MBC-1 by Sine Systems, Inc.








		Available again, at last! Model MBC-1.5 Message Board Controller. Why version 1.5? Version 2 was sidelined due to a variety of issues involving the microprocessor. With the unavoidable delay of version 2, our supply of version 1 was completely exhausted. Instead of re-tooling for version 1, we modified the tooling for version 2 and put an enhanced version 1 in it. Thus, version 1.5 was born. Please excuse the incomplete page. We are trying to ship the new model quickly and have not had the chance to take one to our photographer. Easier Installation MBC-1.5 is easier to install than its predecessor. All connections use pluggable connectors with standard connectors. This makes the device easier to install and use. The base system has everthing needed to setup and test the system. But before placing an order, there is one decision to make. How many displays will be connected and how far from the MBC-1.5 will they be located? Cable Options Long cable runs and the RF rich environment of the typical studio site are contradictory. The modular connector of the Beta-Brite does not help matters since modular cables are typically not shielded. To make the MBC-1.5 installer friendly, we now offer cable package options. Cable Package 1: model MBC-1/CP1 works for a single display system only. It contains a single 50 foot long unshielded cable terminated at both ends with a modular connector. This is the plug and play option. Cable Package 2: model MBC-1/CP2 works for a dual display system only. It contains two 50 foot long unshielded cables terminated at both ends with modular connectors and a DB-9 adapter for the second display. Cable Package 3: model MBC-1/CPX works with single or multi-display systems at nearly any length. The installer provides foil-shielded cable. One or more displays are connected using the D-connector that comes with the MBC-1.5 and cable adapters from the cable package. Use this guide to determine which cable options are needed for the installation. Single Display If the display is within 50 feet, order cable option MBC-1/CP1 If the display is beyond 50 feet, order cable option MBC-1/CPX Dual Displays If both displays are within 50 feet, order cable option MBC-1/CP2 If either display is beyond 50 feet, order two option MBC-1/CPX Multiple Displays For each display order option MBC-1/CPX System Requirements The MBC-1.5 comes with everything needed to setup and test the system. Packages can be ordered with or without the Beta-Brite display. Display cable options must be ordered separately. Setting up the MBC-1.5 requires a personal computer with terminal software, such as HyperTerminal, and a serial (COM) port. The MBC-1.5 does not need to be connected to the computer for normal operation. It is only used to adjust the behavior of the device inputs. A USB to serial adapter is available for systems that do not have a serial port. Beta-Brite Models The MBC-1.5 is compatible with the original Beta-Brite display. It has also been successfully tested and used with the desktop display, model PPD. Other displays in the Alpha line will work. There is one known exception: Adaptive Micro Systems recently released a low-end, full-color display called the Beta-Brite Prism. It is not compatible with any version of the Message Board Controller. The original three color version of the Beta-Brite is still available and is compatible with the MBC-1.5. If you are curious why the Prism is not compatible: AMS only makes the Prism model with a USB communications port. Doing so limits communications with the Prism to devices that can host other USB devices. Building a USB slave device like a mouse is easy. Building a USB host is not so easy. When the USB specification was written, the only USB hosts were PCs--the hosting capability is built into the PC chipset. It takes a considerable amount of code and processing power to perform the required USB initialization process. Devices like the MBC-1.5 that are based on low-end, inexpensive processors cannot handle the task. While we understand AMS's decision to go with a USB interface, it is unfortunate because it limits the flexibility and usefulness of their device. And in case you don't know what a Message Board Controller is, here is the original product description: It's like an 'On Air' Light...on Steroids A light bulb in a little box that says "ON AIR" is simple, effective and very, very limited! And in modern studios there is a lot more to keep up with than just an open microphone. Welcome in the 21st century with a totally new way to say "ON AIR". In fact, say anything you want with the Sine Systems Message Board Controller and an electronic message display. When combined with an electronic message display, our MBC-1.5 gives you an attractive and versatile studio display system. One MBC-1.5 can control several displays and is easy to install. The Beta-Brite is used most often, however, the MBC-1.5 will work with other display devices made by AMS--the manufacturer of the Beta-Brite. They have a large family of display devices to fit every studio on any budget. The MBC-1.5 monitors up to 15 control room devices and can display a unique message for each one. Here are some of the many possibilities: FIRE alarm Transmitter OFF On Air EAS Alert Security Alert Weather Bulletin Hotline Recording Audio Failure And for a video production studio, how about these: Taping in Progress APPLAUSE Quiet Please Any message that can be programmed into the message board can be displayed by the MBC-1.5! Plus, the MBC-1.5 can load the display with a set of messages to help get your system up and running quickly. A single MBC-1.5 and message board can generate messages for up to fifteen different devices or events. The MBC-1.5 can also operate more than one display so different messages can be displayed in different locations from the same input signal. Eliminate the clutter and confusion of all those other signaling devices that have collected in your studios over the years. Important warnings are displayed in clear text that can be two or more inches tall (depending on the display device). Put an end to the vague flashing lights and colored beacons for warning signals. The MBC-1.5 is a great way to improve both the appearance and efficiency of your broadcast and production studios.