communicate here, replace cabling from communication box surge card to QC input. Refer to No communication to display, Drop down cable has failed, DD3501456.
    • If you cannot communicate here, proceed to Step 11.
11. Connect the laptop to the patch cable inside the display disconnecting the end plugged into the QC from the previous step. Patch cable is the Ethernet cable between the QC input and the controller.
    • If you can communicate here replace the QC input. Refer to "Communication Error!" appearing in the VCS dashboard, Boot up shows "No Eth", Failed Ethernet Quick Connect card
    • If you cannot communicate here, proceed to Step 12.
12. Connect the laptop directly to the controller, use known working Ethernet cable.
    • If you can communicate here, replace Ethernet patch cable. Refer to No Ethernet communication to display, Boot up shows "No Eth"; Bad Cat5 cable .
    • If you can not communicate here, replace the controller. Refer to Galaxy unable to ping or connect to controller when directly plugged into Ethernet jack; Bad Ethernet jack .