Overview
In specific instances BrightSign players may need to be setup manually using the BrightSign Configuration Tool for Carousel which allows for some pre-configuration and enabling of additional features before the player connects to the server. Below are situations in which a manual setup may be required:
- When static IP addresses need to be active on the player at boot (for specific network setups or those without DHCP).
- To enable and configure wireless connection details for players with wireless abilities.
- When the contact setting up players has no access to the Carousel web interface.
- To enable diagnostic tools with support.
- When all other setup methods fail.
Be aware that the BrightSign Automatic Setup with Carousel 7 guide is less involved and generally quicker. Unless any of the situations above apply, please try the automatic setup method first.
Important Note - Carousel 7 for Brightsign does not currently support wireless networks that require security certificates or WPA-Enterprise and 802.1x (PEAP/EAP-TLS protocols)
Obtaining the Setup Tool Installer
Log into your Carousel web interface and navigate to Settings (Gear Icon) → Configure → Players → Player Setup
Under the Setup Script for BrightSign Players ensure that a server location is set, if not click new and set one: The name can be anything such as simply "Default Config" but the URL setting should be the Carousel server's IP address, hostname or DNS record.
With a set server location, there will be a download icon next to the informational text "If you need to set specific settings for your BrightSign player on first boot, you can download the BrightSign Configuration Tool for Windows here." Click the icon to download the correct configuration tool for your system.
A download will start for an MSI installer which can only be used on computers using the Windows operating system.
Run the MSI installer and a shortcut for the BrightSign Configuration Tool for Carousel will be placed on the desktop, it is also located in C:/TRMS/Tools/
Using the Setup Tool
Run the BrightSign Configuration Tool for Carousel from the desktop or from the Tools folder:
Set the Carousel Server box to the IP address, hostname or DNS of your Carousel Server and press the check-mark to test the connection.
Please note that the field is protocol specific so if the server is not configured to use HTTPS and it is entered in the field, a connection will not be possible and vice versa.
Select the correct BrightSign model family from the BrightSign Model dropdown for the player being setup (for example an XD1134 is in the XD4 family and an XT243 is part of the XT3 family).
(Optional) If you are using this tool to set static IP addresses, set Network to "Use the following IP address" and input an IP address you want the player to use, the network subnet, gateway and at least one DNS server.
(Optional) If your BrightSign player has wireless connectivity select Enable Wireless and set the SSID and Security Key.
Lastly, click "Write Setup Files" in the lower-right corner of the tool and select the SD card to write the files too. If you want to make multiple configuration sets you can also save the files to local folders and move them to SD cards later.
Depending on network speed and the location of the Carousel server, the firmware download may take a few minutes. When setup is complete there should be four files on the root of the SD card: setup.xml, autorun.brs, a firmware file ending with .bsfw and a configuration.json file.
Remove the SD card form the computer, and with the player powered off (unplugged), insert the SD card into the player then power it on.
After about five minutes, and three expected reboots, the player should be displaying your system's initial channel and be editable from the Player Dashboard.