The Phoenix Sports Technology “PHOENIX A” display is based on the same circuit board used in ALGE GAZ4 displays. Basic information on these displays can be found in the ALGE manual. This can be downloaded in .PDF format from the ALGE website. http://www.alge-timing.com/alge/download/manual/gaz4/gaz4-be.pdf
The major difference between the standard ALGE product and the Phoenix Sports Technology display is the use of all 8 digits with our product. The circuit board is capable of using all 8 but ALGE rarely uses more than 6 at a time. We are therefore “forcing” the use of the use of the additional 2 digits. This is done by placing the rotary dial on program 2 and 4 for Broder’s Fiddleware and program 1 and 2 for Split Second NASTAR and Club Software with the toggle switch in the center. This forcing is perfectly acceptable so long as the rotary dial stays on its setting. Rough handling has been known to occasionally knock the dial off its mounting. The display then defaults to Program 0 and data will no longer be accepted by the display accept by using an ALGE timer directly. (or Split Second Software /Option ALGE)
The TEST Program 11 is handy to check the status of the digits. Place the rotary dial on 11 and the toggle switch in the center. The digits will now count down right to left and show you if there are any problems with digit vanes. If a vane fails to move it is probably related to the ribbon cable on the back of the digit becoming dislodged. Remove the lexan and remove the digit. The digits are held in by Phillips #2 cam locking screws on the upper left and lower right corner. It does not take much to loosen them. Check the connection of the ribbon cable on the back and remove and replace if needed. Also check the digit itself. Each vane has a counter weight on the back of the vane. This counter weight can break off if the display is really dropped hard on its face. The digits are universal and you can replace a critical digit with another if needed. We stock replacements as well.
The display is powered by a 12vdv battery pack located inside. The battery pack is made of 2 –Power Sonic PS-632 6 volt batteries in series to create 12v. The Battery pack can be changed with almost any type of “lead acid” rechargeable battery in an emergency. The holder is made for the PS-632 but can be stretched within reason. The main circuit board must receive at least 12v of power to operate. You can remove the power connector from the circuit board (molded white or brown plastic connector with red + and black – wire) and test it with a DC volt meter to make sure that more than 12v exists. The display will show the warning message “end” if the voltage drops too low.
You will have to turn the display off, apply a charger or external power and turn it on again. The “amphenol” plug on the main input/output panel on the end of the display allows the introduction of 12v from either the charger or an external “car battery”. Pin # 1 is always 12v positive and Pin #2 is always negative. Replacement Chargers, Display to External 12v (car ) battery cables, and Display to Cigarette lighter cables are available.
The chargers used are the Power Sonic “smart” chargers. They come in two styles and are designed to be plugged in for extended periods. There is no reason not to leave the display plugged in when not in use. Most problems occur when the displays are left on and put away and the batteries drain down too low for the chargers to bring them up again. The battery packs then need to be replaced. The amphenol plug attached to the charger uses the same wiring, Pin 1 =12v +, Pin 2= 12v -.
The faces of the display are made of scratch resistant Lexan. This is a polycarbonate plastic that is really rugged and will not shatter. It can get scratched if you are not careful and it can be melted with really high heat.
The connection with the PC is a simple 2 wire cable. The female DB9 plugging into the PC Uses pin 5 as ground and Pin 3 as signal. Most problems occur when the serial port on the PC is not active. You must have two active serial ports to make this display work! Make sure that you can see two distinct ports in Windows Device Manager. Both the PCMCIA card and USB serial adapters have specific drivers for different operating systems. Download the correct drivers and reinstall if you have to.
Don’t get frustrated if you can’t get the adapter to work right away. Try reassigning the Com 1 port to “PHOENIX A” and see if that works. If it does than you have a serial adapter problem. If it doesn’t work than the wiring or display may be at fault.
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