All memory must be allocated in advance. Note that file label "0" is a so-called "priority label" and is treated a little differently, but other than that, they're all just named file labels for storing either Text, a String, or a Picture. The sign stores "files" in slots labeled by a single ASCII characterĪny ASCII character from 20h (space) to 7Eh (1/2 space) is valid as a file label, and you can allocate any combination of file labels up to the 32 kilobyte internal memory limit of the sign. If high-bit ASCII is needed, it is encoded in a double-byte format as you'll see later. To simplify communications, all messages are sent in plain-text ASCII, with no unprintable high-bit ASCII characters. All of the messages sent to the sign will be in a standard packet format: The sign communicates with the PC via a RS-232 serial port connection at 9600,N,8,1. All communications are in a standard packet format. Some of these are obvious, such as multiple line commands- the BetaBrite only has one line- and some are less obvious. 
BetaBrite only understands version 1.0 of the Alpha protocolĪnything in the Alpha Protocol Documentation referring to 2.0 or 3.0 features won't apply to the BetaBrite. I spent the last week poring over the documentation here's what I found: So, as you might expect, the protocol is a little primitive and sometimes confusing. We're talking about RS-232 serial communications to a device with a whopping 32 kilobytes of internal memory- not exactly a supercomputer. 
The BetaBrite understands a subset of the Alpha Sign Communications Protocol. So, armed with the protocol document and a functioning BetaBrite connection, I set out to write an easy to use.
The Windows software works fine, but what I really wanted was a native. It's a lot easier to connect the BetaBrite to your PC through a RS-232 Serial to RJ-12 cable, then use the bundled Windows software to program the sign: The BetaBrite is fully programmable via the infrared remote, but keying in long messages on the remote is a giant pain. Sam's Club has the BetaBrite sign for a reasonable $160, and that includes the serial communication cable, handheld remote, and software. The BetaBrite supports full text build status information in eight colors and 12 different font styles- including animations! It's way cool I have yet to see someone walk by my desk who isn't mesmerized by its hypnotic animation and colors. This two foot LED display beats the heck out of those retro-kitsch novelty build status indicators. In the spirit of Lava Lamp build monitoring and Automated Continuous Integration and the Ambient Orb, I purchased a BetaBrite one-line electronic LED sign.
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