By Thomas Welch
Choosing between a wired and a wireless scoreboard controller affects installation cost, reliability, and how easily your staff can run games. Neither option is right for every venue. This guide compares wired and wireless scoreboard controllers side by side and explains when each one makes sense for gyms, ball fields, and stadiums.
The Quick Answer
Wired control is a good fit for permanent indoor installations where the scorer’s table is close to the scoreboard and cable can be run easily. Wireless control is usually the better choice for outdoor fields, long distances between the press box and the board, portable scoreboards, and any project where trenching or long cable runs would be expensive.
How Wired Scoreboard Controllers Work
A wired controller connects to the scoreboard through a physical cable or signal run. The operator’s console sends data over that cable, so there is no radio link to configure.
Fair-Play’s MP-70 is an example of a wired multi-sport controller. It runs on 120V power, stores up to six sport or scoreboard configurations, includes a “jumping clock” that shows tenths of a second in the final minute, and retains game information in memory if power is lost.
How Wireless Scoreboard Controllers Work
A wireless controller sends scoring data to a radio receiver in the scoreboard. That removes the cable run and lets the operator work from the press box, the dugout, or the sideline.
Fair-Play offers several wireless options:
- MP-73 multi-sport wireless controller: 900 MHz radio with 16-channel selection, tested at 1,500 feet outdoors and 500 feet indoors, with frequency hopping to improve immunity to radio interference. It runs on 120V power with an optional battery.
- MP-80 wireless controller: comes preloaded with multiple sports, uses 900 MHz RF, and interfaces wirelessly with any Fair-Play scoreboard. It charges by USB and lasts at least 30 hours on a full charge.
- HCW-MP-1 battery handheld control: a compact 900 MHz handheld with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, compatible with the MP-60 and MP-80.
- HCW-PC-1 pitch count control: a wireless handheld for tracking pitch count, compatible with the MP-80.
Wired vs. Wireless: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Wired controller | Wireless controller |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | Requires a cable or signal run to the board | No signal cable to the board |
| Outdoor site work | May require trenching and conduit | Avoids trenching for the signal run |
| Operating location | Tied to where the cable terminates | Press box, dugout, sideline, or table |
| Range | Limited by cable length | MP-73 tested at 1,500 ft outdoors and 500 ft indoors |
| Interference | Not affected by radio traffic | 900 MHz with channel selection and frequency hopping (MP-73) |
| Portability | Fixed | Easy to move between fields or courts |
| Power | Plugs in at the table | 120V or battery, depending on model |
When a Wired Controller Makes Sense
- Indoor gyms with short, protected cable paths from the scorer’s table to the scoreboard.
- New construction where conduit is already planned and cable can be pulled during the build.
- Venues that prefer a fixed control location and want the simplicity of a direct connection.
When a Wireless Controller Makes Sense
- Baseball, softball, and football fields where the press box is far from the scoreboard and trenching would be costly.
- Retrofits where running new cable through finished walls, bleachers, or paved areas is impractical.
- Multi-field complexes and portable scoreboards that move between locations.
- Flexible game operations, such as scoring from the dugout, or a separate wireless handheld for pitch count.
Will Other Radios Interfere With a Wireless Scoreboard?
Interference is the most common concern with wireless scoreboards. Fair-Play’s wireless controls operate at 900 MHz with 16 selectable channels, and the MP-73 uses frequency hopping to improve immunity to radio interference. If a venue has heavy radio traffic, your dealer can help choose channels and confirm placement during installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far can a wireless scoreboard controller reach?
The Fair-Play MP-73 has been tested at a range of 1,500 feet outdoors and 500 feet indoors. Actual range depends on obstructions and site conditions.
Can I convert an existing wired scoreboard to wireless?
In many cases, yes. Fair-Play’s MP-80 can interface wirelessly with any Fair-Play scoreboard. Talk with your dealer about your scoreboard model and the receiver it needs.
Does a wireless controller need to be plugged in?
It depends on the model. The MP-73 runs on 120V power with an optional battery, while the MP-80 is battery powered and charges through USB.
Is wireless more expensive than wired?
The wireless equipment can cost more, but eliminating trenching and long cable runs often makes wireless the lower total-cost option for outdoor fields. See how much a scoreboard costs for more on budgeting.
Choose the Right Control for Your Venue
The right controller depends on your venue layout, the distance to the scoreboard, and how your staff runs games. Explore Fair-Play’s MP-73 and MP-80 wireless controllers or the wired MP-70, then contact a Fair-Play dealer to match a control system to your scoreboard.