Using the ST-1 Remote Programmer
DS-Live™™
Data Signs Subscription Web-based Sign Programming and Active Monitoring.
Data Signs DS-Live™™
Data Signs DS-Live™™ runs on all web browsers, optimized for Google Chrome & Microsoft Edge. It is best suited for PC or Laptop use, but can also work with devices like iPad or Samsung tablets, though screen scrolling may be necessary on smaller displays.
Image Description: Multiple screens display the DS-Live interface on a laptop and tablet, showcasing various sign statuses and controls.
DS-Lite App
A portable smartphone app, available on the App Store or Google Play. These applications allow users to update their Sign with new messages, track the location of each Sign, and check battery voltage.
Image Description: A smartphone screen shows the DS-Lite app interface, displaying a message preview with options to edit, save, and send messages.
A SIM for Mobile Communications is normally part of the Subscription of DS-Live™™.
Start-up Page
A Start-up page is displayed when the ST-1 remote is turned ON by pressing and holding the lower-right side button.
Press the Data Signs button to start the Local Connect App. Then select the VMS tab from the bottom of the screen.
To close the application, tap the EXIT button in the top-right corner or tap the square box in the bottom-right and swipe the application.
Exiting the app disconnects from devices, but the devices will continue their last operation.
Image Description: The ST-1 remote displays the "Local Bluetooth Connect" screen. It shows connection status, product options (Portable Traffic Lights, Variable Message Signs, Arrow Boards), and buttons for SETTINGS and PUSH-TO-TALK LOGIN. An "ON SWITCH" is indicated on the side of the remote.
Connecting to the VMS
To connect to the VMS, follow the on-screen prompts.
If Auto Connect is enabled in Settings, the ST1 will start scanning immediately. If Auto Connect is not enabled, tap the SCAN button to begin scanning.
Tap on the serial number when it appears in the list. If Auto Connect is enabled, the remote will automatically connect with the last connected device if it is in range.
If the last connected device is not in range, the remote will continue scanning and display all relevant devices in range.
To stop automatically connecting, go to Settings and disable Auto Connect or tap the Clear Auto Connect Serial Nos button. To stop scanning, tap the STOP SCAN button.
As the Bluetooth connection is established, a progress sequence of 5-stars will appear, and the screen will redirect to the relevant remote screen.
To disconnect from a SATS, tap the EXIT button in the top right corner. Disconnecting stops the Bluetooth connection, but the VMS will continue its last operation.
Image Description: The ST-1 remote shows the "Select a VMS" screen, indicating "Scanning... 1 devices found" and listing a device with its serial number (??????). Buttons include STOP SCAN and EXIT.
VMS Remote
VMS Remote is used to monitor and change the message on a VMS board. On the remote screen, current details of the VMS are displayed.
Icon Status Indicators:
- Green icons: OK
- Amber icons: Warning
- Red icons: Error
- Gray icons: Feature is either disabled or not running
Image Description: The ST-1 remote screen displays detailed VMS information: Serial Num., Firmware, Msg Name, Sign Type, Battery voltage, Temperature, Location (GPS ACQUIRED), SD Card status, Tamper status, Aux. Power status, Radar status, Fan status, Brightness, and current message status ("Message is Showing"). It also shows buttons for OPEN/CREATE MESSAGE, BLANK SIGN, SHOW MESSAGE, LOCAL MESSAGE, and RADAR SETUP.
The VMS board can be BLANKED by tapping the BLANK SIGN button and to SHOW the Message, tap the SHOW MESSAGE button. To change the message on the sign, tap the OPEN/CREATE MESSAGE button.
Message Editor
This section is used to create, edit, and save a message.
Image Description: The "Create Message" screen on the ST-1 remote is shown. It displays Frame 1/1, a message name field, a preview of a 40 km/h speed limit sign, a duration setting (2 seconds), and buttons for DELETE FRAME, ADD FRAME, TEXT EDITOR, IMAGES LIST, and SEND LOCAL MESSAGE. There is also a checkbox for "Send As Amber Message".
Message Editor Functions:
- NEW MSG: Clears and starts a new message.
- OPEN MSG: Loads a list of saved messages and provides an option to delete local messages.
- SAVE MSG: Saves the current message to the local device.
- TEXT EDITOR: Opens the text-editor module for textual frames.
- IMAGES LIST: Opens the image-list module with 99 pre-defined images.
- ADD FRAME: Adds an empty frame before or after the current frame.
- DELETE FRAME: Deletes the current frame.
- SEND LOCAL MESSAGE: Uploads the message via Bluetooth to the VMS.
To change the duration of a frame, adjust the number in seconds.
If you want the message to appear as Amber only, select the "Send As Amber Message" checkbox first.
The arrow buttons can be used to navigate between frames.
Text Editor
This section facilitates the creation of text messages of up to 4 lines. Each line can have a different colour, font size, and left or centre alignment. A line of text can contain a maximum of 12 characters.
Recommendation for optimum visibility: 3 lines of text, 8 characters wide (using the 2nd font from the right).
When finished, tap the CONFIRM button to save and set the message on the current frame.
Image Description: The "Text Editor" screen on the ST-1 remote shows input fields for Line 1, Line 2, Line 3, and Line 4, along with a CONFIRM button. Below are formatting options for text colour, alignment (left, center), and font size.
Image List
This section provides a list of 99 pre-defined images to select from. Tap on Select to set the image to the current frame.
For custom images or messages, refer to "Creating Advanced Custom Messages" on page 12.
Image Description: The "Select Image" screen on the ST-1 remote displays a scrollable list of images, primarily speed limit signs (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 km/h), each with a "Select" button.
Radar Setup
Start by tapping the ENABLE RADAR button. You can either select a saved setup or create a new setup.
STEP 1: Select a message to show when NO vehicles are detected.
STEP 2: Select what happens when a vehicle approaches the sign. If you wish to display a Hi & Lo Message, then select the appropriate message.
STEP 3: Set the road Speed Limit and then set the Max and Min limit.
Enable Data Logging if you wish. Data Logs are retrieved via the DS-Live Platform and can be set to send to an e-mail address.
Finally, tap SAVE SETUP and then SEND SETUP to send it to the VMS. The setup will be saved on the ST-1 remote.
Image Description: The "Radar Setup" screen on the ST-1 remote shows options for selecting setups, defining messages for Step 1 (NO cars detected) and Step 2 (car approaches), setting speed limits for Step 3, enabling data logging, and buttons for SAVE SETUP and SEND SETUP.
Creating Advanced Custom Messages
DS-Live Message
DS-Live Message is a new feature allowing messages created in DS-Live to be uploaded to a VMS board via Bluetooth. Internet access is required to use this feature.
- Connect to a VMS via Bluetooth and tap the DS-LIVE MESSAGE button.
- If internet access is required, a prompt will be displayed. To enable internet access, see step 4 on the previous page of this manual.
- If you do not have access to DS-Live, please see the next section to set this up.
- After connecting to the internet, tap the DS-LIVE MESSAGE button and log into DS-Live entering your regular login details.
- After login, select the relevant Folder and Message from the list and tap the SEND TO ST-1 button.
- Please wait for the message upload to complete. Do not move away from the VMS as it will disconnect the Bluetooth connection.
Image Description: Multiple screenshots show the process: connecting to a VMS, the DS-Live Message List with a 10K message, and the DS-Live Login screen.
Settings Menu
To change the settings, tap on the Settings Menu button:
- Logging Enabled: Enables logging to diagnose issues.
- Auto Connect: Automatically connects with the last connected device.
- Startup Tab: On startup, the app will jump to this tab directly and will start scanning.
- Clear Auto-Connect Serial Nos: Clears the list of last connected device serial numbers.
- Clear Cache: Clears any locally cached data.
Image Description: The "Settings" screen on the ST-1 remote displays version information and options like Logging Enabled, Auto Connect, VMS - Offline Mode, Startup Tab, and Arrowboard settings, along with buttons to clear serial numbers, log files, send logs, and download messages.
Maintenance and Operation
Removing/Restoring Sign Power
Disconnect the power to the Sign for long-term storage (i.e., longer than a month), for long distance transport, or when working on the Sign. To disconnect the power, follow the instructions below.
- Open the Sign head as per the below section.
- To remove Sign power, pull out the SIGN SUPPLY fuse.
⚠️ CAUTION: If working on the Sign for repair (i.e., welding), disconnect ALL fuses.
To restore Sign power, insert the SIGN SUPPLY fuse. Push down to ensure it is properly fitted.
Notes for undercover storage:
Storage outside is recommended so batteries can maintain charge via the solar array. If storing the Sign undercover for a long-term (i.e., over one week), unplug the SIGN SUPPLY fuse. Please be aware that the batteries will drain over time; therefore fitting a battery charger is recommended. Battery warranty is voided if batteries are allowed to drain below serviceable levels.
To Open Sign Head
▶️ Watch the instructional video on the Data Signs Help Desk: datasigns.com.au/help
The Data Signs T tool can be used to open the sign head. Undo battery terminals, and use a drill tool to quickly set up the trailer jack stands and dolly wheels.
Image Description: An image shows the Data Signs T tool, which appears to be a specialized wrench or driver. Another image shows battery terminals and a drill tool being used for trailer jack stands and dolly wheels.
LED Board Maintenance
▶️ Watch the instructional video on the Data Signs Help Desk: datasigns.com.au/help
If maintenance on the LED boards is required, the T tool can be used as shown to unclip the board holder.
VMS Maintenance
This section details the maintenance procedures. It is important that your SATS are regularly maintained to ensure continued working order. Note: The Warranty associated with your SATS may be voided if ad-hoc repairs outside the scope of this maintenance section are attempted.
Solar Panels
Keeping the Solar panels clean will ensure they are providing as much energy to charge the battery as possible. To clean the Solar panels, ensure the PTL mast is lowered and that the Jackstands are lowered and extenders fully out. With a damp and soapy cloth, clean each of the panels, or hose them down (see General Cleaning notes). The solar panels should be cleaned periodically since they can quickly become dusty.
Battery & Circuit Breakers
125AH AGM SEALED BATTERY
⚠️ CAUTION: LEAD ACID BATTERIES CAN PRODUCE FLAMMABLE GASES WHILE CHARGING. NO NAKED FLAME SHOULD BE ALLOWED NEAR THE PTL’S. TAKE CARE WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING THE BATTERY BOX LID. USE TWO HANDS.
Before attempting any maintenance work on your batteries, make sure the SATS is not in the sun and that it is located in a well ventilated area.
- Remove the fuses.
- Re-instate fuses afterwards.
- All fuses are normally 25Amp.
Corrosion inhibitor lacquer has been applied to the battery terminals; if replacing the battery, use the same after installation to maintain this protection. If replacing the battery, use the same rating and type of batteries.
Notes for Undercover storage: Storage outside is recommended so the battery can maintain charge via the solar array. If storing the trailer undercover for a long-term, unplug the SIGN SUPPLY fuse. Please be aware that the battery will drain over time; therefore fitting a battery charger is recommended.
Trailer Wheels and Wheel Bearings
Regularly check the tyre pressure. At the same time, check tyre condition and that the wheel nuts are tight. After a few months of use, have a qualified mechanic check. Grease the wheel bearings every 12 months under normal operating conditions. More frequently for adverse/harsh road or operating conditions. Further, check after having travelled 1500 km.
Torque setting for wheel nuts: 65lbs.ft or 90Nm
Tyre Pressure for VMS-S5: 50 psi
Ensure wheel nuts are tightened according to manufacturer specifications for this trailer's tyre size. If unsure, contact your local mechanic. 13” wheel size, Ford stud pattern.
General Cleaning
The lights and trailer can be hosed. No abrasive solvents or thinners can be used anywhere on the VMS.
Suggestions & Improvements
Data Signs develops its products with the end users in mind. As such, we are always open to suggestions for product improvement. See datasigns.com.au/ServiceSupport/HelpDesk
Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is proprietary information of Data Signs Pty Ltd unless otherwise indicated. Data Signs Pty Ltd makes every effort to ensure the quality of the information it makes available. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Data Signs Pty Ltd does not make any warranty as to the information contained herein and does not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage of any kind incurred by use of or reliance upon the information.
Data Signs Pty Ltd reserves the right to make modifications, additions and deletions to this document at any time and without notice.
The Data Signs logo is a registered trademark of Data Signs Pty Ltd in Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, India and United States of America, and a trademark in other countries.
Help Desk | Data Signs Australia
