How to Have Time Count Down on an LED Scoreboard

Using an LED scoreboard to have time count down is a function designed for sports in which the game clock starts with a set amount of time and play continues until time runs out. This method is used in sports such as basketball, football, ice hockey and soccer. By comparison, sports such as swimming, track and road racing use a scoreboard that counts up. The process of setting the scoreboard to have time count down depends on the specific scoreboard and manufacturer, but typically such a function is operated by a scoreboard controller. (see References 1, 2)

Things You'll Need

  • Scoreboard controller
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Plug the scoreboard controller into an electrical outlet. Press the switch to turn on the scoreboard.

    • 2

      Examine the scoreboard to ensure that the digits for the clock illuminate. Connect the remote Start/Stop timing control to the scoreboard controller if the unit is so equipped.

    • 3

      Enter the amount of time to be used in the game. Depending on the scoreboard type, time typically is entered by using a number pad or by pressing a "minutes" button continually until the desired time is reached.

    • 4

      Choose the setting on the scoreboard controller to have the time count down. The default setting for most controllers is for time to count down. Depending on the scoreboard type, the "count down" or "count up" setting is accessed through a "clock direction" or similarly labeled switch.

    • 5

      Press the "Start" switch to start the clock counting down when play begins. Press the "Stop" switch when play is interrupted so the clock will stop counting down. Press the "Start" switch to restart the clock when play resumes.