This document provides operating instructions for a portable scoreboard, designed and manufactured by M-Jay Electronics Limited in England. The scoreboard is part of the Bespoke Scoreboards range and is capable of displaying Total, Wickets, Overs, and Last Innings scores. It is available in both wired and wireless versions, offering flexibility in its deployment and use.

Function Description:

The primary function of the portable scoreboard is to display cricket scores clearly and accurately. It features large LED digits for easy visibility, even from a distance. The scoreboard tracks the "Total" runs, "Wickets" taken, "Overs" bowled, and the "Last Innings" score. This comprehensive display allows spectators, players, and officials to stay informed about the progress of a match.

The scoreboard is controlled by a compact, portable controller, which is the smallest in the Bespoke Scoreboard range. This controller serves as the interface for updating all score parameters. The system is designed for ease of use, allowing for quick adjustments to the score as the game progresses.

A unique feature is the "Umpires Light" function. By pressing the reset button on the controller, the umpires light on the scoreboard will flash, acknowledging an umpire's signal. This adds a practical communication element to the scoreboard's functionality.

For specific cricket formats, such as Junior Pairs Cricket, the controller can be preset to display 200 runs at the start of each innings. This specialized mode simplifies scorekeeping for these particular games.

Usage Features:

Switching On, Off, and Resetting:

To switch on a wired controller, it must be connected to the scoreboard using the supplied data lead, and then the power button on the controller's face should be pressed. Wireless controllers, equipped with an internal battery, simply require pressing the power button to turn them on, provided the battery is charged. To switch off the controller, the power button needs to be pressed down for a couple of seconds before being released. The controller has a memory function that saves the last entered score whenever a change occurs. This ensures that in case of power failure or accidental switch-off, the scoreboard will display the last recorded score upon restart. To reset the score to zero for a new match, the controller must first be turned off. Then, the blue "Reset" button should be pressed and held down while turning the controller back on. This action clears the previous match's score, setting Total, Wickets, and Overs to zero, while Last Innings remains blank.

Adjusting Scores (Total, Wickets, Overs, Last Innings):

Total Runs: To add runs to the total score, the blue "Total" button must be pressed and held down, followed by pressing the red "Plus (+)" button. Each press of the "Plus (+)" button adds one run. Multiple presses will add multiple runs. To remove runs, the blue "Total" button is held down, and the red "Minus (-)" button is pressed. Wickets and Overs: Adjustments for Wickets and Overs follow the same principle. To add a wicket or an over, the respective blue "Wickets" or "Overs" button is pressed and held, then the red "Plus (+)" button is pressed. To subtract, the blue "Wickets" or "Overs" button is held, and the red "Minus (-)" button is pressed. Last Innings: At the end of an innings, to prepare the scoreboard for the next innings, the blue "Last Innings" button is pressed and held, followed by pressing the blue "Reset" button. This action moves the current Total score to the Last Innings display and resets Total, Wickets, and Overs to zero. The "close of innings" operation can be undone if needed. By pressing and holding the blue "Total" button, then pressing the blue "Reset" button, the scoreboard will revert to the previous innings score. This undo function is available until a wicket falls in the new innings, after which the previous innings score is deleted from the controller's memory. If necessary, the Last Innings score can also be manually entered or adjusted by pressing and holding the blue "Last Innings" button and then using the red "Plus (+)" or "Minus (-)" buttons.

Junior Pairs Mode:

For Junior Pairs Cricket, the controller can be configured to automatically display 200 runs at the start of each innings. To activate this mode, turn the controller off, then press and hold the "Total" button while turning the controller back on. After the first innings is closed, 200 runs will again be displayed for the Total. To return to normal operation, press and hold the "Reset" button while switching the controller on.

Wireless Transmitter Usage:

For wireless operation, the aerial must be connected to the wireless transmitter output socket (BNC) and rotated to a vertical position. There is a brief two-second delay after the controller is switched on before data transmission begins. It is crucial to use the supplied aerial, which is tuned to the correct radio frequency, to ensure optimal performance and operating range. Using a different aerial can significantly reduce signal strength and range. The wireless signal typically has a range of over 200 meters in open space. Obstructions like walls and the height of the aerials above the ground can affect this range. Placing the controller at table height, rather than on the ground, will improve signal strength. Data is continuously transmitted from the controller to the scoreboard. If the signal is interrupted, the scoreboard will not update until the signal is restored. Wireless controllers can also be operated in wired mode by connecting the supplied data cable directly to the scoreboard. This bypasses the wireless circuits and also charges the internal battery of the controller. The data cable has 4-pin XLR connectors, with the female end connecting to the controller and the male end to the scoreboard.

Maintenance Features:

Controller Recharging (for wireless versions):

Controllers with the optional wireless transmitter include an internal rechargeable NiMH battery. To recharge the controller, connect it to the supplied power supply using the provided cable, or connect it to a leisure battery. Alternatively, the controller can be charged via the data cable when connected to the scoreboard. The battery charging circuit operates automatically when power is connected, even if the controller is switched off. The charger uses three LEDs to indicate its status. When power is connected, the two outer LEDs briefly illuminate during a battery test, then the charger switches to a fast charge if no faults are detected. Once fully charged, the charger switches to a trickle charge, with the two outer LEDs remaining lit until power is disconnected. The charger prevents overcharging. If the batteries are heavily discharged, the fast charge may take longer to initiate. If a faulty battery is detected, the charger will remain in the battery test stage until the fault is resolved. A full charge typically takes no longer than five hours, though the duration depends on usage. A fully charged battery is estimated to last approximately 8.5 hours if all digits were continuously displaying '8's, meaning normal operation should yield significantly longer battery life.

Leisure Battery Recharging:

To recharge a leisure battery, connect it to the supplied power supply using the red and black wires with 4mm plugs. To prevent short circuits, connect the leads in the following order: red plug to the red (+) socket on the power supply, red plug to the red (+) terminal on the battery, black plug to the black (-) terminal on the battery, and black plug to the black (-) socket on the power supply. Lead-acid batteries draw a high current initially, which gradually decreases as the battery charges, eventually reducing to a trickle charge when fully charged. This allows the leisure battery to be left on charge for several days without concern. After a day of cricket, the leisure battery will require recharging, and leaving it to charge overnight is typically sufficient for another day's play.

Scoreboard Status LEDs:

Scoreboards manufactured from the end of 2014 onwards include three small LEDs on the facia to indicate the scoreboard's status:

Receiver Power: Indicates power on the Receiver PCB inside the scoreboard.
Data Input Power: Indicates power on the Data Input PCB inside the scoreboard.
Data: Flashes each time the scoreboard receives data from the controller. If this LED stops flashing, it means data is no longer being received. Common reasons for not receiving data include the aerial not being connected to the controller or the controller's batteries being low or flat.

M-jay Bespoke Scoreboards - Page 8

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