Need help troubleshooting pixel strand - only 5 lights lit

[CrystalLightShow]

I have a Pixie 4 controller with 100 lights on each of the 4 channels(?). 

Earlier this evening everything was working but as of a few minutes ago only the first 5 lights of one of the pixel strands are lit. 

I know how to troubleshoot my AC strands and when I need to replace them, but I have no idea where to start with pixels. 

From what I have read elsewhere I may be able to splice in a few pixels from another strand to try to salvage things. Is that the right move? Is there another way to do this? 

If I am going to splice in, is there a connecter or method for splicing that works best?

I don’t know how to identify the model of pixel strands I have.  I bought a CPC roofline kit in 2022 from LOR  it just says “White Wire-Bullet Pixels“

Any help is appreciated. 
 

Edited November 30 by CrystalLightShow

[Don]

Don't suppose the 6th bulb is lighting up Red?

Sounds like the Preview isn't configured to use 50 pixels, (150 channels) on each port.

[TheDucks]

First thing. Isolate. Is it the string or the port.

Move the Plug the misbehaving string to the PORT that is behaving,

That string now behaves: Your sequence has issues.

The string still acts up in the EXACT same place. You have a bad node DO of the last Lit or the next node has a bad DI.

I am going to hear flack on this. I use Gel filled B-conn  FOR LOW VOLTAGE ONLY

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KD1JN8H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

BUT ONLY IF there is no strain (the bulbs are supported individually). This is not a strong MECHANICAL connect, but just a wet resistant ELEVTRICAL ONE. All you need is wire stripper and a flat jaw (needle nose) pliers to crimp.

[k6ccc]

11 hours ago, TheDucks said:

I am going to hear flack on this. I use Gel filled B-conn

No flack at all.  I use those or "jelly beans" AKA "Strawberries".

 

[CrystalLightShow]

I have a known good strand of 50 pixels that I was going to swap out for the bad one. 

I touched the plug to unplug it and the whole strand now lights up. So I’m guessing there’s some issue with the connection between the plugs and I somehow moved things into alignment. 

Funny thing is now the last 5 lights don’t light up, but lights 1-95 do. So something isn’t working right- guessing the signal or the power isn’t getting all the way through?

If there’s a “troubleshooting pixels 101” I should be referencing please point me there. 

[Tim Fischer]

I use these for pixel (and sometimes AC) repairs of all kinds:

https://www.amazon.com/Connectors-haisstronica-Waterproof-Insulated-Electrical/dp/B09BJ7FY8X/ref=sr_1_1_sspa

[TheDucks]

1 hour ago, CrystalLightShow said:

I have a known good strand of 50 pixels that I was going to swap out for the bad one. 

I touched the plug to unplug it and the whole strand now lights up. So I’m guessing there’s some issue with the connection between the plugs and I somehow moved things into alignment. 

Funny thing is now the last 5 lights don’t light up, but lights 1-95 do. So something isn’t working right- guessing the signal or the power isn’t getting all the way through?

If there’s a “troubleshooting pixels 101” I should be referencing please point me there. 

De sure you don't have a spec of insulation caught in the green connector clamp (easy to do. I open just enough to get the TINNED wire in. Farrells are a good alternate if you don't solder