Thoughts

[averagebloke]

Hi All,
still new to all this but am getting my head around things and looking forward to the Melbourne Mini
Wondering what your thoughts on these that I found on Aliexpress
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/500-pcs-12mm-WS2811-2811-IC-RGB-Wire-cable-Led-Module-String-IP68-waterproof-DC5V-input/32637530148.html?spm=2114.01010108.3.60.5JxozJ&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_9,searchweb201602_4_10037_10034_507_10032_508_10020_10017_10005_10006_10021_10022_10018_10019,searchweb201603_7&btsid=bd7a2f5d-ff07-4050-a32a-9720f574f449


They seem a good price and include shipping in 3 to 7 days
I am going with advertek plug and play controllers with the intention of using them on a mega tree.
I would appreciate any comments before I go ahead and purchase
Thanks

 

[BundyRoy]

Don't know the seller and don't buy enough lights (shameful I know) to know prices so can't comment on those things.


Couple of things I thought of. They are 5v so depending on distance from power supply/number of pixels, voltage drop may be more of a concern than 12v. This can easily be overcome by injecting/connecting power along the strings. It doesn't mention anything about resin filled so it would be best to ensure they are all mounted facing up to ensure no water ingress in bottom. Probably not a real issue but means some care/time is required in the construction process.


Other than that they are definitely a type that the pixlite controller will work with. It does mean though that if you only have the one controller you will be limited to ws2811 or ink1003 pixels as the controller can only have one pixel type attached at a time (ws2811 and ink1003 use the same control code). I think as long as you are aware of these factors then it should be fine.

 

[BundyRoy]

Another thing I would recommend is contacting seller direct (email) and getting quote for postage. They may be able to do a better deal than what is generated automatically on the aliexpress website.

 

[scamper]

I don't know if it is the same seller, but they look like the ones I bought last year.
They work fine, they are just a little lower quality in the manufacture process than others I have bought.
The only things I noticed were
1. the lead between the nodes is slightly shorter
2. The cables are all over the place when the epoxy is inserted.

This was what I had on the ones I bought, so these ones could be fine. It is very hit and miss when you buy from China.

 

[scamper]

Another thing I would recommend is contacting seller direct (email) and getting quote for postage. They may be able to do a better deal than what is generated automatically on the aliexpress website.

The linked lights were "Free shipping" so not sure an email will get them any cheaper

 

[BundyRoy]

Another thing I would recommend is contacting seller direct (email) and getting quote for postage. They may be able to do a better deal than what is generated automatically on the aliexpress website.

The linked lights were "Free shipping" so not sure an email will get them any cheaper

Oops! I probably should of checked.

 

[i13]

Haven't tried that seller either but they have 99.2% positive feedback which is good.

You can often ask pixel sellers for custom spacing between the nodes. Just remember to specify that it is the centre-to-centre spacing you're referring to.

5V versus 12V is a personal preference thing and it depends on the application you want the lights for. 5V is more energy efficient so it does have its advantages. There is a good thread about this here http://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.php/topic,2595.0.html
This only relevant if you're considering alternatives but note that 12V nodes from Ray Wu often run at high currents like 5V and suffer from voltage drop.

 

[averagebloke]

Thanks guys
Think I will give them ago i13 I really appreciate all the help you have given me to date
cheers
Terry

 

[averagebloke]

Went ahead and purchased some of the lights thanks for the advice given.
Just when i think I am getting my head around things something new pops up. The light guys sent me this link to a controller they sell. Just wondering what the hell it is. It has a SD card.
Can someone explain how they work, if they are any good and or are they of use to a total novice like myself.
cheers


http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/New-T-1000S-SD-Card-LED-Controller-Pixel-Led-Control-Pixel-Controller-Support-DMX512-ws2811-RGB/806115_32651625818.html

 

[fasteddy]

These do work but you will find minimal support compared to the offerings from the likes of Advatek, J1SYS and other pixel controllers that have been specifically designed for the community. The SD card option and software is somewhat limited compared to other choices like using the PI controller to run the show and a pixel controller to control the lights

 

[scamper]

Here is a list of controllers put together by someone much smarter than me.
I studied this list for quite a bit before choosing which path to follow.
For me personally it was the falcon f16. and it works great

http://nutcracker123.com/nutcracker/rgb_controllers/

 

[averagebloke]

Hi All,
still new to all this but am getting my head around things and looking forward to the Melbourne Mini
Wondering what your thoughts on these that I found on Aliexpress
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/500-pcs-12mm-WS2811-2811-IC-RGB-Wire-cable-Led-Module-String-IP68-waterproof-DC5V-input/32637530148.html?spm=2114.01010108.3.60.5JxozJ&ws_ab_test=searchweb201556_9,searchweb201602_4_10037_10034_507_10032_508_10020_10017_10005_10006_10021_10022_10018_10019,searchweb201603_7&btsid=bd7a2f5d-ff07-4050-a32a-9720f574f449


They seem a good price and include shipping in 3 to 7 days
I am going with advertek plug and play controllers with the intention of using them on a mega tree.
I would appreciate any comments before I go ahead and purchase
Thanks

Ended up buying 1000 of the lights (20) strings. They arrived yesterday and look good to me (remember I really am a novice). The price ended up $327AUD direct with the supplier rather than through aliexpress and payment through PayPal which included DHL freight 6 days. Have checked them and they all appear to be spaced at the same distance. So am very happy SO FAR

 

[BundyRoy]

Sounds like you saved some money. Good Job. Did you contact them directly through chat or did you find their email address.

 

[averagebloke]

contacted them direct. I have an agent in Hong Kong I use for business and got him to organise for me