DiyLightAnimation
Hardware => Lynx Smart String => Topic started by: mitch09 on November 19, 2012,
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Is there a limit to the length of wire between DSC and first node? I am using a DSC with 50/50 flex strip.
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A DSC doesn't have the "data line length" problem that pixels can have. Your concern will be voltage drop over the wire between the DSC and the strip. To minimize the loss, you either keep the distance short or use heavy gauge wire (heavier than you might normally use). Losing more than a volt could be noticeable. The thing you have working for you is that flex strips don't use much current, therefore the power/voltage loss is reduced. (the power formula is Current Squared (in amps) times the resistance of the wire in ohms)
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I'm only looking at 4-5 feet max and only powering just over a meter of lights.
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you could use anything larger than CAT5 wiring for that. No problems.
CAT5 wire is 26 gauge, pretty light
I keep a spool or two of harvested green wire from old, dead incandescent strings. It is either 24 or 22 gauge and would be perfect.
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I'm only looking at 4-5 feet max and only powering just over a meter of lights.
No Problem and unless the light strip is something different than anything I have seen a little over a meter is no problem on the Cat5 cable.
RJ
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Thanks. I was just going to use the wire right from Ray b
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For a meters worth, you can get away with using the 4 conductor telephone wire for handsets and or extensions. It's pretty light (usually 26 gauge) so it's a little bit of a challenge to solder, but works pretty well with a 20 foot length and about 24" of led strip at the end.