Seeds vs Strip for in-ground, permanent install

thewanderingpine

thewanderingpine

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So partially inspired by this video:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-t0tVdP6E0
I'm thinking about doing some in/on ground permanent LED installs. I have 3 choices but I'm not really sure about longevity/water-ingress/etc.
  • 12V Dual Data Seed pixels (probably at 30mm spacing)
  • 12V WS2815 IP67 strip at 30/m
  • 12V WS2805 IP67 strip
The 2805 has downsides (more expensive, less addressable) - but it's got tunable white LEDs (and while it's only addressable in 5cm segments - it's 60 LEDs/m - so more dense with light)

So perhaps the choice is really between the top 2 -- and if I decide to go for white then I pick the 2805. Any thoughts on leaving LED's at/below ground level year-round? Would you go seed or strip for this?
 
For permanent ground installation ,the 12V WS2815 IP67 strip 30/m is the better option due to its water proof nature(IP67 rating) and durable construction, making it more suitable for outdoor and ground level applications. While seed pixels offer unique design possibilities, they are generally less robust and may require more complex mounting solutions for ground installation.
 
I've seen that video, from memory he places led strips against the rocks and glues them down, then places clear pebbles over top. Being that it's not a screen or matrix display, I would consider the 2805 but the 24v variant giving the rgbcct option.
I don't imagine once mapped correctly that the larger addressable zones will matter too much, especially as some strips are very likely to overlap.
I picked 24v because you'll require less injection and wire can be smaller and easier to hide, especially considering the ip67 nature of things makes injection harder.

If you can find it, ws2805 or even ws2814 cob ip67 are very bright compared to the 5050 style strips.


If you are going to copy the clear pebbles idea, is not bother gluing the strip in place, id consider the gaps between the Stones too small to stand in and if the strip is deep enough it should stay protected
 
I'm in two minds over which is better.
Strip pixels in a silicone sleeve is robust. But once moisture enters the sleeve it is trapped and corrodes.
Seed pixels are great but thin wire and may yellow/degrade quicker.
 
I would take any IP rating that the manufacturers give with a grain of salt, and keep in mind that it's very specific:
eg: IPx7 : Ingress of water in harmful quantity shall not be possible when the enclosure is immersed in water under defined conditions of pressure and time (up to 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) of submersion).

Common misconception - It does NOT mean it's waterproof.
It means water can get in if the time or pressure is exceeded. The test duration is only 30 minutes. Water could be sitting around in your path grooves for much longer than that should there be extensive rain and pooling.

IPx8 is continuous immersion, as specified by the manufacturer : The equipment is suitable for continuous immersion in water under conditions which the manufacturer shall specify. However, with certain types of equipment, it can mean that water can enter but only so that it produces no harmful effects. The test depth and duration are expected to be greater than the requirements for IPx7, and other environmental effects may be added, such as temperature cycling before immersion.
I have yet to see any pixel manufacturer give those specifications.

Ultimately its all cheap Chinese manufacturing, so you'll get bitten either way.

You could thread seeds or strip into continuous lengths of clear tubing - expel the moist air (use a hairdryer or something to blast hot dry air into the tube) to prevent condensation inside the tube, and then seal both ends with silicone.
You may still get water wicking up the wires. But at least that'll just impact the first part which is easier to get to in order to repair.
 
Not going to say "don't". I am going to remind you that all pixels/lights are subject to failure. Have a plan for repair/replace.

I know of one very famous company that wanted to have lights all over their courtyard walkway. Durig testing they tried small lights (equivalent to pixels) and for a while it was great. They broke down over time and whole sections of the area had to be ripped up and re-laid. After several tries, they ended up going with fibre-optic strands (tens of thousands of them) feeding back to a "light box". The last few times we visited there all was working just fine. Even then, some of the fibre lines must have been broken, but not enough to notice unless you were looking specifically for them.

Personally, I love the idea. Just be aware and prepare.
 
neat idea. I think if I was going to fully encase this -- fibre-optic makes an awful lot of sense. Certainly the plan here it to have everything be able to be maintained and modified (as much as you can maintain ip67 strip - another pro for the seeds)

How bright do you find the fibre-optic stuff?
 
They are seeable during bright sun (can you say "Florida") during the day. At night they are just plain brilliant. So much so that I believe they are dimming them down at night to not overload the other lights in the area. (My opinion based on observation only, but with 45+ visits over the past 20 years it sticks in my mind. :) )

After watching the installation of the fire pit (twice), this is a great idea. Alert the local FAA that this is NOT a landing strip. :)
 
I should put the disclaimer up front that I do not expect my end result to look anywhere near as good as that fire pit area. I think that guy did a fantastic job.
 
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