RJ -
It's great to see you working on RGB projects and bringing everyone to Christmas Lights Version 3.0!
Are you starting to feel the next limit is being moved from hardware to software (sequencing)?
A few questions:
* Is the voltage just dropped at the SS controller or are the pixels actually a higher voltage?
* Did the wiring get dropped in gauge to support that many Pixel Nodes or is the voltage bump enough?
* Did you work with the mfg to fix the gap issue in the backs of the Pixel Nodes?
* Are these 6803 or WS2801 pixels?
* What is the break point for power injection (I see 128 in the video)?
* Support for Pixel Modules and Pixel Strips?
* How do you set the start DMX address for each pixel?
* I'm guessing there is a custom plug-in for vixen to support this since it's not E1.31? Will non-vixen clients be able to support these?
Thanks,
David
Awesome! How soon till a Coop?
Three wires allowed them to seal it better.
It sure seems like you have done some leg work here. I know that with the 2801/6803 pixels, which seem to look a bit like yours, have had issues with sealing and it looked like there was a gap in the base of the wire. Are the boards encapsulated or sealed in some way before the clear jacket is installed? Have they faired well in "in water" testing?There is no additional power injection the limit of a smart String is 1 - 128 nodes (lights) or 3 - 384 channels. Because it does not use a DMX universe as a break there is no penalty using less than 170 nodes of lights on a string.
So I could program one string of say 50 pixels and pickup another string of 100 on another port but logically they would be addressed as 1-150 in a single universe? Is the order of where they are plugged in on the splitter make a difference?
Do you have an estimate for the per pixel pricing? Under $1 per pixel?
Any plans to release other formats - Pixel Modules or Pixel Strip?
Thanks!
david
Awesome! How soon till a Coop?
In a month or less.
RJ
Do you know how long the window for the co-op will be open? Is the co-op just for the splitter & controller with the pixels to come later?
Here is a quick question, will the upcomming Conductor be able to work with this?
Awesome! How soon till a Coop?
In a month or less.
RJ
Do you know how long the window for the co-op will be open? Is the co-op just for the splitter & controller with the pixels to come later?
The coop will be for all the Smart String Componets including the Pixel Strings. They will be options and you will choose how many of what you want.
RJ
Is the quick co-op a result of the new paypal rules going into place in 2011?
RJ,
I'm surprised nobody's brought this up yet...
Will wireless DMX be able to integrate into the hub?
RJ,
I'm surprised nobody's brought this up yet...
Will wireless DMX be able to integrate into the hub?
The final hub has a DMX out port on it that you jumper to select which 512 channels it outputs. The wireless hooks here and sends out your wireless DMX.
So in other words you can have channel 3684 of PixelNet be your DMX Start and it would be DMX channel #1 on your expresses for example.
Or you can have Channel #1 of PixelNet be you DMX start and Channel #1 of PixelNet will be your Channel #1 on DMX.
Make sense?
The whole system is designed around the minimum and simplest of hardware to get the job done. The other requirement being that it is completely DIY so simple means less to build. This in turn means cheaper. The only cost that is fixed, so I had no control over, was the power supplies and pixel strings but they cost the same for every system. Because I am using higher voltage I need less power supplies also so my mega tree only needs on inexpensive $40 power supply. When you increase the voltage each amp has much more wattage so you then need less amps to do a given job.
RJ
There is no additional power injection the limit of a smart String is 1 - 128 nodes (lights) or 3 - 384 channels. Because it does not use a DMX universe as a break there is no penalty using less than 170 nodes of lights on a string.
RJ -
While in discussion with someone else who is on the "professional" side of RGB pixels, he mentioned the large patent portfolio that Philips owns. Here a document that explains what their patents apply to: https://www.ip.philips.com/services/?module=IpsLicenseProgram&command=View&id=100
I'm not sure if this is FUD or real. Of course for $500 shipments from China, this stuff isn't an issue but for $100k+ of stuff, these seem to become issues.
Is this an issue for the strings that will be imported?
RJ,
I'm surprised nobody's brought this up yet...
Will wireless DMX be able to integrate into the hub?
The final hub has a DMX out port on it that you jumper to select which 512 channels it outputs. The wireless hooks here and sends out your wireless DMX.
So in other words you can have channel 3684 of PixelNet be your DMX Start and it would be DMX channel #1 on your expresses for example.
Or you can have Channel #1 of PixelNet be you DMX start and Channel #1 of PixelNet will be your Channel #1 on DMX.
Make sense?
The whole system is designed around the minimum and simplest of hardware to get the job done. The other requirement being that it is completely DIY so simple means less to build. This in turn means cheaper. The only cost that is fixed, so I had no control over, was the power supplies and pixel strings but they cost the same for every system. Because I am using higher voltage I need less power supplies also so my mega tree only needs on inexpensive $40 power supply. When you increase the voltage each amp has much more wattage so you then need less amps to do a given job.
RJ
Ok if I read this right, then you can send DMX out from PixelNet (any given 512 chs), I think the original question was can Pixelnet be wireless or does it need a CAT5 connection to the modified dongle, instead of using a "modified" TX/RX ver2?
EDIT 11/02/10: Just re read your post or do you mean that "PixalNet" can take over a single DMX Channel, but control over 3048 Pixals? So it could recieve the info from a standard TX/RX or even a modified or newer EX/RX?
Hope a wireless option is available since my neighbor and I are looking for a multi house display in 2010 (already worked for halloween) that will be expanding for 2010 Christmas and obviously 2011 Xmas (Hopefully with these ;D)
BTW Thanks for mentioning this can basically replace LED Triks II, now my budget really has gone.
OMG!!!! This is just amazing work.
You sure are something RJ. <res.
I've been really closely following the 'other' sites with their development in RGB strings and this looks like this is going to beat them in per/pixel cost, which is in my opinion the 'big' factor in considering RGB for the displays.
Just have a question if you have a rough idea how much will a individual pixel string and string controller cost. Just asking for budgeting purposes.
I will never thank you enough for sharing all you do with us.
PD: Suggestion on the name for the new toys: LynxPixel, LynxNet
Leo
Looks great. Wish the coop was starting after the holiday season!
RJ... as always I'm impressed and very interested.
One quick question; I see on the video that you are using some female RJ-45 connectors. I have an immediate for some and have not found a cost effective part. Could you please let me know what is the part # of the ones you are using and where you got them?
Thanks,
Ricardo
There is no additional power injection the limit of a smart String is 1 - 128 nodes (lights) or 3 - 384 channels. Because it does not use a DMX universe as a break there is no penalty using less than 170 nodes of lights on a string.
I'm a bit confused on this whole matter. I thought DMX could handle only 512 channels. I remember hearing mentioning of DMX universes. Can anybody explain (or point me to a web page) how we can get so many channels?
P.S. RJ, do you have videos online of your Christmas light display on your house? I'm surprised that it's never been mentioned before around here.
Wow...almost 1300 bucks to fill a hub and thats just for the strings!! :o
I knew I needed a second job for a reason!! :P
Here is the questin that has been sorta asked but never clearly.... Is there going to be a wireless solution for pixelnet itself?
Wow...almost 1300 bucks to fill a hub and thats just for the strings!! :o
I knew I needed a second job for a reason!! :P
If you use 128 node strings (40 ft long) and do 16 of them then yes.
I am replacing my mega tree with 16 strings 70 nodes long. This is costing me $705.
This is replacing 48 strings of 70 leds from CDI that average $13 a piece. This cost $624 and allowed me to do red, green, blue, white.
The smart string hardware is costing me ~$30 for a hub and ~$120 for controllers So $150 total.
The 3 Expresses to run the normal leds cost $65 for $195 total.
So Smart String mega tree = $855
The Standard LED 4 color mega tree = $819
It is true that leds are not cheap but we all knew this.
So it is hardly more and I can do any color and control all the leds instead of only strings. I do not think it is bad looked at what it replaces.
RJ
Looks great. Wish the coop was starting after the holiday season!
The coop is planned to run until Mid January.
RJ
My wife will not be getting much for Christmas this year.
I need Smart Strings.
I am sooooooo addicted.
RJ, please slow down. My wallet hurts.
John
RJ -
While in discussion with someone else who is on the "professional" side of RGB pixels, he mentioned the large patent portfolio that Philips owns. Here a document that explains what their patents apply to: https://www.ip.philips.com/services/?module=IpsLicenseProgram&command=View&id=100
I'm not sure if this is FUD or real. Of course for $500 shipments from China, this stuff isn't an issue but for $100k+ of stuff, these seem to become issues.
Is this an issue for the strings that will be imported?
Not sure what this has to do with them. If you are talking about the MPH issues with the Ws2801 the patents that are a problem with them are not an issue on these says the Manufactor.
RJ
My wife will not be getting much for Christmas this year.Silly,
I need Smart Strings.
I am sooooooo addicted.
RJ, please slow down. My wallet hurts.
John
Kill two birds with one stone. My wife is getting smart strings for Christmas. Won't she be surprised!! ;D
Steve
RJ -
While in discussion with someone else who is on the "professional" side of RGB pixels, he mentioned the large patent portfolio that Philips owns. Here a document that explains what their patents apply to: https://www.ip.philips.com/services/?module=IpsLicenseProgram&command=View&id=100
I'm not sure if this is FUD or real. Of course for $500 shipments from China, this stuff isn't an issue but for $100k+ of stuff, these seem to become issues.
Is this an issue for the strings that will be imported?
Not sure what this has to do with them. If you are talking about the MPH issues with the Ws2801 the patents that are a problem with them are not an issue on these says the Manufactor.
RJ
Do you trust what the manufacturer has to say who really just wants to get sales. If planning a large shipment i would find out what possible patent exists with Phillips and RGB LEDs and what possible impact there maybe with the Phillips patent as it could start up litigation and the lights being stopped by customs.
I would do further investigation as i wouldn't just trust what the Chinese supplier believes as this could end up being a very costly oversight if there is a patent on the RGB leds that Phillips owns and the stock is stopped by customs and litigation is started by Phillips.
On saying the above, if your using the Phillips Chromasic 1 chip for the LEDs in the string then this will bypass any of Phillips RGB patents and there shouldn't be any issue, so i am told.
RJ they look like a great refinement of the technology and you should be commended for your great efforts. My only issue (unless you have secret plan) is that it only focuses on strings and now days there are a lot of different RGB options out there like strips, modules etc, which all have their installation benefits.
This is an amazing development. The cost point here is excellent. <res.
RJ,
It is not clear to me from reading this but I get the impression that the strings can be cut to size and adapted. IS that true? Also, each of the string controllers can go up to 128 nodes, can one string controller handle two strings of 64 nodes (or any other combination)? I got the impression that was possible but it is not 100% clear.
Anyway you slice it this is a huge development
Frank
RJ
What is the spacing between the nodes so we can figure the lengths we need & will we be able to order any length or will there be set lengths.
Mike
Looks great. Wish the coop was starting after the holiday season!
The coop is planned to run until Mid January.
RJ
Great, so it is reasonable to expect that we can send in payments then in January? Had to tighten in the budget a bit expensive year with our first house, first baby, first $7,000 dollars of house taxes and first attempts at being blinky ;) I will let the audience in general figure out what is more costly, eheheheh.
This all looks and sounds cool. I guess I am the only one who does not understand them completely. I would like to see a small short demo of a sequence to show some of the things you can do with the Smart Strings. I saw the random lights blinking but do you control each light or the color in a string?Ron,
Ron
SuperStarLights.com has the closest to doing a string like that right now. His will do 50 RGB lights to a string,but only can run with LOR's S2 software.
RJ said he was working with LightShowPro for next year.
So with a dongle & power supply & small controller in the coop these Smart Strings will work with nothing else.
Mike
I really don't think that you are going to have much of a problem getting a really big order in that first coop. You may need to hire people to sort and ship it all ;D
WOW! Awesome stuff RJ, Thanks, so my question is do we need another dongle for this or do we just reflash the one we have and use our regular 512dmx network for our lynx controllers or do we need 2 dongles 1 for lynx network and 1 for the pixel net?
Thanks
joshua
The reason to stay away from Lynx in the name is it will be an open protocol and so if others want to use it (I doubt) they would not want it called Lynx.
I must confess that I really like your decision to move to higher voltages to drive the strings - this really makes a lot of sense. I'm guessing that the voltage regulation is in the pixel node which are running natively at 5v? What is the voltage coming out of the SS controller?
So, there is a protocol in use between the dongle (modified) and the SS controller - this the Smart String protocol? Will you be releasing the protocol specs used between the SS controller and the pixel nodes?
I maybe wrong on this, the higher voltages drive the SS controller then the output of the SS controller is running natively at 5v to drive the strings.
hoping this can work this way, as we can use some of other light stings?
update:
The LightShow Pro PixelNet (Smart String) output plugin is ready and in testing.
This might not be possible, but I am going to ask. How would I integrate this into my existing LOR network/hardware? Would I use an iDMX for every 512 controllable channels or how do I interface with PixelNET?
Thanks,
Mike
This might not be possible, but I am going to ask. How would I integrate this into my existing LOR network/hardware? Would I use an iDMX for every 512 controllable channels or how do I interface with PixelNET?
Thanks,
Mike
Probably the easiest way would be get a Lynx dongle from RJ and reflash it so it is a Pixalnet dongle. So you would be running your iDMX and the PixalNet dongle. So you basically would have your pixalnet set up different from your LOR Equipment. The other thing is you would need Vixen or LSP.
So you are saying I would basically have to run two different shows? There would be no way to program the pixelnet from LOR software? It's not just the iDMX I am worried about, its all the controllers as well. I wish I had discovered this before making the leap into LOR but I am sort of invested now and hate to lose all that investment.
Mike
I think that the issue that many seem to be missing is that Pixelnet is a seperate protocol. It is NOT DMX. Because of that, the IDMX controllers would be useless. I don't see any easy way to integrate Pixelnet into a LOR network but that doesn't make it impossible either.
I think that the issue that many seem to be missing is that Pixelnet is a seperate protocol. It is NOT DMX. Because of that, the IDMX controllers would be useless. I don't see any easy way to integrate Pixelnet into a LOR network but that doesn't make it impossible either.
I guess I should have posed this question better. What I was looking for is if anyone had any ideas on how to go about doing the protocol conversion (LOR -> PixelNet). I think I remember earlier in this thread that RJ said the protocol would be open, so maybe I will be able to figure out a way when that is released. Or maybe I am better off switching ti LSP or Vixen, but I would loose my LOR investment. I will have to wait and see what details and ideas come out. Thanks all for your comments and suggestions.
Mike
It is not hard for me to make a box that converts LOR to PixelNet, Just as it is possible to make firmware for the Expresses that would run either DMX or LOR protocol.
Sorry,
All this ramboling was just to explain why it is not compatible with LOR. <fp.
RJ
RJ, I know you have mentioned a computer power supply for use with these. What ratings in the power supply are you looking at to cover everything. Reason, I ask is I used one of these during another project this year and are nice and think and fit in the standard Express enclosure, which obviously a computer one would not and am curious if it would power these nicely (or what limits to powering them).
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110574207311&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
Thanks in advance
RJ - I know you are getting ready for your show and busy as can be (I assume there will be some video of your Smart String Mega tree to wet our appetite)
>.d9
But any chance to get a chase / fading to colors demo video to wet our whistle before then? IE Chasing like 2 or 3 pixals down and back the strand, fading from colors. I have a vision of using these on rooflines and window outling and just want to see a little more so I can start measuring for what I will need.
Also do you foresee a wireless option somewhere in 2011? We are doing a neighborhood display (Xmas 2010 is 4 houses) and I am not sure about running the CAT5 across the street for 2011 Pixelnet updates ;D I assuming the wireless would just be the pixelnet protocol as each house would need its own controller to inject the power.
Thanks in advance and keep up the awesome work. <res.
You say pixelnet is an open protocol - do you have a rough spec somewhere?
Also, could you envision a different version of the hub that communicates directly via ethernet?
What I'm thinking is something that combines some of the features of the EthConGateway with the existing hub, and skips the dongle all together. Yes it would be a more expensive hub, but would it be more than dongle+hub?
This would allow SS to work without a dongle, and allow for even greater topography flexibility. By using E1.31 as a standard - you would stay compatible with all DMX software, but not be limited to the channel limit of dongles.
I believe the whole EthConGateway project is open source.
I just got my EthConGateway and have been working on some custom DMX software. While I could probably build in support for pixelnet, seems it would be possible to stick with current standards instead of having to create a new one. The world is bigger than just LSP and Vixen...
-Preston
As I have posted prior it will be posted in the Wiki once the documentation is finished.
As far as the ethercon being open source, Does that matter to the users that do not write their own firmware or design their own equipment?
Since the dedicated Pixelnet dongle that I will release early next year uses 1.31 None of this is correct. it supports everything the Ethercon device does or will. It will handle over 16000 channel so I do not see that a channel count issue. It will be smaller, less expensive and simpler. It will only be avaliable to build yourself though because we are DIY site so it is all through hole parts like the rest of Smart Strings.
PixelNet is just the in between protocol just as DMX or Renard is for the other equipment. Neither of those are that great for Pixels. I love DMX but 512 ch is a very limiting when it comes to pixels.
Going to a hub with the dongle built in would not simplify things as then the hub is more expensive and central (yes if you run more than one hub it would cost more than Dongle + hub cause each hub has to have all that support hardware and firmware to handle the ethernet). One of the nice things about the Pixelnet setup is that the data is handled just like DMX in that you simply daisy chain it from hub to hub and leave all the brains in the string. The hub is just a splitter/power injector and cost very little and you need no network switches.
So it works like what we use now and you just hook it up like dmx. Think of the hubs as splitters and the smart strings as expresses and you can see it works exactly the same. No new technology to learn, You just have to learn to sequence a lot of channels. ;D
I am sorry if this post seems hard but since this thread was started there has been many supporters of other hardware posting what has the appearance of in some cases trying to talk users away from using Smart Strings.
RJ
I apologize in advance if this sounds stupid for asking but I just have two questions:
Will you be able to control the intensity of R, G,B in each node or will it just be on or off for each color in each node?
Will the new controller be ready in time for the coop or will you need to use two injector boards to run over 4,000 channels?
These real look awesome, and are already giving me a tone of ideas for next year.
I apologize in advance if this sounds stupid for asking but I just have two questions:
Will you be able to control the intensity of R, G,B in each node or will it just be on or off for each color in each node?
Will the new controller be ready in time for the coop or will you need to use two injector boards to run over 4,000 channels?
These real look awesome, and are already giving me a tone of ideas for next year.
I'm not trying to make comparisons but I was thinking about the uses of SS and was thinking it is proably a design constraint that the pixels are spaced ~3.75". If someone wants to make a pixel display I suppose it is pretty easy to change the spacing by "plugging" them into some sort of coro like rectangle to create any sized panel one would like. But what about using an array of strings and creating animations on the arrays. I saw some pretty cool stuff (as I'm sure many other have too) with the CCR product and wonder if the spacing of the SS would prevent us from creating the same effects. I assume the CCR spacing is smaller as the light ribons I have seen have a spacing of about 3cm. Coro diffusion techniques might help with this issue; a 3.75" pixel might look pretty good from a 100' or so.
I have no doubt I will be using SS technology, I am just thinking of its uses. As most of the Lynx community is now!
I hope I'm not making an inappropriate post on this matter.
Eric
Thanks RJ I figured you can control the intensity of each color but just wanted to make sure.I apologize in advance if this sounds stupid for asking but I just have two questions:
Will you be able to control the intensity of R, G,B in each node or will it just be on or off for each color in each node?
Will the new controller be ready in time for the coop or will you need to use two injector boards to run over 4,000 channels?
These real look awesome, and are already giving me a tone of ideas for next year.
As eddy said you control the level on all three seperate and then seperate on each led. So any led(node) can be any color and the next led can be any color ect.
The new controller I assume you mean the Dongle. The injectors have no relation to how many channels you can run. It is the Dongle that does. The hub relates to the number of strings you can run. You must have a port on a hub for each smart string so you can plug it in.
Does this clear it up for you? The video I am working on will help I think.
RJ
I think that he was talking about the new dongle and if it will be ready before the coop.
I'm not trying to make comparisons but I was thinking about the uses of SS and was thinking it is proably a design constraint that the pixels are spaced ~3.75". If someone wants to make a pixel display I suppose it is pretty easy to change the spacing by "plugging" them into some sort of coro like rectangle to create any sized panel one would like. But what about using an array of strings and creating animations on the arrays. I saw some pretty cool stuff (as I'm sure many other have too) with the CCR product and wonder if the spacing of the SS would prevent us from creating the same effects. I assume the CCR spacing is smaller as the light ribons I have seen have a spacing of about 3cm. Coro diffusion techniques might help with this issue; a 3.75" pixel might look pretty good from a 100' or so.
I have no doubt I will be using SS technology, I am just thinking of its uses. As most of the Lynx community is now!
I hope I'm not making an inappropriate post on this matter.
Eric
The new dongle will not be out by the coop. I have other things that must be tested and presented before the coop so you know what you are ordering and The new dongle will take a lot of testing. There will be a full beta of it using users.
Your only answer would be two dongles. I have tested this in Vixen and it is possible.
RJ
During the COOP will we be able to order strings that are the length we need or are they all going to be a standard length. Example; lets say I need 2strings 10', 6 strings 25' & 25 30' can we order this way?
I can not wait to change to these.
Mike
Hi RJ,
Is there a way to calculate the required amps (size of pc power supply) needed to all of the nodes we want?
Example: 16 SSC with 100 nodes each
or is there a handy dandy Lynx amp calculator built into the SSC program utility
Cheers
Rick R.
RJ,
Will the price per pixel vary depending on the length? Say if we got a string of 70, would it be different than a string of 128?
Greg
Then the idea, How about a Third mode I would call Hybird Mode. It would give you all of the nodes as individual control but add three additional (fantom) channels to the beginning of the string.
After starting back looking at getting my show going I had what I think is an innovative idea that I have not seen on pixel controllers before.
...
Wonder what the thoughts on this idea is?
I like it. Because currently you have to reflash from the utility to switch modes right?
I'm wondering if it would be possible to use both at the same time?
That is, a node uses the string value, unless it has a node value. This would make it easier to say, have a red sweep across an all yellow field.
Also - looking forward here, is RDM something that can be built into something like a SSC instead of using a utility? This would allow reconfiguring some things on the fly. It probably isn't worth extra complexity and cost at the SSC - but if it is just programming, it would be cool for the "someday, maybe" category.
-Preston
now all we need is software like galaxia has so once all of hte pixels are installed you can then map them in space. So the program then figures out the position relationships of all of the individual pixels to each other. That would be great if you could feed a simple video or graphic source to the stream to render and then add additional animation on top of it.
These first three (fantom)channels would control the string like the String mode but the next 150 channels would control it as individual nodes. This way you could use them both ways. When the first three (fantom) channels are off then the 150 channels work as nodes and if you turn on the first 3 (fantom) channels then the string then is controlled as a string.
Wonder what the thoughts on this idea is?
I'm wondering if it would be possible to use both at the same time?
That is, a node uses the string value, unless it has a node value. This would make it easier to say, have a red sweep across an all yellow field.
-Preston
RJ I like the idea of the 3 Hybrid channels. Also makes it easier to do whole colors instead of turning on 150 grids you just turn on 1.
Work smarter not harder ;D.
Hybrid mode seems like a workaround until software can make it easier. I just wonder if a few years down the road we'll be looking back at the 24 extra bits being sent with each frame remembering how it used to be necessary.
Not saying that it won't simplify things right now, but in the spirit of simplification, it might make sense to be able to remove this functionality somewhere down the road (read: jumper on the board?).
If the intention is to put the "smarts" in the string and not in the sequencer, then it makes more sense to do what LOR has done - a whole group of macros instead of one simple macro that just turns on each color. Fades, jumps, chases, etc. Then you just pull up the macros from channels 128+ (since it seems they don't support above 128 per SSC).
No Jumper, your not understanding.
...
Now we would have a third choice
Hybird mode.
If you do not need it then you simply do set the SSC for it there is no permanant impact of having it avaliable as a choice.
No Jumper, your not understanding.
...
Now we would have a third choice
Hybird mode.
If you do not need it then you simply do set the SSC for it there is no permanant impact of having it avaliable as a choice.
Ah - got it. That makes sense: A or B or A&B - just set the SSC to use whatever makes sense for the software you're using.
OMG! I take a few weeks off to work on THIS years display, and ATTEMPT to stay focused on my JOB so that I can continue to PAY for all this stuff, and look what happens. I missed ALL this fun.
Go RJ GO! Thanks, but my head keeps spinning with all the stuff coming out. Can't wait to see where this all ends up, and the COOP!
OMG! I take a few weeks off to work on THIS years display, and ATTEMPT to stay focused on my JOB so that I can continue to PAY for all this stuff, and look what happens. I missed ALL this fun.
Go RJ GO! Thanks, but my head keeps spinning with all the stuff coming out. Can't wait to see where this all ends up, and the COOP!
Hybird mode in firmware and software utility is complete and I am sequencing using it. So you can plan on it in the release.
RJ
Hybird mode in firmware and software utility is complete and I am sequencing using it. So you can plan on it in the release.
RJ
Hybird mode in firmware and software utility is complete and I am sequencing using it. So you can plan on it in the release.
RJ
How are things coming? Or have you taken a break (I laughed) to deal with your display?
The vid gave me a hunger for more. :)
...and setting up a surprise for my users.
RJ
Oh no more to <;d over.
Cant wait to see the sequence with the new mega tree. Should be cool, as I can only imagine working from 4000 channels in a grid. <fp.
These first three (fantom)channels would control the string like the String mode but the next 150 channels would control it as individual nodes. This way you could use them both ways. When the first three (fantom) channels are off then the 150 channels work as nodes and if you turn on the first 3 (fantom) channels then the string then is controlled as a string.
I can't wait to see a video of RJ's tree. I really question 48 strings down to 16 how it's going to look however.
Given a huge budget this is some cool stuff. I have a hard time seeing how most people can justify the investment though.
I sure hope you prove me wrong because I only have enough minis to last about two more years.
Jeff
Sure!
But next year when I have 48 SS's BAAAHAAAAAAWAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHA!!!!!!! I'll take over the World... Oh wait, no I won't, just light up the yard!
No this is a real concern we had was we are reducing the density of lights so there will be an impact. I just can do so much more with them it is a matter of will the additional ability out weight the quanitity.
We will see!
Remeber the seqencing to take avantage of it will be very limited do to me using Vixen and having little time this year to add it in. But I will have some stuff to show it off in the show.
RJ
Soon as I get the final product. Factory emailed me they would ship the common stuff in 5 days yesterday.
RJ
I feel your pain on Vixen and have been messing around with LSP to try and start to get a grasp for next year, since I dont think vixen will be moving forward.
I feel your pain on Vixen and have been messing around with LSP to try and start to get a grasp for next year, since I dont think vixen will be moving forward.
btw - KC posted on DIYC - Vixen *will* be moving forward for next year hopefully. He has been busy rewriting it from the ground up and is polling folks on which features are important. I think it's safe to say better RGB handling (at a minimum) will be a popular topic... At least we can look forward to Vixen 3.0 in the future.
No this is a real concern we had was we are reducing the density of lights so there will be an impact. I just can do so much more with them it is a matter of will the additional ability out weight the quanitity.
RJ -
This is the same issue I encountered in my testing this year - my display went from 50k lights in 2011 to 35k this year with about 80% RGB. What I've discovered is that to get the biggest "bang" for the buck, elements that incorporate pixels tend to work best when they are diffused. Here some good examples that shows un-diffused and diffused in the same element: (snowflake), MegaMatrix and (Fasica Border). The diffusion really helps "amplify" the area of light output and gives the appearance of more light. Of course that is my opinion. :)
Rick - it is absolutely about the light quanity discussion, hence the direct quote from RJ, I'm sorry if it's viewed as "self promotion" as I have nothing to gain from it other than feeling good about the possiblity of helping others learn from what I've learned during the testing with pixels I did this year. I'm sorry if I duplicated some links, this is a very long thread.
Thanks,
David
I don't see much information on the web about PixelNet. You say this is an open protocol. Is this correct?
There is a Vixen plugin for PixelNet avaliable right now and LSP is working on one for me as we speak. The protocol is simple and as so it will not be an issue. The Protocol will be published for anyone to use in the Wiki as I get documentation done.
Hey RJ,
Looks like I am joining you on this one. I plan on doing a 20 foot 32 strand tree next year. I have seen Mr. Packet's RGB tree and I am wondering about how intuitive the software will be? Will it be pretty easy to program a show or is it going to take a 100 hours for one minute of music. I guess I am asking how difficult it would be to do something like Packethead did?
Thanks,
Sloanhaus
Hey RJ,
Looks like I am joining you on this one. I plan on doing a 20 foot 32 strand tree next year. I have seen Mr. Packet's RGB tree and I am wondering about how intuitive the software will be? Will it be pretty easy to program a show or is it going to take a 100 hours for one minute of music. I guess I am asking how difficult it would be to do something like Packethead did?
Thanks,
Sloanhaus
RJ,
I'm relatively new and continue to be disappointed by all the LED (non-RGB) dimming behavior i've seen so far when it comes to the low end with slower dims. How well do these pixels do with dimming at the bottom end?
-Preston
RJ,
I'm relatively new and continue to be disappointed by all the LED (non-RGB) dimming behavior i've seen so far when it comes to the low end with slower dims. How well do these pixels do with dimming at the bottom end?
-Preston
Hum,
What kind of leds and what equipment? I ask because that is not really a compliant I get.
HAHA the spiral is a very nice effect and really demonstrates what one can do with the ability to address each node and color.. Very cool sir, love it
Tory
It looks better than I thought it would with only 16 strings. Somehow however the price per node will need to come down to make this reachable for the average homeowner.
$ >.d9 >.d9 <;d
It is becoming a bit embarressing cleaning up the drool from the keyboard.
Can this be declared a tax deduction for the energy savings.... (gotta find a way to make the pain a little more palatable to SWMBO)....
Larry
I might be able to but the cost would almost double likely.
RJ
$ >.d9 >.d9 <;d
It is becoming a bit embarressing cleaning up the drool from the keyboard.
Can this be declared a tax deduction for the energy savings.... (gotta find a way to make the pain a little more palatable to SWMBO)....
Larry
Hi RJ,
Just curious, how do you keep track of what start address you have set for your SSC?
Did you mention the size of the pvc pipe?
Thanks
Rick R.
Wow!!! That sounds suprisingly expensive but perhaps I didn't make my idea clear. What I was suggesting is if you could find a manufacturer in China to just make diffuser caps for the nodes.
Wow!!! That sounds suprisingly expensive but perhaps I didn't make my idea clear. What I was suggesting is if you could find a manufacturer in China to just make diffuser caps for the nodes.
How about ping pong balls? About 10 cents each from Amazon in quantities of 144. I've used them on other LED projects.
RJ
Thanks for adding to my confusion for next years mega-tree upgrade.
Can you provide the gauge of wire that are powering the pixels ???
How taught are the strings on your mega-tree ??
Many (myself included) tighten down their current strings like a guitar to keep the sag to a minimum.
Keep these great ideas of yours becoming reality for the rest of us.
Dave
What is the spacing you used between the nodes on the tree? Trying to get a rough idea of how many I will need to be saving up for. :)
how do the sequnece look to make it spin and rain down >.d9
RJ
Can you provide the approx. size of the "hub board"
Would it be possible to see a comparison of the Smart Strings versus say a string of LED C6's or something similar to give an idea of how much light these give off?
What is the maximum temperature at the bulb you've recorded a 128 node test string at full load? I'm curious to know if I can expect them to melt the 12" of snow I expect to fall on them.
I read originally that this would be a one time Co-op; then they would be available from 3rd party distributor.
Did I imagine this? I can't seem to find it again...
My concerns were that if we miss the initial Co-op at the around $.63 per node rate, what could we expect the node prices to change to in the future?
Is the 3rd party a "for profit" organization? Or something we order from a Chinese distributor for only a slightly elevated price?
Will the wires on the strings be all different colors or will they be all green? I'm thinking a mega tree with blue, red and yellow wires might not look too sweet.
I read originally that this would be a one time Co-op; then they would be available from 3rd party distributor.
Did I imagine this? I can't seem to find it again...
My concerns were that if we miss the initial Co-op at the around $.63 per node rate, what could we expect the node prices to change to in the future?
Is the 3rd party a "for profit" organization? Or something we order from a Chinese distributor for only a slightly elevated price?
the .63 per node is regular price. The coop will hopefully save us some shipping cost from China.
I think the one coop thought is from the amount of time this will take and the new rules from the government
or I could be wrong. Wont be the first or last time ::)
Cheers
Rick R.
Is there any possible way this could be paid for In Feb? you know tax time and all?
I know every one is excited as I am
RJ
I may have missed this while going through the thread, so I apologize if it has been addressed previously.
When daisy chaining two or more hub boards, is there a specific connector and cable or do we utilize one of the (16) ports on the first board to connect to the others down line ??
Do your smart strings use UV-rated wire?
Do you have a spec for the current draw per pixel?
Are you using the TM1804 controller chip?
Do your smart strings use UV-rated wire?
Do you have a spec for the current draw per pixel?
Are you using the TM1804 controller chip?
All good things come to those who wait.
Cheers
Rick R.
Not sure it matters to me but last year I started putting lights up on October 15th and took down the last piece on Easter.
Video info on some additional devices.
RJ
RJ,
Lookin' good. Can you share the dimensions of the finalized board? Did you have a case in mind when designing it or is that something we will have to come up with?
Greg
First of all, I haven't read each and every post in this series so please forgive me if this is a duplicate question. In a previous post you suggest that we NOT focus on node spacing. But suppose I want to build a mega tree out of these SS - how would I calculate how many nodes I would need for a given tree height and strand count (i.e, 20ft tall and say 16 individual strands or segments)?
First of all, I haven't read each and every post in this series so please forgive me if this is a duplicate question. In a previous post you suggest that we NOT focus on node spacing. But suppose I want to build a mega tree out of these SS - how would I calculate how many nodes I would need for a given tree height and strand count (i.e, 20ft tall and say 16 individual strands or segments)?
I will show some of this in an upcoming video of what I did, What works and even what does not.
RJ
I think they were quoted at like $11 a piece.
I think they were quoted at like $11 a piece.
Ohh nice can get my matrix ;D
I think it is showing the future since he has it set up to do DMX Universe 1 through 8... HAHAHAHA...
Nice looking board RJ... <res. as usual!
RJ, on a side note what would be the max draw if you used all 16 ports w/full 128 nodes per port? Asking reference a power supply as I use this for a different project and it is pretty nice for the 12V out at higher amps, not to mention thinner then an PC power, but the wattage is lower than a PC supply
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-12V-DC-12A-145W-Regulated-Switching-Power-Supply-/120660323231?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c17ea6b9f
-JS
RJ, on a side note what would be the max drawThe wiki is your friend for that kind of info.
Thanks but there are 8 dmx universes in 4096 channels.
The wiki is your friend for that kind of info.
RJ
Loving those rigid nodes "on a stick" (for those that get that...10points)...but got a quick question....are they built into a aluminum U-Channel that is hollow or is it solid? Reason I'm asking is that I'm thinking about window outlines with them. You could easily file the edge of the housing, bend it to the required length for your window and then apply silicone as well as possibly a corner U-channel bracket and you'd have yourself window lights boxes that you could simply reinstall every year and not have to worry about other ways of installing lights in the windows...PLUS YOU'D HAVE COLOR CONTROL!!!
Just wondering...I'm getting excited!!
As I understand it, there was mention of getting smart strings in various lengths. I assume we also buy the controller board, a component kit, then assemble the board, solder it to the string, etc to form the complete unit?
If we're putting the stuff together, is there any chance to just buy the nodes in bulk...say a reel of 1,000 then be able to cut off the exact amount needed - up to the 128 node max stipulated earlier?
My main worry is the thought of framing doors/windows - obviously coming up short is bad, so you'd have to order more than needed and trim. But then what of the dozen strings of 10, 12, 15 nodes - hack all those back together to make one Frankenstein string?
Well, back to more reading in the wiki!
Just wondering, how will these work in the below freezing temperature we get up north. I know sometimes you southerners forget that not all people live on the beach under an umbrella all year round ;D
Jon
(I don't think this has been addressed yet, but I might have missed it in 20some pages too)
Does anyone know if I was to use these smart strings in vixen would they respond as fast as my normal mini lights or is there a delay? If so how long.
RJ....Not sure if this is in the correct post string or not. But based on your video of the 50/50...is there a way to do a cat5 in and out of an item so that you can have multiple lengths using the 50/50s between them? For instance...is there a way to run off the SSController to an item with 50/50 LED grouping...then go out with a cat5 connection to another item 20 feet way with another set of 50/50 LED groupings, then out with cat5 and into another item? Or would you simply do that with the actual connecting cables between the 50/50's?
RJ,
I'm probably blind on this (I searched this whole thread for the word white), but what does "white" look like? I'm trying to make sure that the standard strings I buy "blend well". Thanks.
RJ
What is the spacing between the nodes so we can figure the lengths we need & will we be able to order any length or will there be set lengths.
Mike
These are just like the others, ~ 3.5 " between centers.
The Strings will be ordered for 1 to 128 pixel count to your request. The neat thing thing is if you change your mind you just cut or splice them the size you want.
RJ
RJ
What is the spacing between the nodes so we can figure the lengths we need & will we be able to order any length or will there be set lengths.
Mike
These are just like the others, ~ 3.5 " between centers.
The Strings will be ordered for 1 to 128 pixel count to your request. The neat thing thing is if you change your mind you just cut or splice them the size you want.
RJ
I apologize if this has already been answered. Can the node spacing be less then 3.5 "? I have a project in mind that I would like the spacing about 1/4 to 1/2 ". Can they be cut and spliced that close to one another?
you just cut or splice them the size you want.
RJ
What is the spacing between the nodes so we can figure the lengths we need & will we be able to order any length or will there be set lengths.
Mike
These are just like the others, ~ 3.5 " between centers.
The Strings will be ordered for 1 to 128 pixel count to your request. The neat thing thing is if you change your mind you just cut or splice them the size you want.
RJ
I apologize if this has already been answered. Can the node spacing be less then 3.5 "? I have a project in mind that I would like the spacing about 1/4 to 1/2 ". Can they be cut and spliced that close to one another?
As he said your can cut and splice them however you like.Quoteyou just cut or splice them the size you want.
Can someone smarter than me please explain exactly what a "smart string" is? What is a RGB node? I looked at RJ's video and that helped but I am still unsure about this. What makes this better than using a LE?
As he said your can cut and splice them however you like.Quoteyou just cut or splice them the size you want.
Video of how to waterproof your nodes.
http://www.vimeo.com/18358717
RJ
I think RJ said Plasti-dip
http://www.nextag.com/plasti-dip/stores-html
Not sure if this is where to get it, but it is what came up in Google..
Randy
They don't have the UV version prices listed but have every other price and size listed.
http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=22872&catid=699 (http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=22872&catid=699)
From the video, it was my understanding the the liquid would get into the housing and coat the chip as well. Using a brush method may not penetrate as much
From the video, it was my understanding the the liquid would get into the housing and coat the chip as well. Using a brush method may not penetrate as much
I think you are misunderstanding, you don't use the brush to "brush", you use the brush to dab (like people do with dry brush stencilling for example). This method with the thinned dip will work pretty good.
Thanks, since I will be starting with around 2500 channels I guess I need to just set it up in the backyard and see if it can run it whenever the hardware arrives and I get the new versions of software programs. Any idea of when I can get one of your dongles as I have a different dmx dongle. I didn't know if your usb ones are still available or if I need to wait for your new version.RJ had posted that he is out of dongles but will be cooping them with the smart string.
RJ,
You have come up with something really special here and saying that I am impressed simply doesn't do it justice. Some including myself have some concerns over light density and the cost per node making increasing it an expensive proposition. I have an idea that my help. Is there any way that you could have your manufacturers create a slip on diffuser or perhaps a series of sises that could be placed over the nodes lense and make it appear bigger like they do with the C7 and C9 LED sets.
I think this might have been said somewhere in this huge post, but ping pong balls may work too. I just a really quick and dirty Google search and Amazon has sellers that sell a packs of 144 for 33 bucks. Thats about .22 cents a piece. Not really cheap but if you aren't going with thousands of nodes to be diffused it could be an option. I bet the effect is going to be pretty neat too.It was said and a few people shot it down saying they dent and break to easy. I think that the diffuser needs to be clear as the frosted white may take away from the light output.
What about adding "phantom" addresses that would allow you to group smart stings together under a single channel? For instance, you could "group" all the strings on your mega tree so that a single command sent to a single channel would control every pixel on every string used on the mega? You could put everything on the roof together into a group, all your mini trees into a group, all your arches into a group, etc. This would allow elements that are often used together to be more easily programmed without completely giving up the individual pixel control. i.e. if you had say 6 "groups" of elements, you could have as little as 18 channels to control the entire show but still utilize individual channels when you want them.
ok, so I just finished reading all 35 pages on these, and had a couple of ideas (RJ you have an e-mail) wondered what other users thought. A few were briefly discussed but I wanted to throw it our there to see if anyone would bite.
What about adding "phantom" addresses that would allow you to group smart stings together under a single channel? For instance, you could "group" all the strings on your mega tree so that a single command sent to a single channel would control every pixel on every string used on the mega? You could put everything on the roof together into a group, all your mini trees into a group, all your arches into a group, etc. This would allow elements that are often used together to be more easily programmed without completely giving up the individual pixel control. i.e. if you had say 6 "groups" of elements, you could have as little as 18 channels to control the entire show but still utilize individual channels when you want them.
*** This what what the software programmers are talking about. Please see the Prance and Xlights threads on this subject. ***
Second, it was briefly mentioned that the chips could be programmed with their own routines. What if every smart string came pre-loaded with, say, 12 different pre-programmed effects. Think a cycling color fade over 30 seconds or something. Very similar to the "multi function controllers" on traditional strings. when no data stream is sent, the smart strings revert to their pre-programmed effect. so when my show isn't running I could still have the smart strings doing their thing, cycling through colors, twinkling individual pixels like falling snow, or whatever all in unison? When the show starts they respond to the pixel-net command being sent.
*** Sounds like a nice idea for future versions of Smart Strings (just a firmware update). The main goal was to have a basic and cheap smart string controller ***
Just thought I would throw these out there to see if there was any interest, trying to compare features on all the technology out there. can't wait to see what else comes out in the next 12 months.
The system has been designed to be upgradeable next year to over 16,000 channels allowing you to run larger shows on this same equipment with a new simple and cheap dongle.
...limit of 4096 max channels, minus 1 (for the control byte of 170) max chans is 4095...
start of packet Data
Value 170 sent 4096 channels of data value 170 not allowed.
Then repeat with no delays. The 170 is sent, and then 4096 bytes of channel data are sent, so you would not need to subtract one from it.
In the wiki on the Power requirements of the SS it cites an example of 16 full channels of 128 nodes. My question is this possible?
with the current pixelnet dongle limit of 4096 max channels, minus 1 (for the control byte of 170) max chans is 4095. If RGB then 3 chans per node will give 4095/3 = 1365 nodes. The example gave 128 nodes per string so 1365/128 = 10.67 strings max. Or 10 full strings with an eleventh string of 85 nodes. You could use all 16 available hubs but some of them would have to be less than the full 128 nodes.
Is this correct?
with the current pixelnet dongle limit of 4096 max channels, minus 1 (for the control byte of 170) max chans is 4095.
A full hub of 16 strings of 128 nodes would not be possible with the 4096 channels available using the dongle, however RJ is working on a pixelnet transmitter thingy (technical term) that will serve up considerably more (like 16,000 I believe) channels than the 4096 of the current dongle. So to max out a hub with 16 strings of 128 (16*128*3=6144 channels) you would have to wait for his new design that can handle more channels.
A quote from the first post in this threadQuoteThe system has been designed to be upgradeable next year to over 16,000 channels allowing you to run larger shows on this same equipment with a new simple and cheap dongle.
You still would not because a hub only supports one universe of pixelnet. So when you set the universe for it you only have that 4096 channels on that hub. Hope that clears it up.
RJ got a little confused with the above posts. As I understand it the current Lynx to Pixelnet dongle is limited to the 4096 chs, but the "future" pixelnet dongle it wont have the 4k limit but instead the 16k channel limit.Yes the current lynx dongle is 4k channels with pixelnet firmware and the future dongle will be 16k
Do I have that correct or no?
Secondly since you started the dongle PCB coop, I know there was some mention of a dongle with the SSC's is that going to be the current dongle (as PCB and kit?) or is the pixelnet one going to be released with the nodes? This part im trying to plan based on the current coop.
Thanks in advance and sounds like some great stuff coming out.
-JS
RJ got a little confused with the above posts. As I understand it the current Lynx to Pixelnet dongle is limited to the 4096 chs, but the "future" pixelnet dongle it wont have the 4k limit but instead the 16k channel limit.
Do I have that correct or no?
Secondly since you started the dongle PCB coop, I know there was some mention of a dongle with the SSC's is that going to be the current dongle (as PCB and kit?) or is the pixelnet one going to be released with the nodes? This part im trying to plan based on the current coop.
....Also remeber that the 16 port hub is the first one. I have other sizes coming out that are smaller,simplier and very cheap like four port units.
Heres where it gets cool. you will plug these passive hubs into the output of the Active 16 port hub to get your data and you add power at the passive to group strings.
But have to get one step taking before the next. Be patient
RJ
RJ
RJ,
Please add 2 to my request for PCBs for a total of 6.
Thanks,
Jon
RJ got a little confused with the above posts. As I understand it the current Lynx to Pixelnet dongle is limited to the 4096 chs, but the "future" pixelnet dongle it wont have the 4k limit but instead the 16k channel limit.Yes the current lynx dongle is 4k channels with pixelnet firmware and the future dongle will be 16k
Do I have that correct or no?
Secondly since you started the dongle PCB coop, I know there was some mention of a dongle with the SSC's is that going to be the current dongle (as PCB and kit?) or is the pixelnet one going to be released with the nodes? This part im trying to plan based on the current coop.
Thanks in advance and sounds like some great stuff coming out.
-JS
The current coop is for the lynx dmx dongle and all dmx dongle coops are pcb only
I don't know when the 16k dongle will be released but I would plan to use 4k dongle for the short term. The new dongle is not even in beta yet as far as I know. We might have it this year or might not, I would think it depends on time to build and beta it.
Cheers
Rick R.
Glad to see RJ's announcement this afternoon. Gives me a lot of faith and respect for him. All the speculation, etc. was for naught, probably a lot of red faces on some of those sites today. <la.. Thanks for all the hard work and legwork to make sure we are legal, is there anything you don't think of?
Is the firmware for the pixelnet available. I have the dongle pcb and parts and setup the PicKit3 with the pic and discovered I don't have the .hex file. Checked the wiki but didn't find the firmware.
One thing that you have to take into account is how many channels you intend to program. Remember that each pixel uses 3 channels so a single 128 node string will use 256 channels.
Multiply that by 16 and you get 4096 fun channels to program.
One thing that you have to take into account is how many channels you intend to program. Remember that each pixel uses 3 channels so a single 128 node string will use 256 channels.
Math was a little off ;D... 128 node is 384 chs or a couple more with the Hybrid mode for the phantom channels.
Multiply that by 16 and you get 4096 fun channels to program.
Actually my understanding is the 4096 limit is from the current Lynx Dongle's limitations in the throughput of the PixelNet with the modified firmware. The future Pixelnet dongle will send out 16K channels.
That is my understanding up to this point from what I have read from RJ. I know he will step in if this is incorrect, but hope that helps.
-JS
Pickit 3 on Ebay? What is that?
Ok that is an idea to use more hubs to be able to spread things out. But then won't it cost more because each hub will need a water tite box as well as my time to build each hub? And making up extension cords or even buying them premade in different lengths for the smart strings would be easer maybe.
One thing that you have to take into account is how many channels you intend to program. Remember that each pixel uses 3 channels so a single 128 node string will use 256 channels.
Math was a little off ;D... 128 node is 384 chs or a couple more with the Hybrid mode for the phantom channels.
LOL, thank you. That's what I get for answering it at 3:00AM.Multiply that by 16 and you get 4096 fun channels to program.
Actually my understanding is the 4096 limit is from the current Lynx Dongle's limitations in the throughput of the PixelNet with the modified firmware. The future Pixelnet dongle will send out 16K channels.
The 4096 limit is a full pixelnet universe. The current dongle limit is that it can only output 1 universe. The new dongle when it become available will use all 4 pairs to output 4 universes which will give you to the 12000 channels that you are thinking of but even here if I understood RJ correctly, each hub can only work with one universe so the limits on the hub minus the math errors are still valid.That is my understanding up to this point from what I have read from RJ. I know he will step in if this is incorrect, but hope that helps.
-JS
I am not sure, maybe it is just our mentalilty of excess that make everyone want to run the longest string they can.
RJ
So if i use a 50 amp service for my lights now going by what i see i need a 61 amp service just for one hub. Is that correct?
Whoops, I think I just woke up.
So the current dongle (4096 addresses) can't control a fully populated hub with maximum length smart strings attached (128 nodes * 16 strings * 3 channels per node = 6144 addresses).
So for now a single hub populated with 128 node smart strings cannot perform in 100% independant node RGB mode.
Never mind that the programming of this many individual nodes is impractical, and that hybrid mode allows controlling 16 fully populated smart strings on one hub coonnected to the current dongle.
This isn't a negative comment, just wanted other folks who may have been dozing (like me) to be aware of the technical limitation (until the new dongle is released).
So for the co op if i want to do a mega tree like show in video here how many controllers do i need for a mega tree like 10ft high . Please let me know exactly what to order i have no clue and dont want to order wrong parts? THX
So for the co op if i want to do a mega tree like show in video here how many controllers do i need for a mega tree like 10ft high . Please let me know exactly what to order i have no clue and dont want to order wrong parts? THX
So for the co op if i want to do a mega tree like show in video here how many controllers do i need for a mega tree like 10ft high
Ok reading along on other posts I realized I got carried away with the numbers. The 16384 channels would be divided by 3 for the RGB first .... DOH.... so anyway it is still cool enven though I lost my ming for a few minutes. So 16384 /3 = 5461 /128 =42 strings ..... or about $3768.00 node cost ..... I still gotta do a lot of extra duty to cover that.
3 questions re the pixelnet pinout/protocol;
Fig 2 in the protocol document seems to show that pair#2 is pins 3 and 4, and pair #3 is pins 5 and 6. Is this correct or are you using standard 586B pinout where pair #2 is 3,6 and pair #3 is 5,4?
If a pixelnet sender is sending less than 4096 channels, is the frame shortened to be the actual number of channels being sent plus the $AA character, or should you send the full 4096 channels, putting 0 in the unused channels?
2 stop bits?
3 questions re the pixelnet pinout/protocol;
Fig 2 in the protocol document seems to show that pair#2 is pins 3 and 4, and pair #3 is pins 5 and 6. Is this correct or are you using standard 586B pinout where pair #2 is 3,6 and pair #3 is 5,4?
If a pixelnet sender is sending less than 4096 channels, is the frame shortened to be the actual number of channels being sent plus the $AA character, or should you send the full 4096 channels, putting 0 in the unused channels?
2 stop bits?
Fig2 drawing is not to specs. Yes the wiring pairs is to the 586b standard
Pixelnet dongles will always send a full universe of channels if you use them or not.
From the doc in the wiki
start of packet Data
Value 170 sent 4096 channels of data value 170 not allowed.
Then repeat with no delays.
Then the next generation pixelnet dongle will send out 4 Pixelnet universes for a total of 16384 channels
Cheers
Rick R.
With all these cool changes down the pipe, I feel like holding off on buying Smart String stuff
With all these cool changes down the pipe, I feel like holding off on buying Smart String stuff
Your missing the point. The smart string controller stays the same we add new equipment to give the whole system new abilites the smart string controller is like the wheel, it hasn't changed but boy the rest of the car has.
The new stuff does not replace items it adds choices and abilities for the users that need or want them.
If you do not need 16,000 channels or do not mind doing it as 4 dongles then you keep doing that way. If you want a single ethernet dongle to do 16000 channels you use it.
RJ
So in other words you can have channel 3684 of PixelNet be your DMX Start and it would be DMX channel #1 on your expresses for example.
But if you say needed one universe of (DMX 512 ch) and only 3684 ch of pixels or less
PixelNet is the protocol for the SmartStrings. DMX is still DMX. So you can use one dongle to control 512 ch of DMX things, and at the same time run a PixelNet dongle to run 4096 ch of Pixels.
But if you say needed one universe of (DMX 512 ch) and only 3684 ch of pixels or less, Then you can run one pixelnet dongle and on the hub is an DMX out port. It will steal 512 channels of your pixelnet data and make DMX data out of them.