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Indoor Message Centers

Alpha 213C LED Sign


Table of Contents

Overview

The Alpha 213C is an indoor LED Sign designed for retail, light industrial, commercial and office use. It displays text and graphics in eight colors and three rainbow effects. It is our most popular model. Literally thousands of these signs are being used all over the world. The Alpha 213C is one of the brightest and sharpest indoor displays available.

The Alpha 213C is used to convey information in an eye-catching manner. Describe your business, products, services and specials to employees, customers, visitors, students, patients and guests. Use the Alpha 213C to display employee communications that build company loyalty, boost morale and encourage teamwork. Display the company stock price, emphasize safety issues, advertise company-wide events, promote cafeteria specials, announce birthdays and anniversaries, publish production goals and attainment, and much more.

The Alpha 213C is frequently used as a point of sale display in restaurants, specialty shops, car washes and retail businesses; in waiting rooms to inform patients; and in hotels. It is often incorporated into casino gaming devices, ticket and postage vending machines.

Messages can be entered using a remote control programming keyboard that is as easy to understand and use as an ordinary calculator. Our unique Automode and Autocolor programming features eliminate the need to learn complicated programming procedures. Within seconds, anyone can create attractive visual messages with attention-getting impact.

Messages may be entered using a computer and messaging software.

Using a computer and special software the Alpha 213C can display information automatically – from a database, from within an Excel spreadsheet, from a PLC or another computer, from an SSL or XML text stream, from a local web site, or from a site on the Internet.

Messages are enhanced by 26 built-in display modes (transitions), multiple colors, multiple text sizes and fonts, 11 built-in animations, user-designed graphics, 24 special characters, day, date, time of day and many other special features.

Alpha 213C Features

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  • One Line – The Alpha 213C displays text and graphics on one line.
  • Multi-color – The Alpha 213C displays text and graphics from a palette of eight colors – red, green, amber, light red, light green, brown, orange and yellow – or in three rainbow color combinations. Specifying the built-in Autocolor feature automatically and randomly changes the color of each screen of text.
  • 13-Character Display – The Alpha 213C can display 13 standard size characters at once. Using Condensed Rotate mode, the Alpha 213C can display 27 characters at once, travelling from right to left in a "ticker" style.
  • 30K Memory – The Alpha 213C will store up to 30,000 bytes of messages, programming instructions and graphics.
  • 2 Character Heights – Characters can be 1.5" (5 pixels) or 2.1" (7 pixels) high.
  • 2 Character Fonts – Text can be displayed in two fonts – serif (fancy) or sans serif (block).
  • 4 Character Widths – Text can be displayed in four widths – normal, wide, double-wide, and wide double-wide.
  • Shadow Style – Text can be displayed in a 2.1" serif or sans serif font with a background shadow color. The shadow color for red or rainbow 1 characters is green. The shadow color for green, amber, rainbow 2 and mix characters is red.
  • Fixed or Proportional – Text can be displayed using fixed or proportional spacing.
  • 24 Character Styles – The two fonts, two character heights, four widths, and shadow style can be combined to produce twenty-four character styles:
    • 2.1" Sans Serif Normal
    • 2.1" Sans Serif Normal with Shadow
    • 2.1" Sans Serif Wide
    • 2.1" Sans Serif Wide with Shadow
    • 2.1" Sans Serif Double-Wide
    • 2.1" Sans Serif Double-Wide with Shadow
    • 2.1" Sans Serif Wide Double-Wide
    • 2.1" Sans Serif Wide Double-Wide with Shadow
    • 2.1" Serif Normal
    • 2.1" Serif Normal with Shadow
    • 2.1" Serif Wide
    • 2.1" Serif Wide with Shadow
    • 2.1" Serif Double-Wide
    • 2.1" Serif Double-Wide with Shadow
    • 2.1" Serif Wide Double-Wide
    • 2.1" Serif Wide Double-Wide with Shadow
    • 1.5" Sans Serif Normal
    • 1.5" Sans Serif Normal with Shadow
    • 1.5" Sans Serif Wide
    • 1.5" Sans Serif Wide with Shadow
    • 1.5" Sans Serif Double-Wide
    • 1.5" Sans Serif Double-Wide with Shadow
    • 1.5" Sans Serif Wide Double-Wide
    • 1.5" Sans Serif Wide Double-Wide with Shadow
  • Store 65 Messages – The Alpha 213C will hold up to 65 messages files at one time. Each message file can be any size. The Alpha 213C dynamically allocates memory to each message file as needed, up to the total amount of memory available.
  • Battery Backup – The Alpha 213C has battery backup for messages. Messages are retained in memory for up to a month when the Alpha 213C is unplugged.
  • Sequence 128 Messages – Up to 128 messages files may be run in a sequence. Messages files may be listed more than once in the sequence.
  • Message Scheduling – Each message can display on its own schedule, automatically turning on and turning off at specified times on specified days without human or computer intervention. Each message can be programmed with the day and time to start running and the day and time to stop running. Daily recurring messages, such as Lunch Time Specials and Coffee Break Specials or messages coordinated with public transportation arrival and departure schedules, can turn on and turn off at the appropriate times each day. Safety-oriented messages, such as "Lift With Your Legs, Not With Your Back" or "Don't Forget To Wear Your Safety Goggles" can be scheduled to display at different times, instead of at the same time, to achieve maximum effect and variety.
  • Wireless Programming Keyboard – The Alpha 213C comes with a wireless remote control programming keyboard. This keyboard uses an infrared beam to program the Alpha 213C. The keyboard can program the Alpha 213C from up to 30 feet away. It can be used to:
    • turn the Alpha 213C on and off
    • turn off and on the programming keys beep feature
    • program messages
    • run messages
    • delete specific messages
    • insert display modes, special effects and features, and international characters into messages
    • compose dot graphic files and incorporate them into messages
    • set the message file run sequence
    • set the start and stop times and dates for each message file
    • set the time, day and date
    • clear display memory
    • password protect the messages
    • run the built-in diagnostic tests
  • Password Protection and Message Locking – These features are provided to prevent unauthorized messages or changes to messages in the Alpha 213C.
  • International Character Set – Messages may contain all the upper and lower case letters (A - Z and a - z), the numbers 0 - 9, and the special characters:
  • ! @ # $ % & * ( ) _ - + = | \ { } [ ] : ; ∼ ′ < > , . ? / `

    The following international characters and symbols may also be displayed:

    These characters and symbols allow you to compose messages in more than one language, in English and in Spanish, for example, so you can display the messages in an alternating language message sequence.

  • 24 Special Characters – The Alpha 213C has 24 built-in special characters and glyphs that may be displayed in messages:
    • Y Punctuation Key Symbol
    • Carriage Return Symbol
    • Up Arrow
    • Down Arrow
    • Left Arrow
    • Right Arrow
    • Pacman Symbol
    • Sailboat
    • Baseball
    • Telephone Handset
    • Heart
    • Car
    • Handicap Wheelchair Symbol
    • Rhino Head
    • Mug
    • Satellite Dish
    • Copyright Symbol ©
    • Male Symbol
    • Female Symbol
    • Bottle
    • Diskette
    • Printer
    • Musical Note
    • Infinity Symbol
  • 26 Display Modes– The Alpha 213C has 26 display modes (transitions) that control how the characters of each message enter, display and exit the display screen. Using a variety of display modes in a message gives "eye-appeal" to the message:
    • Automode – Characters enter, display and exit using randomly selected display modes.
    • Roll (Up, Down, Left, Right, In, Out) – Characters move onto the display down from the top (Roll Down), up from the bottom (Roll Up), from the right end to the left (Roll Left), from the left end to the right (Roll Right), move into position vertically from the top and bottom (Roll In), move into position vertically, entering from the center horizontal row (Roll Out).
    • Wipe (Up, Down, Left, Right, In, Out) – Characters are revealed as each horizontal row or vertical column of pixels is lighted row by row or column by column – from the top row of the character down (Wipe Down), from the bottom row of the character up (Wipe Up), from the left column of the message to the right (Wipe Right), from the right column of the message to the left (Wipe Left), from the center column of the message to the right and left columns (Wipe Out), or from the right and left columns of the message to the center column (Wipe In).
    • Scroll – Characters move up onto the display from the bottom, and any displayed characters move up and off the display.
    • Rotate – Characters travel from right to left across the display in the familiar stock market ticker display mode.
    • Condensed Rotate – Characters travel from right to left across the display in a horizontally-compressed font in the familiar stock market ticker display mode.
    • Hold – Characters display without effects or motion for a specified length of time. The length of time the message stays on the screen is determined by the Speed code.
    • Flash – All characters blink on and off simultaneously several times.
    • Twinkle – The pixels of the displayed characters oscillate their intensity.
    • Sparkle – New characters appear as their pixels turn on randomly and pixels in existing characters randomly turn off.
    • Snow – Lighted pixels sprinkle down from the top pixel row, building new characters from the bottom up, like accumulating snow.
    • Interlock – The 2nd, 4th, and 6th horizontal rows of pixels in the characters move rapidly from the left end to the right, while the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th horizontal rows of pixels move rapidly from the right end to the left, forming the message on the display.
    • Switch – Every other character, i.e., the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, etc., moves onto the display from the top down, as the remaining characters move onto the display from the bottom up, pausing momentarily to display the message.
    • Slide – Characters slide rapidly across the display, one at a time, from right to left, building the message from left to right.
    • Spray – The pixels of characters move across the display from right to left in a spray effect, forming the characters from left to right.
    • Starburst – Several star-patterns display randomly, then form new characters, replacing any previously displayed characters.
  • 6 Speeds – The Alpha 213C has six Speed codes that control how long characters stay on the display in Hold and other modes, and how fast text moves across the display in the two Rotate modes. A special "no hold" Speed code can be used with Hold mode to create user-designed animation effects.
  • 11 Built-in Animations – The Alpha 213C has eleven built-in graphic animations that can be inserted into messages as special effects:
    • Cherry Bomb – The fuse on a cherry bomb burns down, and the bomb explodes.
    • Don't Drink and Drive – A car collides with a bubbling cocktail glass, tossing its passenger and displaying the message "Please Don't Drink and Drive."
    • Fireworks – Colorful firework patterns explode and cascade on the display.
    • No Smoking – A burning cigarette is extinguished, flipped with a finger and replaced with the international No Smoking symbol.
    • Swimming Fish – Three little fish – one red, one yellow and one green – swim from left to right past green underwater vegetation, then swim right to left, chased by a red shark.
    • Slot Machine – A slot machine spins with random outcomes.
    • Balloon – About a dozen balloons in different sizes and colors float up. Ends with exploding effect.
    • News Flash – A colorful satellite dish graphic "transmits" dots upward as the characters, "NEWS FLASH" in red, green and yellow, wipe right.
    • Trumpet Playing Music – A trumpet rolls down onto the screen. As its valves move up and down, eight red and green notes come out of the trumpet and move across the screen to the right.
    • Thank You – "Thank You" is written in script from left to right.
    • Welcome – "Welcome" is written in script from left to right.
  • Automatic Message Centering – Messages are automatically centered on the Alpha 213C display in all display modes, except when the Fixed Characters code is used. The Fixed Characters code left-justifies messages, and uses fixed (equal) character spacing from left to right. The primary use of the Fixed Characters code on the Alpha 213C is to display similar fields of data on consecutive screens in the same pixel positions.
  • Display Graphics – The Alpha 213C will display user-designed graphics and logos, up to 7x80 pixels each, with your messages. You can create and store graphics in the Alpha 213C using the remote control keyboard, or you can use a computer and special software to compose or scan bitmap (.bmp) graphics and save them on disk. Software, such as AlphaNet, will send your messages and graphics to the Alpha 213C.
  • Display Custom Animations – The Alpha 213C will display user-designed animations – sequences of user-designed bitmap graphic files. The animations may play alone, or they may be included within a message.
  • No Battery Backed Up Clock – The Alpha 213C keeps the time, but it does not have a built-in, battery backed up real-time clock. The time and date (day, month, year) can be set using either the remote control keyboard or using a computer with software that sends the computer's time and date to the Alpha 213C. The day, date and time are retained in Alpha 213C memory as long as the Alpha 213C is plugged in. When the Alpha 213C is unplugged, its time, day and date must be re-programmed.
  • 12- or 24-Hour Time Display – The Alpha 213C can display the time of day in either 12-hour or 24-hour format.
  • Computer Connection – The Alpha 213C may be attached to computers, control equipment and communication devices that communicate using RS232 protocol. An RS232 attachment port is a standard feature. Ethernet and POCSAG (pager transmission) attachment options are available.
  • Message Verification and Error Checking – Built-in features can ensure that messages are received accurately when a computer or control equipment sends messages or data to the Alpha 213C by cable. The error checking feature requires that two-way communications be enabled between the sending computer and the Alpha 213C
  • Priority Message – The Alpha 213C has a 125-byte Priority message file that can be activated by special programming. When the Priority message file is activated, all other message files that are currently running stop being displayed. When the Priority message is terminated, the other messages resume displaying.
  • Audible Alert – The Alpha 213C has a built-in beep feature. The audible alert is used to facilitate programming and to attract the attention of viewers. Several tone control programming options are provided.
  • Use Both Computer and Keyboard – The Alpha 213C may be set up to be programmed by both a computer and by the wireless remote control programming keyboard, without either the computer or the remote control keyboard being affected or disrupted by the messages programmed by the other device. You may define how much of the storage capacity of the Alpha 213C is reserved for programming by the remote control keyboard. You can also allow or deny remote control keyboard access to those message files that were transmitted to the Alpha 213C by computer.
  • Non-Blinking String File Updates – The Alpha 213C supports "String Files" and real-time updating of String Files without blinking the messages displayed on the sign. String files are memory areas set aside in sign memory by special programming. One use of String Files is to store changing data being updated by an external device or computer. For example, the Alpha 213C could be programmed to display three (or more) ACD statistics fields for each of ten (or more) ACD queues. As the real time values change for each of the 30 variables (3 x 10), the updated values can be transmitted into the Alpha 213C instantly, without causing the Alpha 213C to blink and without affecting the information currently being displayed. String Files can also be used to save sign memory. For example, if the same data is displayed multiple times within a message, the data can be stored once in a String File and recalled from its String File location each time it is needed.
  • Nested Commands – For programmers writing control sequences using native sign communication protocol, multiple commands can be repeated or "nested" within a transmission frame.
  • Clear Memory Easily – When debugging and testing software and messages features, the wireless remote control programming keyboard can be used to clear the memory of the sign quickly and conveniently, without having to open the Alpha 213C enclosure, and without having to take it down from where it is mounted. Clearing memory removes all messages, graphic files and the password that have been programmed into the Alpha 213C.
  • Supports Wireless Applications – The Alpha 213C supports POCSAG or pager transmission format. Optional features also allow it to be used with wireless Ethernet devices.
  • Wireless News and Sports Service – Using special software and a computer, the Alpha 213C can display the latest news headlines, financial market summaries, sports information and scores, in addition to your own messages.
  • Update Firmware Easily – When new features or firmware improvements for the Alpha 213C are announced by Adaptive Micro Systems, firmware upgrades may be purchased and easily installed. Alpha 213C firmware is provided on a chip that is conveniently mounted in a chip carrier that snaps easily into a socket inside the enclosure.
  • Wireless Keyboard Programming Manual – A manual describing how to program the Alpha 213C with the wireless remote control programming keyboard is provided with the Alpha 213C. The manual is well-written, well-organized and easy to use. It includes tutorial exercises and feature reference tables. English, Spanish and Portuguese versions of the manual may be downloaded at no charge from our web site.
  • Technical Assistance and Support – Ongoing assistance for installation issues and training are provided by Alpha-American Programmable Signs to customers at no additional charge. If you didn't purchase your Alpha 213C from Alpha-American Programmable Signs, we offer an inexpensive paid support option, if you need assistance.
  • Programming Assistance and Training – Our experienced staff is available for telephone support, remote support, or on site support.
  • Internet Support – Both the manufacturer, Adaptive Micro Systems, and distributor, Alpha-American Programmable Signs, have informative web sites.
  • 110 or 230V – The Alpha 213C is completely solid-state. It has a removable power cord and transformer that plugs into a standard 120V AC electrical outlet. A 230V power cord and transformer is available as an option. For a more attractive installation, locate your electrical outlet out of sight behind the Alpha 213C.
  • Attractive Enclosure – The Alpha 213C has an attractive Eurostyle case design that will complement any business environment.
  • Mounting Hardware – Each Alpha 213C includes mounting hardware for wall, counter top and ceiling installations. Back-to-back mounting hardware for hanging configurations is available as an extra charge option.
  • One Year Warranty – The Alpha 213C has a one-year USA factory warranty. Alpha-American Programmable Signs doubles the factory warranty to two years for its customers. After the two-year warranty expires, the Alpha 213C will be repaired and returned for a nominal flat rate.

Alpha 213C Specifications

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  • AMS Part #: 1036-1111
  • Display Array: 80 pixels wide x 7 pixels high
  • Number of Lines: 1
  • Maximum Character Height: 2.1" (4.3 cm)
  • Maximum Number of 2.1" Characters Displayed at Once: 13 characters in all modes except Condensed Rotate mode; 27 characters in Condensed Rotate mode.
  • Pixel Size (diameter): 0.2" (.05 cm)
  • Pixel (LED) Colors: Red, Green, Amber, Light Red, Light Green, Brown, Orange, Yellow, Rainbow 1, Rainbow 2 and Mix
  • Center-to-Center Pixel Spacing (Pitch): 0.3" (0.8 cm)
  • Character Set: Block (sans serif); Decorative (serif); Upper and Lower case; Normal, Wide and Double-Wide
  • Automatic Centering: Messages center in any mode, except when Fixed Characters is specified. Fixed Characters left justifies messages in any mode.
  • Power: 7 VDC at 3.25A, 50/60 HZ
  • Programming Keyboard: Handheld, Eurostyle, Infrared-Wireless, Remote operated
  • Case Material: Extruded aluminum
  • Display Area Size: 24" L x 2.1" H
  • Case Size: 25.8" L x 2.0" D x 3.8" H
  • Display Weight: 2.55 lbs (1.16 kg) not including power cord or remote keyboard
  • Limited Warranty: One-year parts and labor depot warranty from Adaptive Micro Systems. Alpha-American Programmable Signs extends the warranty an additional year for its customers.
  • Agency Approvals:
    • 120 VAC Model: Listed to ANSI/UL 1950-3rd Edition (US) and CAN/CSA-22.2 No. 950-M89 (Canada)
    • 230 VAC Models: Complies with EN 60950: 1992 (Europe) and AS/NZS 3260-1993 (Australia/New Zealand)
    • FCC Part 15 Class ACE Marked (optional for 230 VAC model)
  • Operating Temperature: 32º to 120ºF, 0º to 50ºC
  • Humidity Range: 0% to 95% non-condensing
  • Current Firmware Revision

Alpha 213C Accessories and Replacement Parts

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  • External Power Supplies:
    • USA, 35W 120VAC Input 7V Output
    • Europe, 25W 230VAC Input 7V Output
  • Replacement Infrared Programming Keyboard
    • Alpha 213C Infrared Programming Keyboard with 2 AA Batteries and Spanish Overlay Keyboard Template
  • Replacement End Caps
  • Infrared Message Loader (Serial/Infrared) with 9V Battery and 3' Serial Cable
  • RS232 Connectivity Items
    • 25' RS232 6-conductor Modular Serial Cable with RJ12 connectors on each end
    • 50' RS232 6-conductor Modular Serial Cable with RJ12 connectors on each end
    • RS232 Modular Serial Adapter (DB25F to RJ12) for 25-pin Serial Ports
    • RS232 Modular Serial Adapter (DB9F to RJ12) for 9-pin Serial Ports
    • RS232 Modular Serial Adapter (DB25M to RJ12) for use with External Modems
    • RS232 Gender Changer (DB25M to DB9F) for 9-pin Serial Port
    • RS232 Gender Changer (DB25F to DB9M) for 25-pin Serial Port
    • Coupler for connecting two 6-conductor Modular Serial Cables together
    • USB to DB9M RS232 Serial Adapter
  • Alpha Ethernet Adapter Kit, includes:
    • Alpha Ethernet Adapter – a 10/100 Base-T Serial Server
    • 3-foot RS232 Serial Cable (DB9F to DB9M) to connect Alpha Ethernet Adapter to Alpha Sign
    • Alpha Ethernet Adapter Setup Software CD
  • Other Ethernet Devices and Ethernet Accessories
    • UDS1100 10/100 Base-T Ethernet Serial Server and Power Supply
    • MSS100 10/100 Base-T Ethernet Serial Server and Power Supply
    • MSS485 10 Base-T Ethernet Serial Server and Power Supply
    • DB25N to RJ12 RS232 Serial Adapter to connect RS232 Serial Cable to MSS100, MSS485, or UDS1100
    • RS232 Serial Cable to attach Serial Server to Alpha sign
    • CAT6 Cable to attach Serial Server to LAN
  • Alpha Discrete Input Interface Kit, includes:
    • Alpha Discrete Input Interface CPU Module
    • Alpha Discrete Input Interface Power Supply
    • Alpha Discrete Input Interface Kit (Sink Mode)
    • Additional Input Module (Sink Mode)
    • Alpha Discrete Input Interface Kit (Source Mode)
    • Additional Input Module (Sink Mode)
  • Alpha Calisto Discrete Input Adapter and Power Supply
  • ViewPAC with Add On Card
  • WinPAC and Power Supply
  • Replacement and Upgrade Firmware for the Alpha 213C
  • Back-to-back Mounting Brackets for the Alpha 213C

Alpha 213C Literature and Related Documentation

Software Options for the Alpha 213C

Technical Support for the Alpha 213C

  • Hardware:
    • From Distributor, Alpha-American Programmable Signs
    • From Manufacturer, Adaptive Micro Systems
  • Software:
    • From Alpha-American Programmable Signs
    • From Adaptive Micro Systems
    • From software providers

Prices and Ordering Information

  • There are four ways to obtain prices:
  • 8% California Sales Tax is added to sales of items delivered in California, unless other arrangements are made.
  • Actual shipping charges are added to each order.
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    • Click here to use our on-line e-Commerce system.
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Copyright and Disclaimer Notices

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