Sanity check for 2015

AntinOz

Apprentice elf
Joined
Dec 23, 2011
Messages
50
Location
Lyndhurst
Hi all, new to RGB but have done a couple of years now with dumb leds, DC48 controller and Vixen so not scared off by the software or wiring aspects. For this year I am hoping to replace my old icicles with some intelligent RGB icicles and then, if time permits add a couple of strips outlining my garage door. The longest run from the controller to the start of a strip should be 4 metres (icicles on eaves, controller in garage). Here is my current thinking:


Falcon F16v2 as a controller (as I can use it E1.31 or with my Raspberry Pi) if I have made it in time for bulk buy #2. My garage is already wired into my network as I was going to run the DMX last year from my main PC rather than my Acer One.


http://www.aliexpress.com/item/individually-LED-full-color-Icicles-string-DC12V-WS2811-controlled-all-white-wire-IP68-60nodes-set/32310871722.html x 5 for the icicles


http://www.aliexpress.com/item/12V-350W-switch-mode-power-supply-LED-power-driver-AC90-260V-input-DC12V-350W-output-constant/1948832565.html x 2 for the power. running the icicles, power off the F16 either two or four universes. Or would I be better powering separately with injection, and if so how do I fuse the power?


http://www.aliexpress.com/item/5m-DC12V-WS2812B-addressable-pixel-strip-waterproof-in-silicon-tube-30pcs-WS2812B-M-with-30pixels-36W/32348237310.html x 2 for the outlines and to play with. May end up cutting into multiple strips. Will be setup after the icicles.


http://www.aliexpress.com/item/100-pairs-3-Core-White-Waterproof-Line-15cm-long-each-male-and-female-3core/331631241.html to clean up the connections on this and my existing lighting.


And then, if I need to inject, some t-pieces to do this for the second icicle string in each run.


Does this make sense? Is there anything obvious I have missed.
 

Habbosrus

Back again
Joined
Dec 5, 2012
Messages
758
Location
Swansea, NSW
Looks pretty good to me (but I still consider myself very much a noob and bow to the more knowledgeable members). They will weigh in with the power injection query I'm sure as to me, you only require 1 power supply for the icicles (5 sets pixicles @ 25W = 125W and power supplies are 350W x .85% = 297.5W) More than enough for the pixicles. Unless the 2nd power supply is going to cater for the outline.

For the outline, you may want to consider http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/5m-led-digital-strip-DC12V-input-WS2811IC-256-scale-10pcs-IC-and-30pcs-5050-SMD-RGB/701799_568458133.html

By the way, the doctor tripled my dose of Prednisone yesterday, so if none of this makes sense, I'm blaming the medication, lol.
 

AntinOz

Apprentice elf
Joined
Dec 23, 2011
Messages
50
Location
Lyndhurst
Thanks for the comments

Second power supply is more as a spare and if needed. I did look at the other strip but I am playing with the idea of doing a small matrix, 30 x 10 on the side of my garage.
 

scamper

Dedicated elf
Joined
Jan 5, 2014
Messages
1,225
Location
collie
If you can afford it, a second power supply is always a good idea. As is a second anything! backups are great when you are at the beginning of December and you have a failure, no matter what it is, at least if you have a backup, you can swap it out and eliminate it as a problem.
And then god forbid a failure mid season, you have it covered.
 

i13

Dedicated elf
Joined
Jul 5, 2013
Messages
1,172
Pixel testers are a good fault finding tool
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/DC12V-WS2811-LED-smart-pixel-controller-With-76-kinds-of-patterns-2048pixels-controlled/701799_32261096741.html

End caps for sealing the strips if you cut them
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Silicon-end-cap-8mm-10mm-12mm-optional/701799_459153462.html

You may be able to ask Ray to customise the spacing and number of pixels on each icicle drop but make it VERY clear with a diagram if you want to do this.

Power injection may be required even if your supply can handle the wattage. This is because of voltage drop along the icicle wires and between the supply and lights. This thread has a little bit more info http://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.php?topic=7578.msg69740#msg69740

When injecting power, you leave the negative line connected along the pixels between multiple supplies but always cut the positive half way between. The fuse can be put on the positive connection between the supply and injection point.

It is recommended that you run a separate network for your display.

You can directly ask Ray for a quote; the general opinion here is that AliExpress overestimates and overcharges for shipping when you order a variety of items.

The group buy for the F16v2 is open until August 30th; you haven't missed it.

I presume you understand the advantages and disadvantages of 5V, 12V strings as well as that particular strip?
 

AntinOz

Apprentice elf
Joined
Dec 23, 2011
Messages
50
Location
Lyndhurst
Just to resurrect an old thread, and because I'm finally in a position to do this (only three years later), are the RGB strips I have selected here still a good choice or has technology moved on? I have the Falcon F16v2 to control them with.
 
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