DG3 Controller – Installation and Operation
Manual
540846-3 page 10 of 64 25/09/2015
Brief history of Hanover controllers
The first ERIC (Electronic Route Indicator Controller) had an extensive keypad and four serial
ports.
The original and black front DERIC (Diminished Electronic Route Indicator Controller) was
introduced with 128k flash memory, later expanded to 1Mb.
The grey front DERIC+ was introduced. As a more versatile controller, it boasted faster
loading and could also be used as a data loader. The DERIC+ deployed a standardised
communication plug-in and allowed firmware updates directly via a serial port instead of
having to change an EEPROM.
Similar in many respects to the DERIC+, the ERIC+ introduced a graphic display to controllers
and could be supplied with a 4Mb memory.
The ERIC++ had the same features as the ERIC+ but contained a different and faster
processor.
The DG3 (DERIC Generation 3) was introduced, bringing a larger (more pixels) graphic
display and USB connectivity. It worked across a wider voltage range (9-36V) than the DERIC
(24-36V). An extra key was added to the front panel and it was generally easier to use. The
DG3 cannot be used as a data loader however, although the USB facility renders the loss of
this feature largely irrelevant.
The arrival of the EG3 (ERIC Generation 3) heralded USB connectivity for the ERIC controllers
family, has up to four secondary communications ports and a still faster processor. It also has
Ethernet connectivity.
DG3 will have Ethernet connectivity in future versions.
System overview
The DG3 is a compact and powerful unit that controls how the information is presented on destination and
in-bus signs located on buses and coaches. An on-board computer can also be used to deliver full colour,
high resolution pictures, video clips and announcements. The controller has a key panel operation with
all configuration settings hidden behind a user-programmable lock code. The DG3 can be used to show
route / destination details, advertising and other information, all programmed using the Helen display-
editing software. It can also be connected to (work with) other items of on-board equipment.
Destination sign(s) (side)
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