DiyLightAnimation

Hardware => Lynx Smart String => Topic started by: davron12 on May 20, 2013,

Title: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: davron12 on May 20, 2013,
Ray's got a new format for the C9's that feature a flat back that would work great to fasten to a strip of something flat (I'm thinking either vinyl or wood). The link below is for the WS2811, but he'll be making them in 12V TM1804 too.

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100nodes-DC12V-WS2811-LED-technicolor-pixel/701799_922162404.html

Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: typoagain on May 20, 2013,
Interesting.
It even looks like it was specifically designed with little notches to use to mount it with. They look perfect for zip ties.
Thanks for the heads-up.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: youngberg1950 on May 20, 2013,
Does anyone know if this black 13.5mm 3core pigtail that is attached will be compatible with the 3core pigtail from the current ssc v4 coop?

 TIA
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: jeffcoast on May 20, 2013,
Looks like they are just regular pixels that you have to get separate C9 covers for. It says they are new covers that screw on. Also looks like he is making them in clear and milky, and faceted and smooth now. Also C7 is listed under similar products.

Smooth Milky http://www.aliexpress.com/item/smooth-milky-C9-covers-100pcs-set/722366603.html
Faceted Milky http://www.aliexpress.com/item/faceted-milky-White-C9-covers-100pcs-set/717454822.html
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: plaberge on May 20, 2013,
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Looks like they are just regular pixels that you have to get separate C9 covers for. It says they are new covers that screw on.

Can't see any threads on the pixels. If the new covers are like the old ones, they just press on.

Paul.
Title: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: txburr on May 20, 2013,
I have a sample set in the mail and will report on them when they arrive.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: barbotte on May 21, 2013,
here are some info on them
the design was made by one of the ausy christmas member ,,, his name is Maggi ,,, he design them because of the failure /corrosion of other pixel on the market .... they are bigger // wider than average so water will not go in ,,,,,then he authorize ray to sell and market them  .... as a test he put them in water for 24 hours all light on then he put them in the freezer ... they became block of ice ,,, and still on ....  there is also some other element to waterproof them that i don't understand but ... they are suppose to kick behind .... more to fallow after they spend 1 winter here where we have snow .. rain ..freezing rain and hail ... .... cheer
as for the c9 cover they will be screw type on ... and they also come with end tail at both end ready to go ...cheer
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: sittinguphigh on May 22, 2013,
That takes it up a notch.
What is LED technicolor pixel?
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: pokey on May 22, 2013,

You can see the threads in the 4th picture....
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: sittinguphigh on May 22, 2013,
Not sure what you mean by the 4th picture.
What LED technicolor pixel is?
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: sittinguphigh on May 22, 2013,
Here is new wall mounted node also. Little less money.

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100pcs-DC12V-WS2811-LED-pixel-node-with-transparent-wire-with-good-cold-resistance-ability/701799_825504922.html
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: arw01 on May 22, 2013,
when you guys order these nodes, do you basically specify you want 40 and they come on the wire already, or do you connect the wires yourself to make them x" spacing?
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on May 22, 2013,
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Here is new wall mounted node also. Little less money.

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100pcs-DC12V-WS2811-LED-pixel-node-with-transparent-wire-with-good-cold-resistance-ability/701799_825504922.html
This one is not ip68 rated so it is not quite as waterproof. Also anytime you want to order something not in the WIKI I would order a few to test with whatever controller you are using to guarentee compatability. And to answer the spacing question, if you email Ray and request special spacing he will give you a quote. Normal spacing is about 3.5 to 4 inches.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: barbotte on May 22, 2013,
here is the info in the new pixel from Maggi ... wacth and learn ,,,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=a5RiyvTshYQ
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on May 22, 2013,
Looks well designed. One question though, Ray lists the power consumption at .3W per node which is the same as the nodes in the WIKI but in the video Maggi says .5W per node which would mean only about 76 nodes could be connected to a SSC if compatible correct? Just looking for clarification as someday I will convert my house to RGB from my current 3 color strands of leds.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: sittinguphigh on May 22, 2013,
It seems these black string nodes will last a long time.
It looks like a lot work went into these.

I wonder if a node could be made separate from the wire that could be connect to a wire. 
So you buy the nodes separate and the wire separate then connect the two.
You choice the length between the nodes.
If a node goes bad just disconnect it and replace the node with another.
Just have to make the node that easy to connect and disconnect and water proof.

I think this could work. It would give you lots of fexiablity.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: plaberge on May 22, 2013,
The video above is very informative - also check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ngJMnoROik&list=UUrUse1_P0JwysF6hY7xybZA&index=1 to see what these look like on his roof with different covers. They look very bright in his video.

If they are .5w per pixel and the strings need to be cut down, it looks like it would be dead easy to turn three 100 pixels strings to four 75 pixel strings. Standard spacing is apparently 8 inches between pixels so 50 feet for 75 pixels.  This may just be the ticket to replace the 200 feet of old incandescent C9's that I'm still mounting on the eaves.  1500w to 150w would definitely cut down on power consumption...

Paul.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: sittinguphigh on May 23, 2013,
If any one knows how to get a hold of this guy and ask him to verify the watts used on one node.
This could create a problem if some one thinks it is 3 watts and hooks up 128 nodes.

Here is the flat node old style video. Not good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RwS5cPPLeI&list=UUrUse1_P0JwysF6hY7xybZA
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: barbotte on May 23, 2013,
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If any one knows how to get a hold of this guy and ask him to verify the watts used on one node.
This could create a problem if some one thinks it is 3 watts and hooks up 128 nodes.

Here is the flat node old style video. Not good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RwS5cPPLeI&list=UUrUse1_P0JwysF6hY7xybZA
i can ask him today when i seem him on the chat room what is the question you need to know ?
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on May 23, 2013,
Is his using the same led as the one in  this link? http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100-node-LED-pixel-string-DC12V-input-new-model-IP68-TM1804IC/701799_495658159.html which is from our WIKI as a supported smart string.

The reason I ask is Ray shows it being a .3W led and magii mentions .5W. Since Ray's specs say 30ma and the original nodes were 29ma it appears you could still attach 128 nodes to the SSC controller. The pixels in the link above say 55-60ma so you could only attach about 66 nodes to a SSC controller. Just trying to figure out if I would be able to connect 128 nodes to RJ's SSC's. Also would like to know where to purchase a sample string with the various covers he mentions in the video. I might have to get the 1804 version as I don't remember if 2811 was supported in the v3 SSC. I believe the new v4 SSC supports the 2811 though.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: sittinguphigh on May 23, 2013,
Yes. We need to know what to specs are on these black node strings.
Watts are the most important per node.
 

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100nodes-DC12V-WS2811-LED-technicolor-pixel/701799_922162404.html

These are rays spec on site.

Working voltage:            DC12V(DC5V also available)
IC type:                         WS2811(we can also use TM1804 or TM1829)
Working current:             30ma                         
Working consumption:     0.3W                         
Working temperature:    40°C- 60         
IP grade:                       IP68                         
Dimension:                    34L*28mmW     
LED type:                       1pcs 8mm round hat RGB LED,common anode             
 LED qty:                        1pcs
Lifespan:                        MTBF>50000h             
Viewing angle:                >90
base material:               PVC
default wire spacing:     10cm long
default wire color:         all black 3 wire wire 20awg(26pcs 0.15square meter wire)
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Mickpat on May 23, 2013,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5RiyvTshYQ&list=UUrUse1_P0JwysF6hY7xybZA&index=3
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: sittinguphigh on May 23, 2013,
Testing video. Water and ice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq13RMdlpu4
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: CW on May 27, 2013,

In the video, he says something about a web site. Does anyone have his site or a forum with more info?
I've seen the YouTube and Rays site.
I like these and would like to find out more about them.
thanks,
Craig
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on May 27, 2013,
I found out an email address at   TechnicolorChristmas@gmail.com. He is waiting on some covers to arrive and will send me a sample string. I plan on testing RJ's new version of v3 firmware for the older SSC to see if it will work with the WS2811 chip when he releases it. If it doesn't I still have one of Rays Test controllers so I can see if I like the strand.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: RJ on May 27, 2013,
You don't need new firmware as far as I know all of ver of ssc firm wares work on ws2811 strings.

RJ
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on May 27, 2013,
Okay I was just going by this post by mimir who said

"I ran ws2811s last year with my v3 modded sscs I used 3 led per 2811 strips that ran on 12volt.  I did have some strings that would work with a different controller I have, but not with the ssc, but the ones that I did have working, worked for the whole month that the display was up without problems.".

So it sounded like it worked with some flex strips he had but not with some other strings.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: sittinguphigh on May 27, 2013,
This the site.

https://sites.google.com/site/njstreetchristmas/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/TechnicolorChristmas

Just verified .3 watts per node with Technicolor Christmas site person.-

Latest updates come from Facebook.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: CW on May 28, 2013,
Thanks for the links sittinguphigh.

Craig
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on June 27, 2013,
I got an email today from Zachary Stoltenberg (the creator of these). He is bringing a couple of sample strands to the Ultimate Academy. I am assuming he is talking about the Academy talked about on this site. Ray will be the vendor for these. But Zachary may do a group buy in August for the price he is able to purchase direct. I sent a payment via paypal for a 5 node sample set but as he only has 20 sample sets I can only hope I was one of the first to order. I hope to find out if the ws2811 will work with my v3 SSC's. And see the various lens covers. Guess I will find out in a couple of weeks.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: sittinguphigh on June 28, 2013,
Great test them good.
Let us know.

Thanks
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: rdebolt on June 30, 2013,
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I got an email today from Zachary Stoltenberg (the creator of these). He is bringing a couple of sample strands to the Ultimate Academy. I am assuming he is talking about the Academy talked about on this site. Ray will be the vendor for these. But Zachary may do a group buy in August for the price he is able to purchase direct. I sent a payment via paypal for a 5 node sample set but as he only has 20 sample sets I can only hope I was one of the first to order. I hope to find out if the ws2811 will work with my v3 SSC's. And see the various lens covers. Guess I will find out in a couple of weeks.

One note about Zach's group buy in August is that it will be 8" spacing only for that buy. If you want different spacing you will need to order them from Ray. I too have a test set ordered.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: curtbl on July 20, 2013,
Did these nodes show up at the academy?  And if so have you tested and gotten any results?  They look promising for mounting and lens options.
THanks
C
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 20, 2013,
I didn't get to go to the Academy and my sample strings I ordered for testing have not arrived yet.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Steve Gase on July 20, 2013,
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Did these nodes show up at the academy?  And if so have you tested and gotten any results?  They look promising for mounting and lens options.
THanks
C
The lights WERE at the academy.  The designer showed them off and each issue I had with the old pixels was address with these new ones.
David at HolidayCoro was selling them and had plenty in his booth.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 21, 2013,
Interesting. I thought only Ray was going to be the source.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: ronniek on July 21, 2013,
I talked to David at the show and he told me his lights did not work with RJ's controllers.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Steve Gase on July 21, 2013,
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I talked to David at the show and he told me his lights did not work with RJ's controllers.
I don't think David had tested WS2811 strings against RJ's controllers yet.  The long-held understanding was RJ only supported TM18xx chips. 
Now, it turns out WS2811 just happens to work -- and I believe RJ plans to officially support them going forward.
So, I think David was just working with dated information, or waiting for someone to officially test them and have RJ officially make the call.
 
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Steve Gase on July 21, 2013,
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Interesting. I thought only Ray was going to be the source.
I spoke with the designer while attending the Academy.  He told me that he offered the design to various manufacturers for free -- he wanted to see the price of these lights go down for everyone which happens when one manufacturer doesn't have a lock on the design.
I believe David is using yet another manufacturer -- not Ray Wu -- for his source, so that implies there are 2 or more sources for these lights in China.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 21, 2013,
I am guessing the hold up on the sample strings is waiting on all the different cover types. At the beginning of this thread it was said Ray would also make them with TM18XX. I haven't seen then on his website yet. I am still waiting to test these WS2811 with the V3 modded SSC's as I saw some people had success last year with those chips and a couple didn't.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: twooly on July 21, 2013,
I just tested with a small sample of 2811 (rectangles, 40 nodes).  I was surprised they actually worked with my v1 ssc :)  Granted very simple test.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 21, 2013,
I just remember a guy last year said it worked with some of his lights but not others. I don't know if it was just certain brands or light types. I would think all ws2811 would be the same if same voltage but maybe not. That is why I want to test for myself.

Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk 2.

Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: combustionmark on July 21, 2013,
WS2811 have a different format, RJ's controllers will work for some of them. Problem is there are different bit rates, just like TM1804. When playing with 2811's be aware of this as well as the voltage.

If I remember right you should look for 800k bit rate. If you must try 2811's, get a sample of what you want to use.

There is a bigger selection of 2811's and use different voltages. 5V seams to be the most popular single LED pixel, 12V 2811's usually have 3 LED's for each pixel, and 24V 2811's are large multi LED pixels.

Using different voltages gets complicated quick. This string has the first 25 pixels at 12 volt, then 1 that is 24, and now 30 that is 5 and ends with 24 at 12, there is still room on this string so I will add some of, and now I have smoke..

Best to use the links in the wiki. These are known to work.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 21, 2013,
So are you saying you tested these and they failed with ssc's?
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: combustionmark on July 22, 2013,
I have not tested, Just a warning when going with 2811's. Going outside the suggested pixels, get a sample. I tried some others out that didn't work.

I have 2811's that have been working fine. Just suspect I received some that were wrong speed.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 22, 2013,
Mimir also had some WS2811 that didn't work last year. And know that I know that the inventor is also letting more than one manufacturer make the strings, it may not help to test the sample from the inventor, as each manufacturer may use a different version of the chip. It would be better to get a sample from the manufacturer. For example Ray and whoever Holidaycoro uses. Does that sound correct?
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Steve Gase on July 22, 2013,
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WS2811 have a different format, RJ's controllers will work for some of them. Problem is there are different bit rates, just like TM1804. When playing with 2811's be aware of this as well as the voltage.

If I remember right you should look for 800k bit rate. If you must try 2811's, get a sample of what you want to use.

There is a bigger selection of 2811's and use different voltages. 5V seams to be the most popular single LED pixel, 12V 2811's usually have 3 LED's for each pixel, and 24V 2811's are large multi LED pixels.

Using different voltages gets complicated quick. This string has the first 25 pixels at 12 volt, then 1 that is 24, and now 30 that is 5 and ends with 24 at 12, there is still room on this string so I will add some of, and now I have smoke..

Best to use the links in the wiki. These are known to work.
I checked with Ray Wu regarding his lights:
 
Quote from: raywu
for the ws2811 ic, we use its high speed mode:TYP. 800us
So, the Technicolor strings should work for RJ's equipment.
 
I've attached the datasheet that he sent me.
 
 
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Steve Gase on July 22, 2013,
Quote
Product Description100nodes DC12V WS2811 LED technicolor pixel
 
Working voltage:            DC12V(DC5V also available)[/b]
IC type:                         WS2811(we can also use TM1804 or TM1829)

I asked Ray to quote 100-node strings with custom spacing for me... both with WS2811 and TM1804.  Everything else is the same.
Ray returned with: 
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 22, 2013,
Wow thats 4 dollars per string cheaper for the WS2811 than is listed on his website for 100 pixels. Still waiting on my sample to test with v3 mod.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Steve Gase on July 22, 2013,
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Wow thats 4 dollars per string cheaper for the WS2811 than is listed on his website for 100 pixels. Still waiting on my sample to test with v3 mod.
I quoted a quantity of 40, and a smaller spacing of 2.5" (to replace 85 pixels at 3" on my tree)
the reduced materials cost (smaller spacing) and greater quantity could have caused much of that $4 discount.
in any case, the comparison of WS2811 vs TM1804 pricing when all other factors are the same should give people an idea of whether the $2/string savings is enough to take on the additional risk if using the WS2811.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 23, 2013,
I got some info on the sample strings today-He is hoping the covers arrive by DHL today. If they do he will ship out the samples tomorrow to those of us who ordered them. When I asked if both Ray's and Holidaycoro is using the same chip so if the sample string worked with the v3 SSC then their strings would work also he replied "I worked with the manufacturer to get pricing so that David could carry them stateside.  Yes, the IC is the same regardless, the only thing that changes with the switch to 2812 is the voltage limitation.  All of these strings, either from us, ray, or David, use the exact same IC, in fact the guts of the string all come from the same factory."
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: rdebolt on July 29, 2013,
Test strings have been shipped!!!
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 29, 2013,
I got his email but haven't received my sample for testing yet. If the ws2811 works with the v3 SSC I will post back here. He also sent details for a group buy happening shortly but I am afraid it might be against the rules to post the info here. Interestingly it doesn't mention the 2812 chip for the group buy so maybe it is for the next generation product. Of course if it doesn't work for the v3, it might for the v4 but I don't have any of those. And Ray can use the TM1804 that is supported as mentioned by Steve but that is only through Ray and not Zachary's group buy.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 29, 2013,
Got my sample string in but no luck so far. First thing I noticed is with all black wire there is no way to tell which pin is the data, 12v, and ground. I took a chance our default would work but no dice. Now I think I killed that SSC because after wiring it back to a smart string it wouldn't light that up either. And the hub fuse is still good. I probably blew a chip or PIC. I emailed Zachary but haven't heard back about the wiring on the connector.
Title: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: aich75013 on July 29, 2013,
I saw this on his Facebook page.

Of course, it doesn't help if it didn't have a pigtail.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: RJ on July 29, 2013,
This is why a few years ago when everyone started to want them made with all black UV wire I said it was a bad idea. sounds great until you have to work with them all the time.

RJ
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 29, 2013,
Definitely not the same as our standard wiring. I will try again tomorrow night. I will have to swap out chips also to troubleshoot the SSC.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: sittinguphigh on July 30, 2013,
I was told 0.3 watts per node when I email him on facebook.

Response was.

Technicolor Christmas The ones Ray is selling are .3w yes. The future version will be more, going to a 5050 LED and updated IC. Keep tuned!

Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 30, 2013,
 I had no luck getting a v3 modded SSC to work with the sample string with ws2811 chip. Nothing would light up at all. I also blew a fuse and damaged the PIC chip. (firmware would load but wouldn't work with SS Utility for start channel). Used a second SSC and made sure it was wired for
yl/gn on connector to blue on SSC for data
brown on connector to red on SSC for power
blue on connector to green on SCC for ground
Which looks correct by looking at the drawings

I then had no luck testing with my TH2010-X controller until I discovered the model that supports our smartstrings doesn't support WS2811 either. I wish I had discovered that before I cut out my first node in case it was bad. I thought it could be bad because when I first tested last night (using the connector wired the way we use it with smartstrings) the first node felt very warm.

So someone else can try a v4 SSC or Steve can report back on the TM1804 version. Steve watch out for the wiring. Can someone confirm I was wiring the connector correctly? Of course in the real world you would want to rewire the strand end and not the SSC end.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Steve Gase on July 30, 2013,
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I had no luck getting a v3 modded SSC to work with the sample string with ws2811 chip. Nothing would light up at all. I also blew a fuse and damaged the PIC chip. (firmware would load but wouldn't work with SS Utility for start channel). Used a second SSC and made sure it was wired for
gr/wh on connector to blue on SSC for data
brown on connector to red on SSC for power
blue on connector to green on SCC for ground
Which looks correct by looking at the drawings

I then had no luck testing with my TH2010-X controller until I discovered the model that supports our smartstrings doesn't support WS2811 either. I wish I had discovered that before I cut out my first node in case it was bad. I thought it could be bad because when I first tested last night (using the connector wired the way we use it with smartstrings) the first node felt very warm.

So someone else can try a v4 SSC or Steve can report back on the TM1804 version. Steve watch out for the wiring. Can someone confirm I was wiring the connector correctly? Of course in the real world you would want to rewire the strand end and not the SSC end.
I am trying to put together a bulk buy at the moment -- but Ray has not been responding.  can you send me his address (...in case it has changed)?
I planned to get my Technicolor strings with TM1809... but others in my buy are getting the WS2811 strings.
I also burned out some SSCs using the wrong wiring with square nodes -- a PIC replacement fixed the issue.  But I burned out my Ray Wu decoder in that activity and that uses a SM chip.  so.... my order includes a new decoder, explicitly with TM180x and WS2811 support. :)
Your feedback definitely concerns me, and makes me wonder if investing in a bunch of new and unproven lights is wise.  :o
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: tbone321 on July 30, 2013,
Perhaps you could post a close-up picture of this node.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Steve Gase on July 30, 2013,
btw... still waiting for the V4 to arrive. 
 
I found a string last night with LOTS of flickering even with V3.
 
With a different string I see a lot of difference between V1 and V3 -- V3 works great, but V1 is terrible. 
 
So, I think I have a useful test bed for SSC comparative testing. :)
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: tbone321 on July 30, 2013,
I would put a pull down resistor on that string that is flickering with the ver3 controller and see what happens.  That string may also just have a bad first node.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 30, 2013,
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Perhaps you could post a close-up picture of this node.
This is better than a picture I could take
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/50nodes-DC12V-WS2811-LED-technicolor-pixel-waterproof-full-color/701799_922175400.html
Maybe rdebolt could confirm my test. I think to be safe I would try to get a sample from Ray with the tm1804 chip to try before commiting to a large order. Unless someone is able to get v4 SSC's to work or if I made a mistake in my wiring conversion.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: rdebolt on July 30, 2013,
Received mine today. Going out to dinner tonight, but will do some testing later with V3.1, V3.2 and V4 if I have time. I have a lot in the fire right now, but will do my best.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: rdebolt on July 31, 2013,
Tried some quick testing last night with a V4 and no luck on getting them to work. I have an email to Zach, but he is not the fastest to respond. I will say that I do know for a fact the the V4 will work with the 2811 chip, so I am not sure what the issue is yet. More to follow.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 31, 2013,
Was I correct in my connector wire color conversion?
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: rdebolt on July 31, 2013,
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Was I correct in my connector wire color conversion?

To be honest Keith, I just used Technicolor's chart and an ohm meter, then made an adapter so that I did not have to change the wiring on my SSC and so that I could quickly go from 1 SSC to another. I did not spend much time on it, so I am not sure what the issue is yet. It is very possible that I do not have it wired correctly too, but I think that I do.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: RJ on July 31, 2013,
something going on as the V3 / V4 either one works on the WS2811 strings. There are different setting on these chips also so that does not mean it will work with all of them. I have a set of normal nodes from ray and it works.

RJ
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: rdebolt on July 31, 2013,
Disappointing news folks. I spoke with Zach today (Great guy BTW) and he told me how the wiring went AND I did have it correct. I even reversed pos and neg just to make sure and still no blinky. Not sure what the issue is, but at this time it does not appear that pixelnet will drive these strings!  >:(

Note: He told me that he tested each set of the test strings that he sent out, so I don't think this is a string issue.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on July 31, 2013,
Looking at the wiring drawing, ground is at the same location as we use but 12v and data swap. I wonder if the spec sheet from Ray that Steve posted at the top of page 4 would tell someone why it doesn't work. Well maybe someone will try the TM 1804 version from Ray and report if it works or not. It sounds like the TM1804 may be only a few dollars more than the WS2811 version.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: rdebolt on July 31, 2013,
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Looking at the wiring drawing, ground is at the same location as we use but 12v and data swap. I wonder if the spec sheet from Ray that Steve posted at the top of page 4 would tell someone why it doesn't work. Well maybe someone will try the TM 1804 version from Ray and report if it works or not. It sounds like the TM1804 may be only a few dollars more than the WS2811 version.

No doubt the 1804 will work,  Not sure if the 1804s are ready to go yet either, I have not contacted Ray yet.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Steve Gase on July 31, 2013,
I was about to finalize an order -- but the new quote returned to the original $55/string.  the price was the same for TM1809 and WS2811 -type strings. 
With your testing, I will recommend to my other Austin-area buyers that they switch to TM1804.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: RJ on July 31, 2013,
Lets stop the group buy talk. There is no group purchases or coops at DLA that are not official. I am sorry but I must insist we follow that rule.

No post or Pm's about offsite group buys. Does not mean you can not have them or that you can not join them. Just can not post or message about them on our site.

RJ
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: rdebolt on July 31, 2013,
Sorry RJ forgot about that!!!
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: zwiller on August 05, 2013,
Can anyone comment on the material these are made from and whether hot glue sticks to them? 
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on August 05, 2013,
UV rated plastic. Don't know about hot glue as the v3 and v4 SCC's wouldn't work on our sample strands with the WS2811 chips the samples came with. So I would say you had better try getting a sample from Ray with the TM1804 chip to verify it will work before purchasing a large order. Unless you will use some other controller. Now RJ has had success with WS2811 strands before so there is something different on how these chips were set up during manufacture.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: aich75013 on August 08, 2013,
I asked Ray to add a small sample of the Technicolor lights with TM1804 chips on them with my order that I received today.
I connected it to my V3 SSC and it works.  I am using xlights to test.
The Data and GND are swapped from what we normally use.
From left to right, it is:  GND-    DATA   12V+


Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on August 09, 2013,
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I asked Ray to add a small sample of the Technicolor lights with TM1804 chips on them with my order that I received today.
I connected it to my V3 SSC and it works.  I am using xlights to test.
The Data and GND are swapped from what we normally use.
From left to right, it is:  GND-    DATA   12V+
Interesting because looking at the jpg on the creators facebook page the male connector says it is power in the upper left corner, data at the bottom, and ground in the upper right. so it shows the power and data switched. So either his drawing is wrong or Ray is doing it different. But rdebolt tried reversing his and it still didn't work for the WS2811. Good to hear the TM1804 version works.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: JonB256 on August 09, 2013,
If the biggest concern is putting power on the data line then use an ohmmeter to find the power (+12vdc) and ground first. They should be very low resistance and the data line should be very high resistance.

Galaxy Note II

Title: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: aich75013 on August 09, 2013,
My sample didn't have a pigtail on the input side, but did have one on the output side. I used that diagram to check the resistance to the input side, to find the 12V and GND wires.
When I mentioned the wire order, that is the 3 wires as they go directly into the first node.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on August 09, 2013,
So I switched my wiring around and still the SSC v3 won't talk to the WS2811 chip on my sample so stay with the TM1804 chip.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: rdebolt on August 09, 2013,
Forgive my Bad drawing, but this is the way Zach told me the wiring went.

Don't know about the 1804 this is for the WS2811
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: txag2008 on August 14, 2013,
Quote
default wire spacing:     10cm long
For those that have seen these in person, 10cm(3.94") is the spacing between nodes correct? So a 100node string would be ~32' 10" long?
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on August 14, 2013,
That was about what the samples were but the shipping versions were to be 8 inches from center of the node to the center of the node according to Zach's email. You should confirm with Ray just in case.

It also appears the wiring is different between the TM1804 and WS2811 versions from what I am seeing in the above posts but either way the WS2811 would not work with the SSC v3.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: sittinguphigh on August 23, 2013,
So is it settled?  Technicolor lights with TM1804 chips work but are wired differently. But the Technicolor lights with SW2811 chips do not work so far.

Now is that with only SSC V3?
No one has tried SCC V4?
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: rdebolt on August 23, 2013,
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So is it settled?  Technicolor lights with TM1804 chips work but are wired differently. But the Technicolor lights with SW2811 chips do not work so far.

Now is that with only SSC V3?
No one has tried SCC V4?

No I tried V4
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: keitha43 on August 23, 2013,
I would wait for Steve Gase to test his when they arrive. He had heard some people in San Antonio got some of the ws2811 from Ray to work. All I can figure is Ray may have used a version of the chip with a communication speed that was compatable with the SSC as we tried all wiring possibilities and the samples we received from the inventor did not work with the ssc's.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Steve Gase on August 23, 2013,
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I would wait for Steve Gase to test his when they arrive. He had heard some people in San Antonio got some of the ws2811 from Ray to work. All I can figure is Ray may have used a version of the chip with a communication speed that was compatable with the SSC as we tried all wiring possibilities and the samples we received from the inventor did not work with the ssc's.
Still waiting... :(
 
I will be sure to test and share my results immediately when these arrive.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: pk on August 24, 2013,
I received a 100 node string of this design using the 2811's and they worked fine during by quick test.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: dduck on August 27, 2013,
Forgive me if this has been answered but can anyone comment on injection requirements?
I noticed at HolidayCoro they mention that injection is required after 50 nodes.
If I use the 1804's on the 100-node string from Ray and connect with Zeus will this be an issue?

Bill


Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: t.jo13 on August 27, 2013,
You need to to look at the amp draw of each node .then look at the amp output of the device you are outputting from. There is a little more to it but that will give a basic idea
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: CW on August 27, 2013,
I received Technicolor ws2811 pixels and built SSC v4 and have done some preliminary testing.  They work but the RGB is not in the right order of red channel 1, green channel 2, blue channel 3.
I programed with the new utility and I used the v4 firm ware.  Depending on smart string device I programmed for, I could get the color order to change.  String = BGR, flex ribbon = GBR, rigid strip = GBR, rectangular modules = GRB, and square modules = RBG. 
I was able to get a sequence to play and that is when I noticed the color was off.  I then tested with xlights and confirmed the color order is off. I feel confident the setup is correct and I check 2 separate ws2811 strings with the same outcome.
It would be great if someone else can confirm the findings, and if these findings are validated, could the SS Utility be updated for the ws2811 nodes in the device type settings, add another button choice?
Thanks,
Craig
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Steve Gase on August 27, 2013,
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I received Technicolor ws2811 pixels and built SSC v4 and have done some preliminary testing.  They work but the RGB is not in the right order of red channel 1, green channel 2, blue channel 3.
I programed with the new utility and I used the v4 firm ware.  Depending on smart string device I programmed for, I could get the color order to change.  String = BGR, flex ribbon = GBR, rigid strip = GBR, rectangular modules = GRB, and square modules = RBG. 
I was able to get a sequence to play and that is when I noticed the color was off.  I then tested with xlights and confirmed the color order is off. I feel confident the setup is correct and I check 2 separate ws2811 strings with the same outcome.
It would be great if someone else can confirm the findings, and if these findings are validated, could the SS Utility be updated for the ws2811 nodes in the device type settings, add another button choice?
Thanks,
Craig
The new utility coming out with the Zeus controllers allows for all permutations of color order.  I suspect new firmware is needed for that capability in the SSCs.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: CW on August 27, 2013,
Good to know. 
I like these new Technicolor pixels and am planning on using this year.

RJ, I would be happy to send you a string to test and review for changes to firmware / utility if you would like to borrow them.

Craig
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: RJ on August 27, 2013,
Thanks but we are done. the firmware has been sent to microchip for the Zeus coop, so we will be ready to order the preprogrammed pics form them. The Zeus and SSC v4 are close relatives to each other. The only difference is the code to tell the difference between chips on the zeus. My point is the Firmware for the SSC v4 is basicly ready and should go out with the new utility before long.

I have run the SSC V4 on WS2811 strings already and they work fine. as you said the colr order needed was just not avaliable yet. we added all possible color orders so even future strings with odd color orders will be support.


RJ
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Steve Gase on August 27, 2013,
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Thanks but we are done. the firmware has been sent to microchip for the Zeus coop, so we will be ready to order the preprogrammed pics form them. The Zeus and SSC v4 are close relatives to each other. The only difference is the code to tell the difference between chips on the zeus. My point is the Firmware for the SSC v4 is basicly ready and should go out with the new utility before long.

I have run the SSC V4 on WS2811 strings already and they work fine. as you said the colr order needed was just not avaliable yet. we added all possible color orders so even future strings with odd color orders will be support.


RJ
Is there a plan to update firmware on v1, v2, and v3 to accept the new color order?
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: CW on August 27, 2013,
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Thanks but we are done. the firmware has been sent to microchip for the Zeus coop, so we will be ready to order the preprogrammed pics form them. The Zeus and SSC v4 are close relatives to each other. The only difference is the code to tell the difference between chips on the zeus. My point is the Firmware for the SSC v4 is basicly ready and should go out with the new utility before long.

I have run the SSC V4 on WS2811 strings already and they work fine. as you said the colr order needed was just not avaliable yet. we added all possible color orders so even future strings with odd color orders will be support.


RJ

Thanks RJ. It sounds like the new utility will work with SSC V4 and Zeus.
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: RJ on August 27, 2013,
Once time permits the V3 firmware will be updated. No updates for V1 and V2. But they can be updated to V3

RJ
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Made2Rock on September 27, 2013,
I just received and finished checking out 25 strings from Ray Wu. They were these

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100nodes-DC12V-WS2811-LED-technicolor-pixel/701799_922162404.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100nodes-DC12V-WS2811-LED-technicolor-pixel/701799_922162404.html)

and yes they were the WS2811 chip.

Out of 25 strings 1 string has a dead LED at the very end and one string had a problem and the last 1/2 of it was only green. Ray Wu suggested a new string to make the order right, to which I agreed and he quickly got it shipped out.

Also I did do some checking of the spacing and found them to be 4 1/4" to 4 1/2" from LED to LED. This is the default spacing.

NOTE: THESE WERE TESTED AGAINST THE SSCv4. I do have a SSCv1 and if I can get the time I'll build it and pass on what I find.

Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Steve Gase on September 27, 2013,
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I just received and finished checking out 25 strings from Ray Wu. They were these

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100nodes-DC12V-WS2811-LED-technicolor-pixel/701799_922162404.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100nodes-DC12V-WS2811-LED-technicolor-pixel/701799_922162404.html)

and yes they were the WS2811 chip.

Out of 25 strings 1 string has a dead LED at the very end and one string had a problem and the last 1/2 of it was only green. Ray Wu suggested a new string to make the order right, to which I agreed and he quickly got it shipped out.

Also I did do some checking of the spacing and found them to be 4 1/4" to 4 1/2" from LED to LED. This is the default spacing.

NOTE: THESE WERE TESTED AGAINST THE SSCv4. I do have a SSCv1 and if I can get the time I'll build it and pass on what I find.

I just received some of my strings as well.  I put my findings in this thread:  http://diylightanimation.com/index.php?topic=12413.0 (http://diylightanimation.com/index.php?topic=12413.0)
 
I found that the 4" spacing was 4" of wire separating the nodes.  the spacing was 5" between LEDs (the extra inch was the dimension of the node.
I also had one string that was bad... I only had 3 come in so far.  The bad string was 100-pixel and worked ok for the first 19 pixels, then off for 2 more, then steady white for the remainder of the string.  I'm going to check out power injection as a possible culprit.  The 50-pixel strings had no issue.
I think from Made2Rock's observations that we can conclude:
1) there is variance in the spacing between "standard strings"
2) there are still manufacturing issues that impact string quality
3) the increased power needs are sure to cause confusion among the community.
 
Title: Re: New Mountable C9's From Ray
Post by: Made2Rock on September 27, 2013,
SORRY!!!!!

The memory is not what is should be. My measurements were 5 1/4" to 5 1/2" So we closer but not exact.

Did you catch the too old to roll part of made2rock. I think the only reason I remember something is so I have something to forget.

Joe