Challenging Australian weather conditions from summer heat to heavy rainfall, storms, strong winds and coastal salt exposure, means sports clubs, schools and councils need outdoor digital scoreboards that can withstand harsh conditions.
However, not all Australian digital scoreboard suppliers offer the same level of weather protection, or produce scoreboards specifically designed for outdoor sporting environments. Factors such as LED brightness, water resistance, corrosion-resistant materials and construction, heat management, and the quality of structural engineering, can make a significant difference to scoreboard quality, reliability, and lifespan. Buying from a quality Australian digital scoreboard manufacturer like AusSport Scoreboards means you can be assured that your scoreboard is designed to withstand Australian weather conditions.
We explore the outdoor digital scoreboard features that matter most to combat challenging Australian weather conditions, and what to consider when investing in a new scoreboard for your outdoor sporting venue.
Why Your Digital Scoreboard Should be Designed for Australian Weather
As Australians know, we are a country of weather extremes, and outdoor sports venues face a vast expanse of environmental challenges, including:
- Extreme heat and long hours of sunlight, especially in Queensland, the Northern Territory, and the north of Western Australia
- High humidity in the tropics and subtropics
- Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and flood events.
- Salt corrosion in coastal areas (where much of the Australian population is concentrated!)
- Wind exposure at open sports grounds.
For this reason, scoreboards that are designed for indoor venues may not be appropriate for outdoor sports fields and courts.
What makes a digital scoreboard weatherproof?
| Scoreboard Feature | Significance |
|---|---|
| UV Resistance | UV resistant materials and protective finishes in construction such as Colorbond and polly protects against UV damage. |
| IP Rating | Protection against dust and water is measured as an IP rating. Ideally your scoreboard should be built to meet IP65 standard, depending on installation conditions. |
| LED Brightness | The correct brightness level ensures your scoreboard remains readable in direct sunlight and glare. And polly for anti-glare protection. |
| Corrosion Resistance | Corrosion-resistance is especially important for scoreboards located in coastal areas. They should be manufactured with corrosion-resistant aluminium, protective coatings, enclosed design, and weather-proofing. |
| Heat Management | Operating temperature limits, thermal design features and ventilation all contribute to your scoreboards ability to not be negatively impacted by high temperatures. |
| Weather-resistant Construction | Frame and scoreboard design, seals and protected electrical components reduce exposure to rain. Features such as welded aluminium framing and Colorbond steel capping are important aspects of weather resistant construction. |
| Wind Resistance | Mounting structures require site-specific engineering to ensure that your scoreboard and frame can withstand high winds. |
Are All Outdoor Digital Scoreboards Suitable for Coastal Australian Conditions?
In short, no, not all outdoor scoreboards are suitable for the high-salt exposure experienced in Australian coastal areas. Likely salt exposure should be taken into consideration when choosing your scoreboard manufacturer. Ensure that your scoreboard will encompass a corrosion-resistant frame, Colorbond steel capping, welded framing, appropriate coatings, and enclosed electricals. It’s important to understand that a water-resistant scoreboard does not necessarily mean that your scoreboard is also salt-corrosion resistant.
Why it’s important to Choose an Australian Digital Scoreboard Manufacturer?
Quality Australian digital scoreboard manufacturers can provide support from the beginning to end of your scoreboard process, from choosing the most suitable outdoor scoreboard features, to installation and ongoing technical support. Key advantages include:
- Build quality – quality Australian scoreboard companies manufacture scoreboards that are specifically designed and constructed to withstand the harsh Australian weather.
- Technical support – choose a local manufacturer who has built and understands your scoreboard, and offers ongoing technical support, should you require it.
- Replacement parts – placement parts are much easier to source from a local manufacturer than for an imported scoreboard.
- Installation assistance – Australian scoreboard companies can provide advice and assistance on your scoreboard installation, and some even offer DIY installation guides if you would like to save on installation costs.
- Knowledge of local sports facilities – Australian scoreboard companies understand the Australian sports landscape, including venues, challenges facing sports clubs, grants information, and logistical requirements.
- Customisation – local manufacturers can customise a scoreboard to suit your specific requirements.
- Importantly, Australian businesses understand Australian weather conditions, and the varying weather challenges that different regions face.
Need a digital scoreboard for your local conditions?
Choose a quality Australian outdoor scoreboard manufacturers like AusSport Scoreboards. AusSport has been manufacturing quality digital scoreboards in Australia for nearly 25 years and is a trusted and reputable local provider. AusSport outdoor scoreboards are manufactured using the finest quality products designed to withstand the harsh Australian environment.
Our combination of design, manufacturing, programming, and support means we know how to get the best result for you. Our team carefully inspects and test all components prior to construction, and every product is hand assembled, double checked for quality and thoroughly mechanically, electrically, and environmentally tested prior to shipping. All software is installed, run-up and checked for correct operation, and we offer ongoing technical and after sales support.
From coastal sporting grounds to hot inland locations, AusSport can help you select an outdoor scoreboard suited to your sport, venue, and environmental conditions. Talk to the AusSport team about scoreboard design, installation, and weather suitability.
Questions to Ask Before Buying an Outdoor Digital Scoreboard
- What is the scoreboard’s IP rating and which components does it cover?
- Can your scoreboards operate in direct sunlight and high temperatures?
- Is it suitable for coastal or tropical conditions?
- What materials are used for the scoreboard frame and enclosure?
- What wind-loading and structural engineering requirements apply?
- Does your warranty cover weather-related damage?
- Are replacement components and technical support available in Australia?
- What maintenance is required to preserve my scoreboard’s weather resistance?
This digital scoreboard committee checklist provides more information about what to ask and what decisions need to be made when selecting the right outdoor scoreboard for your organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who manufactures weatherproof digital scoreboards in Australia?
Quality Australian scoreboard manufacturers like AusSport Scoreboards manufacture weatherproof digital outdoor scoreboards designed for Australian conditions.
Can digital scoreboards be left outside in the rain?
Yes, scoreboards designed specifically for outdoor use can be left outside in the rain, if it has been designed with weatherproof seals and protected electrical components to reduce exposure to rain, along with weather resistant construction materials like aluminium framing and Colorbond steel capping.
What IP rating should an outdoor digital scoreboard have?
Scoreboards should ideally be manufactured to meet an IP65 rating.
Can LED scoreboards withstand extreme Australian heat?
Quality Australian made scoreboards can withstand extreme Australian heat if they include thermal design features and appropriate ventilation, and are used within safe operating temperature limits.
Are digital scoreboards suitable for coastal sporting grounds?
Digital scoreboards can be located in coastal areas if they have manufactured with corrosion-resistant design in mind. This includes corrosion-resistant aluminium, protective coatings, enclosed design, and weather-proofing.
How long does an outdoor digital scoreboard last?
A high-quality outdoor digital scoreboard can last between 10 – 15 years, although well-manufactured and properly maintained scoreboards can remain operational even longer.
Are Australian-made digital scoreboards better suited to local conditions?
Yes, Australian-made digital scoreboards can be better suited to local conditions, particularly when they are specifically designed and manufactured to withstand Australia’s harsh climate. The quality of materials, weatherproofing, engineering, and installation are equally important as simply being made in Australia
