Frequently asked questions
The most common questions about our LED displays, gathered in one place: from control and connection to reading distance, rental, installation and warranty. Can't find your question? Feel free to get in touch, we're happy to help.
Sales & advice
Which LED displays does Daylight bv supply?
Daylight bv supplies the full Adaptive Micro Systems LED display range: Alpha indoor RGB (4080-4240), Alpha 9000i series (9630i-9670i), A/W/L-series Full Color LED Displays, BetaBrite single-line displays and StreetSmart single-colour outdoor LED displays. Our range has moreover been expanded with a new supplier for Full Color Outdoor in 4 and 2 mm, and many other resolutions. In addition we offer the Led2move, a mobile full-colour LED trailer for temporary setups.
What applications do your LED displays have?
Safety communication and mass notification, days-without-accident counters, fire, gas and evacuation alarms, production data on the shop floor, trucks/parking/access control, and industrial automation via PLC or SCADA integration. Our customers are in chemicals, logistics, plant management, data centres and the public space.
Which colours are the displays available in?
From single colour (red or amber) and tri-colour to full-colour RGB with the complete colour spectrum. Single-colour displays are ideal for text, figures and counters; full-colour displays for logos, images and video.
Can I rent an LED display instead of buying one?
Yes. Besides sales, we also rent out a large part of the Adaptive range, from indoor displays to full-colour outdoor screens. For mobile use (events, roadworks, temporary campaigns) we also have the Led2move, a full-colour LED display on a trailer. If you buy afterwards, the rental fee can be deducted. Feel free to ask about the options.
Can I get a demo or a test setup?
Yes. Anyone considering the purchase of an LED display can get a demo beforehand. For full colour outdoor displays we demonstrate on site with our Led2move trailer; for StreetSmart and indoor displays we also come to demonstrate on site. Contact us to schedule a demo at your location.
Technology & control
How do I send messages to a Daylight LED display?
The primary way is over the network: you manage the display over Ethernet/internet with our software (AlphaNET for Alpha displays, ooh!Media for full-colour), remotely and for several screens at once. For automated use you connect the display directly to a PLC or SCADA. Older or standalone systems can also still be driven over RS-232, RS-485 or USB. Step-by-step guidance is in our manuals.
Which connection do I use: Ethernet, RS-232, RS-485 or USB?
Today control runs primarily over the network (Ethernet/internet): this lets you manage one or several displays centrally and remotely. For older or standalone setups the classic methods remain available: RS-232 (one display, short distance), RS-485 (several displays in series) and USB. Not sure which option suits your setup? We're happy to advise.
Can I control several displays at once?
Yes. Over the network (Ethernet) you manage several displays centrally; classically you connect them in series via an RS-485 network. Each screen gets its own address, so you can send individual or grouped messages.
How do I connect a display to a PLC or SCADA system?
Our LED displays use the Alpha protocol, a simple ASCII text protocol, to show data from your own software. With it you integrate display messages into HMI software on PLCs and into SCADA systems: a production figure, an alarm message or a days-without-accident counter then appears automatically on the screen. We look at the integration that fits your infrastructure together with you.
How large must the text be to be readable from a distance?
Rule of thumb: per centimetre of character height the text is readable at about 5 metres. A 10 cm character is therefore readable up to about 50 metres. Choose a little larger rather than too small, certainly in bright sunlight or for safety-critical messages. The full table of reading distances is in our article Choosing character height.
What is the difference between an indoor and an outdoor display?
Outdoor displays are weatherproof (IP rating from at least IP54 to IP67), extra bright so they stay readable even in full sunlight, and dim automatically at night via a light sensor. Indoor displays are lighter in build and tuned to indoor lighting; for indoor use in industrial environments we also have IP52 versions. The right choice depends on the location and the ambient light; we're happy to advise.
Do you also support older Alpha and BetaBrite displays?
Yes. Daylight has worked with the Adaptive Alpha range since 1991 and also knows the older models (Alpha, BetaBrite, AlphaEclipse). In our knowledge base you'll find manuals for both current and older models, and we advise you on parts or a suitable successor.
How do I change the IP address of the AlphaEthernet adapter?
You set the network address with the AlphaNET software: connect the adapter to your network, locate the display in AlphaNET and adjust the network settings. The step-by-step procedure is in the manual of your AlphaEthernet adapter in our knowledge base.
Can I extend the cable between my PC and the display?
Yes. For longer distances, choose RS-485 or an Ethernet connection rather than RS-232 or USB. The maximum permitted cable length depends on the connection type; the manual of your model states the exact limits.
Which connector and wiring do the serial connections (RJ11/RJ12) use?
The serial connection of many Alpha and BetaBrite displays uses an RJ11 or RJ12 connector. The exact pin assignment differs per model and is stated in the manual of your display in our knowledge base.
Installation & service
Does Daylight handle installation and mounting on site?
Yes. Daylight bv has a certified installation team (VCA-VOL driver, IS-004, aerial-platform certification) with its own aerial platform up to 16 metres and Sprinter vehicles. Structures are designed to withstand wind speeds of 120 km/h. For installation you provide legally inspected electricity of 1 × 16A / 230V plus earthing per LED display.
What warranty does Daylight give on LED displays?
Standard one-year carry-in warranty by Daylight bv. Other warranty terms can optionally be arranged, and tailor-made service contracts can be agreed. Full terms in our sales conditions.
In which languages are documentation and support available?
Our website and knowledge base are available in 9 languages: Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Portuguese and Czech. The original manufacturer manuals (PDF) are usually in English. For personal support you can reach us in Dutch and English.
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