Frequently Asked Questions


Important Considerations:

  • Distance: RS485 can handle up to 1200 meters (4000 feet), but the distance may be limited by signal degradation or noise in the environment.
  • Cable Quality: Use high-quality, shielded twisted-pair cables to maintain signal integrity over longer distances.
  • RS232 communications connects only one Alpha LED sign per RS232 cable, and the cable length should be limited to 50 feet or less.

Alpha RS485 Network Kit:

  • Purpose: Connects RS485 network wiring to Alpha LED signs with RJ11 and RJ12 RS485 ports. Alpha LED signs with Phoenix-type RS485 ports do not need this kit. Using this kit simplifies the RS485 connection between a computer (or server) and one or more Alpha LED signs.
  • Components: The kit includes (1) an Alpha RS485 Network Adapter that connects to the RS485 Network Cable. It also includes (2) an Alpha RS485 Modular RJ11 Cable that connects the Alpha RS485 Network Adapter to the Alpha LED sign's RS485 port.

RS232 Adapter Kit:

  • Purpose: Connects RS232 wiring to Alpha LED signs with an RJ12 RS232 port. Alpha LED signs with Phoenix-type RS232 ports do not need this kit. Using this kit simplifies the RS232 connection between a computer (or server) and an Alpha LED sign.
  • Components: The kit includes (1) an Alpha RS232 Adapter that connects to the sign end of RS232 wiring. The kit includes (2) an Alpha RS232 Modular RJ12 Cable that connects the Alpha RS232 Adapter to the Alpha LED sign's RS232 port.

Important Considerations:

  • RS485 communications is reliable over very long distances (up to 4,000 feet at 9600 baud and longer distances at lower baud rates). It can also be used to connect multiple Alpha LED signs to a cable in series.
  • RS232 communications connects only one Alpha LED sign per RS232 cable, and the cable length should be limited to 50 feet or less.

An RS232 RJ12 Male connector plug has 6 conductors. Each end has the same pinout. Only 4 wires are used:

  • 1 = GND (Ground)
  • 2 = Not connected (Trim this wire before crimping the RJ12 connector)
  • 3 = RXD (Receive Data)
  • 4 = TXD (Transmit Data)
  • 5 = Not connected (Trim this wire before crimping the RJ12 connector)
  • 6 = Used for 5V power from the sign (if needed)

Note: "Not Connected" wires must be timmed (removed) before crimping the RJ12 connector.

When holding the plugs side by side, all wire colors must be in the same order from left to right.

A RS485 RJ11 Male connector has 4 conductors. Each end is the same pinout. Only 2 wires used:
  • 1 = RS485(+)
  • 2 = Not used
  • 3 = Not used
  • 4 = RS485(-)

When holding the plugs side by side, all wire colors must be in the same order from left to right.

The Betabrite (Alpha 213C) does not use a serial address. Custom applications that specify serial address in the Alpha Communication Protocol need to use the broadcast serial address of 00.

Extending power could void the sign's warranty. The signs require a narrow range of voltage to function correctly. Recenlty, the power supplies shipped with these signs have been changed from AC voltage to DC voltage, which makes extending power more difficult.

Alpha and Betabrite signs include a 1-year parts and labor factory warranty. For out of the box failures within the first 30 days after receiving the sign, an advanced replacement sign will be provided. When the advanced replacement arrives, put the defective sign in the same box and use the provided label to return the sign. After the first 30 days, a defective sign may be returned for warranty repair at our expense. When you report the problem, an RMA case number will be generated, and you will be sent a return shipping label to return the sign to the factory for repair.

MNS signs have a 2 year warranty. Parts and Labor for returned signs. Otherwise, this is a parts warranty.

PID signs have a 2 year warranty, parts warranty.

Alpha Streetsmart signs have a 5 year warranty, parts warranty.

When you call for warranty service, you will be asked to provide the following details to Alpha-American:

  • Sign Model and Serial #. Example: Alpha 215C SN 123456.
  • Date of Purchase, if known,
  • Vendor Name you purchased from, Example: Alpha-American signs. Alpha signs are sold by Alpha Sign Resellers. If you do not know the vendor, don't despair. We track Alpha signs by Serial Number, and we can identify the vendor of most signs from the Serial number.
  • Description of the problem. Example: No display.
  • Contact information: Your name, company name, the best phone number to reach you, the address where sign will be shipping from and returning to, and the answers to four questions:
    1. How are you sending messages to the sign? Examples: Infrared remote keyboard, Software that came with the sign, or Custom software?
    2. If you are using a computer to send the message, where did you get the communication cable? Example: Came with sign or I made it myself?
    3. Are you using the original power supply that came with the sign? If not, please test the sign with the original power supply to rule out a power supply problem?
    4. Has the power cord been modified?
    5. Has the sign been working until now?
    6. What might have happened? Example: Power outage.

The most convenient way to get guotes and prices is to Contact Alpha-American.

Please let us know if you are an end user or reseller.

Contact Alpha-American

The following steps apply only to signs equipped with RJ ports:

  1. Test the sign with the original, unaltered power supply. An altered power supply could cause the sign to constantly restart in a loop.
  2. If the sign has started up without constantly restarting, point the remote control at the sign and press the Program button. If the sign does not respond, try pointing the remote control slightly up, then left, then right, while repeatedly pressing the Program button.
  3. If the sign still does not respond, try disconnecting the data wire from the sign. Then, repeat the previous test with the remote control. Incorrect data wiring could interfere with the remote control.
  4. If only the first sign shows the updated message when connecting multiple signs via the RS485 out port, the issue may be with the cable to the first sign. All sign networks require a 4-conductor RJ11 cable. Alpha signs will not relay messages if an RJ12 6-conductor cable is used. Also, the distance between the RS485 out port and the next sign is limited. In this case, try a shorter RS485 cable between signs.
  5. If the RS485 sign network is still not working, try the RS485 Network Kit. Also, follow these wiring instructions: RS485 Wiring For Multiple Signs
  6. You can order the correct cable kits from Alpha-American.