The correct installation of an outdoor electronic sports scoreboard is paramount to the success of the scoreboard itself. You want to ensure that your scoreboard achieves ultimate viewing status and will not require any additional manual maintenance.
Prior to receiving the scoreboard, as in real estate, the priority is location-location-location. The scoreboard should be located for equal view by any seating arrangement as well as weather considerations (wind, rain, snow). An additional topic will be whether the area is a single sport or multi-sport venue, as this can affect the right placement. If you are using audio, you will want to check the acoustics of the location as well. Other pre-installation preparations will include whether the power lines will be hardwired and buried underground (this will require approval to dig trenches for the power lines) or if you will be using wireless.
The installation manual for your scoreboard will include the recommended cement footer specifications based on the size and weight of the scoreboard as well as standard mounting instructions. Beam size and weight recommendations will also be included for the size, weight and wind speed considerations. It is best to make sure that the installation of the scoreboard complies with all building codes, zoning laws and permit requirements and it’s recommended that you have a licensed and certified engineer on-hand for the installation. The recommendations are suggested only and will need to be reviewed by a certified engineer. The engineer will also take into consideration the type of soil for both cement and beams and can adjust accordingly.
Once the cement footers and beams are in place and power lines installed (if appropriate), it will be time to lift the scoreboard into place. It is recommended that you use a spreader or lifter bar to ensure the safety of the people and the scoreboard. There will be eyebolts on the scoreboard to attach the strong cables. It is not recommended to attempt a scoreboard installation that is less than a forty five degree angle as this undermines the stability of the scoreboard.
Once you receive your scoreboard, you will need to check and confirm all of the parts that have been sent. You can permanently mount the scoreboard in three different varieties: Clamping angles that go through the scoreboard and into the beams with a c-channel in the front, threaded rod through the beam and a hex nut and washer in the back of the beam. The i-Beam clamp that screws directly into the beam using a series of c-channel, lock washers, standard washers, square nuts and bolts. Clamping Angles (with extrusion) which include back clamping angles that run through to the front of the beam, attached to front extrusion clamps for scoreboard mounting.
If you have message centers or advertising panels at the top or bottom of the scoreboard, you might want to consider using vertical spacers behind the scoreboard so that the panels line up equally.
Once you have the scoreboard mounted and in place, you may need to add wireless hardware and/or any additional audio devices. Checking the functionality of hardware and the scoreboard itself is a priority at this point, with confirmation of wireless connectivity.