DiyLightAnimation
Hardware => Lynx Smart String => Topic started by: sittinguphigh on January 04, 2013,
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Just received a email from Ray. New smart string using the TM1804IC chip soon to come out. Lower profile, brighter and less likely to come apart. The brightness of about 300 mcd per individual r/g/b LED. The normal smart string total 1600 mcd total for the whole string. At least this is what is said in the description.
It seems like this will give more options for the lights.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/DC12V-input-WS2811-pixel-node-100pcs-a-string-injection-molding-type/701799_722405450.html
Ray wu: Dear Mort
as many customers want the TM1804 type in this shape, i plan to make a new PCB, it should come out in about 10days, i will post it on my website then, i will inform you,please wait my news.
thanks and best regards
Ray
ray@rita-light.com
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Awesome. Let us know when they are on the site.
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This has also been discussed here with another post that our members sent Ray a email
http://diylightanimation.com/index.php?topic=11066.15
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The WS2811 product is rated IP66. Ray has not said anything about this new offering, but I can guess it will be the same.
Based on our experience from the original smart string (rated IP66) we had quite a few issues with water. The next generation, with IP68 rating did much better.
Before we all jump on this new offering, we should let a few people be guinea pigs and run them through their pages in wet conditions.
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I was thinking on how to secure each node to the wire better with some kind of liquid rubber out of the tube that turns solid.
This would also help with the water problem to.
It may be good to do this with the new smart string coming out to.
Hanging these things up and down each year will create weakness in the wire connection to the nodes.
I don't think any one enjoys repairing smarts strings each year.
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Can we ask Ray to make these in the IP68?
Sittingguphigh, my thoughts of use for these where to attach these to some pvc with electric tape/zip ties on either side of each node with some strain releif in the wire to prevent damaging the nodes.
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Maybe Ray will make them in the IP68 if the new ones sell good. Ray it seems to move when enough people start emailing him asking for some thing. So I would start emailing him.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/DC12V-input-WS2811-pixel-node-100pcs-a-string-injection-molding-type/701799_722405450.html
I use my smart strings in the worst way on a horse that is moving and pulling all the time.
It would be nice if node had a little hole threw them on each side on the node to secure it.
But that would be asking to much.
I am thinking on a nylon tube. Strong. Never break it. Burn a hole threw the nylon (just one side) for the bulb then secure the node to the nylon tube. I would leave a little slack in the wire between nodes. Every thing would be inside except the bulb part. That way it hides the wire from site and keep the wire from catching on any thing. I would have clips on both ends easy to connect and put away. This way I could roll it up in a wheel storage with no damage.
Of coarse I only need a 90 degree visual site of the node on my horse.
http://www.countrybrookdesign.com/webbing-and-hardware/tubular-nylon-webbing
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These might work very well for my leaping arches. Much easier to thread thru the tube and less money than the flex strips. I guess that when the time comes, I will add a string of these to my sample order to see what works best.
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Has anyone received notice from Ray about these new nodes?
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I got this reply from Ray this morning.
"Dear Paul,
thanks for your kind inquiry, the below type is only IP66,because is made by injection machine, not by silicon filling.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/DC12V-input-WS2811-pixel-node-100pcs-a-string-injection-molding-type/701799_722405450.html
how about the below type,which is real IP 68 rated:
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/DC12V-input-WS2811-pixel-node-100pcs-a-string-IP68-rated/701799_735789822.html
of course, we can make it with TM1804 IC 12v.
looking forward to your reply!
thanks and best regards
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Ray"
I ordered a few the 735789822 alternative with the 2811 IC a while back, They are definitely waterproof but do not provide the ease of mounting of the flat bottom design. I've told him that several DLA members are interested in using these for mega trees and we are looking for a simple and reliable way of mounting these on a strong, flexible and inexpensive and possibly translucent strapping. I've also enquired about the possibility of him manufacturing something with 12mm pre-punched holes with 4.25 in spacing. Will let you know when I hear back.
Paul.
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Thanks for the update Paul!
Please keep us informed as to what you find out. I thought he was already making them in the TM1804?
Doug
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He may well be, the link may simply have been for illustration.
Paul.
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I just email Ray again.
He said they have TM1804 chip in these nodes.
I have a feeling Ray is not answering these emails.
Or least not answering all the emails.
Ray wu:
07:30 Jan 16,2013
Dear Mort
yes, we have the same type with 12v TM1804, could you let me know how many you need?
thanks and best regards
Ray
ray@rita-light.com
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It's a cloned Ray. There are probably 50 different people behind the scenes.
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Maybe Ray is there Smith. Everyone just keep emailing asking for that kind of nodes in a TM1804 chip.
Maybe some one will get the hint.
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Has anyone see these pixels before? http://www.rita-light.com/ShowProducts.asp?id=44 OR these: http://www.rita-light.com/ShowProducts.asp?id=45
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Yes. They want 69.00 for 50 nodes. Not cost effective.
http://www.ledlightinghut.com/tm1804-ic-led-pixel-module.html
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Those are from Rita Lighting, same company as Ray Wu. Before saying they are too expensive, I'd have to ask Ray for a personal quote. Might be substantially less. Plus, I didn't see a Waterproofing statement.
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^+1
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Message today from Ray. Not sure if it is the Ray look alike but. lol
Ray wu: Dear Mort
thanks for your reply! this is a new product, i will post it on line next week,
it is 100pcs a string.
thanks and best regards
Ray
ray@rita-light.com
Keep the emails coming. To bad there only 100 nodes.
But I'm sure after the first one comes out we can get Ray to have different lengths.
DLA people buys a lot of smart strings strings.
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Don't get too concerned about the number of lights. These 3-wire pixels are easy to cut and splice to any length (up to the SSC max, anyway).
These things: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Wire-IDC-Telephone-Data-Splice-Connector-100-Pack-/350606520448?pt=US_Phone_Cords_Jacks_Plugs&hash=item51a1c6f080
let me do very quick repairs and splices. They have silicone sealant to make a water-proof connection when crimped with a simple set of pliers. No stripping, no soldering, no heat shrink.
Now, these are "cheaper" than what you'd buy at Home Depot, but not ridiculously priced.
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Now that's a good idea. Here are one that a have three inlets.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/50-QTY-LOT-3-Wire-IDC-Telephone-Phone-Data-Quick-Gel-Splice-Connectors-/251205029195?_trksid=p2047675.m2109&_trkparms=aid%3D555003%26algo%3DPW.CAT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D154%26meid%3D4945185286163060228%26pid%3D100010%26prg%3D1091%26rk%3D5%26sd%3D350606520448%26
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Now that's a good idea. Here are one that a have three inlets.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/50-QTY-LOT-3-Wire-IDC-Telephone-Phone-Data-Quick-Gel-Splice-Connectors-/251205029195?_trksid=p2047675.m2109&_trkparms=aid%3D555003%26algo%3DPW.CAT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D154%26meid%3D4945185286163060228%26pid%3D100010%26prg%3D1091%26rk%3D5%26sd%3D350606520448%26
I'd forgotten about these splice connectors. That's definitely the way to do it. Thanks for the tip. Picked up a couple of packs.
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Let us know how they work out.
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Just got the email about the new TM1804IC in the flat node. They made two different types.
Not sure if there are right for what we need.
The specs are different. Two different discrimination of the Red wire. one says 12v and one says 5v.
I have email Ray to look into it. I think it maybe a misprint. I don't think 5v would carry 128 nodes.
They do come in 128 nodes line.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/DC12V-input-TM1804-pixel-node-100pcs-a-string-injection-molding-type-IP66/701799_739435903.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/DC12V-input-TM1804-pixel-node-100pcs-a-string-injection-molding-type-IP66/701799_739435903.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/128-nodes-DC12V-input-TM1804-pixel-module-injection-molding-type-IP66/701799_739455638.html
iring as below:
RED: DC12V+
GREEN: DAT
BLUE: GND
RGB Pixels are digitally-controllable lights you can set to any color, or animate
Each RGB LED and controller chip is molded into a 'dot' of silicone.
The dots are waterproof and rugged.
There are four flanges molded in so that you can 'push' them
into a 12mm drill hole in any material up to 1.5mm/0.06" thick
They are typically used to make outdoor signs. Compared to our other 20mm LED dots
these are diffused 8mm LEDs so they are not as bright but they color mix a little nicer.
The pixels are connected by a 3-conductor cable. Red is +5V, Yellow is Ground, Green is Data and
Data is shifted down from one pixel to the next so that you can easily
cut the strand or attach more onto the end.
Each dot is digitally controlled, with an internal 5-bit PWM LED driver (15-24bit color for 32,768 different shades). The pixels must be clocked by a microcontroller
The pixels use 8mm diffused RGB LEDs
with brightness of about 300 mcd per individual r/g/b LED.
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I thought IP68 was a better waterproof.
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It is but not offered on those type of pixels. Kind of needed though.
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These look better then the ones we have been using. In waterproofing and strength.
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I thought IP68 was a better waterproof.
IP68 is better waterproofing, but because of the way these are constructed with the wires out the side they cannot be IP68. The IP68 have the wires coming out the back.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/led-pixel-node-WS2801-DC5V-input-IP68-50pcs-a-string/701799_722405738.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/led-pixel-node-WS2801-DC5V-input-IP68-50pcs-a-string/701799_722405738.html)
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I see the specs are not that acute on a lot of Rays lights.
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The problem with the injection molding was the problem we had with the first generation pixels from Ray.
It may be fine if the pixel pcb is centered in the mold, but they are not always centered.
My 1st generation pixel nodes had quite a few that had exposed parts on the pcb due to sloppy manufacturing.
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I have been asking Ray for about a year for this type of design and he had replied to me
when he got the engineers to look at it and design the boards to fit in the case, I have already built
some metal U-channel out of 22 gauge metal with a design to drill holes for the node to stick up through
the hole then hot glue it and the c-9 covers over it which would give for a easy install and take down with
even more water proofing I will take some pictures tomorrow and post them.
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Now, here we go...
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100nodes-DC12V-input-WS2811-pixel-smart-node-IP68-rated/701799_739435981.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100nodes-DC12V-input-WS2811-pixel-smart-node-IP68-rated/701799_739435981.html)
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Now, here we go...
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100nodes-DC12V-input-WS2811-pixel-smart-node-IP68-rated/701799_739435981.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100nodes-DC12V-input-WS2811-pixel-smart-node-IP68-rated/701799_739435981.html)
I like the fact that these are better IP rating but I ordered some of these type nodes in the ws2801 chips to play with last year and
the wires would be twisted and folded under on some and the stuff that seals them is hard as a rock so the wire length between each node was very
erratic.
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All OK with the new RGB TM1804IC smart string nodes. Red wire is 12v. The specs have been changed.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/128-nodes-DC12V-input-TM1804-pixel-module-injection-molding-type-IP66/701799_739455638.html
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Only down side is their ip66
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I see that he has 50 and 100 nodes strings also
If anybody orders then and they work fine. Let me know so I can add them to the wiki
Thanks
Rick R.
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Only down side is their ip66
Ray, Did you have any others of similar design with IP68 rating on their way?...
Dear Steve,
sorry, no other type.this one can only be IP66, because it is made by the injection machine, instead of the silicon filled.
best regards
Ray
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I just wanted to make sure you guys realize that although the link I posted says 2811 the IC is in fact the 1804. IP68, rear entry though.
Now, here we go...
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100nodes-DC12V-input-WS2811-pixel-smart-node-IP68-rated/701799_739435981.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100nodes-DC12V-input-WS2811-pixel-smart-node-IP68-rated/701799_739435981.html)
I like the fact that these are better IP rating but I ordered some of these type nodes in the ws2801 chips to play with last year and
the wires would be twisted and folded under on some and the stuff that seals them is hard as a rock so the wire length between each node was very
erratic.
Thanks. I am ordering some, we'll see what how they turn out. My goal was to insert them into 1/2" holes on 2.5" centers, maybe 3". We'll see if the wires become an issue.
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Make sure you get the right ones you want. There are two different models.
One has entry to the chip by the side and the wire is covered by the rubber very well.
The other has entry from the bottom The wire is barely covered.
They come in 50 , 100 and 128 node strings.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/128-nodes-DC12V-input-TM1804-pixel-module-injection-molding-type-IP66/701799_739455638.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/128nodes-DC12V-input-WS2811-pixel-smart-node-IP68-rated/701799_739433953.html
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Has any one ordered the new flat smart strings TM1804 nodes.
I'm hoping to have the money next week to buy 4 strings.
Like to know how good they are?
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Is the spacing the same as the TM1804IC. A 50 count flat SS TM1804 approximately 12' to 14'?
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Whatever you do, don't order the "injection molding typeIP66" such as here:
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/DC12V-input-TM1804-pixel-node-100pcs-a-string-injection-molding-type-IP66/701799_739435903.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/DC12V-input-TM1804-pixel-node-100pcs-a-string-injection-molding-type-IP66/701799_739435903.html)
Ray told me in chat they will not stand up to moisture.
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No information on that.
These nodes are about a inch long.
I figure about 3 inches between nodes looking at the pictures.
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like most other things, you should be able to specify the distance between nodes...
to make sure you get a good consistent spacing, I'd order in cm, instead of inches.
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Interesting you said that. It seems the descriptions on the site are not always correct.
If you look carefully at the flat IP68 type TM1804. They have a shell over the node and chip .
Then are injected with some thing.
The IP66 type are made just like the long IP68. Casted around the parts.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100-node-LED-pixel-string-DC12V-input-new-model-IP68-TM1804IC/701799_495658159.html?_componentAcceptorEnabled_=false
The wires in the flat IP68 are barly hanging on.
I have some bad nodes take fell off because of that problem.
See the picture of the flat node IP66. You can se the casing line. And see the node pieces by the wire not knocked off. This is just like the first long nodes.
Maybe we should ask for 5 nodes of each to kind to check out. Go threw some tests.
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Message about the new flat nodes from Ray.
Dear Mr.Mort,
The first 12mm round type is real IP68 rated, with silicon filled inside.
the second flat type is IP66, not IP68, because it is made by the injuection machine.
but i think it can be used in the rain, i have tested them in the water, they work well all the time.
by the way, we have put the conformal coating on the inner PCB.
thanks and best regards
------------------
Ray
The two new flat node strings.
The first node the wires go out the sides. More secure. But there IP66. Ray said they tested fine in water.
Injection molding. I would like these nodes IP68. But these may be modified with silicone I think to seal them up to IP 68.
The second flat nodes the wires go out the bottom. The wires are not as secure. But the nodes are IP 68 molded 'dot' of silicone. I don't like the fact the nodes can't be laid flat against the wall. Have to be careful with the wires.
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So of the three pictures which are IP68? I see the first pic is of the old smart strings and I assume they are IP68. Are both the flat new strings IP66?
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So of the three pictures which are IP68? I see the first pic is of the old smart strings and I assume they are IP68. Are both the flat new strings IP66?
The top and bottom picture from the post above yours are IP68. The one in the middle is IP66.
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Yes your right. As in the return email from Ray said. The top one is IP68. The middle one is IP66.
The way they make the IP68 is you start with a mold and inject silicon into it with the chip and wiring in the rubber mold. As you can see in the third picture the mold on the out side of the flat mold.
I guess at one time the round long nodes were made injection mold IP66. Don't know if they were just a bad design or what.
I'm going to send Ray a email to see if I can get a sample of both and let him know our concerns.
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I am waiting on a shipment of the IP68 nodes in pic 3. Order held up by the holiday of course. Plan to test em in a bucket of water overnight but not expecting issues. Will post results.
Technically I think the IP66 "should" be good for our purposes since they shouldn't get submerged continuously, but perhaps the factory is lax about this. Certainly snow and rain are not heavy seas. I don't recall the previous nodes at IP66 getting a conformal coating. I am not 100% convinced all the IP66 failures were water intrusion since we are now on our 3rd version of the SSC.
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I had multiple failures due to rain on the original ip66 nodes. They ran fine until it rained every few days.
Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk 2.
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Zwiller if can check the wires and see if they will hold up.
I know the round long IP68 have been delicate with the wire in puts to the nodes.
Like I said before I think they would be better with the wires coming out the side of the node.
I email Ray for sample of both or have him send out a video with him testing them.
As far as a selling point it would be good he had testing videos.
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Keith, what was your failure percentage? Over 10%?
I shot a PM to a member who had no issues with all his IP66 side entry nodes. There's some discussion about these over at DIYC. I sense the new conformal coating is being a big help.
I will advise about wire strength but all my stuff gets mounted permanently to reduce this. I also saw a concern that the wires leaving the node are a problem with these.
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Keith, what was your failure percentage? Over 10%?
I think I replaced around 72 or so out of 1008. After that first season Ray agreed for me to ship him back all the ip66 nodes in exchange for the newer ip68 version. Unfortunately due to parent illness I couldn't run a show last year but the reports I saw were they performed much better for others. It was worth the cost to exchange them I think.
Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk 2.
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Good to hear the side entry flat nodes seem to have no water problems.
I hope Ray will do a video using the side entry flat nodes in water.
If these side entry flat nodes have much more strength that will help with hanging them.
So you don't need a strengthening line.
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Got my stuff from Ray today. Burning in the new style nodes (IP68 rear entry style ) and after nearly 4 hours I have no issues. That said, I only got a single strand of 100 to play with. Seem well built to me. Will report back after bucket test.
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Cool. Let us know how strong the wire connects seem.
I email mail Ray about the IP66 flat side entry node strings being water resistant enough.
Ray said he is going to test them with water and take a picture and send it to me.
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Ray sent me a couple of pictures doing a bucket water test with the flat side entry RGB nodes.
Looks good.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/128-nodes-DC12V-input-TM1804-pixel-module-injection-molding-type-IP66/701799_739455638.html
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I still wouldn't trust IP66 outside. The bucket test doesn't take into accout that unless your nodes are mounted onto a rigid non moving surface, that wind during rainstorms will cause the wires to move back and forth while being saturated with water. Plus I think on my original IP66 nodes that water would occasionally get in through the led side of the node casing one of the leds to quit working which would make the colors be wrong. I mean if they were that waterproof they would be listed as IP68 wouldn't they? Speaking as someone who had to battle a whole season of cutting and splicing nodes and then having to spend over 300 dollars to ship 1008 nodes back to Ray to get IP68 versions after the season was over was something I never want to go through again. Now that season I was using double paracord for mounting so the wind could have contributed to the problem.
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You do have a point. They may work fine. But a real test would be to let one of us go threw some heavy testing.
I was thinking why couldn't they use the flat nodes bottom entry IP68 and just change them to side entry when making them. It seems a simple thing to do.
I wonder if there is a way to seal the flat nodes IP66 up.
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When i was on his site yesterday i thought i saw the same node set up in Ip68 12v 1804 ect i will go back and double check :)
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I think you were seeing one that looks similar but the wires come out the back instead of the sides of the square.
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That could be.
I think the bucket test was good test.
We have to hope they have learned by the last IP66 nodes.
The only thing they could have done more is move nodes around in the bucket.
But they may have done that.
Sometimes it is as good as it gets. You just have to jump in and see what happens.
As we have seen with every thing JR has built. And you make adjustments to make it work right.
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Been busy for the past 1.5 years, wow those square nodes look COOOLLL.
Is it just me, does anyone else thing a molded loop on the back, over a main cord would be awesome? Something to take all the weight load off the wires?
Haven't seen these, so maybe they are fine without them.
Just a thought.
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Yes. Some thing to keep the wire from coming out.
I had this problem with the old nodes.
The side entrance node is better I feel then the bottom entrance.
I was thinking on a node that is separate and can be connected to the wire.
This way you would buy a box of nodes and connect them to the wire your self.
Maybe screws.
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So, any comments on how well these worked out?
Thanks,
Steve
Make sure you get the right ones you want. There are two different models.
One has entry to the chip by the side and the wire is covered by the rubber very well.
The other has entry from the bottom The wire is barely covered.
They come in 50 , 100 and 128 node strings.
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/128-nodes-DC12V-input-TM1804-pixel-module-injection-molding-type-IP66/701799_739455638.html
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/128nodes-DC12V-input-WS2811-pixel-smart-node-IP68-rated/701799_739433953.html
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Here is a video of test done with the type where the wires come in the side. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RwS5cPPLeI Not good. This guy is developing his own. Nightowlz1966 references them below.
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So the part number 581805567 at Rays shop with the wire out of the back is the one that is better than the one on the sides? The video comments seemed to elude to that...but when I look at the description of the product, the model number has IP68 in it, but description says IP66. So I'm guessing either they really are IP66 or this was a cut/paste error when the new product line came out.
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If you want a flat node and want it water proof here is a new solution at Ray's store.
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)
He can make them with any wire length between nodes and he can also make them with any chip these are the ws2811
which I believe the Version 4 SSC's will support
( DON"T HOLD ME TO THIS WITHOUT CHECKING)
They where desgined back Zachery Stoltenburg which does A LOT of pixel testing here in the states and wanted a better
solution for all of use to use and in the next few weeks it will have several different screw on bulb covers to use with them
Check out Zachery's videos testing them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5RiyvTshYQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5RiyvTshYQ)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ngJMnoROik (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ngJMnoROik)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq13RMdlpu4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq13RMdlpu4)
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These new black string nodes seems to be designed better.
Has any one tried them out yet?
I hear you can order a set of five for testing from Zachery Stoltenburg.
Two sites you can find Zachery Stoltenburg.
https://www.facebook.com/TechnicolorChristmas
https://sites.google.com/site/njstreetchristmas/
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100nodes-DC12V-WS2811-LED-technicolor-pixel/701799_922162404.html
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He was going to send me a set to try. He is waiting on more covers. I had emailed him.
Sent from my Thunderbolt using Tapatalk 2.
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Thanks for those links and info. I am just wandering through his pages now ... haven't found a link yet to request some to test.
I am just making a list of things to order from Ray so I have something to test when my SSC and DSC arrive. I also want to see what I like and more importantly ... what my wife likes.
I'll probably end up ordering one string of each node type listed on the wiki that I am interested in and a few selected from posts here in the forum.
It adds up quickly :o
These new black string nodes seems to be designed better.
Has any one tried them out yet?
I hear you can order a set of five for testing from Zachery Stoltenburg.
Two sites you can find Zachery Stoltenburg.
https://www.facebook.com/TechnicolorChristmas
https://sites.google.com/site/njstreetchristmas/
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100nodes-DC12V-WS2811-LED-technicolor-pixel/701799_922162404.html
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Here is the email address I used. TechnicolorChristmas@gmail.com
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Wow...the technicolor pixels look great in the videos....testing looks real solid too.....any brightness difference between an 1809 and 2811?
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No none that I know. But Zachery said he was working on a brighter LED node for the black node strings.
A 5050 LED node.