C9 Covers with RGB Pixels

Dave H

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Dec 19, 2010
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Clermont, Florida,
OK, then how do you achieve the "banding effect" on your tree?? It appears that you alternate the brightness of each row of pixels
 

JPB

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May 13, 2010
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Glenwood
Dave, I finally got around to taking the photos tonight.

I took the covers off one side of my tree and left them on on the other for a direct comparison.
Standing close the the ones without covers look brighter but are maybe a little harsh on the eyes.
From the normal viewing distance with the covers on the lights look "bigger".

Personal preference I guess but I prefer the look the covers give.

Jon
 

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Dave H

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Joined
Dec 19, 2010
Messages
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Location
Clermont, Florida,
JPB said:
Dave, I finally got around to taking the photos tonight.

I took the covers off one side of my tree and left them on on the other for a direct comparison.
Standing close the the ones without covers look brighter but are maybe a little harsh on the eyes.
From the normal viewing distance with the covers on the lights look "bigger".

Personal preference I guess but I prefer the look the covers give.

Jon

Jon,

Thanks for the pics. Looks like I may be able to increase the spacing betwen pixels and still achieve a nice "glow" between covers. I would like to maintain the individual bulb appearance.

I remember seeing a video comparison (I believe was on ACL) about the placement of the covers in relationship to the pixel, either set back or pushed up to the tip of the cover.

How are yours positioned?
Were they a tight fit or did they require heating or adheasive?
I dont think I'll have much room to play since I'm leaning toward the WS2811 sq base pixels.

Sorry for the over abundance of questions
 

JPB

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Dave,
I just used the covers as they came out of the box, some were quite loose and dropped right over the pixel, others were tight and the cover sat high on the pixel. Because my pixels were mounted vertically it did not matter, it was more important to me that I could get them off again as I totally strip the tree so that it packs away flat for storage.

Jon
 

Dave H

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Dec 19, 2010
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62
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Clermont, Florida,
Jon,

Right now, that is my intent also, to use the covers on the vertical pixels that will line the entry walk and planters. I'm still on the fence as to whether to use the covers around the windows and doors. I like the effect they create, however, the cost of shipping vs. the cost of covers becomes questionable. It amazing that bulk costs more or close to equal to weight.
 

JPB

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Dave,

Email ray directly about the order and shipping cost as I paid significantly less than what the web site quoted. In saying that they are bulky and surprisingly heavy.

Jon
 

Dave H

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Dec 19, 2010
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Clermont, Florida,
Jon,

I am assembling a list of questions for Ray. I'm sure he is acustomed to the requests for IP68 and resin filled. I'm curious as what any up-charge would be for 12 inch spacing and solid color wiring (black or green). I want to maintain the same spacing on the pixels as for my C9 led retros that will be used on the walkways and landscape borders.
 

Bill Ellick

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Dec 31, 2011
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NY
Donny M. Carter said:
Dave H said:
WOW, I would have sworn that your 2D tree pixels had covers on them.

What is your pixel spacing on the tree and around your windows
Spacing is 4" on the tree and 2 1/2" everywhere else.
Donny, what is the number of pixels per string on your tree? I am just getting into the research for going to RGB stuff myself and am curious.
I am going to go with the 2811 chip and using 5 volt but have not decided on whether or not I want to try and do a full 360 degree mega tree or just do a 180 degree flat one.
I presently use 96 strings of C6 LEDs with each string being 20 feet long and having 60 bulbs per string so I am considering using something around 20 feet for a pixel string with say 16 pixel strings for 1/2 a tree if I go with a flat tree design. I do like the look of a full tree though but am not sure if I will be able to swing the cost of extra strings and controllers to do it full.
Any opinions on full pixel tree versus a 1/2 or flat tree?
Appreciate the input.
 

Dave H

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Dec 19, 2010
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Clermont, Florida,
Hi Bill,

Personally, I believe it depends on were you intend on placing the pixel tree. Closer to the house or affixed to, would warrant a flat tree.
I am looking at doing a 180 or 240 deg tree, a true mega tree (conical)
 

Donny M. Carter

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Dec 17, 2011
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Ocean Springs, MS
My strings are 33 pixels each. The reason is I wanted the extra pixels for a different project. While the flat tree looked good, this year I will do a 180 tree. The only way I would spend the money on a 360 tree is if it could be viewed all the way around. Last year's flat tree was 14ft tall with 9 strings of 33 pixels. This year I will use 16 strings of 42 pixels an go 16ft tall.
 

Bill Ellick

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Dec 31, 2011
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Well my mega tree is in the middle of my display and is more or less the focal point for it so I will probably go with a full 360 with pixels I imagine.
The only thing I have read is that when using text on a pixel tree is that I will probably have to do some things different since I would not want the text coming around the back of the tree since that would look pretty strange o the people sitting out watching the show. I guess the text will just have to be figured for half the tree on the front side towards the people and then let the other effects run through the whole 360 degrees of the tree.
Just may be tough since that will up the cost to convert the tree over from LEDs to pixels. But it is only money I guess. I have not had any work for a while now and am broke so what difference does it make now (to paraphase Hilary)!
Just saw your entry Donny while I was writing my answer! So 42 pixels gets you to 16 feet huh? So I guess that if I use 50 pixels then I would be around 19 feet on the tree, which would work okay. Or else just go with 52 pixels on each string to get the 20 feet that my tree is now.
Although maybe I should just keep my mega tree that I have now and add a 180 degree pixel tree to the mix? That would mean moving things around some but then I would have 2 mega trees in the yard. Stupid me, I didn't even think about having 2 trees! Doh!!
And your point about seeing the back is a good one which makes me think that I should only do a 180 degree conical tree.
 
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