MPCX2 Basketball Controller

Introduction#

About the MPCX2 Basketball Control#

The MPCX2 Basketball Control is a handheld, wireless scoreboard operator's controller designed for use with Nevco basketball scoreboards.

It transmits on the 2.4 GHz band and provides complete control of all basketball-specific scoreboard functions, including score, period, game clock, possession indicators, player fouls, team fouls, bonus status, and timeouts remaining.

Please take a few minutes to study this manual and practice with the control before game day.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Nevco using the information in Troubleshooting.

Hardware Overview#

The MPCX2 Basketball Control includes the following hardware components:

• LCD Display — 16 characters x 2 lines, high-visibility transflective display located at the top of the front face
• 12-key sealed keypad — tactile, sealed rubber keypad with basketball-themed orange-and-black design; provides tactile confirmation of each key press
• Belt clip — integrated clip on the rear of the unit for hands-free carry
• Battery compartment — located on the rear of the unit; accepts 2× AA batteries (included)
• Internal antenna — no external antenna required

Key Layout#

The following keys are on the front face of the control:

Receiver Types#

Two MPCX2 receiver types are available:

Standard Receiver (RJ12 output)

Used with outdoor x6xx series and indoor x7xx series scoreboards.

Connects to the scoreboard control module via the RJ12 output.

Coax-Input Receiver

Used with scoreboards that pre-date the x6xx outdoor and x7xx indoor series (boards with coax input only).

This version can also be used alongside a W6 system for dual operation by connecting the W6 receiver or wired coax of the MPC-5/6 to the coax input of the X2 receiver.

Note: simultaneous operation is not supported in this configuration.

Compatible Scoreboard Models#

The MPCX2 Basketball Control is compatible with the following scoreboard models.

LED Models#

Incandescent Models#

Quick Start Guide#

Starting a New Game#

1. Press ON/OFF.

The control displays the firmware version and frequency while it establishes communication with the receiver(s) (up to 20 seconds):

Then:

Once communication is established, the main screen appears showing the current period, time status, and scores:

1. Press OPTIONS.

The control displays:

1. Press + to clear the scoreboard data.

The control confirms:

1. Press PERIOD/SCORE to return to the main screen.

The period is automatically set to 1:

Setting the Game Clock#

1. Press SET TIME.

The Set Time screen appears with the cursor on the minutes tens digit:

1. Use + or - to enter the desired number of minutes in the tens place.

Hold the key down for fast advance.

1. Press SET TIME again to advance the cursor to the minutes ones place.

Use + or - to set the minutes ones digit.

Example after entering 12 minutes:

1. Press SET TIME again to advance to the tens of seconds.

Use + or - to set the tens of seconds digit.

1. Press SET TIME again to advance to the ones of seconds.

Use + or - to set the ones of seconds digit.

1. Press SET TIME again to advance to the tenths of seconds.

Use + or - to set the tenths of seconds digit.

1. Press PERIOD/SCORE at any time to return to the main screen with the new time loaded:

Setting the Period#

1. Press PERIOD/SCORE to go to the main screen.

The cursor will be on the quarter (Q:) field.

1. Use + or - to set the desired period number.

Starting and Stopping the Clock#

To start the clock:

1. Press TIME ON.

The display shows ON to confirm the clock is running:

To stop the clock:

1. Press TIME OFF.

The display shows OFF to confirm the clock is stopped:

Adding to the Score#

1. Press PERIOD/SCORE to go to the main screen.
2. Press HOME or GUESTS to select the team whose score you want to change.

The cursor moves to the selected team's score.

1. Press + to add points or - to subtract points.

You are now ready for the game to begin.<br>#

Consult the following sections of this manual for details on all functions and features.

Keyboard Functions#

This section documents every screen and key behavior available on the MPCX2 Basketball Control.

Greeting Screen#

Accessed by pressing: ON/OFF

When the control is powered ON, the Greeting screen displays the control type, software version, and the frequency it is broadcasting on:

The control then displays Scanning for the remaining time while it establishes communications with its receiver(s).

This process may take up to 20 seconds.

**To power the control OFF:**#

Hold the ON/OFF key for 2 seconds.

Main Screen#

Accessed by pressing: PERIOD/SCORE

The main screen shows the Period (Quarter), Timer Status, and Scores.

You must use this screen to change the period or scores.

Press PERIOD/SCORE at any time to return to this screen.

The cursor (underline) indicates the currently selected function.

Selecting the Period#

Press PERIOD/SCORE to activate the main screen with the cursor on the Q: (quarter) field.

Use + or - to change the period number.

Selecting a Team Score#

Press HOME or GUESTS to move the cursor to the desired team's score field.

Then use + or - to increment or decrement the score.

Starting and Stopping the Clock#

Sounding the Horn#

Press HORN to sound the scoreboard horn.

Note: This does not change the control display.

Hold the key down to extend the horn duration.

Set Time Screen#

Accessed by pressing: SET TIME (timer must be stopped)

The Set Time screen is used to enter the game clock time.

The cursor indicates whether Minutes, Seconds, or Tenths of Seconds are currently selected.

Use the SET TIME key to step through each element, and + or - to change the value.

DN indicates the timer is set to count down.

To change the count direction, use the Time Up/Down option in the Options menu (see Options Menu).

Each press of SET TIME advances the cursor through the time elements in this order:

Press PERIOD/SCORE at any time to return to the main screen.

Multi-Function Screen#

Accessed by pressing: POSS/FOULS/BONUS/T.O.L.

The Multi-Function screen provides access to basketball-specific functions:

Next Possession, Player Number, Player Fouls, Team Fouls, Bonus, and Timeouts Left.

Each press of the POSS/FOULS/BONUS/T.O.L. key advances to the next function in the list.

The cursor indicates the currently selected function.

Use HOME or GUESTS to select the team.

Use + or - to update the selected value and send it to the scoreboard.

Function 1: Next Possession#

Use the HOME or GUESTS keys to toggle the possession indicator for the selected team.

Pressing the key for the team that currently has possession will blank (clear) possession.

Screen display:

With Home possession:

With Guest possession:

Function 2: Player Number#

Enter the jersey number of the player committing a foul.

Use + or - to increment or decrement the player number.

Hold the key down for fast advance.

Screen display:

Function 3: Player Fouls#

After entering the player number, advance to this screen to record the number of fouls against that player.

Use + or - to set the player foul count.

Screen display:

Function 4: Team Fouls#

Use HOME or GUESTS to select the team, then use + or - to increment or decrement the team foul total.

Screen display:

Function 5: Bonus#

Use HOME or GUESTS to toggle through Bonus 1, Bonus 2, and Bonus 0 (no bonus) for the selected team.

Screen display:

Function 6: Timeouts Left#

Use HOME or GUESTS to select the team, then use + or - to change the timeouts remaining for that team.

Screen display:

Options Menu#

Several option settings are available to fine-tune the scoreboard system to your needs.

These settings are saved in the control and are remembered even if the control is turned OFF or the batteries are removed.

When a control turns ON the scoreboard, these settings are sent to the scoreboard and define how it operates.

This allows each operator to have their own control with unique option settings, eliminating the need to set up options every time the scoreboard is used.

For example, Brightness can be set differently for day games versus night games.

It is also possible to use more than one control to operate a scoreboard.

For example, one person can control the game clock while another person controls scoring on the same game using a separate control.

Standard Options#

Accessed by pressing: OPTIONS

Each press of the OPTIONS key moves to the next option screen.

Press PERIOD/SCORE at any time to return to the main screen.

Clear Scoreboard#

Press + to clear all scoreboard data.

The period will be set to 1, scores will be set to 0, and all other data (fouls, bonus, timeouts, possession) will be set to blank.

Edit ETN (Electronic Team Name)#

Allows you to edit the Electronic Team Name for both Home and Guest teams.

1. Press + to enter the ETN menu.
2. The display shows:

and:

1. Press OPTIONS to switch between Home and Guest ETN editing.
2. Use + to increment through the alphabet and - to decrement.

Use the OPTIONS key to advance the cursor to the next character.

Hold the key down for fast advance.

Time Up/Down#

Sets the direction the game clock will count.

Press + to set count up; press - to set count down.

Brightness#

Sets the brightness level of the scoreboard display.

Press + for high brightness; press - for low brightness.

Auto Horn#

Enables or disables the automatic horn.

When enabled, the horn will sound for approximately 4 seconds when the game clock reaches zero.

Press + to enable; press - to disable.

Set Time of Day#

Press + to activate Time of Day mode.

This turns the control OFF and blanks all scoreboard functions except the time display.

If the currently displayed time is a valid time of day, that time is used as the set time.

Otherwise, the entire scoreboard is blanked.

Battery Level#

Reports the battery condition of the control.

The bar graph indicates charge level from Low (L) to High (H).

Signal Strength#

Indicates the wireless signal strength between the control and the receiver.

Used as an indication of communication reliability.

Signal strength is affected by distance, battery condition, obstructions, and signal interference.

Advanced Options#

Accessed by: entering the key sequence HOME, +, -, GUESTS at the "Enter Code to Change Settings" screen.

The Advanced Options screen displays:#

Press the following key sequence to unlock advanced settings:

1. HOME
2. +
3. -
4. GUESTS

This unlocks the following additional settings:

Press the OPTIONS key to return to the main options screen without making changes.

Link Menu#

Accessed via: Standard Options → press OPTIONS until Link Menu appears, then press +

The Link Menu allows the operator to add a receiver ID, delete a receiver ID, and view the status of which receiver IDs are programmed (enabled or disabled).

Press + to scroll through the Link Menu sub-screens:

Refer to Mpcx2 Control Receiver Setup Procedure for full instructions on mating the control to receivers.

Setting the Scoreboard Model#

Basketball (along with Volleyball, Wrestling, and Hockey) operates automatically as Type A.

No scoreboard model selection is needed for these sports.

The control is preconfigured for Type A operation when set to basketball mode.

If you do need to verify or change the scoreboard model setting for a different sport:#

1. Press OPTIONS until the display reads Scoreboard Model.
2. Press + to toggle through the available scoreboard model types.
3. Press OPTIONS again to exit the options routine.

The last scoreboard model displayed becomes the new configuration.

Refer to the Scoreboard Model table in Mpcx2 Control Receiver Setup Procedure for the full list of supported models and their corresponding type settings.

MPCX2 Control / Receiver Setup Procedure#

Before using the MPCX2 Basketball Control, it must be mated (linked) to the receiver(s) and set for the model of scoreboard you wish to operate.

• NEXT = the OPTIONS key
• BACK = the SET TIME key

Mating a New Control to Receiver(s)#

Step 1: Record the Receiver ID(s)#

Record the receiver ID(s) printed on the receiver box before installation for future reference.

The receiver ID barcode and number are located on a label on the receiver.

Multiple receivers can be used with multiple controllers on the same network.

Step 2: Install and Power the Receiver(s)#

Install the receiver(s) into the scoreboard and power them on.

Two installation types are available:

Step 3: Wait for Receiver Initialization#

Wait approximately 15 seconds after the receiver has been powered on before turning on the MPCX2 controller.

This allows enough time for the receiver to fully initialize.

Step 4: Power On the Controller#

Insert the batteries included with the MPCX2 control, or press ON/OFF to turn the control on.

The display will read:

Step 5: Enter the Receiver ID#

Enter the receiver ID found on the receiver box using the controller keypad:

• Use the OPTIONS key (NEXT) to move the cursor to the next digit.
• Use + or - to increment or decrement each digit.

When all digits have been entered, press the SET TIME key (BACK).

Step 6: Reset Prompt#

The display will prompt:

Step 7: Choose Reset or Add Another#

• Press + to reset the controller now and apply the new receiver ID immediately.
• Press - to add additional receiver IDs before resetting.

If you press -, the display will show:

Step 8: Add Additional Receivers (if needed)#

• If additional receivers need to be added, press + (YES) and repeat Steps 5 through 6 for each additional receiver ID.
• If no additional receivers are needed, press - (NO) and the controller will reset with the entered receiver IDs.

Setting the Control for Your Model of Scoreboard#

Basketball, Volleyball, Wrestling, and Hockey controllers automatically operate as Type A and require no scoreboard model selection.

This procedure is also not necessary for the following scoreboard models:

1500, 1510, 1530, 1535, 1550, 1600, 1610, 1630, 1635, 1650, 1000, 1010, 1030, 1035, 3500, 3502, 3504, 3514, 3515, 3516, 3520, 3525, 3534, 3550, 1632, 9605, 9505, 9715, 9515, 3400, 3402, 3404, 3414, 3415, 3416, 3425, 3434, 9405, SCD-5, SCD-7, S60-LED, S60, SCD-4.

And for any sport except Soccer: 2700, 2710, 2715, 2740, 2750, 2760, 2770, 2775, 2600, 2610, 2615, 2640, 2650, 2670, 2675, 2500-D, 2500, 2500-A4-D, 2500-A4, 2540, 2540-A4, 2550-D, 2550, 2560, 200, 230, 9510, 9715, 9515, 9710, 2400, 2400-A4, 2440, 2440-A4, 2450, 2460, 9410.

If you are configuring the control for a sport or scoreboard model that does require model selection, follow these steps:#

1. Turn the control ON by pressing ON/OFF.
2. Press OPTIONS until the display reads:

1. Enter the code using the key sequence: HOME, +, -, GUESTS

The advanced settings become available:

• Segment timer — (Segment time) (+) (-) (Auto Horn)
• Shot Clock/Pitch Time/Delay Of Game — (Reset 1) (+) (-) (Reset 2)

1. Continue pressing OPTIONS until the display reads:

1. Press + to cycle through and select the correct scoreboard model type from the table below.
2. Press OPTIONS to exit the menu. The last scoreboard model displayed becomes the new configuration.

Scoreboard Model Selection Table#

Multiple Receivers and Controllers#

Both multiple controllers and multiple receivers can operate on the same network.

Multiple Controllers#

Multiple controllers can be used for any combination of game data.

For example, one person with a controller can manage the game clock, while another person with a separate controller manages the score on the same scoreboard.

If a second controller is powered on after the first powered-on controller has initialized, the second controller will be configured with the same Scoreboard Model as described in the "Setting the Control for Your Model of Scoreboard" section.

Multiple Receivers#

Multiple receivers can be used on the same network.

One example: separate scoreboards for the same game.

In basketball, one receiver controls the main scoreboard while other receivers control the shot clock(s).

Troubleshooting#

Troubleshooting Chart#

If the problem persists, contact the Nevco Service Department (see Nevco Service Contact).

LED Status#

The receiver has a red status LED next to the RJ12 and Ethernet jack.

It can be used to diagnose the status of the MPCX2 receiver.

Receiver Identification on Powerup#

On powerup, the receiver connected to the OCM (On-board Control Module) will identify itself by flashing from the most significant 2-digit numbers to the least significant 2-digit numbers.

For example, a receiver with ID 123456 will flash:

12 → 34 → 56

This allows operators to identify which X2 receiver is connected to which OCM without having to open the scoreboard cabinet.

Nevco Service Contact#

If the problem persists after following the steps above, please contact the Nevco Service Department:

Features and Specifications#

Features#

MPCX2 Control:

• Small and lightweight — fits in or clips to pocket
• Electronic Team Name and Caption Support
• Tactile confirmation of key pressed
• High-visibility transflective display
• Convenient wireless operation
• Built-in wireless signal strength meter
• Power conservation circuitry
• Built-in battery meter
• Long battery life
• Uses inexpensive, readily available AA batteries
• Sealed keyboard
• No-slip grip
• Ergonomic single-hand operation
• Internal antenna
• Mate multiple controls to the same scoreboard
• Operate multiple scoreboards
• Retrofits to existing wired installations

Specifications#

Battery Notice#

FCC Compliance#

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. - Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. - Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. - Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The user is cautioned that changes and modifications made to the equipment without the approval of Nevco could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.

This class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numerique de la classe B repecte toutes les exigences du Reglement sure le materiel brouilleur du Canada.