PIXAD8 Testing and Production Notes ...

[Kane]

What would be the chances of being able to get a second ethernet port integrated into a PIXADx ?    I have no idea what the innerds of a basic ethernet hub was, but if it was basic - perhaps this would allow daisy-chaining of controllers, rather than running back to base?

Also, given a lot of situations require the controller being placed close to the pixels, there's probably times when only a single output is required (ie PIXAD1)   Would this simplify a PIXAD4 at all, or not really make any difference?

[ɟɐsʇǝppʎ]

What would be the chances of being able to get a second ethernet port integrated into a PIXADx ?    I have no idea what the innerds of a basic ethernet hub was, but if it was basic - perhaps this would allow daisy-chaining of controllers, rather than running back to base?

Also, given a lot of situations require the controller being placed close to the pixels, there's probably times when only a single output is required (ie PIXAD1)   Would this simplify a PIXAD4 at all, or not really make any difference?

All you need to use is a cheap network switch to distribute your controllers away from the main show computer

[j1sys]

Built-in Ethernet switch is possible but I don't see as practical. Won't say it may never happen but there are a few thousand things that come before it in our priorities.

A small $39 switch in several distributed spots in your layout will probably be best.

PIXAD4 may be coming soon. Below that it starts to become costly for the M32MX to drive vs the cost of the PIXAD. Also looking at PIXAD16/32 at the higher end. Looking at a simpler dedicated 10Base-T, 1 universe, 1 or 2 string, with or without POE to drive the lights option. The objective will be as small and as cheap as possible.

-Ed

[Kane]

Built-in Ethernet switch is possible but I don't see as practical. Won't say it may never happen but there are a few thousand things that come before it in our priorities.

A small $39 switch in several distributed spots in your layout will probably be best.

yeah, fair enough.   

PIXAD4 may be coming soon. Below that it starts to become costly for the M32MX to drive vs the cost of the PIXAD. Also looking at PIXAD16/32 at the higher end. Looking at a simpler dedicated 10Base-T, 1 universe, 1 or 2 string, with or without POE to drive the lights option. The objective will be as small and as cheap as possible.

-Ed

Sounds good - will look forward to hearing about these

[tng5737]

Perhaps this is a dumb question, but what would be a max distance fromthe AD8 to the actual string?  What I am getting at is that the AD8 would probably have to be in close proximity to the strings - like in a megatree - correct?

[neil]

If the PixAD8 has the same design as the Stellascapes E16 then 5M is ok, if it's like the TP3244 then it needs to be really close unless a pixel repeater is added at the output connector

Perhaps this is a dumb question, but what would be a max distance fromthe AD8 to the actual string?  What I am getting at is that the AD8 would probably have to be in close proximity to the strings - like in a megatree - correct?

[David_AVD]

If you're looking for an actual distance, I think it's generally agreed that 1 to 2 metres between the controller and first pixel should be ok.  Shorter is better.  As usual YMMV and all that.   

[j1sys]

OK -


It looks like the hardware is stable. I've worked the last 5 days to get the software to at least a testing and shippable status.


Today we tested all the units needed to fulfill orders that have been invoiced and paid (you know who you are).


They will ship out tomorrow (Wednesday 7/13 USA Time). The shipping software will automatically send out a shipment advisory email.


We will then send out invoices to all others who have ordered in the past week and ship upon payment receipt.


We will be posting some preliminary documentation and software files tomorrow.


There is still a lot of software features to test and add and they should be available by the time most of you receive your hardware.


-Ed

[lithgowlights]

The documentation has just been uploaded by Ed on his website at http://www.j1sys.com/ecg-pixad8-downloads/
Great doccumentation that will help get everyone started!

[lithgowlights]

Ed dropped into chat tonight (here) while on his way to church. The update was: "multicast fixed and uploaded. round-robin delay fixed. flickering last pixel (sometimes) finally found and fixed. just about done with effects. should finish today. includes RGB-xxx, nulls, repeats, reverse."

[smartalec]

He also poped in after church saying everything was fixed an the update is on his page

[j1sys]

i'm not going to make a post every day saying check our site.


for right now, i'm probably updating something about pixad8 everyday. so please check frequently.


newest version of the user's guide just published.


-Ed