Methods of Transmission

Just when you thought the choices were all made, you get to decide on how you will transmit messages to your LED sign. Several are available and we will discuss them from best to worst.

Wireless

Wireless is unquestionably the preferred method of message transmission for several reasons. A wireless LED sign will have no cables connecting it to the source of the transmission. This is an important factor because the single greatest cause of damage to LED message signs is high voltage entering through data lines. This can cause damage both to the LED sign and the computer it is connected to. Eliminating data cables will greatly increase the life and reliability of your LED sign.

Additionally, wireless LED signs are much easier, faster, and neater to install. They require no digging up lawns or parking lots, and allow for LED signs to easily replace manual changeable copy signs in many locations.

Unfortunately most LED companies operate far behind the curve of wireless technology today. There are only a few with real expertise in this field and fewer who have secure wireless systems. You don't want anyone using your LED sign without authorization, or using the wireless link as an entrance to your computer or network.

900Mhz or 2.4Ghz? We will not labor to explain the complexities of the differences between these types of signals. There are many sites available that will explain the technical nuances. Some salesmen in the LED sign business will tell you that the 2.4 Ghz is better, presumably because it is a higher number.

THEY ARE WRONG. The choice of wireless type is dependent upon many factors. The craze for 2.4 Ghz is because it is license free in most of the world. Not because it is necessarily better for your LED sign location. There are also those who want to network their LED signs over the 802.11 public wireless network. This application has it's own set of particulars. To determine the best type for your location and needs we suggest dealing with a company that has expertise in this field.

Fiber Optic

Unless you have a fiber optic network already in place and qualified technicians readily available in your location, don't buy a fiber optic controlled LED sign.

Proponents of this method ( usually those who have a vested interest in selling it ) will boast of it's resistance to high voltage and lightning. But the downsides of expense and hassle is hardly worth it unless you already have it in place.

Telephone Modem

Some companies call this method wireless, IT'S NOT. Unless it is a cellular modem it will have a regular telephone line connected to it.

On the average 6 people are electrocuted each year in the U.S. while talking on their phone. Plugging a phone line into your LED sign is a bad idea. It is one of the worst methods for reliability and necessitates a monthly expense for the phone service.

Direct Data Cable

This is the original method of communication for all message signs. It requires a solid cable to be connected from the operating computer to the LED sign. This is still OK if your LED sign is not mounted in the ground. If it is attached to the wall of your building, direct cable will typically be reliable and may not be too difficult to put in place.