ECG-P2 physical connection to multiple pixel strings

I see that the ECG-P2 has two physical ports each supporting up to 4 universes of pixels.
Given that there are only two physical output connections, I assume that means you can only hook up two strings. Now a string could be 680 pixels long, however it is still only 2 strings, correct?
Is there a way to split the output so that you can have multiple strings acting as unique channels rather than one string per output? i.e. is there a way to hookup 6 x 100 pixel strings to the output in parallel, rather than in series and still be able to control them as unique pixels.
I'm pretty sure the answer is no, just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something obvious. For me it's great to see this many pixels in such a small package, but it limits the usefulness to me if they have to be all in two strings.


thanks in advance,
dave

 

as eddy said. they are designed for different solutions. a lot of people are wanting outline or icicles strings of pixels.

so the P12R and PIXAD8 are designed for matrixes or megatrees, while the ECG-P2 is designed for just 2 output strings that could each be 680 pixels long.

Personally I don't recommend "going to the max" on any of our products. not that they won't do it, but that the single point of failure starts to become an issue. i think two strings of 200-300 is a good mix for the ECG-P2. Twelve strings of 100 pixels is a good mix for the P12R etc. that way if a pixel dies, and takes all of the pixels beyond it out, then you will lose less.

plus compare the cost of 3 ECG-P2 to the cost of one P12R. if you run just 2 universes, on average, on each output of the ECG-P2 you are getting same pixel capacity as a P12R but look at the CPU power, RAM, etc. plus keeping one spare ECG-P2 in case of failure is more cost effective.

-Ed

 

Thank you. That was my assumption but wanted to confirm

 

The P2 doesn't supply power or fusing? How would you go about wiring up strings to include a fuse in there? I'm not great on the electrical or electronics side. I'd like to use 1 or 2 P2's for my roof outline. Just need to figure out how to get everything connected.

 

in most roofline types of installations power injection is needed every 40 or so pixels. some people do DC-DC converters at each injection site, others do it directly with a larger gauge wire to reduce voltage drop.

although a small fuse at each injection might be nice, most people don't bother. they just rely on the protection in their power supply. if you want to add a fuse there are many inline fuse holders in auto parts stores or online on eBay etc. They would just be wired in series into one or both of the connections. Again adding one on just the +V side is usally adequate, if desired.

since the P2 series could be driving LONG strings of several hundred pixels we decided not to add any fuses or power injection to the unit. trying to keep it small and ecomincal.

-Ed

 

Great pic eddy, do you know if the p2 is powered by 12 or 5 volt?

 

That sounds good to me as I plan to use 12v. Thanks!

 

First off, Eddy bless you and your diagrams. They have cleared things up for more times then I can count. And your manuals. Thumbs up!


Second, how do I order an ECG-p2? I can't find them on j1sys website, or eBay store. And on the same note, does this model come as a completed board? Running out of time to construct it myself.


Thanks,
Pete

 

Yes it comes as a completed board, just go to j1sys.com and email Ed with your order.

 

Super, thanks!

 

Were the P2's shipped with the 4 universe code. I know Ed was saying initially they may come with 1 universe code until the 4 universe code was completed. I have the P2's, but no spare pixels to test >170 pixels at the moment.