Looking for help with an LED sign originally made by watchfire
Unable to reprogram do to obsolete hardware. Mechanic that I am and with very limited knowledge of how/what to upgrade and get it up and running
Should probably include some background information on the sign; RGB led panels, the sign functions as it should with the current hardware but cannot be reprogrammed for the new business do to obsolete hardware and no wireless communication.
Watchfire by Time O Magic was the original manufacturer of this device and is no longer supported
Good photos might be first step.
Almost nothing to work on there. Do you have datasheets, part numbers, or any information that will help?
Why do you say obsolete hardware? Old hardware isn't usually a big problem.
Also, MANY pictures, especially if datasheets and part numbers are lacking.
At this point, there is a 0% chance of getting it up and running since we have no information.
I suspect you meant due to
Given your self admitted background and experience how do you know this?
Can you goto this PAGE and screen grab any information that applies to the sign in question.
I note it is a cloud-based product, so your comment re 'no wireless communication' is concerning.
Have you contacted the company for assistance, documents, drawings etc?
Can you open up the sign and take pictures of the existing device controlling the sign. If possible remove temporarily any covers etc on the controller. Pictures of both sides making sure any markings are visibnle in the photos will help.
I am have tried getting the existing OS but can’t program it do to the fact that when I called Watchfire for tech assistance they told me that without the Wi-Fi communication it is not possible to reprogram the message board.
I apologize for the lack of information about the components of the system but that is why I stated this thread. I don’t know what information you need to help and what you have told me tells me that I need to take it apart and provide the part numbers and component numbers.
It is working fine but has the wrong message on the led readout so I need to know what components to replace (controller) to be able to program it
Thank you for responding
The WIT2450 is the part that I was told is needed for programming purposes
I will get more information from the sign and post as many pictures as I can, hopefully today
From that statement we know two things. Your existing sign has NO WiFi and the manufacturer told you a small fib because they obviously were able to program it originally.
It does have an Ethernet connection port and I have tried to use that but get a communication error
About $250 but no longer carried by DigiKey.
That is great news, then you don't need the WIT2450 which is good news since it is hard to get and costs $250.
What protocol were you using to communicate via Ethernet?
That is just a 2.4Ghz radio, a lot like WiFi but since you have Ethernet it isn't really needed as long as you can plug in a Ethernet cable.
Are you certain the port is actually for ethernet, or are you just assuming that by the connector?
Correct and I have not been able to locate one anywhere
Assuming by the connector
I don’t know anything about the protocol