LED Marquee
Installation/Guide
This guide provides typical installation instructions. Please bear in mind that
building codes vary and the technician installing the LED Marquee(s) is
responsible for compliance with any relevant codes.
Version number: 000001
LED Marquee Installation/Guide
This guide provides typical installation instructions. Please bear in mind that building codes vary and the
technician installing the LED Marquee is responsible for compliance with any relevant codes.
Installation Overview
1) Determine desired mounting location
2) Determine power source
3) Affix mounting brackets
4) Connect power cable to the Marquee
5) Connect comms from Alert Beacon
6) Test the unit
General Mounting Guidelines
Recommended locations for installing LED Marquees include:
1) Heavily trafficked building corridors
2) Lobbies and points of egress
3) Areas with overly high ambient noise
Install location with a drop ceiling:
The preferred method is to install an electrical outlet in the ceiling, and use a plug-in AC transformer (e.g.
Mouser Part # 507-XT2420, or AllElectronics Part # ACTX-2420). This presents a number of advantages:
Plug-in transformers include a locking screw to prevent accidental unplugging.
Power can be disconnected without needing to turn off the mains; simplifies maintenance (i.e. if power
supply needs to be replaced)
The power supply for an external siren or strobe can be connected to the second outlet, providing for future
expansion.
AC plug-in transformers do not come pre-wired, so it is necessary to obtain crimp-on spade lugs for the
transformer connection, a compatible “Euro-block” style connector (Digi-Key Part # ED2779-ND or
ED1701-ND) for the LED Marquee connection, wire strippers and an appropriate crimp tool.
Install location without a drop ceiling:
This typically requires a standalone step-down transformer. These are often slightly more expensive than
the plug-in type, and are more complicated to install. However, this method is sometimes necessary if there
is no place to install an outlet, or for aesthetic reasons. While a full install procedure for a hardwired
transformer is beyond the scope of this document, the following are some UL-approved models known to
function well with the Alertus LED Marquees:
Foster Transformer, Model 15343
Grainger Item #6WU91 (fits inside a deep double-gang box)
Mounting Options and Accessories
Select a suitable mounting option from the two options below.
Option A
This style hides the brackets behind the body of the Marquee. Wall clearance is approximately 3.25".
Option B
Use this method to hold the Marquee closer to the wall (clearance approx. 1.75"). The brackets will be visible above
the top edge of the display.
Optional Accessory: Wire Guard
To protect against theft, vandalism, or accidental damage (in locations such as a gymnasium) Alertus offers a wire
guard cage as an optional accessory. If you are interested please contact your Account Manager.
Connecting Power to the LED Marquee
The included cable connects to the barrel jack (5.5mm OD x 2.1mm ID) with the other end as bare wires, which are
intended to be terminated with spade lugs for connection to an AC plug-in transformer.
● When using AC, the transformer should be rated for at least 50VA (at 24VAC.) Connection is made using a
barrel plug or a terminal block. Polarity is not important in the AC case.
● When using DC, a supply with a rating of 2.5A at 24V is recommended. Lower voltages will require
correspondingly higher current ratings - current at 12VDC will be twice the 24VDC figures given above, for
example. Polarity on the barrel plug should be center positive. On the terminal block, GND is the position
closer to the serial ports; the other pin (towards the edge of the endcap) is the positive voltage.
Connecting Communication Cable from Alert Beacon
The Marquee receives messages via an RS-232 connection from an Alert Beacon. The display includes a 6' cable for
connection between the DB-9 on the Beacon and the RJ-12
(6p4c) jack on the Marquee. Connect the RJ-12 end of the
cable to the port labeled COM1 - it is the one closer to the
power jack.
● Securing the DB-9 connector: The DB-9
connection may not include thumb screws
pre-installed. In this case, appropriate screws are
packaged along with the cable, and should be
installed once the Beacon side of the cable is
connected. If replacements are needed, use #4-40
screws, 5/16" length (such as McMaster-Carr Item
#90272A107).
● If a longer cable is needed: The cable can be
extended in a manner similar to standard telephone
wiring. If it is necessary to crimp a new connector on
the existing wire, please observe the color code on
the stock end. Alertus recommends that this cable is not extended longer than 50 feet. If in doubt,
Contact Alertus Support.
Post-Install Tasks
In order to properly configure the localized notification capabilities of the Alertus
Notification system, administrators must have a record of the Alert Beacon Unit ID and
location of each Alert Beacon. Alertus provides Alert Beacon Install Logs for this
purpose. After completing an installation, record the 4-digit Unit ID (found on the white
label on the rear of the Alert Beacon, highlighted in the Figure the right) and a short
description of the unit’s location, such as “Mathematics Building, East hallway near
lobby” along with connected peripherals such as an LED Marquee.
Appendix: Dimensional Drawings
/
