7 Easy Steps to Prepare Your System for Fall Sports

With summer wrapping up, it’s time to start preparing for fall sports. Take the stress out of fall prep by following these 7 easy steps to ensure your control system is game-day ready.

1. POWER ON YOUR DISPLAY AND CONTROL SYSTEM

Proper startup and shutdown procedures for both your display and control systems are documented in your service agreement(s) or provided by a Control System Specialist. If you do not have those documents handy, check out What are the proper rack startup and shutdown procedures?

2. LISTEN TO YOUR CONTROL SYSTEM

Listen for any excessive grinding noises when starting and shutting down your computers. Listen for any other beeping noises coming from the racks. This may originate from the Universal Power Supply (UPS) or a computer raid drive.

3. PERFORM A BASIC COMPUTER CHECK

• Check the Event Viewer for any application, security and system errors.
• Follow the instructions in How to maintain or optimize my Daktronics computer for advice on antivirus software, firewalls and windows updates.
• Verify that the monitor, keyboard, mouse and KVMs are in good working condition.
• Confirm that the system’s network is functioning properly. Are you able to see and transfer files to other computers on the network?
• Check individual drive status on each computer.
• Verify that the external connectors are secured (computer ports, network cables, KVM connections, etc.).

4. PLAY TEST CONTENT

After your control system is running, play test patterns or other test content on your displays. The process of playing test patterns can vary depending on your equipment.

5. INSPECT YOUR VIDEO DISPLAY(S)

• While test patterns are playing, examine your display(s) and document any pixels, modules or sections that are stuck on/off.
• Take note of any visual issues flickering, discoloration, etc.
• Visually inspect the display(s) and cabinet(s) for any signs of damage or corrosion that may have occurred during the winter. If your display has been impacted by extreme weather during the off season, this post might be helpful: How to respond if your display has been impacted by extreme weather.
• Listen for any damaged or non-working cooling fans.

6. CHECK YOUR FIXED-DIGIT DISPLAY(S)

• Power on the control console used to control the fixed-digit display.
• Verify all segments are illuminating on scoreboard with the All On Test Code. Refer to the following articles: How do I find the Test Codes for the All Sport consoles? and How to place an All Sport 5000 series console into All On Digit test mode?
• The test pattern will allow you to locate any LEDs that are not lighting up or are stuck on. After inspecting, return to normal use by entering your in-game code. Refer to: What All Sport code should I use for my scoreboard?
• If your All Sport is not communicating, verify your radio broadcast and channel settings. Refer to this article for more information: Wireless scoreboard not responding to console, Incorrect radio settings.
• Verify the correct data plays on the fixed-digit display by playing test data.
• We also advise you to visually inspect the display cabinets for any scratches, dents or abnormalities.

7. CLEAN UP YOUR SYSTEM

• Delete old content, scripts, buttons or pages that are not used anymore, or back them up to an external hard drive for later use.
• If the system contains a primary and backup computer, verify the sync program is functioning properly.
• Verify video image processor communication and that all settings and configurations have been backed up.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact our support team today by creating a new service case in MySupport.