Mega Tree Plans

[tterbo_1988]

Hi all,

I’m working on the wiring approach for a new mega tree build and would appreciate some advice from those who’ve done similar setups.
I have used Johnyboys guide as the base of this plan

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Hardware / Build details​

• Controller: Baldrick 17
• Power: 3 × Mean Well LRS-350-12
• Controller box: Custom build, allows flexibility to either power balance or inject
• Tree:
  • 32 strands (possibly 30)
  • 150 nodes per strand (12 V bullet pixels)
  • ~4 m tall
  • Portable Hole base with plenty of tie-down points and guy wires
• Topper: Star with ~250 nodes

Planned port usage​

• 300 pixels per port (2 strands per port)
• Either power injection or power balancing per port
• Brightness will be limited in software (not running full white at 100%)

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Questions​

300 pixels per port
Is it better to:

• Run 300 pixels per port with power injection in the middle (after 150), or
• Power balance at the end of the 300 pixels and avoid a mid-run injection?

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if power balancing – wiring method
If power balancing, is this approach sound:

• Controller output goes to a tee at the bottom
• Strand 1: bottom → top
• From the top of strand 1 into the top of strand 2, run down to the bottom
• Bottom of strand 2 back into the tee
• Repeat this zig-zag pattern for the pair

(Effectively sharing voltage drop across both strands rather than injecting mid-way.)

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Alternate-node method
Alternatively, would it be better to:

• Use alternate nodes, so each strand starts and finishes at the bottom
• Inject power between strand 1 and strand 2 at ground level
• Keep all power connections low and accessible

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What I’m trying to optimise

• Clean wiring
• Easy fault finding
• Minimal voltage drop
• Reasonable setup/pack-down time
• Long-term reliability rather than absolute minimum cable

I can build the controller box to suit either method, so I’m mainly looking for what works best in the real world on a tree this size.
I am leaning towards alternate nodes method

 

[uncledan]

If that's what you want to optimize, then I would recommend F16 with expansion board. I run an F16 with two expansions on my 48x110 tree with 12v nodes with no power injection. Can run at 100% intensity white, I don't. Doesn't get much simpler, plug and play and every year. Not that it happens much but if a bad pixel, unplug the port and only lose one string.