DiyLightAnimation

Hardware => Lynx Express => Topic started by: tjbrickner on November 22, 2013,

Title: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: tjbrickner on November 22, 2013,
Looking to plan for the inevitable.  I'm sure I could see temperatures in the -20s F this year and want to prepare ahead of time.  Is there a known low-end operating temperature for a v4 LE?
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: tbone321 on November 22, 2013,
It should work just fine but if it does give you issues, just put a C9 bulb in the case and tie it into one of the LE power inputs and it should provide more than enough heat to keep the LE happy.
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: zwiller on November 22, 2013,
+1
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: drlucas on November 22, 2013,
 -20.....it's damn cold!!!


It's going to be a high of 23 Sunday and then 2 inches of snow come Monday. Winter appears to have arrived. I can't wait to see the display with a light dusting of snow on the roof and see how the pixels look.
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: tjbrickner on November 23, 2013,
We already have a couple inches of snow and last night was -15F air temp.  Didn't want to put anything in there if I don't have to, but I also don't want to do it when the temperature gets to be inhumanly cold so I'll just put one in there now.

I almost finished my second one.  I'll try to get an enclosure and try and figure this out.  I was looking at some older posts where previous version had components that weren't rated for extreme colds and was curious if the current version addressed all of that or not.
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: tbone321 on November 23, 2013,
I believe that the ones that had components not properly rated were a mistake but -20F does push it even with rated components. 
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: taybrynn on November 23, 2013,
Mine have done fine on the roof buried with snow probably down to -10 f
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: chrisatpsu on November 23, 2013,
Looking at the current BOM for the Express, most components can operate as low as -40C or -55C

the only things that seems close to your temp range (-20C) were of all things the sockets that hold the chips, which show a min operating range on -25C.

to be on the safe side, i'd add a c9 in there as well.

If you unplug your show, maybe plug it in at least 10min before the show comes on.
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: Rich Renn on November 23, 2013,
It Is 25 degrees with winds around 20 to 25 miles an hour first big test tonight and all worked well, and running it wireless







Richard
(Ohio)
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: zwiller on November 23, 2013,
The issue with the v4 and extreme cold weather is only a voltage regulator.  Back in the day I ran a few v4s and had issues.  RJ had found a component that worked in the extreme cold.  Sent me a few, soldered them in and all was a good as v5.  Did some searching for you but that is many years ago and I am striking out.  Fact of the matter is, it so much easier to throw in a c9 (I used a c7) and your good to go.  Save the voltage regulator mod for a day when you can put it on the bench...  -20F is cold as a witches... 
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: drlucas on November 23, 2013,
..isn't 60 cold for RJ though, did he go to the local supermarket and work out of a freezer to test!

Just kidding - i'm jealous of you folks south of the border! about an inch on the ground...first snow fall of the year.
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: dudehenry3 on November 24, 2013,
73 here bright and sunny . Wish we had snow guess ill have to import that
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: twooly on November 24, 2013,
We've had snow since mid last week and it's been darn cold, single digits.  Hoping for this week to at least get back to normal in the 30s so I can put stuff out.
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: jnealand on November 24, 2013,
I'm in the sunny Atlanta area and it was 27 this morning.  I moved south for warmth.  Would you guys keep the cold up your way.  Thanks.
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: drlucas on November 24, 2013,
I think my boss went down for the Dolphins game today....perhaps he had a layover in Atlanta? I'm sure when he comes back tomorrow he'll remember to bring the cold back with him...........
Title: Re: LE v4 Operating Temperature
Post by: RJ on November 24, 2013,
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The issue with the v4 and extreme cold weather is only a voltage regulator.  Back in the day I ran a few v4s and had issues.  RJ had found a component that worked in the extreme cold.  Sent me a few, soldered them in and all was a good as v5.  Did some searching for you but that is many years ago and I am striking out.  Fact of the matter is, it so much easier to throw in a c9 (I used a c7) and your good to go.  Save the voltage regulator mod for a day when you can put it on the bench...  -20F is cold as a witches...

They stopped making that part a couple of years go but I bought a few hundred. But since then sent them all out to people to update their V4's so I have none left.

RJ