Brightsign USB-S-8Input Interface Board

for BrightSign units w/USB or TTL Serial Port

USB-S3-8Input    

Features:

• Small footprint (2.5 x 2.8 inches)
• 8 Inputs
• USB-A to USB-Mini cable required
• On board LED's to indicate 5V Power and processor running

This board solves the need for a simple 'low cost' input expansion port for the Brightsign Video Player.  The 8 inputs are reported to the BrightSign as strings.

USB Setup: In BrightAuthor, select Presentation Properties, Serial Setup and select port2.  Set the port to 19,200, Ascii mode.  The USB-Serial Interface is handled by a Prolific USB-Serial converter and appears as a serial port in BrightAuthor.

Operation:

• Activation of inputs 1-8 (pulling low with a switch, PLC, or logic signal) sends out Ascii '1', '2', '3', '4', '5', '6', '7' or '8' followed by <CR> (Carriage Return).  The BrightSign is normally looking for 'Strings'.

The Firmware allows for multiple inputs low at the same time.  I.E. If input 1 goes low ('1' is reported), then input 2 goes low (while input 1 is held low), then input 2 will be reported.  If any 'active' Input (switch) opens then closes, it will be reported as a new input. I.E. suppose input1 is closed and input2 is closed and opened multiple times.  A '2' will be sent with each successive switch closure/open.  This logic is for all inputs.  A zero ('0',13) is reported when all inputs are open (high)  

Note: The TTL serial port requires 'inverted serial'.  Not all models of BrightSigns have this feature.  Use BrightAuthor to determine compatibility if you need to use the TTL serial port.

Author: Richard Harkey
Revised: August 17, 2024