ViewMarq Displays Frequently Asked Questions
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Question:
How many colors are displayed by a ViewMarq LED message display?
Answer
Currently ViewMarq offers a tri-color display with red, amber and green characters, plus scrolling and blinking options. White LEDS are not used.
FAQ ID: 1445
Question:
What are the viewing distances for ViewMarq?
Answer
Depending upon the model, LED message displays can be seen from 100 to 400 feet away and offer a viewing angle of 140 degrees.
FAQ ID: 1447
Question:
What type of information can ViewMarq display?
Answer
Virtually any information from devices such as sensors or components in your industrial applications may be displayed on ViewMarq LED message boards. This includes process and equipment status such as tank level, pressure level, oven temperature, and any information that will help operators be more productive.
FAQ ID: 1448
Question:
What hardware/software is needed to control the messages on the ViewMarq display?
Answer
The displays are slave devices designed to be controlled by logic controllers that can send ASCII or Modbus RTU strings via an Ethernet or serial connection. However, any devices which support these protocols can send command strings to the ViewMarq display.
FAQ ID: 1449
Question:
How do I create text messages for ViewMarq?
Answer
ViewMarq's FREE easy-to-use configuration software (may be downloaded or purchased on CD) includes a built-in message simulator so you can see the message on your PC as you type. Message creation and editing is simple. Easy-to-find tools assist in changing text color, adding blinking options, or inserting embedded variables. The command string viewer allows you to copy and paste the command string needed for your PLC ladder logic code.
The software utility can also send the message to the ViewMarq LED display and configure the display to communicate with a PLC.
FAQ ID: 1450
Question:
What size characters can ViewMarq display?
Answer
Depending upon the model type, either 2 inch, 4.75 inch, or 9.5 inch characters with 1-line, 2-line or 4-line versions, and either 12 or 24 characters per line.
FAQ ID: 1451
Question:
Can ViewMarq display graphics?
Answer
Not at this time; ViewMarq models display text messages only. Messages can be formatted to blink, and scroll left, right, up, and down.
FAQ ID: 1452
Question:
Is Ethernet support included?
Answer
While other LED marquee products might require an extra cost to add/support Ethernet, ViewMarq comes equipped with a 10/100BaseT Ethernet port; a 7 foot Ethernet patch cable is also included.
FAQ ID: 1453
Question:
For the Ethernet connection, do I need a cross-over or patch cable?
Answer
A key feature included with ViewMarq is auto-MDIX: automatic medium-dependant interface crossover. This feature allows you to use cross-over cables where you would normally use straight-through cables and vice versa. The switch detects the cable type and reverses its own TX/RX pair to match.
FAQ ID: 1454
Question:
Is the ViewMarq display firmware field upgradable?
Answer
Yes; the FREE downloadable ViewMarq configuration software makes it simple to upgrade the message displays' firmware in the field.
FAQ ID: 1455
Question:
Which PC operating systems support ViewMarq software?
Answer
The ViewMarq configuration software is Windows XP (Service Pack 3), Vista, or Windows 7 and 8 (32 and 64 bit) supported; it requires a serial or Ethernet connection to connect the software to the display.
FAQ ID: 1456
Question:
Is ViewMarq suitable for outdoor use?
Answer
Not at this time; while ViewMarq is NEMA rated NEMA 4 for washdown, and NEMA 12 for dust, oil, water and dirt, the units are not intended for outdoor use.
FAQ ID: 1457
Question:
Can ViewMarq be used as a standalone product?
Answer
ViewMarq is intended for use with a PC or PLC-based system and not as a standalone unit. It is ideal for receiving information from any device capable of serial ASCII, Modbus RTU, or Modbus TCP communications. While it can be used to display preformatted messages, that information will be lost once power is removed from the unit.
FAQ ID: 1458
Question:
Does ViewMarq have a real time clock?
Answer
Since ViewMarq is a slave device, it relies on a master to provide data, including real-time clock information, for messaging. ViewMarq does support variables, which can be used to display the time data from the controlling device within the message.
FAQ ID: 1459
Question:
What agency approvals does ViewMarq offer?
Answer
UL508, CE, RoHS and Reach. Note: Only the wall-mount and cabinet-mount options are UL508 rated. The chain-mount option is not UL approved.
FAQ ID: 1460
Question:
Are there mounting limitations for ViewMarq?
Answer
ViewMarq displays can be mounted in any horizontal position, such as a wall, ceiling, or cabinet. Each unit is equipped with an accelerometer to ensure your message is automatically displayed in the upright position.
FAQ ID: 1461
Question:
What power requirements does ViewMarq have?
Answer
ViewMarq can be wired for 100-240 VAC or 24 VDC power
FAQ ID: 1462