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The DC-25 Serial to Ethernet Adapter provides a flexible way to connect a compatible DC-25 digital display to an Ethernet network and control its functions through network-based commands. Designed for applications where a digital display needs to communicate with an automation system, computer, or other network-connected equipment, the adapter provides a practical interface between Ethernet communication and the display.

This custom configuration demonstrates how the DC-25 Serial to Ethernet Adapter can be used to remotely control a four-digit DC-25 display. Instead of requiring direct local interaction with the display, formatted commands can be transmitted over the network to change what the display shows and how it operates.

Password-Protected Web Configuration

The DC-25 Serial to Ethernet Adapter includes a web-based configuration interface that provides access to the device’s network and automation settings. The network settings page is protected by a password, helping restrict access to configuration functions.

The password can be changed through the interface, allowing the administrator to establish a customized password for the adapter. A device name can also be assigned. This name appears on the adapter’s homepage and can help identify the unit when multiple network-connected devices are being used.

The Ethernet configuration provides options for different network environments. The adapter can be configured to obtain its network information automatically through DHCP or can be assigned a static IP address when a fixed network address is required.

Network information available through the interface includes:

• Device name
• IP address
• MAC address
• Ethernet configuration
• Communication settings
• Automation settings

These configuration options provide the flexibility needed to incorporate the adapter into different network architectures.

TCP or UDP Network Communication

The DC-25 Serial to Ethernet Adapter is designed to receive formatted command packets over the network. TCP communication is used by default with a listening port of 23, while UDP communication can also be selected when required by the application.

This allows the adapter to serve as a communication point between a network-connected control system and the DC-25 display. Once the appropriate network settings are configured, commands can be sent to the adapter to control the display.

The communication method can therefore be selected based on how the display will be incorporated into the customer’s existing system.

Formatted Commands Control Display Functions

A major feature of the DC-25 Serial to Ethernet Adapter is its command-based operation. The adapter uses a defined command protocol that allows specific functions of the connected display to be controlled through formatted network messages.

A command string can be entered through the web interface, and the supplied command documentation provides the available commands for the particular configuration.

The command protocol can be used for functions such as:

• Adjusting display brightness
• Setting a time of day
• Operating a count-up timer
• Operating a countdown timer
• Providing countdown end-of-period indication
• Controlling relay functions on applicable configurations
• Displaying static numbers
• Incrementing displayed numbers
• Decrementing displayed numbers

The command structure allows the same basic display platform to be used for multiple applications, depending on how the customer needs the display to operate.

Adjustable Digital Display Brightness

The adapter can send commands that control the brightness of the connected display. Brightness can be adjusted across a range, allowing the display intensity to be matched to the surrounding environment or application.

For example, a brightness command can be configured with a value from 0 through 10. A setting of 05 provides approximately half of the available brightness range.

This provides another level of control for applications where display visibility needs to be adjusted without physically accessing the display.

Network-Controlled Time of Day Display

The DC-25 Serial to Ethernet Adapter can also be used to control a DC-25 display as a time of day clock. A time command can be transmitted through the network to set the display to a specific hour, minute, and associated AM or PM setting.

This provides an option for systems where the time displayed needs to be controlled by another network-connected device rather than manually set at the display.

The network command interface can therefore make the DC-25 suitable for applications requiring centralized or automated time control.

Count-Up and Countdown Applications

Beyond displaying the time of day, the DC-25 Serial to Ethernet Adapter provides access to count-up and countdown functions on compatible displays.

A count-up application can be used when the display needs to track elapsed time or another increasing value. Countdown operation can be used when a predetermined period needs to be displayed and monitored.

Depending on the display configuration, countdown operation can also include end-of-period indication or relay activation. Relay-equipped versions can be configured for applications where an external device or process needs to be triggered when a countdown reaches its end.

This makes the network interface useful for applications where timing functions need to be incorporated into a larger automated process.

Static Number Display and Counter Functions

The command protocol also allows the connected display to operate as a static number display. Values can be sent to the display and can also be incremented or decremented through network commands.

This functionality provides another way to use the DC-25 in applications where a changing numerical value needs to be displayed.

For example, a network-connected control system could send updated values to the display as part of a counting or monitoring process. Rather than using the display exclusively as a timer, the same hardware can be repurposed as a network-controlled numerical display or counter.

Command Documentation for Integration

The DC-25 Serial to Ethernet Adapter is supplied with command documentation describing the available protocols and commands. The exact command documentation can vary depending on the configuration of the particular unit.

Some DC-25 configurations can include relay functions, while others may not. Relay-equipped versions can provide additional control options, including relay operation associated with countdown functions.

The command documentation provides the information needed to format the network messages correctly for the specific display and adapter configuration.

Flexible Network Interface for DC-25 Displays

The DC-25 Serial to Ethernet Adapter provides a way to extend the functionality of a compatible DC-25 digital display by adding network-based control. With a password-protected configuration page, DHCP or static IP support, TCP or UDP communication, and a defined command protocol, the adapter can be incorporated into a wide variety of networked applications.

The ability to control brightness, time of day, count-up and countdown functions, static numbers, and counter values gives the DC-25 Serial to Ethernet Adapter flexibility beyond simple display communication.

For industrial automation, commercial equipment, timing systems, counting applications, or other installations where a digital display needs to receive commands over an Ethernet network, the DC-25 Serial to Ethernet Adapter provides a configurable interface for connecting the display to the customer’s existing network and control system.

DC-Digital manufactures digital LED displays and custom display solutions designed around the requirements of individual applications. The DC-25 Serial to Ethernet Adapter demonstrates how a standard digital display platform can be customized with network communication capabilities to provide additional control and integration options.

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