TB2 4G Control Card FAQs: How Does it Upgrade the LED Sign?

Whether your sign already has this card installed or you're considering upgrading an older sign, the TB2 4G Control Card: has the ability to make your LED sign smarter.

It offers features like 4G access and built-in Wi-Fi, making your sign more modern and efficient. Here's a detailed look at the TB2 4G LED control card.

 

Key Features

1. Internal and External Content Sources: Content Flexibility

• The TB2 card includes a switch allowing you to toggle between internal and external content sources. Internal content is stored on the card and displayed on the screen. For external sources, such as live camera feeds, an HDMI port is provided for connection.

2. 4G Module and Remote Access: Enhanced Connectivity

• If you opt for the 4G module, it includes a SIM card slot for remote access to your sign. This is especially useful if your sign is too far from a Wi-Fi network or lacks Wi-Fi connectivity.

3. LED Status Indicators:

• The card has four LED lights indicating its status:
  • Power: Confirms the card is powered on.
  • System and Run: Indicate the card's operation status.
  • Cloud: Shows if the card is connected to a server for remote access.

4. HDMI and USB Ports:

• An HDMI port is available for external video sources. A USB port allows content to be loaded directly onto the card.

5. Ethernet and Wi-Fi Connectivity:

• An Ethernet port enables direct connection to your network. For Wi-Fi, an included antenna can be attached to the card to improve signal strength.

6. Power Options:

• The card can be powered using a 5 to 12V DC adapter or directly wired to a power supply. There are specific ports and connectors for these power options.

 

Setup and Configuration

1. Powering the Card:

• Connect the power adapter to the designated port on the card. Alternatively, the card can be hardwired to your power driver by removing the housing and accessing the internal connections.

2. Connecting to Networks:

• For a wired network connection, use the Ethernet port. If using Wi-Fi, attach the antenna to the Wi-Fi port. If using the 4G module, attach a second antenna to the communication port and insert your SIM card.

3. Content Source Management:

• Switch between internal and external content sources using the provided button. Connect external devices like cameras or media players via the HDMI port.

4. Status Monitoring:

• Use the LED status indicators to monitor the card's operation. Ensure all necessary lights are on to confirm proper functionality.

How to Connect the TB2 4G LED Control Card?

How to enhance the reception of your TB2 4G LED control card, particularly if your sign is in a metal building or has other signal interference issues. Here’s a concise guide to boost the wireless connection signal strength.

Addressing Signal Interference

Understanding the Problem:

• If your TB2 control card’s antenna is inside your sign, especially in a metal building, the signal strength may be weak, impacting wireless performance.

Solution Overview:

• Use an external antenna, a common solution in newer signs, to improve signal reception.

Steps to Improve Reception

Using an External Antenna:

• External Setup: For outdoor signs, use an adapter wired inside the sign with a cable connecting to the external antenna, ensuring protection and improved signal strength.
• Indoor Setup: For indoor signs, connect the external antenna directly following existing wiring routes.

Connecting the Antenna:

• Ethernet Port Connection:
  • Connect the antenna to the ethernet port of the TB2 card.
  • If the sign has an RJ45 connector, plug the antenna cable into this port securely, then close the sign housing.

Adapting to Environment:

• Indoor Sign Configuration:
  • Connect the antenna to the ethernet port, run the cable through existing pathways, and plug it into an external outlet.
• Outdoor Sign Configuration:
  • Connect the ethernet port to an external outlet via the adapter, ensuring the antenna is outside for optimal reception.

Finalizing the Setup

Powering the Antenna:

• Connect the ethernet port of the TB2 card to the LAN port of the adapter.
• From the PoE (Power over Ethernet) port of the adapter, connect to the antenna's PoE port.

Configuration Assistance:

• After setup, contact technical support for configuration assistance. The control card can be set up as standalone or as a repeater to connect to your network, avoiding additional 4G costs.

Additional Support

Electrical Connections:

• If additional electrical connections or modifications are needed, a follow-up guide will provide detailed wiring instructions to integrate the antenna into your sign’s setup.

Adding an External Antenna Without a PoE Adapter

In the third video, we explored how to add an external antenna if your sign does not come with a Power over Ethernet (PoE) adapter built-in. Instead, you'll use a terminal block to connect the power supply to the adapter. The video walked through the process of wiring the terminal block, securing it with two-sided tape or a mounting bracket, and connecting the power cables. It also covered how to connect the Ethernet cable from the LAN port to the control card and from the PoE port to the external antenna.

• Wiring the Power Supply:

  • Connect the power supply to the terminal block by loosening the screws and attaching the ground, neutral, and hot wires.
  • If the power supply is already filled, use a terminal block to create additional ports for the new adapter.

• Mounting the Terminal Block:

  • Secure the terminal block using two-sided tape or a mounting bracket.
  • Ensure the block is firmly attached to avoid any disconnection.

• Connecting the Antenna:

  • Attach the Ethernet cable from the LAN port on the TB2 control card to the Ethernet port on the adapter.
  • Connect the PoE port on the adapter to the external antenna’s Ethernet port.

Common Challenges and Solutions

• Full Power Supply:

  • If your power supply is already at capacity, use a terminal block to add more ports.
  • Ensure you do not exceed two sets of connections per port for safety and stability.

• Signal Interference:

  • Position the external antenna to minimize signal interference, particularly in metal buildings.
  • Use high-quality Ethernet cables to maintain a strong connection.

Contact Information

For further assistance, reach out to us at:

• Phone: 866-343-4111
• Contact: Support Session

Thank you for watching and reading. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us through our contact options.