2801 rgb being erractic

[JerryB]

I am testing some puck style rgb lights to put up on my fascia, they use a 2801 chip which is the same chip I have for the pixel node holder I got from HolidayCoro.

 

Testing the node holder I can create a smooth test pattern that simply chases across the pixels.

 

Trying to run the same pattern on the lights for the fascia and the lights run bgr instead of rgb, which I found how to compensate for with the controller and the lights don't run smoothly, they jump or hesitate a lot but they do light.

 

What I am wondering is how likely is it that the problem is the distance from the controller to the first pixel. I thought that if the distance was to great than they would just not light at all, or is it common for them to operate in an unpredictable manner when too far away. If so then I assume adding null pixels along the line will solve the problem, just want to get your opinion on if that is the problem before I start splicing in pixels.

 

So, 1) will to great a distance cause the lights to be erratic .... or would they just not work 

 

2) since both the lights for the node holder and the fascia are 2801's, shouldn't they all run rgb or is it possible that 2801's made by different manufacturers would run in different patterns. No idea if the lights are from the same manufacturer or not

[edvas69]

Most lights that I have used are never RGB they are usually a different RGB orientation. But as you said this is easily overcome.

 

Now the 2801 distance will vary on many conditions but the general rule is a maximum distance of 5 metres (16 feet), How far is your run?

 

What controller are you using to drive the strip?

[JerryB]

The controller is a Sandevices  E682.

 

Not sure what the distance is, I laid a wire from where the lights will be to where the controller will be but didn't actually measure it yet, definitely more than 16 feet though so I will measure it and put in some null pixels