How do I install a Wi-Fi antenna for my sign?

Installing a Wi-Fi antenna for your LED sign ensures reliable connectivity for software like Viplex Express, Viplex Handy, or VNNOX (post-2021 signs). Proper installation involves mounting the antenna, connecting cables, verifying functionality, and weatherproofing. Below are step-by-step instructions for customers to install the antenna, with technical guidance for support staff to assist with troubleshooting and setup.

Customer Instructions:

1. Prepare the Antenna:
   • Ensure you have the Wi-Fi antenna, antenna cable, clamp or straps, and weatherproof cover provided with your sign.
   • Verify the antenna is undamaged and the cable has no frayed ends.
2. Mount the Antenna:
   • Position the antenna upright on a pole or stable structure near the sign, ensuring the cable exit is at the bottom to prevent water ingress.
   • Use the provided clamp or straps to secure the antenna firmly to the pole or structure. Tighten to ensure stability but avoid over-tightening.
3. Connect the Antenna Cable:
   • Locate the antenna port on the back of the sign (refer to your sign’s manual at [insert manual link] if needed).
   • Connect one end of the antenna cable to the antenna port on the sign.
   • Connect the opposite end to the WAN/POE port on the antenna. Ensure a secure connection.
4. Verify Antenna Power:
   • Once connected, the antenna should power on immediately if the correct ports are used. It may take up to a minute to fully boot.
   • Check the antenna’s indicator lights to confirm it’s working:
     • Power Light: Should be on, indicating the antenna is powered.
     • LAN Light: Should be on or blinking, showing network activity.
     • Signal Lights: Should be on or blinking, indicating Wi-Fi signal strength.
   • If lights are off or incorrect, recheck cable connections or submit a support ticket at https://ledsigncity.com/pages/submit-a-ticket.
5. Weatherproof the Installation:
   • Ensure the antenna remains upright with the cable exiting from the bottom.
   • Secure the weatherproof cover over the antenna’s cable connection to protect against moisture.
   • Verify all clamps or straps are tight to withstand wind and weather.
6. Test Connectivity:
   • Connect your PC or mobile device to the sign’s Wi-Fi network (AP#######) using the password 12345678 or SN2008@+.
   • Open Viplex Express (download at https://ledsigncity.com/blogs/knowledge-base/step-2-choose-your-led-sign-software) or Viplex Handy, search for the player, and connect using the login password (123456 or SN2008@+).
   • For VNNOX cloud control, ensure the antenna is programmed as a repeater (instructions at https://ledsigncity.com/blogs/new-stories/how-to-program-the-repeater-version-2-draft) and connect via [insert VNNOX link].
7. Next Steps:
   • If the antenna doesn’t work or connectivity fails, submit a repair request at https://ledsigncity.com/pages/repair-request-form for a replacement antenna or further assistance.
   • Contact our support desk at https://ledsigncity.com/pages/submit-a-ticket or call 866-343-4011 (Monday-Friday, 9 AM-6 PM EST).

Support Staff Technical Guidance:

• Initial Diagnostics:
  • Confirm the sign is post-2021 and uses Viplex Express/Handy or VNNOX, verified by the customer’s serial number or order history.
  • Ensure the customer has followed mounting, connection, and weatherproofing steps.
• Antenna Installation Troubleshooting:
  • Verify the antenna is mounted upright with the cable exiting from the bottom and the weatherproof cover secured.
  • Confirm the cable is connected to the sign’s antenna port and the antenna’s WAN/POE port. If no power, check cable continuity or replace via https://ledsigncity.com/pages/repair-request-form.
  • Check indicator lights:
    • Power Light off: Indicates no power; recheck connections or test the sign’s POE output with a multimeter.
    • LAN Light off: Suggests no network activity; verify sign’s controller is powered.
    • Signal Lights off: Indicates no Wi-Fi signal; ensure antenna is programmed correctly.
• Connectivity Issues:
  • Confirm the PC/mobile device connects to the AP####### network with Wi-Fi password 12345678 or SN2008@+. If not visible, reset the Wi-Fi module (instructions at [insert reset link]).
  • Use Nova LCT (download at https://workdrive.ledsigncity.com/external/a3e75c46ffa8ebb7769e8c9105396073e0523bb76c24b188dacf2ed8157ffa43/download) to verify the Wi-Fi module’s status.
  • For VNNOX, ensure the antenna is programmed as a repeater per https://ledsigncity.com/blogs/new-stories/how-to-program-the-repeater-version-2-draft and the sign’s IP is network-compatible (e.g., 192.168.0.128).
• Error Handling:
  • If the customer submits a screenshot via a support ticket, analyze errors (e.g., “No device found” for antenna issues). Provide solutions or escalate.
• Escalation:
  • Offer remote assistance via screen sharing for antenna setup or connectivity issues.
  • Escalate to a technician for hardware failures (e.g., Wi-Fi module, antenna) with the customer’s serial number and ticket details.
• Documentation: Log antenna installation and connectivity issues to track trends (e.g., faulty antennas). Update FAQs with solutions.

Additional Notes:

• If unsure about your sign’s configuration, visit our parts locator at [insert parts locator link] or support desk at https://ledsigncity.com/pages/submit-a-ticket.
• Ensure your device meets software requirements at [insert system requirements link].
• For urgent help, email info@ledsigncity.com or call 866-343-4011 (Monday-Friday, 9 AM-6 PM EST).

Today’s date and time: 10:47 PM CDT, Monday, May 26, 2025.