Troubleshooting LED Sign Display Outage

During a support session, Shane from LED Sign City assisted Tony from Sign Crafters in diagnosing a sign where one side was completely out and the other side was partially out. The sign was divided into four example segments (A, B, C, and D), with segment A functioning and the remaining segments experiencing issues. The troubleshooting focused on isolating the problem between the connections of segments A and B.

Before proceeding, it was crucial to confirm the customer’s setup, particularly whether the sign used an internal or external controller, and the total number of segments. Not all signs will have just four segments, so verifying the number of segments and their layout is key to proper troubleshooting.


Checklist: Before You Begin Troubleshooting

  1. Verify the Customer’s Setup:

    • Confirm whether the sign uses an internal or external controller.
    • Ask about the cabling and connection method (e.g., Ethernet, daisy-chained segments).
  2. Determine the Number of Segments:

    • The example uses four segments (A, B, C, D), but your sign may have more or fewer segments.
    • To verify the number of segments, you can:
      • Look at the back of the sign and count the number of cables linked between segments.
      • Check the schematic diagram for your specific sign model, which can be found on our website.
  3. Cable and Connection Inspection:

    • Check for any visible cable damage or disconnections between segments.
    • Ensure power is supplied to the sign and that the controller is functioning correctly.
  4. Tools:

    • Ethernet cable tester (if available).
    • Replacement cables or ports, if needed.

Troubleshooting Steps: Display Issue

  1. Layout and Connectivity Check:

    • Label the segments (e.g., A, B, C, D) to track which ones are working and which are not.
    • Confirm how cables are routed between the segments (e.g., A to B, B to C, C to D).
  2. Reverse Signal Flow Test:

    • Unplug the signal cable from segment A (controller input) and plug it into the last segment (e.g., D) to test the signal in reverse.
    • If the remaining segments light up, the issue is isolated between the first two segments (e.g., A and B).
  3. Inspect Cables and Ports:

    • Check the Ethernet cables connecting the segments in question (e.g., A and B).
    • Inspect the input port on the second segment (e.g., B) and the output port on the first segment (e.g., A) for potential damage or issues.
  4. Bypass Faulty Ports:

    • Use a direct Ethernet cable to bypass faulty ports between the problematic segments (e.g., A and B).
    • If this resolves the issue, replace or repair the faulty ports.
  5. Final Testing:

    • After bypassing or replacing cables/ports, test the entire sign to ensure all segments are functioning correctly.

Quiz: Troubleshooting LED Sign Display Outage

  1. If only one segment (e.g., A) is working and the others (e.g., B, C, D) are not, where should you begin troubleshooting?

    • A) The controller box
    • B) The connection between the first two segments (e.g., A and B)
    • C) The power supply
    • D) The antenna
  2. To test if the final segments are working when the first is not, what should you do?

    • A) Replace all the cables.
    • B) Bypass the first two segments by plugging the controller cable into the last segment (e.g., D).
    • C) Test the antenna first.
    • D) Replace the power cables.
  3. If the final segments light up after reversing the signal flow, what does this indicate?

    • A) The issue is with the last segment.
    • B) There is a problem between the first two segments.
    • C) The power supply is faulty.
    • D) The controller is malfunctioning.
  4. What should you do if bypassing the ports between the first two segments resolves the issue?

    • A) Replace the faulty ports.
    • B) Replace the antenna.
    • C) Check the power supply.
    • D) Call for further assistance.

In this case, verifying the number of segments and layout of your sign is essential to ensure accurate troubleshooting. You can count the cables on the back of the sign or refer to the schematic diagram available on our website for more detailed information about your specific sign model.

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