16X50 Pixel Tree and Star Issues

[Larroke]

I have a 16X50 Pixel tree on a (ID-70) Pixie16 Ver. 1.08 and a (01) 16PC-G3 Ver 1.09, I picked up the TOS Deluxe show and converted the sequences to use my plebian preview (Matching unit IDs).

I'm new to this and have had a couple issues I'm hoping to get guidance on.

First; I configured unit IDs on each unit separately, but didn't test them chained together inside.  Once installed outside the Pixie16 reset to ID 01.  While I solved this, I just wanted to know if it was a common issue that's going to come up again?  Am I better off hard setting the IDs with the DIP switches?

Second; The Star Topper refuses to recognize its new reality. I have a 16x50 Pixel tree, with 10FT extension to the controller.  The star is connected at the end of port 16 at the top of the tree, and does have the addresses mentioned in the kit Assembly guide (7F, starting Circuit 151).  It will not turn on in either the HU test, or the CP Test Lights feature. I may not have something configured correctly.  What should I be checking?

Third; I picked up the TOS deluxe RTG.  And am just now noticing the star isn't part of this show.  I am confused by the note stating the RGBPlus sequences require the 4 port director.  I'm using a computer to run the show so didn't think it was suitable for me.  Does the RGBPlus package run off a pro license on a PC?

Thanks

[EWard]

Any luck with the star issue? I am having the same problem

[Larroke]

Nothing yet.  I have more opportunity this weekend to tinker though.

[dibblejr]

The RGB Plus sequences are designed for the N4 G4 directors , if you have every prop different props are on different networks.

Yoi can use them in your own preview but will have to copy paste or in the different previews within the sequence there is one called “for your home” or something like that. You can add the props you have to that list and will have to assign the networks you have according to the prop definitions

More than likely the star is not working because your # of pixels per port is not set up correctly.

Follow the below to set these.

Hardware Utility - search for and find the controller

At the bottom of the screen select “configuration”

on the next screen select “cosmic color ribbon- pixie configuration”

If the next screen is a rectangular one select “advance” at the bottom left of the rectangle.

You want to see a square screen that shows all ports.

Change the number of pixels per port, ensure the pixel type is WS2811 800 khtz while there. DO NOT change the Logical Resolution- it should remain at 50.

 

Hopefully that helps both of you

JR

 

 

[dibblejr]

One more item

if the Dip Switches are set from the factory that are set at unit ID 01.

You can turn the dip switch that is on to off and set the unit ID to 70.

Or you can use the dip switches to set at 70.

I prefer turning off all dip switches and use the HU but it’s your equipment

 

JR

[Larroke]

Thanks Dibble!

I also got the same advice from tech support.

After setting my pixels per port to 100 the star works like a charm.  But...  My unit IDs reset back to 01 again. I didn't think my unit had dip switches. I'll have to get up to the control box and verify.

[dibblejr]

13 minutes ago, Larroke said:

Thanks Dibble!

I also got the same advice from tech support.

After setting my pixels per port to 100 the star works like a charm.  But...  My unit IDs reset back to 01 again. I didn't think my unit had dip switches. I'll have to get up to the control box and verify.

Just noticed you are in Alabama. Where you located? Pm me if not comfortable posting city.

JR

[k6ccc]

41 minutes ago, Larroke said:

But...  My unit IDs reset back to 01 again. I didn't think my unit had dip switches. I'll have to get up to the control box and verify.

Sounds like you had changed the Unit ID with the Hardware Utility, but left the DIP switches to Unit ID 01.  If the DIP switches are anything except all off, the Pixie will read the switches at power up - over riding what you had set with the HU.

 

[TheDucks]

Gen 2 Pixies have switches. Gen 1 did not.

[Larroke]

18 hours ago, dibblejr said:

Just noticed you are in Alabama. Where you located? Pm me if not comfortable posting city.

JR

Phenix City

[Larroke]

16 hours ago, TheDucks said:

Gen 2 Pixies have switches. Gen 1 did not.

I just purchased so I would think it was Gen 2, I will get up there and check.  Thanks

[dibblejr]

1 hour ago, Larroke said:

I just purchased so I would think it was Gen 2, I will get up there and check.  Thanks

It will have dip switches. 

JR

[Sparky4u]

I purchased the cpc-package-pixel-tree-16x50 for a8’ tree with 2” spacing. The problem is if I do 2” spacing the strips that were sent only have space for 48 pixels.  I would have to place a couple of the at 1” spacing. Does this sound right?

[Jimehc]

they supply an extra mounting strip - which you would cut &  splice onto the shorter strips

[k6ccc]

Assuming that the pixel mounting strips come in 96 inch length (very common), Jimehc is correct that it is very easy to splice those together.  You notice those small holes between each pixel mounting hole.  Overlap one pixel hole, and put a couple small zip ties through the small holes to "splice" the strips together.  The other option is to not overlap the two strip sections except at the little holes.  The first method has the advantage that there ends up with a better mechanical connection because you can have more zip tie connections, but the downside is that it is harder to push the pixel through the overlap segment where the pixel has to go through two pieces of strip plastic.  The second method results in a weaker mechanical connection, and it is more likely to be mis-aligned.  If the strips will be under substantial mechanical stress (pulled normally), I recommend the one pixel overlap method.

BTW, in case you're wondering why the strips come in 96 inch segments, it's because the plastic material that the strips are cut from commonly comes in 4 x 8 foot sheets.

 

[TheDucks]

Also you will want even MORE holes than just for the LEDS. You need Top and Bottom Anchor places.

IMHO Overlap, use 4 ties. it is stronger and less likely to twist out of line (and a tie can fail in the sun, giving you a chance to fix. 💡 Put the spliced section near the bottom so it is easy to reach)