Extending CCP string lead

[TheUltimate]

Hi all! I am using a CCP this year for arches and will need to extend the lead on one of the strings to reach my second set of arches. Is there an extender cable to purchase (I need about 20') or a way to make my own???

Thanks!

[Crazydave]

I think you would be pushing the limit of the voltage and the data distances.

a few feet should not be problem.. but 20' is pretty long in the world of 5v pixels.

I can usually go 15' without a problem but 20 might be just a little too much

there are 4-conductor extensions you can get online.....

http://www.aliexpres..._541169977.html

I will check tonight to see if they fit the CCR connectors.

Edited September 17, 2012 by Crazydave

[TheUltimate]

It's most likely less than 20' and I could do two 10' extensions (one to each string). Would that solve the voltage drop issue?

[Crazydave]

There are two problems that you are dealing with.

#1) Voltage Drop for a given load the longer the extension... the more the voltage drop. This could result in the colors at the ends of the strings drifting off towards red.

#2) the chip communiction limit. the chip in each pixel can only transmit the data over a certain distance (including the intial transmission from the controll). 10' is MUCH more reliable than 20' The could result in improper activity by the pixels (ie pixels staying on, or doing funny things.

so if you use one (1) 10' extension on each of the two strings... I think this would PROBABLY work ok. You may start to see a color shift on the end, but at 10' the data should still make it. That being said... I know that LOR does some Voodooo magic to make their pixels work differently than the standard pixels. I think it's gonna be one of those try it and find out.

Edited September 17, 2012 by Crazydave

[TheUltimate]

I measured it out and it's 14' between arches. So I could do 7' extensions to each string or one 14' extension. Which would you recommend?

[Crazydave]

Those extensions I linked will NOT work they have a different connector

The LOT connector has a flat key...and the Ray Wu has a sliver key.

If you know how to solder you can make your own extensions.

Edited September 18, 2012 by Crazydave

[edvas69]

I think LOR put some safety factor with their leads as i have extended my CCRs cables by an extra 2 metres with no issue, But as dave has mentioned the distance limitation will be the data, voltage drop can be minimised by using a decent guage cable for the extension.

A bit of playing around and experimenting may be needed to see how far you can push it

[jbzeus]

Hmmmm, I asked this question and discussed with LOR. They basically told me no to extending due to the amount of info being transferred and it was not a good idea.

[edvas69]

Hmmmm, I asked this question and discussed with LOR. They basically told me no to extending due to the amount of info being transferred and it was not a good idea.

http://forums.lighto...-wire-question/

Cutting the cable will void the warranty, but if a plug can be sourced that fits the CCP plug and an extension is made up then you could extend the range as the general specs for pixels (im not sure whats in the CCP) is around 5 metre signal distance, but this can vary depending on cable used and outside interferances, so its more a thing that requires some playing around with. What LOR basically say is that they will not guarantee it will work and rightfully so as LOR have designed the cable length to ensure that the CCP will work in nearly all situations, by extending the cable you are now running the CCP outside of the LOR design specs, this doesnt mean it wont work though.