What controller to use for a mega tree with 1600 pixels?

petulka77

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Dec 24, 2012
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Morrisville
I have E682 controller (6 universes = around 1000 pixels) because of simplicity to connect 16 pixel powered strings to each connector. To connect all 32 strings it would require another E682 . Assembled E682 cost $188 with US shipping. The price for the mega tree controllers would be $372.

I could also use the ECG-P12 (12 universes = 2040 pixels, cost $185) and figure out the power injection. The controller cost would be better than for 2 E682.
Because each universe can only have 3 strings (150 pixels together using 50 pixel strings). Which means I could wire the string up, down and up again per each universe on the tree. The another strings (universe) would have to start from the top of course. This option appears more economical but it requires extra wiring, power injection but it would utilize the controller capacity better and it would be also cheaper.

My question is: Could I use 3 strings on each universe and still be able to use the nutcracker software to handle the mega tree sequencing correctly?
Does anybody uses ECG-P12 to control whole mega tree?

Thank you for your suggestions.
 

lithgowlights

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May 6, 2010
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You don't have to start the next string at the top, but you could easily start each string at the mottom and let the P12R alter the direction. I would do it like thisL:

1 2 3 6 5 4
/ \ / \ / \

In other words 1 2 3 are up, down and up, but then the next 3 lots are reversed in physical order. Then in the P12R you can select the order of that string and reverse it, so as far as the software order it's 1 2 3 4 5 6 etc
 

ryebred

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Dec 21, 2012
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I am planning on having the same setup this year but I was going to have each section of three strings start at the bottom. Up, down, up. And then the next set of three strings is up, down, and up.

I do not see what reversing the physical order does except maybe making it easier to program in the software. If you use LOR than you could just reverse the pixel order on the strings that go from top to bottom and then that would make all strings start at the bottom in the sequencer/visualizer. You could then apply Nutcracker effects just fine because it would think pixel 1 of string 2 is at the bottom but the commands would actually get sent to universe 1, pixel 100 for instance. All of the strings that go from bottom to top would be left alone.
 

petulka77

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Dec 24, 2012
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Morrisville
Thank you guys. It makes sense now. I did not know that I can shuffle the order in the ECG-P12.
I am newbie in sequencing. :-[
 
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