Upgrading TB2 to TB20 Controller
Important Disclaimer – Hand Tools Only
To prevent damage to the controller, brackets, and mounting hardware, do not use power tools during this installation. The mounting screws are small and can be easily stripped or over-torqued.
Use hand tools only and tighten all screws securely without excessive force.
Step 1: Access the Controller Area
Before removing or replacing the controller, you must expose the internal mounting area where the TB2 is installed. The controller is blocked by LED modules, which must be removed to safely access the card and its connections.
-
The controller is located at the bottom-left panel of the sign.
-
Remove the LED module directly in front of the controller.
-
Remove the second LED module to fully access the video card and cable connections.
How to remove the module:
Each module is 12.6 X 12.6 inches and has two 3mm Hex locks that you can unlock with an Allen wrench.
Step 2: Understand Cable Length and Placement Changes
The TB20 controller is physically smaller than the TB2 and mounts in a different position inside the sign. Because of this change, existing cables may not reach their new connection points.
-
Compare the TB2 and TB20 mounting positions before installation.
Before
After
-
Check all existing cables for sufficient length.
-
If a cable is too short, remove it and replace it with the longer cable provided with the TB20.
Step 3: Remove the TB2 Controller
The TB2 is mounted directly to the sign chassis and must be fully disconnected before removal. All power, data, and antenna connections must be safely removed to avoid damage to the controller or internal components.
-
Remove the antenna from the TB2.
-
Unplug all Ethernet cables.
-
Disconnect the power cable.
-
Remove the four mounting screws securing the TB2 card.
-
Remove the TB2 card from its housing and unplug the sensor.
-
Remove the TB2 housing from the sign.
Step 4: Mount the TB20 Controller
Unlike the TB2, the TB20 uses a bracket-based mounting system. Proper bracket placement ensures the controller is secure, aligned correctly, and accessible for cable connections.
-
Attach the first mounting bracket to the back of the TB20.
-
Secure this bracket to the designated mounting location inside the sign. After securing the first screw shift the card slightly to reveal the second mounting point.
-
Verify the final orientation of the controller before tightening all screws.
Step 5: Reconnect Cables and Components
Once the TB20 is mounted, all required connections must be restored. This includes power, networking, video signal, and sensor connections needed for normal operation.
-
Reinstall the antenna if it was removed.
-
Connect the LAN cable to the PoE adapter.
-
Reconnect or replace the video card cable if it was removed or found to be too short.
-
Connect the power cable (replace if additional length is required).
-
Reconnect the brightness sensor cable.
Step 6: Power On and Verify Operation
After installation and reconnection, the sign should be powered on to confirm the TB20 is operating correctly. This final step verifies that all connections were made properly.
-
Power the sign on.
-
Confirm the sign boots normally and communicates with the TB20 controller.
-
Once verified, the upgrade process is complete.