House Outline in strip

Bumpy2020

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Dec 7, 2014
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Melbourne
Hi Guys,

Being new to the whole RGB thing, I'm wondering if I could run my house outline past you all
From what I have read I think this will work

From what I have read, it appears people use the 10pix/m strip, instead of the 30pix/m
I think this is the required strip (This should handle rain on the roof ?)
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/5m-D...6-waterproof-in-silicon-tube/32259607915.html

I spent many hours in VISIO this weekend coming up with this
To allow for future expandability (This is one of several elements I would like to do this year), I have run everything off 2 outputs of a Pixlite16 (Green and Purple lines)

Arrows show the direction of the data line (There are some double backs to pickup the next run)
Power injection is noted by the purple/green circles
Number of pixels in Green text
Length of each strip in Black text
Vixen element number inside a orange circle (For my reference when sequencing)

I still need to workout all my 3core/4core pigtails as each strip will be separate for storage (4core to allow data to double back, phase2 planning)
I'm will also not sure on wire gauge required to prevent voltage drop issues with a complicated run like this

Updated diagram to include pigtail / T Splitter locations
House Outline.jpg
House%20Outline.jpg
 

battle79

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Dec 8, 2012
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Chirnside Park, Victoria, AU
Looks like your well on the way to understanding how it all works. Yes, the 10pixel/30LED per mtr strip is most suitable for house outlines as you don't need the resolution of 30pixels/mtr and the 12V makes it muck easier to set up.

As far as cable sizes, it totally depends on what length your runs are. At 12V your should have a lot more wiggle room as far as what is required.

AAH or fasteddy I believe, did a post on what cable to use based on voltage/currect and length.

Regards,
Rowan
 

Bumpy2020

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Thanks eddy

How to I calculate the resistance/current draw when power is being injected into multiple locations throughout the pixel run ?

I was thinking of using that 6core security cable, then the injection points can have 3cores for both +V and -V ?
 

fasteddy

I have C.L.A.P
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Bumpy2020 said:
How to I calculate the resistance/current draw when power is being injected into multiple locations throughout the pixel run ?

You must work out the total load of your lighting for each section, these will only be approximations but will be close enough.
Generally we inject between a 5 metre strip or a string of 50 lights for 5v or 120 lights for 12v (dependant on distance and guage of cable used). Each cuttable section on a strip or each pixel on a string will draw approx 20mA per colour so that will be approx 60mA per light or section. (2811 & 2812B use 18.5mA per colour). So we can total this up to get our total load per injection.

Bumpy2020 said:
I was thinking of using that 6core security cable, then the injection points can have 3cores for both +V and -V ?
Yes and this is how we reduce the voltage drop because effectively you have now increased the current capacity by 3 and divided the resistance by 3, so this increases the guage of your cable
 

Bumpy2020

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Dec 7, 2014
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Melbourne
Ok, I think I'm ready to put my first order into Ray
Apart from missing the controller / cable / heat shrink, would you guys mind seeing if I'm missing anything ?
The bullets are so I can make mini trees / pixel canes / play

Each of the items is hyperlinked to Ray's store for the item on the list

ItemQuantityPrice @Total (US)
10 x 2core white pigtail 13.5mm
2​
$ 3.00 $ 6.00
10 x 2core black pigtail 13.5mm
2​
$ 3.50 $ 7.00
10 x 3core white pigtail 13.5mm
3​
$ 5.00 $ 15.00
10 x 4 core white pigtail 13.5mm
2​
$ 7.00 $ 14.00
10 x 3c/4c Splitter 13.5mm
2​
$ 19.00 $ 38.00
10 x 3 core black pigtail 13.5mm
2​
$ 5.00 $ 10.00
10 x 4 core black pigtail 13.5mm
2​
$ 7.00 $ 14.00
12v/350w Power Supply
3​
$ 19.00 $ 57.00
5m 12v 30/m 10p WS2811 strip white
2​
$ 20.00 $ 40.00
5m 12v 30/m 10p WS2811 strip black
7​
$ 20.00 $ 140.00
100 x pixel node 12v ws2811
4​
$ 29.00 $ 116.00
50 x node 12v ws2811 + C9
4​
$ 29.00 $ 116.00





Total
$ 573.00
 

AAH

I love blinky lights :)
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Eaglehawk
You have both white and black pigtails. Any reason?
I like the little $2.50 2811 testers that you can see at http://www.aliexpress.com/store/701799/search?SearchText=smart+pixel+controller
I personally prefer that nodes are 5V as there isn't multiple leds in series like there is in strips and modules so the extra 7V just gets dropped as heat.
Depending on how many props and individual lengths of strip you are going to make up you may end up being short for pigtails.
 

gerry

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Dec 19, 2012
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Surrey Hills,Melbourne
I bought 100 pigtails and 50 splitters and used as required (rather then specifically for a requirement) as the left over can be used the following year and you get a consistent wire coloured and manufactured shipment.

Suggest an additional PSU as you then have a spare in case something goes wrong . Also depending on where your controller/controllers are to may need to split the PSUs as ideally each should be near the controller. (Sorry I did not look at your diagram)
 

Bumpy2020

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Dec 7, 2014
Messages
56
Location
Melbourne
Thanks guys,


I will grab one of those strip testers
The reason for black and white pigtails/strip, black for on the roof (Dark roof) and white for on walls, this way each will standout less against the background
I think I have enough pigtails with leftovers for the first items I'm going to create
Will review 12v vs 5v pixel nodes, and add 5v power supplies if I go that way
I have 3 x 12v power supplies listed in this order, but should only need 2, so one spare


Including freight this order is close to the import limit, so there will be another for more lights later and items I run out off can be added :)
 

i13

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