Galaxy: How do I change a static IP address on a display?

Topic

How do I change the IP address to a display with a direct Ethernet connection to the display?

This will require direct Ethernet connection to the Ethernet jack on the Quick Connect (QC) or controller at the sign, or to the DC-Injector (DCI) / Power Over Ethernet (POE) using a computer or laptop.

Environment

Product: Galaxy, AF-3150, AF-3160, AF-3180, AF-3190, AF-3200, AF-3220, AF-3400, AF-3500, AF-3550, AF-3700
Components: M2Config Utility Software (latest version)
Control System: M2 or M3 based controllers

Steps

Preparation

Set the static IP address on the computer that is "close" to the standard IP address on the display.
- Refer to How to set or change a static IP on my computer or USB to Ethernet adaptor?, DD2016625.
If using Ethernet Bridge Radios (EBRs) and you are not already directly connected to the POE / DCI via an Ethernet cable, do so now. Other options are to connect directly to the controller, QC, or Ethernet cable in the com box. In any case, the network must be bypassed during the process of changing the IP address to a display.
Open M2Config.
- Refer to How do I download & install the M2Config Utility on my computer?
Gather IP info to assign to the display, including IP address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway, and DNS servers if applicable (this information should be obtained from your IT group).

Process

The following is a step-by-step process. Alternatively for video assistance, see the following link from our Daktronics YouTube channel: How to Set a Daktronics Electronic Message Center IP Address.

Set the IP address of the display by selecting the Configure Connection button which is represented by a small yellow gear in the top left corner of the screen.
1. Change Type to TCP/IP.
2. Input the current IP address of the display.
3. The Address will be 1 in most cases.
4. Click OK.
Connect to the configured display. This is done either by clicking on the icon (represented by a pair of plugs connected to each other) to the right of the Configure Connection icon, or going to the Network option on the menu bar and selecting Connect (If you cannot connect, double-check your PC LAN setting, plus M2 configuration and try to ping the sign IP from the Command prompt).
1. It is normal to get several error messages when connecting for the first time where values are set to defaults.
2. It is also normal to get a "Failed File Transfer" on filename "GUID.DAT," Error Message: "Invalid Response" whenever connecting with M2Config.
Once connected to the display, go to the yellow Communications folder on the left side of the screen. If you don't see this, go to the Configurations tab that is just under the icons used to connect to the display.
1. In the Communications folder, select TCP/IP.
If not already selected, click on the radial button next to Use the following IP address.
Enter the new IP address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway (if needed).
1. Note: Daktronics is not responsible for selecting an IP address that will work with any given network.
If the display is being put on a network, ensure the NIC speed is set to Automatic.
Next, send the new configuration settings to the display by clicking the blue Upload arrow or:
1. Go to File
2. Select Set Configuration
M2Config will let you know that the configuration was sent successfully, and the display will reboot.
Verify that the IP address was input correctly by watching when the IP address appears on the Daktronics display during the boot-up process. Additional verification can be done by repeating these steps for the new IP address and ensuring that a connection can be made.
Ensure M2Config is closed or disconnected from the display when trying to connect with the normal controlling software (e.g. Venus 1500 or Display Studio); both programs use the same port for connecting.
- The IP address must also be changed to match that of the display controller in Venus 1500 or Display Studio to be able to connect to the new IP.
  - See Venus 1500: How do I find/change the IP address in the v4 software?
  - See How do I change the IP of an M3/VLink 1500 controller in Display Studio without losing workspace data?

KB ID: 000004940

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