What’s the difference between our message boards?

What’s the difference between our message boards?

View All > What’s the difference between our message boards?

You see them every day driving down the road: a message board trailer off to the side alerting you of a road closure, overnight road work hours, or even an upcoming weekend festival. But with so many brands and styles, what are the differences between all these message boards? Continue reading as we break down the differences between our 4 SMC (Solar Message Center) trailers to compare.

While there are multiple differences between our 4 message board trailers, there are just as many similarities. All our boards contain a dedicated on-board controller to customize the message or graphic shown to drivers as well as have the option for remote programming through our HS Connect™ Software. Additionally, all our boards contain an on-board charger capable of solar or AC charging, are built with an energy-efficient LED display, come with a 5-year standard warranty, and meet MUTCD requirements.

Now let’s look at the differences between the SMC 1000 ST, SMC 2000 FM ST, and SMC 4000 and 5000.

SMC 1000 ST

  • 3 lines (or rows) with 8 characters per row
  • 5 LEDs per pixel
  • Character Height: 18″ (46 cm)
  • Legibility: 1,000 ft (304 m)
  • Raised Height: 158″ (4.01 m)
  • Travel Height: 103″ (2.61 m)
  • Trailer Width: 96″ (2.43 m)
  • Length with tongue: 168″ (4.26 m)
  • Length without tongue: 130″ (3.3 m)
  • Weight: 1,920 LB (870.89 Kg)
  • Sign Height: 70″ (1.76 m)
  • Sign Width: 127″ (3.22 m)

SMC 2000 FM ST

  • Full matrix display for detailed graphic messages
  • 5 LEDs per pixel
  • Character Height: 18″ (46 cm)
  • Legibility: 1,000 ft (304 m)
  • Raised Height: 163″ (4.14 m)
  • Travel Height: 104″ (2.64 m)
  • Trailer Width: 96″ (2.43 m)
  • Length with tongue: 168″ (4.26 m)
  • Length without tongue: 134″ (3.4 m)
  • Weight: 1,875 LB (850.5 Kg)
  • Sign Height: 79.5″ (2.02 m)
  • Sign Width: 133″ (3.38 m)

SMC 4000 and 5000

  • Full matrix display for detailed graphic messages
  • Smaller in size than 2000 FM ST
  • Ideal where traffic is heavy, and space is limited
  • 4 LEDs per pixel
  • Legibility: 1,000 ft (304 m)
  • Raised Height: 134″ (3.4 m)
  • Travel Height: 102″ (2.6 m)
  • Trailer Width: 68″ (1.73 m)
  • Length with tongue: 107″ (2.72 m)
  • Length w/o tongue: 55″ (1.4 m)
  • Weight: 1,144 LB (518.9 Kg)

SMC 4000 Specifications

  • Sign Height: 48″ (1.22 m)
  • Sign Width: 96″ (2.43 m)
  • Character Height: 12″ (30.48 cm) – 18″ (46 cm)

SMC 5000 Specifications

  • Sign Height: 44″ (1.11 m)
  • Sign Width: 71″ (1.80 m)
  • Character Height: 9″ (22.86 cm) – 37″ (93.98 cm)

We hope this helps when selecting a message board for your next project. Need a small board for a limited space area? Go with the SMC 4000 or 5000. Need a basic, text only board? Go with the SMC 1000 ST. Need a detailed large board for a high-speed road? Go with the SMC 2000 FM ST.