I am looking for more details on this LED 1row X compleate circle RED LED scrolling display

the row seems to be 7 LEDs tall; and the entire circle 4 meters across; however there is no manufacturers details on it; and beyond the connectors for holding the sections together it has only Serial (USB to RS232 connector is on the cable) and 230V in.

Sorry about the quality; or lack thereof of the pictures; If any one knows where I can find more details (including where to look if I open it up); or how to interface to it, so I can send it data to display please let me know either in the comments below, or via email.

Updates so far

Where did it come from?

My understanding is it came from an office, where it was suspended from the ceiling; displaying a ‘ticker’ of information relating to the company, other than that no idea

How did it used to be driven?

My understanding (limited) is that it used to be connected to a Linux Laptop, no details about software or distro other than that.

What happened when you plugged it into your MacBook Pro and connected to the serial console?

I connected it the USB to RS232 adapter, and when it powered up it sent nothing to the console (I was only powering segment one). however the Segment beeped a couple of times from an internal speaker; and flashed red.

What Ident or Identification does it have on it?

Nothing; Without dismantling it; I have no more news on that that I currently know; At this point the dismantling it may be an option.

Update

Some photos of the control boards

Simon of Swindon HackSpace contacted Assign Technology LTD, the manufacturers of the sign.

They sent back an application called WinSign/32 2000, (copyright 1997 – 2008)

Com 3 is a USB > RS232 converter that came with sign.

The application is at the path c:\winsign\ 

Despite trying all settings we can think of we can’t get WinSign 32 (we assume that is because it is a 32 bit application) 2000 (assumption on this being the date).

The application is a little bit rubbish; there is a thought about removing the control boards, and manually clocking the LED display, chances are this will be using an Arduino.