====== Ericsson / Alpha-American 4200C LED Sign ====== This page documents the large LED sign acquired by Hackeriet, gifted by pere and asle.{{ :infra:led-sign1.png?600 |}} ===== Overview ===== This is an **Ericsson-branded, Alpha-American / Adaptive Micro Systems 4200C LED sign**. It is a programmable LED display commonly used for transit, public information, or industrial messaging systems. * **Model:** 4200C * **Manufacture Date:** 2004-04-08 * **Power:** 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz, 1.5A * **Status:** Fully operational, displaying test message on boot. Unknown operational method. * **For indoor use only.** ===== Ports ===== {{:infra:led-sign2.png?100 |}}The sign has a **RJ-style modular port** on the back panel with: * RS-232 IN * RS-485 IN * RS-485 OUT It also has an IR sensor hidden behind a red sticker, visible when removing a panel. ===== Dongle ===== {{:infra:led-sign3.png?100 |}}A small dongle with resistors was included, likely serving as a **RS-485 termination and bias dongle**. ===== Communication ===== The sign probably uses the **Alpha Sign Communications Protocol**, which is: * A structured serial protocol using STX/ETX framed packets. * Allows sending: * Text messages * Control commands (clear, brightness, modes) * Time-based messages ===== Serial Configuration ===== Suggestion for initial connection (untested): * **Interface:** RS-232 IN (single device) * **Baud rate:** 9600 or 19200 * **Data bits:** 8 * **Parity:** None * **Stop bits:** 1 * **Flow control:** None ===== Resources ===== * [[https://www.alpha-american.com/Technical-Manuals.html|Alpha American Technical Manuals]] * [[https://www.alpha-american.com/alpha-manuals/M-Protocol.pdf| Alpha® Sign Communications Protocol]]