DiyLightAnimation

Hardware => Lynx Smart String => Topic started by: salongaopm on September 28, 2013,

Title: what is the max lead wire from dsc to lights?
Post by: salongaopm on September 28, 2013,

What is the Max lead wire from dsc to lights? Which wire gauge is better,  22, 20 or 18? Does it matter if the wire is copper?

Title: Re: what is the max lead wire from dsc to lights?
Post by: Steve Gase on September 28, 2013,

there isn't really a max because there isn't a data signal to degrade.
instead, there is plain DC voltage that will drop off due to the resistance in the wire.  larger wire will help...  but, use 25' as a reference -- we do that for powered-pixelnet.


i'm sure someone will respond with better specs. :)

Title: Re: what is the max lead wire from dsc to lights?
Post by: tbone321 on September 28, 2013,

There is no set limit for the DSC.  Unlike the SSC, the DSC does not send a control signal to the nodes, it simply controls the power to the RGB LED's in the nodes.  The only limit is the voltage drop created by resistance in the wires and the heavier the gauge (lower number) the farther you can run it.  So to answer your second question, heavier is better and it really depends on the number of nodes on the string.

Title: Re: what is the max lead wire from dsc to lights?
Post by: rrowan on September 28, 2013,

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

heavier is better

I keep telling my doctor that but he is not buying it.  >:D

Rick R.

Title: Re: what is the max lead wire from dsc to lights?
Post by: tbone321 on September 28, 2013,

LOL, yea, me too

Title: Re: what is the max lead wire from dsc to lights?
Post by: keitha43 on September 28, 2013,

Then I must be in peak condition. Maybe I will go walk me a marathon next weekend.

Title: Re: what is the max lead wire from dsc to lights?
Post by: salongaopm on September 28, 2013,

thanks to all.

Title: Re: what is the max lead wire from dsc to lights?
Post by: arw01 on September 29, 2013,

To piggy back on this thread, what TYPE of wire are you guys using from the DSC to the lights themselves?  Had been thinking of a strandred irrigation wire for the longer runs, or plain cat 5 for some shorter runs, but perhaps there is something better?

Title: Re: what is the max lead wire from dsc to lights?
Post by: tbone321 on September 29, 2013,

I would avoid using cat 5 simply because it's a real PITA to strip properly and it really wasn't intended for this purpose.  Irrigation wire would work much better and was designed to deal with current loads and is water proof but remember, you need 4 conductors for dumb strings.

Title: Re: what is the max lead wire from dsc to lights?
Post by: Steve Gase on September 29, 2013,

I'm using 20awg/ 4c Stranded Security/Alarm Cable.
Stranded is better.
Twisted pairs in cat5 will have no value for this application.

Title: Re: what is the max lead wire from dsc to lights?
Post by: salongaopm on October 01, 2013,

how about the one on the link below:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/18-4-Control-Security-Burglar-Alarm-Cable-500FT-Stranded-White-500-Speaker-Wire-/121025808177?pt=US_Surveillance_Cables_Adapters_Connectors&hash=item1c2db34731#ht_1768wt_1170

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239&cs_id=1023903&p_id=4042&seq=1&format=2

Title: Re: Re: what is the max lead wire from dsc to lights?
Post by: Steve Gase on October 01, 2013,

You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

how about the one on the link below:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/18-4-Control-Security-Burglar-Alarm-Cable-500FT-Stranded-White-500-Speaker-Wire-/121025808177?pt=US_Surveillance_Cables_Adapters_Connectors&hash=item1c2db34731#ht_1768wt_1170

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239&cs_id=1023903&p_id=4042&seq=1&format=2

both will work well.

Title: Re: what is the max lead wire from dsc to lights?
Post by: salongaopm on October 01, 2013,

the monoprice item is copper and the ebay one is only CCA =Copper-clad aluminum. if they both work fine, i will probably just get the ebay item since it is a lot cheaper.