Pixie 4D, non-repsonsive pixels at freezing temps.

[rcoaster]

I went from a CCB system last year with 100 pixels to a 250 pixel setup this year with a Pixie 4D. It's running a beta firmware that has a proper stand-alone functionality. The show runs off a G3 Mini-Director set at 500K. I switched to all new 12v C9 pixels from Holiday Coro (this was before LOR started offering their own 12v CCB strings). The power supply is a 200W 12v power supply, all the pixels total 120W, and I added 12 watts to power the mini-director. The director is powered by the Pixie 4D via a POE set-up. 

During the warmer days (above freezing) all the bulbs behave normally. When the temperature drops below freezing, on Port 1 (which has 100 pixels) only pixels 1-80 behave normally, 81-82 are static color and the rest are off. On Port 4 (which only has 50 pixels), Pixels 1-23 work normally, and the rest remain off. Port 2 has 100 pixels as well, and they all behave normally. Port 3 remains unused. 

Any suggestions what I should check? I tested everything inside my house, running the show for several hours without any issues before installing them outside.

[dibblejr]

Whats the distance from controller to first pixel(s)?

Doesn't say where you are at on your profile.

What RS485 adapter?

JR

Edited December 11, 2017 by dibblejr

[k6ccc]

Move to a warmer climate

it sounds like you are finding the temperature where those pixels start failing.  The failure points are likely the most sensitive of the pixels.

RS-485 adapter should not apply since you’re using a director.

 

[dibblejr]

13 minutes ago, k6ccc said:

Move to a warmer climate

it sounds like you are finding the temperature where those pixels start failing.  The failure points are likely the most sensitive of the pixels.

RS-485 adapter should not apply since you’re using a director.

 

I missed the not using computer part. 

JR

[TheDucks]

Also Check your 12V when it is cold. It may drift. IMHO set to  12.6 when at room temp. give safe breathing room.

[rcoaster]

Thanks for the suggestion about the voltage- I'll check the voltage levels. The LED driver (Pearlight) is rated for operating temps between -22 thru140F, and I couldn't find it's load derating curve, but based on other led drivers, the load would drop off at higher temps, not lower. So, at 27F, it should be at 100% voltage. I'll confirm tonight. It does say that there's a drift of ± .5 volts. The output is non-adjustable, and is fixed at 12V. 

As for the distance between the controller and the lights, the run down is this: 

Port 1: 100 pixels, 8" spacing between pixels, there is a 13' run between the controller and the first pixel.  

Port 2: 100 pixels, 8" spacing between first 50 pixels, 4" spacing between the 2nd 50; 10' run from the controller to the 1st pixel. 

Port 4: 50 pixels, 4" spacing between pixels, 11' run between the controller and the first pixel. 

By the way, I'm located in Rochester, NY and it was 27F last night, and no thanks, I like my cold air.  

[rcoaster]

Thanks everyone for their suggestions- the temps dropped to 16F and all the lights went out. I recently tested it, and found the voltage at 2.7. So, it's the power supply. Ordered a Mean Well 12V power supply this time, and will follow up once I get it from Amazon and install it. Pearlight Technology? Forget it- cheap chinese crap.

[k6ccc]

2.7 volts!  That would do it - all right...

 

[Dennis Laff]

Well just to let you it's not the C9 pixels I have a couple 100 from Hoilday  Coro  on  my house and I live in the Chicago IL area  never  had a problem  with  the cold.