Short answer: stick the sign to your window or wall, plug it into USB power, download the free iPixel Color app, pair it with the sign over Bluetooth, then type your message and press play. Most people are up and running in about five minutes, with no tools and no Wi-Fi.
This guide walks through each step for the PIXELLAB Soft LED sign, then covers what the remote and the app can do.
What is in the box
- PIXELLAB Soft LED sign
- US wall adapter and USB cable with an inline on/off switch
- IR remote control
- Double-sided mounting tape
- User manual with the app QR code
Step 1: Stick it up
Decide where the sign goes before you peel any tape. Most stores mount it on the inside of the window facing out, which keeps the power cable indoors and the sign clean.
- Clean and dry the glass where the tape will go.
- Hold the sign in place first and check that it is level.
- Attach it with the included double-sided tape, or hang it on a wall.
The sign is flexible, so it can follow curved glass. No drilling and no electrician needed.
Step 2: Plug in and pair
Power
Plug the included adapter into a wall outlet. You can also power the sign from any 5 V USB source, such as a USB port, a car USB port or a power bank. Avoid USB ports rated below 2 A for the 35-inch sign or below 4 A for the 52-inch and 70-inch signs, such as many TV and computer ports, or the sign may dim.
| Sign | Power input | Typical draw |
|---|---|---|
| 35-inch | 5 V 2 A | About 10 W |
| 52-inch | 5 V 4 A | About 10 W |
| 70-inch | 5 V 4 A | About 10 W |
Get the app
Scan the QR code to download the free iPixel Color app. It is available for iOS and Android. You need the internet only once, to download the app.
Pair over Bluetooth
Turn on Bluetooth on your phone, open the app and connect to the sign. The app talks to the sign directly over Bluetooth, so it works anywhere you have power, even without Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Type and play
Write your message, choose a color and an effect, and send it. It shows up on the sign right away. Keep messages short, under about 40 characters, so people can read them while walking by.
What the app can do
- Text in any language. Scrolling or static.
- Emoji and pixel art. Add a coffee cup, a heart or your own drawing.
- Animations. Pick from built-in effects.
- Clock and countdown. Show the time, or count down to an opening, a sale or New Year's.
- Music mode. Effects that react to sound.
- Message lists. Schedule a list of messages to run in a loop.
- Several signs, one app. Control more than one sign to cover a wide frontage or every window.
What the remote does
Do not want to use your phone every day? The included IR remote covers the daily basics:
- Turn the sign on and off
- Adjust brightness
- Set a 2, 4 or 8-hour shut-off timer
- Switch between 9 saved animations
A handy routine for shops: at closing, press the timer so the sign keeps running for a couple of hours after you lock up, then switches itself off.
Troubleshooting basics
The sign looks dim
Check the power source first. A low-power USB port may not supply enough current. Switch to the included wall adapter, then check the brightness setting on the remote or in the app.
The app will not connect
Make sure Bluetooth is on, the sign is powered and the inline switch on the cable is on. Stay close to the sign while pairing.
Still stuck?
Our team in Elmhurst, Illinois handles support and warranty claims. Reach us through the contact page, by phone at 630-359-5931, or by email at livia@vertexdistributor.com.
FAQ
Do I need Wi-Fi to program the sign?
No. The app connects over Bluetooth. You only need the internet to download the app.
Is the iPixel Color app free?
Yes. It is free on iOS and Android.
Can I use the sign without my phone?
Yes, for the basics. The remote turns it on and off, sets brightness, runs 2, 4 or 8-hour timers and switches between 9 saved animations.
How long does setup take?
About five minutes from unboxing to your first message, with no tools.