RGB LED Pixels on an actual tree?

[benmilner]

Hi,

I'm looking at incorporating some Rgb led pixels into my display next year but what I want to do I can't find anyone who has done before to ask advice from, I wonder if there's a reason for this.

I'm looking at something like the WS2801 chip pixels in a strings plugged into the E682 but instead of horizontal or vertical lines along the roof of the house or on a mega/pixel tree frame I want to wrap these around the branches of a large tree in my front garden. I want to wrap these around the individual branches rather then just wrapped around the whole tree in one go.

Has anyone seen this done before? Can anyone think why this would be a bad idea?

[WilliamS]

First look into ws2811 Pixel type. They are half the price, and on my 14 strips in total have had 0 errors, issues, or loose leds or IC's. The 2801 is a 4 wire setup, makes it more delicate. All of my 2801 strips have had mulitple falilures. In fact I cant wait to pull the matrix I built out of 2801 early in the year out of the ground and run screaming twoard the dumpster with the whole damn thing.

As for wrapping a tree, use these 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. Just take the time to seal each one with silicone and do not pull hard on the wire you can run them like any other christmas light.

[benmilner]

Thanks William, when you say seal with silicone do you mean the point where the cables meet the pixel?

Do you use yours with the E682's? Is it sufficient to drive power to the strings or do you use a separate tramsfomer/psu to provide the strings with power?

I'm a little confused to how many pixels I can put on one of the 16 connectors? Is one connector on the board one 'universe' and there for 64 pixels?

[thebaronn]

Hello!

I use the E682 with my WS2811s. I love them! IMy understanding is that you can power 50 Pixels per connector without adding power down the line. I run mine at 48 pixel per connector for 768 pixels per board. 5 DMX universes of 510, 510, 510, 510 and 264.

Mine have been outside since late October and I have only had to replace 4 pixels out of 3840.

[thebaronn]

In response to your first question: I have never wrapped a tree with the WS2811 pixels.

I have wrapped a tree with Galaxia pixels.......But that was a bad dream I think.

I suggest the flat type WS2811 as opposed to the tube pixels. As long as your don't stretch the pixels, you will be good to go.

[benmilner]

That's great. Thanks for the reply(s).

[Max-Paul]

Hey Baron, Why would you suggest the flat strips for? We know that they a flexable, but I believe that there is a minimum radius.

What would that be?

[WilliamS]

Im sticking to the type in my first post. As well yes fill in the area where the wires enter the pixel to make sure no water gets in. Use a flexible pixel that is not acidic. GE Silicone II, not silcone 1 but 2.

[thebaronn]

Hey Baron, Why would you suggest the flat strips for? We know that they a flexable, but I believe that there is a minimum radius.

What would that be?

I own the tube and the flat 2811 pixels....

I am not the nicest when it comes to handling of things (if it jams, force it, if it breaks, it needed replacing anyway). I find that I have 0 yanked apart pixels from the flat ones and I have at least 10 from the tubes. I have 4k flat pixels and 200 tubes.....

And!!! when you inspect the flat pixels, it is very easy to see if they are sealed correctly (important when you are buying pixels from China, ALWAYS INSPECT AND TEST ASAP)

Also, if you do decide to order from Ray, you can ask for specific lengths between the pixels. He usually has 4" but I ordered 5" to give myself extra room for any errors on my side.

You can order pigtails also. You can also buy assembled boards. Yes I went the DIY route with as little DIY as possible.

Receive pixels, power supply and boards!

Attached power and pigtails to connectors on the board.

Setup controller.

Sequence!!

Done!

I hate the word solder......

Good Luck!

[caniac]

I own the tube and the flat 2811 pixels....

I am not the nicest when it comes to handling of things (if it jams, force it, if it breaks, it needed replacing anyway). I find that I have 0 yanked apart pixels from the flat ones and I have at least 10 from the tubes. I have 4k flat pixels and 200 tubes.....

And!!! when you inspect the flat pixels, it is very easy to see if they are sealed correctly (important when you are buying pixels from China, ALWAYS INSPECT AND TEST ASAP)

Also, if you do decide to order from Ray, you can ask for specific lengths between the pixels. He usually has 4" but I ordered 5" to give myself extra room for any errors on my side.

You can order pigtails also. You can also buy assembled boards. Yes I went the DIY route with as little DIY as possible.

Receive pixels, power supply and boards!

Attached power and pigtails to connectors on the board.

Setup controller.

Sequence!!

Done!

I hate the word solder......

Good Luck!

You sound like my kind of man!! Not that I can't do all that I simply don't want to, just let me plug it all in and get to sequencing.

[thebaronn]

You sound like my kind of man!! Not that I can't do all that I simply don't want to, just let me plug it all in and get to sequencing.

AGREED! Besides the twins hurricane and tornado will find a way to help out any way they can.

I had to order a new set of connectors from Jim for the E682 controller.....

I occassionaly find them in odd places in the house.

When it comes put together, that doesn't happen!!

I agree, I love to sequence!