Prototype for nodes under the eves

[twooly]

Here's my new prototype for hanging my nodes under the eves of my house.  Did the j-channel thing last season and just wasn't happy with it, like the idea but had a couple of issues, at least the way I did it.

May need to step it down one more size on the pvc, undecided.  Still deciding if I'm going to do the crawford clip way or continue with my bolt already in the eve/wing nut.

Now for the pictures...

[jnealand]

What I would be concerned about is that you are making a nice water trough there.  I would at least put in a drain hole between the bulbs.  Someone, Lonewolf maybe, did a version where he cut a 1/2" slit in the pipe and then slid the bulbs in.  That put the wire in the pipe and the opening down so that way the water would not collect.  I've thought about doing that but the 1/2 slit would need to be carefulliy cut.  I think the version I am recalling was done using a router.

[chrisatpsu]

why not try to put the nodes and the SSC inside 10ft thinwall PVC, then put end caps on each end, you only need to drill one hole for the cat 5, and the entire system in sealed)   or if you want to really see the nodes, put them in extruded acrylic just big enough to fit in the nodes, and then use a bushing, or adapter on one end to go to the 1" pvc for the SSC?

[twooly]

I would actually have small holes on the bottom to let the water out, did the same on my j-channel.

I actually like that idea of all in the pvc Chris.  Only downfall maybe not being able to tell when nodes are out?  I kind of like the look of the nodes but never hurts to test/play    Thats what you built your arches out of right?

[chrisatpsu]

I would actually have small holes on the bottom to let the water out, did the same on my j-channel.

I actually like that idea of all in the pvc Chris.  Only downfall maybe not being able to tell when nodes are out?  I kind of like the look of the nodes but never hurts to test/play    Thats what you built your arches out of right?

yeah, but i used sections of dumb strips instead of nodes...

but i also gave the option of extruded clear acrylic. that way you can directly see the nodes. the acrylic is clear. and if you keep to a small diameter tube, it'll keep the costs down.  but with a completely sealed unit, there would be no water to get in.

oh yeah, plus you would just need those clamps to hold the whole thing in place (maybe 3 total per tube)

[twooly]

Hmm ok decisions decisions.  One of my reasons for the setup was my wife, she insisted they had to all be straight/going the same direction.

Thanks looks like I have more playing to do.

[youngberg1950]

I would actually have small holes on the bottom to let the water out, did the same on my j-channel.

I actually like that idea of all in the pvc Chris.  Only downfall maybe not being able to tell when nodes are out?  I kind of like the look of the nodes but never hurts to test/play    Thats what you built your arches out of right?

yeah, but i used sections of dumb strips instead of nodes...

but i also gave the option of extruded clear acrylic. that way you can directly see the nodes. the acrylic is clear. and if you keep to a small diameter tube, it'll keep the costs down.  but with a completely sealed unit, there would be no water to get in.

oh yeah, plus you would just need those clamps to hold the whole thing in place (maybe 3 total per tube)

Have you had any issues with the acrylic getting warm and bowing? I've thought about doing this but worried if the wall was too thin it wouldn't remain straight.

[chrisatpsu]

what would warm the acrylic? it's melting point is around 320 degrees F, i think

[chrisatpsu]

oh, i just realized, at least from the place that i get it, i can only get it in 6ft lengths...  (i was thinking pvc for the 10ft)

[warspyder]

I like the idea. I have been thinking about something like that for C-7 lights, but never got past the thinking part. With the node lights, this looks like it will work great. I also want to build some window frames.

Keep up the good work and please keep us posting!

Mark

[JonB256]

I'm looking at some Square PVC pipe from US Plastics.
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

More expensive that the round, but I like the look. Easier to drill, too. The 3/4" is 0.060" wall thickness and the SS Pixels are supposed to be able to push and lock into that thickness. 12mm hole in the front. 14 or 16mm hole in the back. I suppose it would need weep holes, also, along the bottom side.

[chrisatpsu]

I'm looking at some Square PVC pipe from US Plastics.
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

More expensive that the round, but I like the look. Easier to drill, too. The 3/4" is 0.060" wall thickness and the SS Pixels are supposed to be able to push and lock into that thickness. 12mm hole in the front. 14 or 16mm hole in the back. I suppose it would need weep holes, also, along the bottom side.

those are dark gray

these are clear...
You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

cost less too 

[lonewolf41]

What I would be concerned about is that you are making a nice water trough there.  I would at least put in a drain hole between the bulbs.  Someone, Lonewolf maybe, did a version where he cut a 1/2" slit in the pipe and then slid the bulbs in.  That put the wire in the pipe and the opening down so that way the water would not collect.  I've thought about doing that but the 1/2 slit would need to be carefulliy cut.  I think the version I am recalling was done using a router.

Yep, it was me.  See here:  You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login.

-Keith

[vairmoose]

On the square tubing,  how would you seal the ends,,,  or was the intent to leave them open?     

Larry