The Alpha protocol
The Alpha Sign Communications Protocol is the language Adaptive Alpha LED displays use to receive messages, over serial or TCP/IP.
Structure of a packet
Every packet is sent over serial (RS-232/RS-485) or over TCP/IP. The parts, from front to back:
- Type Code: which type of display is addressed (
Z= all displays). - Sign Address: the address of the display in 2 ASCII characters (
00= broadcast to all displays). - Command Code: the command, for example writing a text to memory.
- Data: the content of the command.
Optionally a packet contains a 16-bit checksum (4 ASCII hex between <ETX> and <EOT>). For network transports that strip control characters there is an ASCII Printable variant.
Custom integration with Daylight
Do you want to drive an Alpha display directly from a PLC, a SCADA system or your own application, without AlphaNET or ooh!Media? Daylight bv developed its own software library (SDK) that implements the Alpha protocol. With it you link live production, safety or alarm data straight to your display.
Protocol manual on request
The full Alpha protocol manual is not freely downloadable. Do you need it for an integration project? Contact us and we will provide it on request.
Manuals
- AlphaVision PC Picture Box Control Protocol Protocol reference for controlling AlphaVision PC displays via the Picture Box Control. View manual Download PDF
- Alpha Industrial Protocol Protocol reference for driving Alpha displays on industrial networks (Modbus, DeviceNet, Profibus). View manual Download PDF