Chapter 02
Safety and power
A B0RD sign is a small appliance: a matrix panel, a driver module, and a power supply sized for continuous operation. Treat it with the same care you would give any permanently powered desk or wall display.
Power
Use only the product-rated supply and cable set. Undersized adapters can brown out the panel under load; oversized or mismatched polarity can damage the module. Connect the panel and module before applying power when practical, and keep the supply’s ventilation clear.
If the sign will live on a shelf or wall, route the cord so it cannot be pinched by furniture or walked across. A sudden disconnect mid-update or mid-write is rarely catastrophic, but a clean power path avoids nuisance reboots and blank-panel surprises.
Heat and ventilation
LED matrices produce heat at the panel face and at the driver. Leave air space around the module; do not enclose the assembly in a sealed box without a thermal plan. If the housing feels uncomfortably hot during extended high brightness, lower brightness or improve airflow before leaving the sign on unattended.
Handling
- Disconnect power before seating or removing interconnects.
- Do not operate with damaged wiring, crushed ribbon cables, or exposed conductors.
- Support the panel by its frame or approved mount — not by dangling cables.
- Keep liquids away from the open electronics of bring-up kits.
Environment
Indoor, dry locations only unless your specific hardware kit is rated otherwise. Avoid direct sun on the panel (washes out the image and adds heat). Magnetic mounts and metal shelves are fine if they do not short exposed contacts or block required vents.