Drag Racing Scoreboards Owner Manual's

Drag Racing Scoreboards

Interfaced to Compulink StarTrak & Port-A-Tree Silver & Gold

Owner Manual’s

Models 6629, 6429, 6611 & 6411

Revision C

RaceAmerica Corporation

P.O. Box 3469

Santa Clara, CA 95055-3469

(408) 988-6188

http://www.raceamerica.com

inf[email protected]

The Leader in Event Critical Timing Electronics

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

Table of Contents

LIMITED WARRANTY .....................................................................................................................3

PRODUCT OVERVIEW .....................................................................................................................4

SCOREBOARD SET-UP .....................................................................................................................4

POWER-ON SELF-TEST ...................................................................................................................6

SCOREBOARD OPERATION ...........................................................................................................6

DIP SWITCH DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................8

INDIVIDUAL MODEL SPECIFICATIONS & DETAILS ........................................................ 9-14

6629 15in Single Line ......................................................................................................................9

6429 24in Single Line ....................................................................................................................11

6611 15in Dual Line ......................................................................................................................13

6411 24in Dual Line ......................................................................................................................14

SCOREBOARD MAINTENANCE ..................................................................................................17

SUPPORT AGREEMENTS ..............................................................................................................17

Figures

FIGURE 1 - RS485 NETWORK SETUP ..........................................................................................5

FIGURE 2 - SCOREBOARD SETUP ................................................................................................5

FIGURE 3 - 24” CABLE & UNIT ASSEMBLY ...............................................................................7

FIGURE 4 - 15” CABLE CONNECTIONS & DIP SWITCHES....................................................7

FIGURE 5 - 24” CABLE CONNECTIONS & DIP SWITCHES....................................................7

FIGURE 6 - 15” SCOREBOARD MOUNTING .............................................................................10

FIGURE 7 - 24” SCOREBOARD ASSEMBLY & MOUNTING ..................................................12

FIGURE 8 - HARD WIRE CABLE DIAGRAM ............................................................................12

FIGURE 9 - WIRELESS CABLE DIAGRAM ...............................................................................16

12/13/07

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

RACEAMERICA

T i m i n g S y s t e m s

LIMITED WARRANTY

To the original purchaser of this RaceAmerica product, RaceAmerica warrants it to be in good work-

ing order for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of purchase from RaceAmerica or an authorized

RaceAmerica distributor. Should this product malfunction during the warranty period, RaceAmerica

will, at its option, repair or replace it at no charge, provided the product has not been subjected to mis-

use, abuse, or alterations, modiﬁcations, and/or repairs not authorized by RaceAmerica.

Any product requiring Limited Warranty service during the warranty period should be returned

to RaceAmerica with proof of purchase. If return of merchandise is by mail, the customer agrees to

insure the product, prepay shipping charges , and ship the product to RaceAmerica, Inc., 280 Martin

Avenue Unit 1, Santa Clara, CA 95050.

ALL EXPRESSED AND IMPLIED WARRANTIES FOR THIS PRODUCT ARE LIMITED IN

DURATION TO THE ABOVE NINETY DAY PERIOD.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL RACEAMERICA BE LIABLE TO THE USER FOR

DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS, OR OTHER INCIDENTAL

OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF, OR INABILITY TO USE,

SUCH PRODUCT.

THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE

OTHER RIGHTS WHICH MAY VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

RaceAmerica Drag Race Scoreboards are a

microprocessor controlled system based upon the

7-segment format display digit using the latest

technology Ultra-Bright LEDs. The scoreboard

uses a serial link (RS422/RS485) to receive data

to be displayed. Each scoreboard contains its

own CPU chip to analyze the data string received

and correctly display the desired race results (e.g.

left/right lane, top/bottom position).

Scoreboards can display race results and a

test pattern from the Compulink StarTrak and

Port-A-Tree Silver & Gold Timing systems.

ET, Speed and Dial-ins, etc. are controlled by

the Compulink system or the Porta-A-Tree

Professional software.

Data communication to all models is available

via internal wireless data link units (requires timer

side wireless transmitter).

Multiple scoreboards can be daisy chained

down the track for spectator viewing or controlled

from a single wireless transmission.

Scoreboards are available in single or dual

line formats in ﬁfteen and twenty-four inch digit

heights for viewing up to 1000 ft away. Each

product is addressed for its unique properties in

this manual.

NOTE: THESE PRODUCTS USE ULTRA-

BRIGHT LED TECHNOLOGY. DUE TO THE

BRIGHTNESS LEVEL OF THIS DISPLAY,

CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN, AS WITH ANY

BRIGHT LIGHTING SOURCE,TO AVOID

PROLONGED VIEWING AT CLOSE RANGE

AND SHORT DISTANCES. AS WITH ANY

BRIGHT LIGHTING SOURCE, VISION MAY

BE AFFECTED SHORT TERM SIMILAR TO

CAMERA FLASHES.

SCOREBOARD SET-UP

STE P 1 - Ass emb le/ mou nt the

scoreboard

Each scoreboard model and race track

have unique requirements; see suggestions and

instructions with each respective model in this

manual. Hanging or hard mounting suggestions

are provided for each enclosure.

Twenty-four inch models are assembled

using the digit position labels located on the top

of each digit (segment is identiﬁed by the inverse

printing of its number). A full unit consists of

segments one thru ﬁve assembled from left to

right.

Connect the cable to the connector between

each two digits as they are asssembled. A

horizonal and vertical frame structure is required

to mount each scoreboard (see ﬁgures).

STEP 2 - Conﬁgure the scoreboard

The scoreboards ship from the factory with

the most likely selections enabled. See DIP switch

deﬁnitions to change scoreboard positions.

NOTE: IF DIP SWITCH NUMBER 1 (BANK

S1) IS SET TO ‘OFF’ DURING THE POWER

UP SELF-TEST, THE DISPLAY WILL

CONTINUOUSLY LOOP ON THE SELF-TEST

UNTIL SWITCH NUMBER 1 IS SET TO THE

‘ON’ POSITION.

STEP 3 - Connect the interface

Fifteen and twenty-four inch models

must receive RS422/RS485 data. Models with

a Wireless ‘receive’ Link mounted internally are

conﬁgured to receive RS422/RS485 data.

A 07-3434 red RS422 cable or timer side

wireless link transmitter are all that is required to

send data to the scoreboards.

Scoreboards without an internal wireless

unit use interface cables containing RJ45 modular

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

connectors on both ends of the cable and are

connected to the scoreboard using the SERIAL

PORT connector on the back of the scoreboard.

When inserting this connector, press inward until a

click is heard to lock the cable in place. If the cable

remains loose and no click is heard, carefully bend

outward the locking tab on the RJ45 connector

approximately 45 degrees from the connector

body. Re-insert the cable into the serial port until

the click is heard and the cable remains locked in

place. To remove this cable, pinch the locking tab

against the body of the RJ45 connector and pull

the connector out.

The 07-3434 cable must receive data per the

following cable pinouts at the timer end:

Wire

Pin # Color Function

8 wht/blu Ground

7 blu Ground

6 wht/brn Not connected

5 brn Not connected

4 wht/grn RS422/RS485+ (positive)

3 grn RS422/RS485- (negative)

2 wht/org Ground

1 org Ground

The scoreboards are conﬁgured in the PC

software using the RS485 Network Setup screen

and the Scoreboard setup screen as shown in Fig 1

and Fig 2. If selections are grayed out, the proper

software drivers may not be properly installed in

your computer

STEP 4 - Connect the power

Power is supplied to each scoreboard unit

through the DC POWER INPUT connector located

on the rear of the display. Connecting power to

the display will set the display into a power-up

self-test mode. Once the self-test has succesfully

completed, the display is ready for use.

Fig 1 - Network Setup

Fig 2 - Scoreboard Setup

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

POWER-ON SELF-TEST

When the power source is connected, each

display unit begins an internal self-test and external

visual check of the display elements.

The self-test begins by stepping through

each segment of all digits, one segment at a time

including the colon or decimal points. The self-

test continues by sequentially illuminating each

segment until all segments, colons, and decimal

points are on. The self-test continues by drawing

a square frame by sliding a small square from left

to right, then down and right to left. The square

then collapses and the revision level of the code

running in the microprocessor is displayed. When

the internal self-test and external visual test is

complete, [rEAdy ] scrolls in from left to right and

blanks out. The display is now ready for use.

SCOREBOARD OPERATION

Scoreboard operation is controlled by output

from the Compulink StarTrak or Port-A-Tree

Professional software; each scoreboard unit is set

to the data display position (eg. Top/Bottom and

Left/Right) and will display the data sent by the

timing system to the selected position.

See DIP switch settings for the desired race

results display.

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

Figure 4 - 15” Scoreboard Cable connections and DIP Switches

Power In - 12VDC/2A

RS422/RS485 Data

DIP Switches Bank S2

DIP Switches Bank S1

Power In - 25VDC/2A

RS422/RS485 Data

DIP Switches Bank S2

DIP Switches Bank S1

Figure 5 - 24” Scoreboard Cable connections and DIP Switches

Figure 3 - 24:” Cable and unit assembly

Digit Position Label

1/4-20 x3/8” Bolts

Wire Connection

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

DIP SWITCH DEFINITIONS

All scoreboard models have two banks of eight

DIP switches (S1 and S2) located on the back of

the unit numbered from 1 to 8 and can be switched

ON or OFF. The ON position is indicated on the

switch itself. Each switch function and setting are

discussed below.

DIP Switch Bank S1

Timer Selection

Switch number 6 determines which timing

system data is sourced from:

Timing System 6

Compulink StarTrak ON

Port-A-Tree Gold OFF

Compulink Lane Selection

Switch number 7 determines which lane’s race

results will be displayed:

Lane to Display 7

Left ON

Right OFF

Compulink Position Selection

Switch number 8 determines the scoreboards

position:

Scoreboard Position 8

Upper ON

Lower OFF

For proper display, scoreboard IDs must be

assigned by the timer software as follows:

Scoreboard ID Left Right

Upper 1 3

Lower 2 4

Port-A-Tree Scoreboard Selection

Switches number 7 and 8 are set as follows:

Address 7 8

01 ON ON

02 ON OFF

03 OFF ON

04 OFF OFF

Diagnostic mode

Switch number 1 enables and disables the

diagnostic capabilities of the scoreboard. When

enabled, the scoreboard receives data. The

following table is used to set switch number 1 to

enable/disable the diagnostic feature:

Diagnostic Mode 1

Disabled ON

Enabled OFF

DIP Switch Bank S2

Data Interface

Switches number 5 and 6 determine which

data interface is used - wireless or hard wired:

Data Interface 5 6

Hard wire ON OFF

Wireless Link OFF ON

Factory Settings

Other Bank S2 switches should be set as

follows:

Switch Number Status

1 OFF

2 OFF

3 ON

4 ON

7 OFF

8 OFF

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

6629 Fifteen Inch Single Line Scoreboard

Model 6629 SCOREBOARD

PACKAGE COMPONENTS

2 - Scoreboard Units

2 - Power Patch Cords

4 - Hanger Plates/screws

1 - Owner’s Manual

Model 6629 Available Options:

4520 Wireless Network Links

6502A 12V/2A AC Power Adapter-2 req’d

07-3434 RS422 Cable timer to scoreboard

6601A Permanent Install Kit

LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

Additional items required to operate the 6629

Single Line Scoreboard and options:

1 - 12VDC automotive battery for each unit

Other requirements:

AC power source for AC adapters

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Model 6629

Display Type: 7-Segment

Digit Size: 15” x 7.75

Number of digits: Five

Dimensions (half): 64.6”W x 22.3”H x 4”D

Mounting: Ends 1/4”-20 PEM nuts

Housing: Powder coated aluminum

View Filter: Red Transparent acrylic

View Range: 660’ in full sun

Power Reqt: 11.5 to 12.6VDC/2A x 2

Data Comm: RS422 serial

Weight (total): 76#

PRODUCT SET-UP

Model 6629 Single Line Scoreboard is

designed to hang free using the hanger plates

supplied with the scoreboard or mount to a rigid

upright pole structure. It is suggested to use the

hanging method in windy conditions to avoid

damage to the scoreboard and the scoreboard

housing.

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

15” Scoreboard Mounting

Hanging the 15” scoreboard from the mounting brackets

Mounting the 15” scoreboard posts secured to each end.

(1/4-20 PEM nuts on ends)

Figure 4 - Fifteen inch scoreboard mounting

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

6429 Twenty-four Inch Single Line Scoreboard

Model 6429 SCOREBOARD

PACKAGE COMPONENTS

10 - Scoreboard Units

24 - Mounting Plates/Screws

1 - Owner’s Manual

Model 6429 Available Options:

07-3434 RS422 Cable (Various lengths)

6524A 25VDC/2.5A AC Power Adapter

6401A Permanent Installation Kit (includes AC)

‘W’ sufﬁx - Internal Wireless Datacomm link

LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

Additional items required to operate the 6429

Single Line Scoreboard and options:

2 - 25VDC/2.5A Power sources

2 - Mounting structures

Other requirements:

AC power source for AC adapters

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Model 6429

Display Type: 7-Segment

Digit Size: 24” x 10”

Number of digits: Five

Dimensions (half): 113”W x 29”H x 4”D

Mounting: Top/Btm mounting bolts

Housing: Powder Coated steel

View Filter: Red Transparent acrylic

View Range: 1000’ in full sun

Power Reqt: 25VDC/.2.5A x2

Data Comm: RS422 serial

Weight (total): 225#

PRODUCT SET-UP

The Model 6429 Single Line Scoreboard

is assembled as ﬁve individual digits on each

side. Mounting bolts hold the individual digits

together;

Assemble using the digit position labels located

on the top of each digit (segment is identiﬁed by

the inverse printing of its number). A full unit

will have segments one thru ﬁve assembled from

left to right.

Connect the cable to the connector between

each two digits as they are assembled. A horizonal

and vertical frame structure is required to mount

each scoreboard half (see ﬁgure 5).

The 6429 scoreboard must be mounted in a

structure for each ﬁve digits. This structure can

then be hung or secured to the ground.

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

24” Scoreboard Mounting

- Each inclosure is 10.2cm (4”) deep

- A 15.2cm (6”) X 22.9 (9”) box projects 5.1cm (2”) out from the

laft digit for power/data connections

- Bolts at top and bottom secure digits together

- A horizontal brace would nicely secure all digits

Figure 5 - Twenty-four inch scoreboard assembly and mounting

22.5”

112.5”

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

6611 Fifteen Inch Dual Line Scoreboard

Model 6611 SCOREBOARD

PACKAGE COMPONENTS

4 - Scoreboard Units

8 - Hanger Plates/screws

4 - Power Patch Cords

1 - Owner’s Manual

Model 6611 Available Options:

07-3434 RS422 Data Cable

6502A AC Power Adapter - 4 req’d

‘W’ sufﬁx - Internal Wireless Datacomm link

6601A Permanent Installation Kit - incl AC

LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

Additional items required to operate the 6611 Dual

Line Scoreboard and options:

1 - 12VDC auto battery for each two units

Other requirements:

AC power source for AC adapters

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Model 6611

Display Type: 7-Segment

Digit Size: 15” x 7.75”

Number of digits: Five

Dimensions (unit): 64.6”W x 22.3”H x 4”D

Mounting: Hanger plates

Housing: Powder coated aluminum

View Filter: Red Transparent acrylic

View Range: 660’ in full sun

Power Reqt: 12VDC/2A x4

Data Comm: RS422 serial

Weight (total); 152#

PRODUCT SET-UP

Model 6611 Dual Line Scoreboard is designed

to hang from the hanger plates independently or

the upper and lower units can be tied together with

the hanger plates and hung from the upper plates.

The 6611 can also be secured to upright post

anchors on both ends. See diagrams for 6629.

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

6411 Twenty-four Inch Dual Line Scoreboard

Model 6411 SCOREBOARD

PACKAGE COMPONENTS

20 - Scoreboard Units

48 - Mounting Plates

1 - Owner’s Manual

Model 6411 Available Options:

6524A 25VDC AC Adapter Kit - 4 req’d

‘W’ sufﬁx - Internal Wireless Datacomm link

6401A Permanent Installation Kit (AC)

07-3434 RS422 Cable

LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

Additional items required to operate the 6411 Dual

Line Scoreboard and options:

1 - 25VDC source for each unit

Other requirements:

AC power source for AC adapters

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS Model 6411

Display Type: 7-Segment

Digit Size: 24” x 10”

Number of digits: Five

Dimensions (unit): 113”W x 29”H x4”D

Mounting: Top/Btm Mounting Bolts

Housing: Powder Coated steel

View Filter: Red Transparent acrylic

View Range: 1000’ in full sun

Power Reqt: 25VDC/2.5A x 4

Data Comm: RS422 serial

Weight (total): 450#

PRODUCT SET-UP

The Model 6411 Dual Line Scoreboard

is assembled as ﬁve individual digits on each

side. Mounting bolts hold the individual digits

together;

Assemble using the digit position labels located

on the top of each digit (segment is identiﬁed by

the inverse printing of its number). A full unit

will have segments one thru ﬁve assembled from

left to right.

Connect the cable to the connector between

each two digits as they are assembled. A horizonal

and vertical frame structure is required to mount

each scoreboard half (see ﬁgure 5).

The 6411 scoreboard must be mounted in a

structure for each ﬁve digits. This structure can

then be hung or secured to the ground.

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

The Left and Right Scoreboards are connected to the Compulink StarTrak and Port-A-Tree Gold

systems wirelessly.

1. Connect a RS422/RS485 cable part number 07-3434 between the scoreboard and the timing system

(see cable wiring under SCOREBOARD SET-UP - STEP 3). The scoreboard end of this cable connects

to one of the plugs into either of the RS422 connectors on the back of the scoreboard.

2. Using other RS422 cables (07-3434), daisy chain the cables between the other scoreboards using

either connector.

WIRING DIAGRAM FOR 15/24in MODELS

Figure 6 - Hard wire cabling diagram

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

The Left and Right Scoreboards are connected to the Compulink StarTrak and Port-A-Tree Gold

systems wirelessly.

1. Connect the RS422/RS485 cable part number 07-3434 between the Wireless Link Transceiver and

the timing system (see cable wiring under SCOREBOARD SET-UP - STEP 3).

WIRELESS DIAGRAM FOR 15/24in MODELS

Figure 7 - Wireless cabling diagram

RaceAmerica Drag Racing Scoreboards

SCOREBOARD MAINTENANCE

The drag racing Scoreboards do not require

any maintenance to maintain proper operation. If

the scoreboard is to be used in rainy or wet

conditions, it is suggested to protect the back panel

from direct moisture by shielding the connection

to power and the serial port.

To clean the red lens, use a non-abrasive

cleaner with a soft cloth. This will keep the

protective lens clean and maximize visibility and

clarity of the digits. If the red lens is soiled with

mud or dirt, gently remove the grit using a soft

cloth/water being careful not to press when wiping

to avoid scratching the red lens acrylic material.

SUPPORT AGREEMENTS

Support agreements are available from

RaceAmerica providing Telephone Assistance on

technical issues and operational questions, repair

and/or replacement of hardware failures, Software

and Firmware updates and bug reporting. Contact

RaceAmerica for more information and pricing of

Support Agreements.