Extension cable distance between controller and strip lights

tt9900

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Jan 17, 2017
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What is the general limit on the length for extension cable between a controller and a strip light?
I'm doing some research and was wondering what the farthest distance might be that I can place a strip from the controller and power supply unit. I figure closer, multiple controllers would fix this issue, but I'm curious if it can be done with a centralized controller.
Some information for the potential setup would be:
30led / meter 10 pixel per meter strip and a 16 output aplhapix controller
Two 350w 12vpower supplies, one per bank, one strip per output
18 AWG extension cable, pigtails on either end, connected to pigtails coming out of the controller and the strips

My absolute farthest strip might be 60ft / 18 meters feet from the controller. The next farthest 55 ft, then 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25. These 8 would be on one bank and be located for example to the left of the controller. The other bank would have strips located to the right of the controller, all closer than the closest strip from the other bank.

Actual straight line distance is less, like 40 ft for the farthest strip, but these measurements allow for flexibility around obstructions and an easier route to the controller.

Ideally I would be able to place the controller right in the middle of the left and right, but the only practical way seems to be a location that puts it closer to the right side strips.

Would these or some of these distances require power injection or a null pixel, or both, or anything else? From what I've seen, after 25 feet or 7-8 meters might need at least power injection. Are there any other issues to consider even if this was the case?
 

scamper

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I have not had any problem with going those sort of distances. I use cat5 cable for the signal though and then use heavy duty 10a twin core for the power. Unless it is a single strand of pixels I always run power through the twin core and inject along the line.
 

wce06

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When you say you use cat5 do you run 1 colour as data and another as gnd (-ve)? Do you also use the remaining wires for other connections or just cut them off?


wce06
 

scamper

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I use 1 colour as data and 1 as ground. I have actually been twisting pairs together and have had no problem.
There are probably reasons why I shouldn't but it all works, so why change?
The other wires I just cut off. Unless I run power on single strands etc, then I use the other pairs for power.


If you have dramas, then just add a null pixel, although I haven't had to as yet.
 

tt9900

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Thanks for the replies. I gotta look into maybe using cat5. It's new to me but I'll be doing some research anyway so I can see how that might work.

If using the 18 gauge 3 core wire, is that still likely to need power injection or a null pixel at those distances? I know a thicker wire would help, but let's say everything is the same 18 gauge (pigtails and cables).


Also I'm curious since one bank of 8 on the controller would have strips at distances of 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25 ft from the controller, would a power supply typically be powering this bank through the controller like the other bank of closer strips, or should the power supply be moved closer to the ends of the strips in a sort of power injection setup instead, and not in the controller? Or would I need 2 power supplies, one per bank with the controller, plus another one to power inject those strips?
 

fasteddy

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Ive never been a big fan of using CAT5 for power due to the fact that the CAT5 that most will use is solid core which is designed for permanent installation as the cores can break easily when installed in a temporary situation as used in ten hobby. The issue can come when you double up cores to take the current and then a core breaks thus making the single core take all the current causing an overload condition which in extreme cases could start a fire. Using multi strand CAT5 is too expensive in may cases and so the cheap alternative is to use security cable as this is multi-stranded and much less susceptible to breaking a core

The general limit of the length is determined by 2 main factors based on Ohms law.

1: Cable Resistance is determined by the gauge/size of the cable core and the total length for both the positive and ground wires
2: Load Current is the actual amps going through the cable for the load

There are several voltage drop calculators you can use but generally if using 5vdc you have much less head room as you have less voltage to spare and higher voltage drop considerations due to the higher current needed compared to if using 12vdc

Try using this great and simple voltage calculator from David_AVD to get an idea on what your voltage drop will be

http://www.da-share.com/calculators/cable-voltage-drop/
 

Fing

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Hi
there are lots of variables in any set up. To answer your first question I can get a good 12m from my controller to the first strip but the inter strip distance is only about 2-3m max. The controllers basically have higher powered driver chips where as the nodes chips are a much lower power version. I use 1.5mm 3 core power extension cable, which is about 14AWG ??


I seriously consider looking at getting a falcon controller instead of the alpha pix. the falcon is a better product (IMHO) and it has the ability to add differential drive expansion boards that will allow you more options. Pixlite also make diff expansion boards and are a solid controller as well. Both products have great service and support.


The two big issues with distance are data degradation and voltage drop. Data can be solved with proper comms cable such as Cat5/6 and voltage drop with larger cables. Perhaps the larger cable is also a cheaper solution to the data problem as well. Cat 5 is only 24AWG and cat 6 is 22AWG ? neither are really great for running lots of power over distance.


As with all things your mileage will vary.


to get a better answer, draw up your proposal and submit it for review. I'm sure you'll only get 35000 different answers. :p


Cheers
Shane
 

ezellner

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fasteddy, you say 5 V pixels use more current than 12 V? I don't think that's true. LEDs are constant current devices so current draw should be identical. Actually, 12 V pixels might draw slightly more current because of the need to step down voltage to pixel level. I agree with all other elements of your explanation.
drakky, check out this post on another forum. These extenders come as 12 V and are easily modified to 5 V. VVery compact. I just don't know if there are any issues in shipping to Australia. http://doityourselfchristmas.com/fo...null-pixel-without-pixel&highlight=null+pixel
 

andrewa

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drakky

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fasteddy, you say 5 V pixels use more current than 12 V? I don't think that's true. LEDs are constant current devices so current draw should be identical. Actually, 12 V pixels might draw slightly more current because of the need to step down voltage to pixel level. I agree with all other elements of your explanation.
drakky, check out this post on another forum. These extenders come as 12 V and are easily modified to 5 V. VVery compact. I just don't know if there are any issues in shipping to Australia. http://doityourselfchristmas.com/fo...null-pixel-without-pixel&highlight=null+pixel

thanks ezellner, I'm wanting 12v ones anyways , let me get this right these line drivers wire up and work the same way as a null pixel but you don't have to tell the controller there's anything there? you can put them anywhere at the start or in between strings they are transparent , how far do they work? my probable longest distance from controller to 1st pixel would be about 15m I'd guess
 

ezellner

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thanks ezellner, I'm wanting 12v ones anyways , let me get this right these line drivers wire up and work the same way as a null pixel but you don't have to tell the controller there's anything there? you can put them anywhere at the start or in between strings they are transparent , how far do they work? my probable longest distance from controller to 1st pixel would be about 15m I'd guess
Yes, you just insert into the wiring and it amplifies and repeats the incoming signal. Suggested use is to insert them halfway between the controller and your pixels but if signal is an issue you could move closer to the controller. I don't have any distances as long as yours but from other posts, I understand your 15 m distance should be attainable. I'd guess you could insert two evenly spaced between pixels and controller if necessary although I don't know that for sure.
 

ezellner

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Here is a quote from RobG's post on doityourselfchristmas.com:
1. This board should be used to "boost" signal, it should not be used as a signal conditioner, meaning it should be placed right after pixel or controller with weak output (all pixels have weak outputs.) However, since the driver has a Schmitt trigger input, it will work as a conditioner (can be placed before the pixel.)
2. In my tests, I used >100' of #18 cable and had no issues, but it all depends on the type of cable and the environment, so you should test in your setup.
3. You can daisy chain those boards, but one should do the job
 

drakky

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Here is a quote from RobG's post on doityourselfchristmas.com:
1. This board should be used to "boost" signal, it should not be used as a signal conditioner, meaning it should be placed right after pixel or controller with weak output (all pixels have weak outputs.) However, since the driver has a Schmitt trigger input, it will work as a conditioner (can be placed before the pixel.)
2. In my tests, I used >100' of #18 cable and had no issues, but it all depends on the type of cable and the environment, so you should test in your setup.
3. You can daisy chain those boards, but one should do the job

thanks ezellner , 100 foot of 18 awg which is what I'm using is miles (or 30m) way more than I need excellent
 
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