There are certain types of people that like to consider themselves do-it-yourselfers. My husband and I are in that category, taking on tasks that we know we can accomplish due to our vast amount of talent (or assumed talent). The question was posed as to whether someone with some basic electronic knowledge should undertake making their own hockey scoreboard. This may be a challenge that you want to re-think, before you start.

First of all, you need to know that today’s electronic scoreboards are very technologically advanced. Unless you have a team of experts, knowledgeable in all aspects, you may be wasting your time. The exterior of the scoreboard needs to be not only sturdy, but weather resistant. The level of electronic display needs to be LED and it will require a control panel. Today’s scoreboards offer wireless control panels, and there are some software packages you can buy that work nicely. You will need a graphics expert and a computer programmer to work with the LED and sponsorship needs.

The cost of the standard electronic scoreboard has been significantly reduced and manufacturers have professionals that address every aspect. Many of the boards are multi-functional for a variety of sports, so, before you get the hammer and nails out, do the research with a quality manufacturer. The fans of today are looking for additional features, such as streaming video, full color presentation, messaging boards, internet feeds and smartphone applications. Each of these special services will require a specialist on your side, if you are trying to build your own.

While hockey is a single digit scoring, it will require an accurate electronic time clock for penalties, etc. You have to remember that every feature that is added will require support from a specialist. This doesn’t mean just the initial install and application, but the continued changing needs. If you plan on putting sponsorship on the board, the graphics expert will have to be available for every game.

With the above said, sit down and figure out the dollars and cents. How much time and money will it cost initially as well as on going. Even if you have a team of volunteers, will their time always be available? If they aren’t you must add in the cost of support for the experts that will be available. You will also want to make sure that the fans are happy with the scoreboard. Does it have mobile video capabilities? Can someone access the real time score on their phone? Sound and lighting are two more crucial pieces that you need to think about. A poor sound system can offset even the flashiest of scoreboards. Electronic scoreboard manufacturers often have sound and lighting partners that can give you everything that you need in a one-stop-shop atmosphere, at a very reasonable cost.

I guess the final advice here is, unless you have a team of professionals, available 24/7, with a knowledge base of everything electronic; do your homework and contact a quality electronic scoreboard manufacturer. This is not a project for the inexperienced.

Sources:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120305221804AA2repg