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101 display basics
Wiring Pixels to Falcon F16V3
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[QUOTE="TerryK, post: 116983, member: 32169"] "So my understanding is the F16V3 has 16 outputs, and each output can control 1024 pixels, limited by 5 amp per output. So power injection would be the only way to get to the 1024 limit correct? Could I power this tree via the controller without the need for power injection?" [B][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)][FONT=book antiqua]Power injection is necessary once one gets to the 70 pixel number give or take a bit. It depends upon drive level, wire gauge, and pixel type mostly. While a Falcon F16V3 can support 1024 pixels per port, seldom is that done. There is first a threshold in the 700 pixel range where the Falcon cannot support 40 FPS and drops to 20 FPS. The 40 FPS is nicer as it makes color and movement changes smoother. Long strings are also in my opinion harder to manage/store, etc. Based on the 1.3 Amp per string and 32 strings, yes the Falcon F16 could power the tree. Amperage division would need carefully looked at to have both the V1 and V2 power connectors share the load, (32 * 1.3 / 2 = 20.8). I suggest however that while possible it is not realistic to do so.[/FONT][/COLOR][/B] "How many pixel strings can I wire up to each channel? The mega tree calculator says each string, which consists of 54 x 12 VDC pixels, and it draws 1.3amps per string, so each channel could drive 3 strings? This does not exceed the 5A per output. So this would use a total of 11 channels" [FONT=book antiqua][B][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]The graphic indicates a 32 string tree 100% circumference. Most individuals I think create either 270 or 180 degree trees. Be that as it may, 32 strings of 54 pixels at 1.3 amps indicates a drive level of approximate 40%. Because each F16V3 port is rated at 5 Amp, yes a port could support 3 strings. But a limitation on the drive level would need implemented to prevent over driving the port and blowing the fuse.[/COLOR][/B][/FONT] "I has planning on using 12VDC compared to 5VDC becasue it takes less amperage to drive the same amount of pixels at a higher voltage, and amperage limits plays a big part/limitation in the planning." [B][FONT=book antiqua][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]Five volt and 12 Volt pixels in the same series generally require the same or nearly same amperage to properly power them. Most MEGA trees use a WS2811 bullet pixel which generally needs 0.055 Amp at 100% White. While amperage can be a significant part or limitation in planning a display, there are other elements just as importent, wire size and wire lengths for two. And there are others.[/COLOR][/FONT][/B] "The sequence I use, you probably haven't heard of it, it's the" Silicone Chip Digital Lighting Sequencer" it's very archaic, but it has suited my needs, I will obviously need to move onto "xlights" with the pixels." [B][FONT=book antiqua][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]I web searched it a bit. Could not see much as Silicon Chip wants me to subscribe to their magazine. The device designed in 2010 seems to be a AC illumination level/Off/On device only. A 'Flexible' unit arrived in 2020 and WS2812 pixels were mentioned. I am sure other ACL members know more about this unit than I but my suggestion is to depending upon what is a comfortable rate for you, migrate to xLights and a more popular controller.[/COLOR][/FONT][/B] "You mention running 108 pixels per output ( 2 x 54 strings), wouldn't 108 x 0.055 = 5.94 amps per channel, that would be likely to blow fuses? Even if I ran 90 pixels per output, 90 x 0.055 = 4.95 amps, if you then equate, 4.95 x 16 outputs, that's 79.2amps, the F16V3 is only rated to 64 amps. So perhaps power injection would be the way to go? Are my calculations correct?" [B][FONT=book antiqua][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]Your calculations are correct but not exactly what I would consider complete. A Falcon F16V3 has 2 power connectors each rated at 32 Amp. That means that ports 1 to 8 can drive 32 Amp max even though while fused at 5 amp each (which totals 40 Amp). Ports 9 to 16 work the same. You are I think leaving out the drive level which you have not yet specified well. Something not yet mentioned I think is that MEGA trees which have many pixels in a small area are seldom driven hard. A level of 30% seems to be the norm.[/COLOR][/FONT][/B] "I've read that pixels are very bright when at 100%, should the power supply system be designed to work at the 100% limit? 0.050amps is the maximum draw of a pixel when working at 100%? Say if you were to power the pixels at 30%, would you design a power supply system to just work to that limit?" [B][FONT=book antiqua][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]It is your display, you can do as you wish. Most if not all pixels are bright at 100% so most individuals do drive at a lower level I think. The general thought is for a bullet pixel use 0.055 Amp per pixel for 100% White. Wire sizes and supplies can then be designed around that for efficiency and/or cost savings as the users sees fit.[/COLOR][/FONT][/B] "Yes i have read the forum post about regulated and resistor pixels, my conclusion is that the difference is pretty minimal between the two!" [B][FONT=book antiqua][COLOR=rgb(41, 105, 176)]I suggest that you again read the forum thread although I guess differences seen do depend upon the individual. I prefer regulated 12 Volt pixels. I realize they are not as efficient as 5 Volt pixels. Regulated pixels do have for me advantages over resistor pixels which I can use to my benefit when designing a display.[/COLOR][/FONT][/B] [/QUOTE]
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