How to Fix Time Drift Issues on LED Signs Using ViPlex Express

When your LED sign isn't connected to the internet, it operates on internal settings that can occasionally cause issues, such as time drift. Time drift can be a frustrating problem, especially if your sign is off by several minutes or more by the end of the week. In this post, we’ll explain why time drift happens and how you can address this issue using ViPlex Express.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Time Drift
• Why Time Drift Occurs on Non-Internet Connected Signs
• Common Problems with Time Drift
• How to Address Time Drift Issues Using ViPlex Express
• Alternative Solutions
• Conclusion

1. Understanding Time Drift

Time drift refers to the gradual shift in time on devices that are not continuously synced to a real-time clock source, such as the internet. When the internal clock of your LED sign drifts by even a few seconds each day, it can accumulate over a week, leading to noticeable inaccuracies.

2. Why Time Drift Occurs on Non-Internet Connected Signs

LED signs that aren’t connected to the internet rely solely on their internal clocks to keep track of time. Unfortunately, these clocks aren’t always as precise as those synced to online servers. Factors such as power fluctuations and internal system delays can cause the clock to drift slightly each day.

Without regular synchronization, this small drift can add up, causing your sign to display the incorrect time after several days or weeks.

3. Common Problems with Time Drift

• Incorrect display times: Scheduled content may not appear at the intended time, leading to confusion or missed promotions.
• Manual time resets: Users have to manually reset the time on the sign regularly, which is both time-consuming and inconvenient.
• Disrupted schedules: Businesses that rely on precise schedules for promotional displays or announcements may experience disruptions.

4. How to Address Time Drift Issues Using ViPlex Express

If your LED sign is not connected to the internet, you can still address the time drift issue using the ViPlex Express software. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Connect to the LED Sign:
   Use an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi to connect your computer to the LED sign, ensuring you have access to the sign’s settings through ViPlex Express.
   
   
   
   Open ViPlex Express:
   Launch ViPlex Express on your computer and navigate to the "Terminal Control" menu.
   
   
   
   Access Time Settings:
   In the "Terminal Control" menu, go to the "Time Settings" section to manually adjust the time on the sign.
   
   Set the Correct Time: 
   Select the correct time zone and manually set the current time.
    
   
   Enable Automatic Time Sync:
   While the sign may not be connected to the internet, you can set a regular schedule (e.g., daily or weekly) to manually check and adjust the time as needed.odule, which keeps more accurate time without needing internet access.

    

    

Pro Tip: If possible, connect your LED sign to the internet to automatically sync its time, reducing the need for manual resets.

5. Alternative Solutions

If regular manual resets are not feasible, consider the following:

• Internet Connection: Connect your sign to a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network, allowing it to sync with online time servers automatically. This is the most effective way to avoid time drift.
• Battery Backup for Time Settings: Some signs can maintain accurate time settings with a built-in battery. This might be a viable option if your sign hardware supports it.
• Upgrade to a Real-Time Clock (RTC) Module: Adding an RTC module will allow the sign to maintain more accurate time, even when not connected to the internet.

6. Conclusion

Time drift on non-internet connected LED signs can be a frustrating issue, but with ViPlex Express, it’s possible to address this problem by manually setting and managing the sign’s clock. The most reliable solution, however, is to connect your sign to the internet so it can automatically sync and maintain the correct time. If this isn't feasible, consider installing an RTC module or setting up regular manual resets.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your sign displays accurate, on-time messages and helps your business maintain a professional appearance.

For further assistance, contact our support team or schedule a support session. We’re here to help you get the best performance from your LED sign!