Luminator MAX3000

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Introduced in 1998, The Luminator MAX3000 was the successor to the Luminator MAX2000. Unlike the MAX2000, the 3000 featured backlit LEDs on each sign to improve nighttime visibility. This was likely done to improve functionality of the sign (The ballast on the 2000 series signs would frequently burn out, whereas LEDs are rated to last tens of thousands of hours). Another change was that sign programming was moved into the ODK, and removed the need for a Message Transfer Unit. An MTU port could be added to a bus for sign programming upon request by transit agencies. The MAX3000 saw use in thousands of buses of almost all bus manufacturers across North America in the time that it was available. It would be discontinued in 2004, with the introduction of Luminator's all-LED mass transit display, the Luminator Horizon (originally introduced in 2001).

Sign Setups


The MAX3000 was made into in a variety of configurations to fit different needs (front-side display, passenger-side or driver-side, rear-side display, and in some cases, some signs would be oriented inward, facing towards passengers). Early models were controlled by brains housed in the front sign, but later models would be controlled by Luminator's ODK3 control unit.

Model Array/Matrix Size Dimensions Notes
ODK 3 16 x 128 6" x 3" x 2"
  • Used to control sign readouts, contains dest. sign programming, and is able to be programmed directly via linear flash PCMCIA card.
  • Introduced in mid-1998, and phased out by 2010.
ODK 4 Infinite 6" x 3" x 2"
  • Not factory standard, but it can be used to control flipdot signs via a GTI sign driver.
  • Used to control sign readouts, contains dest. sign programming, and is able to be programmed directly via USB.
  • Introduced in 2011.
MegaMAX 3000 16 x 112 6' x 1' x 4" Used most often as front signs in Gillig, Orion, MCI, and more buses.
MiniMAX 3000 16 x 112 4' x 9" x 3"
MiniMAX 3000 7 x 60 Unknown Offered exclusively as front signs in MCI intercity vehicles (i.e. Peter Pan, Greyhound, etc).
MAX 3000 Side 7 x 90 3' x 5" x 3" Used most often as side destination signs in Gillig, Orion, MCI, and more buses.
MAX 3000 Rear 10 x 23 Unknown Used most often as rear route signs in Gillig, Orion, Nova RTS, and more buses.
MAX 3000 Side/Rear 10 x 30 Unknown Used most often as side route signs in MCI, Nova RTS, and Neoplan USA buses.