Alpha 213C/Betabrite LED Sign

Overview

The Alpha 213C/Betabrite LED Electronic Sign is a versatile, indoor full-matrix LED display that shows text, graphics, and animations. It is known as the Alpha 213C for business and office applications and Betabrite for retail and consumer use. The product offers connectivity with other Alpha, AlphaPremiere, and AlphaVision displays via RS485 or Ethernet.

While both versions feature the same high-quality display technology, the key difference lies in their target markets: the Betabrite model was marketed primarily to consumers for home or retail settings, offering easy installation and basic functionality, whereas the Alpha 213C is designed for business, light industrial, and office use, with more advanced integration options for commercial environments.

Designed for light industrial, commercial, and office use, the Alpha 213C features an easy-to-use remote control keyboard for quick message creation and automated programming, as well as computer software for custom messages. This makes it ideal for businesses looking to display real-time information like promotions, announcements, or safety messages.

Messages can include 26 display modes, text sizes, fonts, user graphics, and real-time data like time, date, and more. For multi-display applications, multiple Alpha 213C units can be networked to provide real-time information across large facilities like businesses, schools, hospitals, transportation hubs, or government offices.

The Alpha 213C helps improve productivity, safety, communication, and morale in any organization, making it a crucial tool for dynamic messaging in office and industrial settings.

Features

• One-Line Display: Show text and graphics on a single line.
• 13-Character Display: 13 characters in most modes, 27 in Condensed Rotate mode.
• 30K Memory - The Alpha 213C will store up to 30,000 bytes of messages, programming instructions and graphics.
• Character Sizes & Fonts: Choose from 1.5" (5 pixels) or 2.1" (7 pixels) with serif and sans serif fonts.
• Text Styles: 18 styles, including normal, wide, and double-wide options.
• Message Storage: Holds up to 81 message files with flexible scheduling and sequencing.
• Wireless Control: Remote control keyboard with a 30-foot range for programming and managing messages.
• Message Scheduling & Battery Backup: Automatically display messages at set times, even during power outages (up to a month).
• International Compatibility: Supports a full character set for multi-language messaging.
• Display Modes & Animations: 26 display modes (e.g., Roll, Wipe, Flash) and 9 built-in animations (e.g., Fireworks, Running Animal).
• User-Created Graphics & Animations: Upload custom graphics and animations, and display logos up to 7x90 pixels.
• Real-Time Clock & Counters: Track time and count down to events with automatic updates.
• Connectivity Options: Multiple protocols (RS232, Ethernet(optional)) and support for seamless integration.
• Priority Messaging & Error Checking: Ensure high-priority messages and accurate data transfer.
• Firmware Updates & Easy Installation: Easily update software and hardware with user-friendly installation guides.
• Versatile Mounting: Suitable for wall, ceiling, or countertop installations with included hardware.
• Warranty & Support: One-year warranty with ongoing technical support and training available.

Specifications

AMS Part #: 1026-1211 | Red LED Sign Display with High-Resolution

Display Specifications:

• Display Array: 90 pixels wide x 7 pixels high
• Lines of Text: 1 line of text
• Maximum Character Height: 2.1 inches (4.3 cm)
• Maximum Character Count: 15 characters in all modes except Condensed Rotate mode; up to 30 characters in Condensed Rotate mode.

Pixel Features:

• Pixel Size (Diameter): 0.2 inches (0.05 cm)
• Pixel Pitch (Center-to-Center Spacing): 0.3 inches (0.8 cm)

Character Options:

• Character Set: Block (Sans-serif), Decorative (Serif), Uppercase & Lowercase, Normal, Wide, and Double-Wide
• Automatic Centering: Text automatically centers in all modes except when Fixed Characters are specified (which left-justifies text).

Power and Connectivity:

• Power Requirements: Input 5A, 40W, 7.5 VDC (Adapter available for both 120 VAC and 230 VAC models)
• Power Cord Length: 13 feet (3.9 meters)
• Keyboard Type: Infrared-Wireless, Handheld, Eurostyle, Remote Operated

Build and Dimensions:

• Case Material: Durable Molded Plastic
• Display Area Size: 24 inches (L) x 2.1 inches (H) | 68.6 cm (L) x 5.3 cm (H)
• Overall Case Size: 28.9 inches (L) x 2.1 inches (D) x 4.5 inches (H) | 73.4 cm (L) x 5.3 cm (D) x 11.4 cm (H)
• Weight: 6.25 lbs (2.84 kg) including display, power supply, and remote control keyboard

Warranty & Certifications:

• Limited Warranty: 1-Year Parts and Labor, Factory Servicing
• Certifications:
  • 120 VAC Model: UL/CSA Listing for Power Supply
  • 230 VAC Models: Complies with EN 60950:1992 (Europe)
  • FCC Compliance: FCC Part 15 Class A
  • CE Marked: Yes

Environmental Conditions:

• Operating Temperature Range: 32�F to 120�F (0�C to 49�C)
• Humidity Range: 0% to 95% (Non-condensing)

Firmware Revision:

Current Firmware Version Available

Accessories

External Power Supplies

Reliable power supply solutions for different regions:

• USA: 40W 120VAC Input, 7.5VDC Output
• Europe: 40W 230VAC Input, 7.5VDC Output

Remote Control Keyboards

High-quality remote control keyboards for various language needs:

• Alpha Remote Keyboard (with English labels), 3 AA Batteries Included
• Remote Control Keyboard (with Spanish labels), 3 AA Batteries Included

Infrared Message Loader - No longer available

Infrared message loader with necessary accessories:

• Includes 9V Battery and 3' Cable

RS232 Connectivity Items

Comprehensive RS232 connectivity solutions for various applications:

• 25' RS232 6-conductor Modular Cable with RJ11-06 connectors (each end)
• RS232 Serial Adapter (DB25F to RJ11-06) for 25-pin Serial Ports
• RS232 Serial Adapter (DB9F to RJ11-06) for 9-pin Serial Ports
• 50' RS232 6-conductor Modular Cable with RJ11-06 connectors (each end)
• 6-Conductor RJ11 Coupler for connecting RS232 Cables (Maximum 50' length)

Alpha Ethernet Adapter Kits and Components

Enhance your network with Alpha Ethernet adapters:

• Alpha Ethernet Adapter Cable
• UDS 1100

Firmware Update

Stay up-to-date with the latest firmware updates for enhanced performance.

Documentation

• Alpha 215C Brochure – Summary of features and specifications
• Alpha Get the Message Catalog (Complete catalog for all Alpha models)
• Alpha Remote Control Keyboard Programming Manual (English/Spanish 1036 model)
• Alpha 213c Remote Control Keyboard Programming Manual (Portuguese)
• Alpha Communications Protocol Manual
• Wiring Diagram for Modular Network Adapter
• Alpha Series Sign Installation Instructions
• Networking Alpha Signs - Setup and configuration
• Two- and Three-Sided Sign Installation Instructions
• Minimum Baud Rate on Converter Box III
• Modem Setup for Alpha Signs
• Using High-Speed Modems with Alpha Signs
• Using a USB Adapter to Connect Alpha Signs
• How to Change Firmware in Alpha Displays

Software

• Alpha Messaging Software
• AlphaNet 3 Messaging Software
• Alpha Marquee ActiveX Control - Software to control Alpha Marquee displays