Alpha 420 NEMA 12 industrial LED ticker
The Alpha 420 NEMA 12 is an industrial tricolour single-line ticker. 20 characters on 1 line, 10 cm characters, with a reading distance across the entire workshop. The NEMA 12 enclosure protects against airborne dust and splashing water around industrial processes. Controlled via RS-232/RS-485, optionally Ethernet.
Still supported for software and repairs.
Legacy model, no longer available as new. Current alternative: Alpha 4240 RGB
The Alpha 420 NEMA 12 is the industrial tricolour single-line ticker from the 400 series. With 10 cm characters and a NEMA 12 enclosure that keeps out dust and splashing water, it keeps real-time production data visible around machines and processes where an ordinary indoor ticker falls short.
The Alpha 420 NEMA 12 is a legacy model and no longer available as new. The current full-colour alternative is the Alpha 4240 RGB.
Best choice for
- Real-time production data in dusty or wet industrial environments: NEMA 12 enclosure against dust and splashing water
- Clearly readable on the shop floor: 10 cm characters
- Status at a glance via three colours (red, green, amber)
- Connection to existing systems via RS-232/RS-485 (multi-drop up to 255 displays), optionally Ethernet
Less suitable for
- Full-colour image, photos or video: this is a tricolour text display
- Outdoor use in all weather: NEMA 12 is intended for industrial indoor use, not weatherproof outdoor
- Long texts at once: 20 characters on 1 line per screen
Typical applications
- Production data, OEE and KPIs on the shop floor
- Safety communication and days without accidents in factory environments
- Status and alarm messages around machines and processes
Product information Alpha 420 NEMA 12
Display
| Display dimensions | l = 1732 mm x h = 102 mm (68.1 x 4 inch) |
|---|---|
| Pixels | Rows = 7 x columns = 120 |
| Pitch | 14.5 mm (0.57 inch) centre-to-centre |
| Pixel diameter | 9.2 mm (0.36 inch) |
| Number of lines per screen | 1 line |
| Characters per line | 20 (1 line) |
| Character height | 102 mm (4 inch) |
| Colour | Tricolour: 8 colours + 3 rainbow effects (420R version is red only) |
| Visibility | Keyboard-programmable from 9 m |
| Player | AlphaNET / Alpha protocol |
Enclosure
| Enclosure | Extruded aluminium, NEMA 12 (protection against dust and splashing water) |
|---|---|
| Indoor or outdoor | Industrial indoor |
| Enclosure dimensions (with power supply) | l = 1827 mm x d = 142 mm x h = 199 mm |
| Weight | 16.6 kg |
| Operating temperature | 0°C - 60°C |
| Humidity | 0 % - 95 % non-condensing |
| Mains voltage | 100 - 240 VAC / 50-60 Hz (power supply and serial cable hard-wired, no power cord) |
| Mounting | Ceiling, wall and stack mounting |
Software / Memory / Communication
| PC software (Windows) | AlphaNET |
|---|---|
| Communication | RS232 and RS485 (multi-drop up to 255 displays); options: Ethernet, wireless, modem, industrial networks |
| Memory | 28,000 characters, up to 81 messages |
| Display modes | 25 modes (Automode, Hold, Roll, Rotate, Wipe, Flash, Scroll, ...) and 5 speeds |
| Real-time clock | Date and time (12/24-hour), keeps time up to 14 days without power |
| Keyboard | Handheld Eurostyle IR remote control |
| Approvals | ANSI/UL 1950, CAN/CSA-22.2 No.950, EN 60950:1992, FCC Part 15 Class A, CE |
| Warranty | 1 year parts and labour (factory service) |
Frequently asked questions
What does NEMA 12 mean for the Alpha 420?
NEMA 12 is an industrial protection class for indoor use: the enclosure keeps out airborne dust and splashing water. This keeps the display reliable in dusty or damp factory environments. It is not a weatherproof outdoor enclosure.
How much text does the Alpha 420 show and how large are the characters?
20 characters on 1 line, with 10 cm (4 inch) high characters, clearly readable across the shop floor. Longer messages can be shown in sequence; up to 81 messages are stored locally.
Which colours does the Alpha 420 show?
The tricolour version (420C) shows 8 colours and 3 rainbow effects via red, green and amber. There is also a red-only version (420R).
Is the Alpha 420 NEMA 12 still available?
The Alpha 420 NEMA 12 is a legacy model and no longer available as new. The current alternative is the Alpha 4240 RGB. Feel free to contact us for advice on an equivalent solution.