DSC max nodes

[mitch09]

Does the same apply for the DSC as the SSC? Max 128 nodes?

[tbone321]

The DSC i not sending out any control signls so there is no limit on the number of nodes.  What there is a limit on is the total current draw of the string which is 4A.  This is NOT 4A per color but 4A total.

[mitch09]

Is there a formula for calculating amp draw based on nodes or do I need to measure it somehow?

[tbone321]

Sometimes it is listed on the packaging or on the web site that is selling them.  If not, then you would have to measure them with an ampmeter.

[chrisatpsu]

do you have a link to the lights you are using?

[mitch09]

I purchased them from Ray. I wanted to add to a 100 strand to make it 150 if possible. Where do I measure? After the last node I assume. Which wire?

[chrisatpsu]

did you get the dumb node that resemble the smart nodes?  or the dumb flexible strip?

[mitch09]

Both. But using the nodes here

[chrisatpsu]

for the nodes, i almost want to say 66nodes which would give you about 3.96A

[mitch09]

How did you figure the amperage for 166? Should I try to measure the 100 then divide?

[tbone321]

If Chris's measurment is correct, then simply divide 3.96 by 66 which gives .06A per node.  Then multiply that by the total number of nodes which which in your case is 166 which gives a draw of 9.96 A.  This is WAY above what the DSC can handle.  Usually, Ray's site will show the current draw per node and if so, simply multiply that value by the number of nodes to get the total current requirement or divide the number into 4 to give the max nodes of that type that the DSC can work with.

[chrisatpsu]

the led's in the smart nodes (and dumb nodes) by spec use 20mA per color (=60mA or .06A total for full white) this value can change per the resistor being used, but i believe they try to keep it at 20mA per color.

the dumb strips can get away with more led's per amp, as they run usually 3 in series.
a full 5m strip of dumb strips will be .02A per color per section of 3 leds.  (.06A total for the section)
10 section per meter * 5 m  = 50 sections will give you 1A per color, or 3A for full white on 5m of dumb strip.

[mitch09]

How then do we get away with SSC node strings of 128 nodes? .06x128=7.2 amps.

[tbone321]

Smart string nodes are actually .029 or .03 per node according to the WIKI.  That puts it at 3.87 A per string.

[chrisatpsu]

How then do we get away with SSC node strings of 128 nodes? .06x128=7.2 amps.

it's with the resistors being used.  my calculations were on the 8mm led that's used inside.