Troubleshooting connection issues will depend on how you’re connecting to your sign. Please follow along with your situation:
A direct connection means there’s a cable coming from your sign, into your building. That cable is getting plugged into a computer or into a network (switch, router, etc.).
Next you will need to make sure the IP address on your computer is within the same range as your sign. For example, if the IP address of your sign is 192.168.1.200, your computer should be set to match the range of the sign. The last set of numbers needs to be within the range of 1-255 and should not be already used on another device if on the network. The subnet should match the network or 255.255.255.0 as default if the sign cable is plugged directly into the computer’s Ethernet port or EM supplied Ethernet adapter. Here’s a useful article with a step by step process.
If there is no network connection showing in your computer to change the IP address, then you may have a bad cable going to the sign. The best way to determine this is to use a different cable and plug right into the sign using a laptop. You will need to be able to reach the LED display and open it for this Please call tech support for guidance on how to do this at 248-478-1182 option 2, then 2.
With wireless antennas, you will have one antenna in/on the building, and another on the sign. This removes the need for a really long cable like a direct connection. First, you will want to check the lights on the back of the radio. From left to right, you will have one power light, one LAN light that should be flickering, and up to 4 signal lights.
No Power Light
Trace the cable coming out of the radio. It should be plugged into a port labeled “POE” on a small black POE box. That small black POE also needs its power cable plugged into an outlet. If everything is plugged in, try replacing the cable going from the “POE” port to the antenna. If you still have no power, that radio will need to be replaced. Please call tech support for assistance.
Power but No LAN Light
After tracing the cable from the antenna to the POE, you should find another cable plugged into the POE into the “LAN” port. That cable should be plugged into your computer or network. If it’s plugged into a network, take it off of the network and plug it into a computer. Try replacing the cable from “LAN” to the computer. If you have to take it off of your network, don’t forget to follow the instructions above for changing the IP address on your computer.
Power, LAN, but No Signal Lights
Power cycle the sign and the PC antenna to see if they connect again. If not, one of them may have lost its settings and will need to be reprogrammed or replaced. Please call tech support at 248-478-1182 option 2, then 2.
Turn off the sign for one minute and then power it back on. Allow five minutes for the modem to complete its reboot cycle and reconnect to the network. Try connecting again through Visions Play, making sure to use the public IP address of the modem.