What Pixels should i use for a Mega Pixel Tree

SmartAlecLights

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after seeing everyone going Mega pixel tree's, even i have now been bitten by the bug.
One issue im having tho, ray has too much selection an i dont know what is decent an what leaks
Im looking at 5v ws2811 pixels, dont know if i should use the flat base type or the others.
this is a list just from ray alone
1. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/promotion-WS2811-IP68-led-pixel-module-256scale-gray-IP68-3wire-red-blue-black-DC5V-input-50pcs/701799_469177597.html

2. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/12mm-WS2811-pixel-module-IP68-DC5V-input-full-color-note-we-updated-WS2801-to-WS2811-which/701799_404056686.html

3. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/12mm-WS2811-pixel-module-IP66-DC5V-input-full-color-50pcs-a-string-injection-moulding-type/701799_683077585.html

4. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/promotion-DC5V-WS2811-controlled-12mm-diameter-led-pixel-node-50pcs-a-string-with-black-wire-injection/701799_804958154.html

the flat base ones are.

1. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/ws2811-chip-full-color-led-smart-pixel-node-DC5V-input-50pcs-a-string-with-all-black/701799_722335377.html

2. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/WS2811-LED-pixel-node-DC5V-input-full-color-RGB-string-50pcs-a-string-IP68-rated-in/701799_638375081.html

3. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/WS2811-LED-pixel-node-DC5V-input-full-color-RGB-string-50pcs-a-string-IP68-rated-in/701799_677496152.html

4. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/50pcs-DC5V-input-WS2811-LED-pixel-light-with-all-black-wire-IP68-rated/701799_1032448178.html

5. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/WS2811-LED-pixel-node-DC5V-input-full-color-RGB-string-50pcs-a-string-IP68-rated/701799_581805567.html

6. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/50pcs-DC5V-WS2811-LED-pixel-node-IP68-rated-color-wire-square-type/701799_1032370154.html

7. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/DC12V-input-WS2811-pixel-node-100pcs-a-string-IP68-rated/701799_735789822.html

8. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/50pcs-DC5V-WS2811-LED-pixel-node-with-transparent-wire-size-L26mm-W18mm-H22mm/701799_825573637.html

9. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/50pcs-DC5V-WS2811-LED-pixel-node-with-transparent-wire-with-good-cold-resistance-ability/701799_825492887.html

10. http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/DC5V-input-WS2811-pixel-node-50pcs-a-string-injection-molding-type-with-all-WHITE-wire/701799_739455920.html

so what versions do people have an what issues have they had with them (if any)
hopefully this helps me an everyone else doing a Mega Pixel Tree this year
 

burner

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Nov 2, 2011
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Same as Lost Sol for me too. 3.3m lengths * 20. Going to make a 180 degree tree that's attached to the balcony. Has anyone come up with a smaller option then conduit for mounting the strips? I'm thinking towards the top i's going to be really cramped. I was thinking maybe curtain rod would be smaller, by it would be harder to work with and probably rust after 1-2 years. Might have to pay the local Bunnings and Masters a trip sometime this week to see if there are any other options.
 

logandc99

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Jul 13, 2012
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Same strip as Lost Sol and Shell here as well. Have test run one string only and looked pretty good. My shipment of 16 more strips have just arrived in the country. Just held up as the Gummit wants its cut before I can have them. Hopefully get to attach them to my 2D tree this arvo one delivered. I think they are the strip fasteddy has recommended before.
 

logandc99

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Burner,
The 25mm conduit I'm using isn't too bad at the top. It's only 12 lengths but I would have thought 20 lengths in a 180degree config would be fine.
Below is a pic of the 12 lengths laid on the garage floor. Just used cable ties to attach them to some aluminium strip that's screwed to the centre flag pole.
The close bunching at the top quite quickly fans out as it descends.
 

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fasteddy

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Depending on the tree you want will really determine the pixel type to use

Flat tree - 12vdc 10 IC per metre strip does well as already mentioned by Lost Sol

3D tree ordered pixels all pointing out and mounted. The flat pixels would be best for this

3D tree pixels not all pointing out and more random look. Then the traditional pixels suit best

Now as far as what type of pixel to use then always use the resin filled type and the 2811 is not a bad product at all.
 

ShellNZ

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Karaka, Auckland, NZ
My tree is only 2.5m high, 2811 30p/m strip.

I cut a wooden circle approx 30cm in diameter. I painted it black and drilled holes around the outer edge. I also have corresponding holes in the ends of the conduit so I will be ziptieing the conduit to the circle. \

Down the bottom I have black piping in a 180 bend. Drilled holes in that and have metal circle clips through the holes that are drilled in the bottom lengths of the conduit.

I have had it up and it very sturdy, should have taken pics but forgot.

It is tight but the conduit is still side by side at the top (under the circle).
 

mborg10

Michael Borg
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I haven't built my mega tree yet but I'm in the planning stage. From attending the mini the guys tell me that the lay flat pixels with the wire going in the back are better waterproofed than the ones with the wires going in the sides. My idea to attach my pixels is to use upholstery webbing. It's strong, can be tensioned, wont rust and rolls up at the end of the year. At each end of the webbing I'll have some press studs to form a reinforced hole. then attach a clip similar to an old tonneau cover for a ute on the top and bottom mounting hoop. My dad is a trimmer by trade, hence where I got the idea from.
 

dannyp

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Hi guys. I have used fibreglass battens which are basically thin pieces of fibreglass which are used in sails. They work great as they have rigidity and are very thin so don't have much wind resistance. They also come with ends which have holes so you can cable tie them. Any place that sells fibreglass battens should have them and from memory they were reasonably priced but that was several years ago. Anyway, here is a link to where I got mine from in western Sydney and the guy cut them to size, although any hack saw can also achieve this.

http://www.permex.com.au/product_list.htm

Cheers
 

battle79

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Any estimates on price Danny?

Also, what diameter would you suggest (or at least what size is tree compared to the diameter)

Sounds like an interesting idea.

Cheers,
Rowan
 

dannyp

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I can't really be sure of the cost (maybe $150 for 5m by 16 strands) and I got the 10mm x 3mm ones. I cable tied the strips to the fibreglass and they work great. Just make sure you get the ends as well because they have a hole which you can use for cable ties and the one on the bottom can be fastened to the grass with a tent peg.

I wold send a photo but I'm away from home for the next month so can't do it. Probably best to give Permex a call for a price. there could also be others around that can supply the same thing.

Cheers
 

battle79

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Cool thanks for that.

Gives me a ballpark figure so I know I'm not paying a ridiculous amount. I know how much my industry gouges people from outside, so I always assume it's the same for all industries. Good to know you found the 10x3 strong enough, I would probably gone with something a little bigger otherwise.

Cheers,
Rowan
 

dannyp

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Yes no problems with the strength at all. It is designed for stiffening sails so is lightweight but strong
 
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