Daktronics AB-1600-1.5,2.5 - Manual (Page 46)

Maintenance & Troubleshooting 4-10
without leaving the controller.
Pattern Test Method: The Pattern Test method turns on the lamps in a pattern that makes it easy
to spot bad lamps and record their location. When using the Pattern Test function, make
photocopies of the test form in Appendix B. (Keep the original copy in Appendix C.) Complete
one of these forms each time you test and replace lamps. Lamp test forms for your display size are
available upon request.
To run the Test Pattern:
1. From the Venus 7000 Shell, open the Monitor program.
2. Open the Diagnostics program.
3. In the Diagnostics text box, select Lamp Test.
4. Be sure to highlight the sign you are testing in both the Diagnostics and the Monitor
programs.
5. Under Lamp Test Type, select Pattern Test.
6. Click on Start Test. This will light up every other column, making it easy to spot any bad
lamps. The monitor screen will show this pattern. To change to the alternate columns press
<
F5 >.
7. Check your display and record the location of any bad lamps on the test form.
Note: A test pattern can also run from the data distributor. Refer to the data distributor manual for
instructions on starting these test patterns.
The Pixel Locator Method: The pixel locator method checks for bad lamps without leaving the
controller. To run the Pixel Locator:
1. From the Venus 7000 Shell, open the Monitor program.
2. Open
the Diagnostics program.
3. In the Diagnostic text box, select Pixel Locator.
4. Select the driver size of your display, (8 by 16).
5. Click
on Start. This will light the entire top row and the entire left column of lamps.
You’ll be able to see if any of the lamps in the top row are bad.
a) If you spot a bad lamp, arrow to the right until the lighted column is on the bad lamp,
i.e., the intersection of the lighted row and the lighted column is on the bad lamp.
b) To record the location of the bad lamp, press the Stuck Off button. If you have a
lamp that is stuck on, follow the same procedure but press the Stuck-On button
instead of the Stuck Off button.
6. Arrow down one row at a time to check each row for bad lamps, recording each bad lamp in
the same way.
7. After marking the location of all the bad lamps, turn the display power off at the main power
disconnect.
Note: For more information about lamp testing and replacement, refer to the Venus 7000
controller manual or contact the Daktronics Animation Department.
Optional Lampbank Driver Test Table
The purpose of the test table is to check the lampbank input and output and to determine if all
lamps are working within that lampbank. Use the following steps as a guide when using the test
table.
1. Remove the lampbank from the lens/reflector assembly or from the display.