Comparing BetaBrite: 1026, Classic (1036) and Prism
Three generations of the same single-line, 13-character sign. The difference is in the enclosure, the connection and, with the Prism, full color. Here you compare them side by side, with all the technical details.
The BetaBrite came in three generations. The single-line tricolor version (PVC and Classic) has the same 13-character display; the difference is in the enclosure and the connection. The Prism is the most recent, full-color version.
| Feature | BetaBrite 1026 (PVC) | BetaBrite Classic (1036) | BetaBrite Prism |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enclosure | Brown-grey PVC (Alpha 215 enclosure) | Aluminium | Injection-molded plastic, black |
| Characters | 13 (1 line) | 13 (1 line) | 13 (1 line) |
| Color | Tricolor (red/green/amber) | Tricolor (red/green/yellow) | Full color (64 colors) |
| LED type | Discrete | Discrete | 3-in-1 RGB pixel (Prism) |
| LED color (wavelength) | Orange-red 640 nm / green 565 nm | Pure red 660 nm / green 568 nm (red 7.89× brighter) | — |
| Character height | 53 mm | 53 mm | 53 mm |
| Fonts | 5 | 14 | 12 sets |
| Display modes | Standard set | Extended + 'Color Wipe Up', Rotate in color | 26 modes |
| Connection | RS-232 | RS-232 (Ethernet via AlphaEthernet adapter) | USB or RS-232 |
| Expansion port | No (RS-232 only) | RS-232 + 2 port pins for add-ons (temperature probe, caller ID, data receiver) | — |
| Microcontroller | 14.7 MHz | 18.4 MHz | — |
| Remote control / operation | Infrared keyboard 1026 (large, as on the 215) | Infrared keyboard 1036 + AlphaNET PC software | Infrared keyboard 1036 (54-key) + PC software (WYSIWYG) |
| Generation | Original (PVC) | Successor (aluminium) | Most recent (full color) |
Advantages of the aluminium 1036 over the 1026
- Lighter and more compact thanks to the aluminium enclosure
- More reliable and more resistant to dust and moisture
- Red 7.89× brighter (pure red 660 nm), so easier to read
- Faster processor (18.4 MHz): more characters and longer messages
- Expandable via 2 port pins for add-ons (temperature probe, caller ID, data receiver)
- Faster keyboard response: fewer input errors and quicker programming
- More display modes, including 'Color Wipe Up' and Rotate in color
- 9 extra fonts (14 instead of 5)
- Better keyboard (smaller, more accurate, 2 AA batteries included) and a rewritten, user-friendly manual
Which one to choose?
BetaBrite 1026 (PVC) is the original, affordable version in the robust Alpha 215 enclosure, operated with the large infrared keyboard. Classic (1036) is functionally identical but in a sleek, custom-sized aluminium enclosure, with the option of Ethernet via an adapter. Choose the Prism if you want colorful, photo-quality images: full color (64 colors) with the Prism 3-in-1 RGB pixel, operated via the infrared keyboard 1036 or PC software.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the three BetaBrite models?
The BetaBrite came in three generations. The single-line tricolor version (PVC and Classic) has the same 13-character display; the difference is in the enclosure and the connection. The Prism is the most recent, full-color version.