scoreboard power issues

Power issues are the first thing to check.

It is important that batteries are checked and replaced on a regular basis. They need to be charged on a schedule whether the batteries are NICAD like the ALGE GAZ display or Lead Acid. Batteries that are left uncharged during the summer can discharge to levels too low for the charger to bring back to life.

I suspect that this is the problem in this case. The older GAZc charger circuit is not as robust as the current model. There appears to be an issue with either the transfomer or the charger circuit.

1) Check the output of the transformer with a multitester. There are two leads that go from the transformer to the charger board. Make sure that they have at least 20>24 volts AC. Polarity does not matter.

2) Check the battery and make sure it has at least 12volts DC

3) Check the output of the charger circuit when the battery is connected. The voltage should be in the 13.5 volts DC

Make sure that you test this in a stable envoirnment. You need to use live electricity so be careful!!!

Transformers and Charger circuit boards are still available for these displays. They might need to be sent back to the factory for repair if really damaged.

You can also bypass the internal battery by inputting 12vdc directly through the Amphenol plug. Pin 1 = 12v+ Pin 2 = Ground Pin 4 = Signal

ALGE GAZ displays (and PST) will also attempt to let you know that they are unhappy with their power supply. The display will go blank, and then spell out " e n d " very slowly. This could either be caused by low voltage or low amperage. In other words you are going to need to get supply more power to it if you have any chance of getting it to work. Plugging the display into AC power is the first option. If this fails your internal battery is too weak and the charger is spending all of its energy trying to boost the battery and there is nothing left for the display. Pull the internal battery and replace it or supply 12v externally.

There are two options that work really well in this instance. Both rely on inputing power through the 4 pole amphenol socket. Pin 1= 12v + Pin 2 = Grd. Removing the socket and splicing directly to the wires works too of course. The 12v wire is Red or Brown. The Ground wire is Black or Blue. Try to order a plug and make a better cable later on.

Radio Shack makes a 110v to 3 amp 12vdc converter for CB radios and so on for about $40.00

Several makers sell car booster batteries with handles and jumper clips. They have built in chargers. Sears and Walmart sell them for about $50.00

PST stocks the 4 pole Amphenol plugs for $12.00