Fuelink 5: How do I install and connect to the controller?

Client/Server Radios

Follow these recommendations when installing Server (“store side”) and Client (“sign side”) radio units:

• Typically, the server radio should be installed inside the store close to the Fuelink 5 controller, using the supplied 25-foot cable for connection. It is recommended to conduct signal strength tests prior to finalizing the installation.  Refer to Test Communication  
• In cases where external mounting is required, the server radio can be hard wired directly to the terminal block on the Fuelink 5 controller. • Indoor mounting locations with maximum height, closest proximity to the displays, and the fewest obstructions between client and server radios are optimal for signal strength.
• Antennas should be oriented vertically.
• When possible, position the radio so the status and signal LEDs remain clearly visible. 

Fuelink 5 Controller

Follow these recommendations when installing the Fuelink 5 controller.

• Ensure the controller is within reach (~4') of a power outlet. Note: The 24V power supply requires extra space and may not fit in duplex receptacles.
• Ensure the controller is within reach of Point of Sale (POS) system, if using POS interface option.
• Ensure the controller is within reach of a network port/switch, if using wired Ethernet.
• Consider visibility of status and signal LEDs on the face of the controller.
• If using radio com option, consider cable routing to the server radio. 

Power & Mounting

1. Insert the power cable into a standard 120 VAC wall outlet or power strip, ensuring that the strain relief feature on the back of the controller enclosure is utilized.
2. Attach the controller enclosure to a wall utilizing the keyholes on the back (recommended), or set it on a flat surface such as a table or counter, ensuring there is sufficient space to prevent cables from being bumped or disconnected.

Connecting to Software

To connect to the software user interface, consider one of the following methods:

1. Wired (network): Plug a customer-provided CAT5 cable into the NETWORK jack on the controller and navigate to http://fuelink5
2. Wired (direct): Plug a customer-provided CAT5 cable from a computer to the NETWORK jack on the controller and navigate to http://fuelink5.local
3. Wireless (Wi-Fi): From any Wi-Fi enabled smart device, connect to the Wi-Fi access point named “Fuelink 5”, then open a web browser and navigate to http://fuelink5 Note: Be sure to go to Configuration > Device to change the Wi-Fi Access Point default password.
   • If connecting to customer Wi-Fi: After connecting to the Wi-Fi access point as described above, go to Configuration > WiFi and click Scan WiFi Networks. 
   •  Select the desired network from the drop-down list, enter the password, and click Save WiFi Configuration and Connect. Disconnect the device from the “Fuelink 5” access point, and then verify the customer’s device(s) can access http://fuelink5 over their chosen Wi-Fi network.

Wireless Communication to Display Radio Configuration

One at a time, plug each radio into the Fuelink 5 controller RS-485 jack. 

1. In the software user interface, go to Configuration > Device, and then click Configure Radio. 
2.  Assign the following settings to each radio. Use the lines provided below to write down the radio settings for future reference.
3. Network ID (0-32767) – Select any number in the range. All radios at a site must have the same Network ID. 
4. Channel (0-9) – All clients must have the same Channel as the server controlling them.
5. Radio Name (optional) – 20 characters max Note: Multi-server systems must use different Network IDs and/or Channel numbers to prevent the servers from interfering with each other.
6. Click Save when finished.

Indoor Setup (Preferred option) 

Connect the server radio to the Fuelink 5 controller's RS-485 jack using the provided 25-foot cable, and temporarily position the server radio in the most suitable location. Avoid permanent installation until the signal strength is confirmed. Should the signal prove too weak from within the building, proceed with the external installation of the server radio as outlined below.

External Setup (2nd option)

1. Route 2-pair, 22 AWG cable from the Fuelink 5 controller location to the server radio location. 

Note: Use Daktronics part # W-1234, Alpha Wire M4473, or equivalent. Cable diameter must be 0.125" or greater for proper sealing in cable clamp.

2. Terminate the cable to the Fuelink 5 controller SIGN PORT 1 terminal block per the table above. 
3. Remove the four screws and bottom end cap of the server radio and loosen the cable clamp. The end cap uses captive screws with sealing washers. Loosen each screw a little at a time until the end cap can be removed; do not unscrew them all the way out of the end cap or the sealing washers may be lost. 
4. Feed cable through the cable clamp and terminate per the table above. Note: Do not pull the circuit board all the way out of the enclosure as the antenna cable is attached at the other end. Pull out the circuit board just enough to access the term block. 
5. Tighten the cable clamp and reinstall the bottom end cap and screws. Tighten each screw a little at a time or the end cap may bind and cause cross-threading. 

1. Determine a location to mount the client radio on the sign structure within 20' of the first display facing the server radio. This is to ensure the provided radio cable can reach the first module.
2. Mount the radio enclosure to the sign structure using appropriate hardware through the provided brackets. A vertical orientation (so the radio LEDs are visible from the ground) is preferred, but the antenna can be articulated to accommodate other orientations. 
3. Orient the antennas vertically, positioned with the least obstructed view to the server.
4. Remove the top-left module by inserting a 1/8" Allen wrench into the latch access hole toward the top-center of the module and gently turning counter-clockwise. 
5. Carefully tilt the module away from the face sheet. 
6. Connect the 4-pin cable from the client radio to the PORT A SIGNAL jack on the top-left module. 
7. Reinstall the top-left module, ensuring no cables are pinched between the module and face sheet. Once resistance is felt on the latch, continue to turn until there is a hard stop to verify the module is f irmly secured in place.