GS8208 12V pixel strings - A wildcard third option for the 5V vs 12V WS2811 question?

Can someone test them using the ESP V4 software. It should support them.

Hi @ryanschristmaslights, how did you find the new lights this year?
Looking to get started for a show next year and thinking the GS8208 pixels might be the go. Keen to hear your thoughts after a couple years, and thoughts on your supplier? Thanks

I purchased about 5000 GS8208 from Shiji this year (5v 2811 from Ray last year). I've had no significant issues with either batch. With the 5000 this year from Shiji, I've had about three fail where they'll show the correct colour, except when they are meant to be black (data still streaming), they stay a dull blue. The issue has been minor enough that I've just left them as they were until I pull everything down.

Sounds like I've had way fewer issues than some others this year.

YMMV, but I'll be sticking with Shiji and GS8208 for my 2023 order.

Hi @dhearne89 so far I'm digging the GS8208 bullet pixels and have started a spreadsheet for a 2023 order of more through Shiji.

This year I did have two sets out of 72 arrive partially defective - one set has a single LED not light up in any colour (LEDs before and after all unaffected), the second has a wiring problem that stops the data passing through. I haven't had any other problems develop after receiving them with either the first batch ordered in 2021 or my second batch in 2022.

I should also mention I had Shiji make light sets in varying quantity strings - 50pc, 20pc and 16pc. The 16pc is the length that has the two defective strings. There was actually a mistake made by them with my 2022 order where the number of strings versus number of LEDs per string got mixed up, so the 16pc arrived as 40pc strings. However I am happy with Shiji's remedy - the agreed solution is they remade the wrong strings to the correct specification for 50% of the quoted price and I kept the incorrect strings for other uses.

@ryanschristmaslights how have you found the four pin connectors? Whilst they did the job just fine, they would be the only thing I felt could be improved. On a couple if I wasn't very careful with lining them up, I could end up with only three of the four pins mating, with the fourth getting bent to the side. The three pin x connectors felt more sturdy.

I haven't had any issues with the four pin connectors on the light strings or pigtails. The only slight issue I've had is with a couple of end connectors (to fit over the 4-pin connector at end of last string for waterproofing) - last year some of these end connectors pins were made with the same non-conductive material as the connector housing instead of metal pins - with these I found them overly flexible so they got squashed rather than staying rigid. But the end connectors with metal pins I've had no trouble with and all the end connectors in this year's order did all have metal pins so zero problems here.

We have just hit go on an order for 1000 strings fo 50 just pending invoice to come through so will have some to play with this year

Something I didn't mention is I also had Shiji manufacture the following two connector accessories:


The 4-pin connector (pictured left) attaches to the output of the last string for waterproofing, while the 2-pin connector (pictured right) is intended for closing off unused PI found at pixel 1 of each string (if you choose to have your strings manufactured with PI connector).

This year the limits of my using the included PI connector is only in the same prop - e.g. a Boscoyo chroma ornament bauble with two 50pc strings each, so PI connector of both strings joined together ... and not because I needed to, just that they were there. Same with the four small mini trees I have with separate strings for the tree and star, so joined the PI connectors between tree and star. But between props I haven't had any need for the PI connector.

Thanks for the update. Sounds like these might be the go. I notice Ray Wu now has the GS8208 available and lists them as a 4-pin x connect plug. I wonder if Shiji uses these just called different or has access to them? Might correct some of the plug issues mentioned by Kent.

I’ve got a conversation going with Emily about ordering some small lots to play with so I’ll see if I can find out

AU $33.89 | 100ct/string DC12V GS8208 addressable RGB full color led pixel pixel;IP68 rated;10cm spacing;18AWG black wire;13.5mm/xConnect

ryanschristmaslights said:

Hi @dhearne89 so far I'm digging the GS8208 bullet pixels and have started a spreadsheet for a 2023 order of more through Shiji.

Click to expand...

Looking to order from the same after CNY is all over. Thinking mid feb. Are there any specifics that you recommend asking for. First year for me so am a bit afraid of not knowing what I dont know.

someoneAUS said:

Looking to order from the same after CNY is all over. Thinking mid feb. Are there any specifics that you recommend asking for. First year for me so am a bit afraid of not knowing what I dont know.

Click to expand...

I ordered 50k which I just got notified are now in brissy getting customs processed

I just spec'd for waterproof connectors. I asked for the pi tail as I wanted them. The spacing between pixels as their default is 8cm I opted for 12 most run 10
They came back with wire size options and pigtail options for qty

@someoneAUS: For my 2021 and 2022 orders, both times I asked for black insulation with waterproof connectors each end and PI connector at first pixel, and 10cm spacing edge to edge. If you decide the 50 pixels per string is not appropriate for your application then you may want to request something different, e.g. I ordered a mixture of 50, 20 and 16 pixels per string as that made more sense for the props they were going in. The shorter strings did have a higher per pixel price (3c more for my last order).

When you are given a quote, check all the details and if anything is wrong or something is missing/not specified, do query it before payment. I also only pay 50% upfront with the rest paid once the order is ready to ship out. My orders with Shiji so far have been conducted through Alibaba's trade assurance platform.

I had a special delervy today

Small update for 2024. I ordered some additional strings from Shiji lighting this year and there are some physical differences versus older batches.

• The bullet pixel housing/casing (or whatever you want it call it) is shorter, by around 4mm. Downside is there is less area to grab onto if you ever need to remove them from coro props. Here's a comparison photo with a 2022 pixel from the same supplier:
  
  
  
  
• A second change is the attached pigtails at each end now use single insulated flat wire:
  
  
  
  
• As for the loose pigtails ordered, the 2-core ones for power injection have changed to the same flat wire as above, however the 4-core loose pigtails continue to use round wire (for now?).
  
  
  
  
• A final (trivial) difference is the bags the pixels arrive in are resealable now - handy if like me you have different lengths of pre-made strings and keep spares.

Given most of my pixel failures (not from Shiji) were obvious epoxy problems and water ingress, the shorter bullet seems counter-productive.