DiyLightAnimation
Hardware => Lynx Aether => Topic started by: RJ on May 19, 2011,
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As those that hang out on the Teamspeak chat know I have been talking with users about the Aether for about a month.
I find those that built them love them but I have had four issues that have come up.
1 - The leds have increased in cost by a good amount adding about $20 to the cost of a coop.
2 - Many users will not try building them as the SMD puts them off on the project.
3 - Some users that did had issues getting the soldering done well and require effort to get the units working once assembled.
4- it is a pain to coop due to the small parts.
Now #1 I can do nothing about but
#2 and #3 I can
#3 happens at some level with all projects as we have to assist but that is normal and why we are all here to help. Most of us had to have some help along the way so it becomes our turn to assist. I would say our members are above average on this. But with the Aether the percentage is definately higher.
So after talking with some of the users and getting feedback I decided to solve some of the things they would like to see.
So for the last 3-4 weeks I have been working on the Aether II
First they wanted easier to build so that all DLA users could build it. I felt this only right since our forum's mission is to make DIY easy enough for everyone. I took a leap with going all SMD and not everyone was ready for it. To meet this goal I made it all through hole and you do not have to glue the leds down. They screw down on it. It also uses less parts so it is a quicker build. Building it is like assembly a MR16 controller.
They would like to see it cost less if possible. I made this happen also and it will cost a good bit less.
I was asked if it could have a dedicated white channel instead of blending the colors to make white so It has seperate white.
I was asked if I could put the White channel as channel #4 instead of #1 to make it match other devices so I did.
They like the Ability to add lens to change it's throw so I keep this and made it cheaper to change as the lens are much less.
They liked it was a all in one that did not need a seperate power supply or controller so I kept this.
They liked the Abilty to add the Wireless into it so it keeps that also.
They really liked the amount of light output so we actually raised it slightly.
They liked nothing having to solder a large amount of small leds to build it so I stayed with high power LEDs
You will be able to use it beside a current aether without it looking different as it uses the same case.
It will be avaliable in time to build this year. I could see a coop in a month and a half.
I am current tweaking the Proto pcb so I can get a few beta pcbs coming. Once these are here and I get one finished I will unveil it to all.
I will not be answering anymore questions about it until then and I ask those I have spoke with to please wait till then to make speculations on it. I like to surpise the users with new stuff.
RJ
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That is awesome. How do you find the time to do all that you do. I would think that if all you had to do is DIY light stuff, you would still not get done what you do for us. But you do! I think while we are sleeping you keep working. I built the Aether I version. I did let it stay in the box for several months because I was afraid of the SMD. But when I finally did it, it was easy I thought. It worked correctly the first time I plugged it in. I will be watching for your updates on the Aether II.
Thank you R.J. for all the cool new toys! I find them fascinating!
Ron
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Nice, I watched the build video you made for it and was thinking I might not want to try it out. Maybe down the road I could do some SMD, but at this point wasn't looking forward too it. Thanks for taking the time RJ.
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My prayers have been answered. It seems RJ has addressed every one of my concerns except one. A month and a half wait until I have a chance to order some. And the first Northern Tool store opened in OKC recently. What a coincidence. I saw a Aether at our mini and I believe it could even show up against my dark burgundy brick which my last years floods couldn't. I would just go ahead and try to build the housing using the video instructions but I am afaid something in the measurements may change. More power, less cost, Its going to be a long month and a half. By he way the smartstring leds are fantastic. Thanks RJ.
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Exciting news RJ! Going to have to keep my eyes peeled for this coop.
Leif
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My wallet can't keep up!!
RJ is like a magician!
Can't wait to see what comes out his sleeve next.
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Call me impressed. Although I can't say that I found assembling my 5 Aethers difficult, it did take a leap of faith when being told that when you glob the grey goop in a manner that you'd think is too sloppy, when it heats up it magically moves and sticks to the metal pins of the on-board components. It also helps that my vision is still good.
Personally, I found drilling the case's holes in the exacting positions (to ensure clearances) more difficult than gooping and heating the board.
Either way, I'd like to order a spare board for my display this year. RJ, are the positions of the holes on the board going to be the same as in Version 1? I don't want to buy another light case... if I have an Aether that fails for some reason, I'd be happy with swapping the board out of one of the cases I already have.
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Mounting is still in the works so do not know.
RJ
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My wife is not going to be happy for to hear this! LOL
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<pop..
I can hardly wait. kudos RJ. I have more fun and you have made a million smiles on many face you will never see. My local paper is already making appointments with me for Christmas 2011. All because of the kids in the neighborhood helping me solder and building the show with me. If your goal was to make everyone in the world smile, you are well on your way. I see this device in my show this year. Thank you, Kevin
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This is just awesome. My wife did questions if I really needed more. I just smiled back. I built 4 Aethers and honestly I was so proud of myself for getting all 4 of them to work, but it did take effort. I was kind of hoping to try again to see if I could build them without any issues. I just completed two Lynx Express without any issues. I am looking forward to the new design. Thank you RJ!
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This is great news! Thanks for thinking of me (cheap solder rookie with fear of smd ;D)
I just wanted to post the reasons you stated are EXACTLY why I didn't pursue the aether. I am even happier that I didn't pursue other rgb floods so the aether II is THE answer for my floods this year.
RJ and teamspeakers, I really appreciate the decision to go this direction and keeping the gear accessible to everyone.
THANKS!!!
;D
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Just an update,
I have the prototype on the bench running and my expected output levels were off!
The Aether II is very notiable brighter.
Testing to insure we get rid of the heat is underway.
RJ
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Just an update,
I have the prototype on the bench running and my expected output levels were off!
The Aether II is very notiable brighter.
Testing to insure we get rid of the heat is underway.
RJ
I hope you are protecting your eyes
Cheers
Rick R.
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Just an update,
I have the prototype on the bench running and my expected output levels were off!
The Aether II is very notiable brighter.
Testing to insure we get rid of the heat is underway.
RJ
Nice! Bright is always a good thing to hear :)
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I still think you are trying to be brighter than you Mouse Neighbor
Just another Bright Idea from the Jordan Labs
Cheers
Rick R.
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Ok guys can you guess which picture is an aether and which it the Aether II.
The camera was put on full Manual and set to get the Aether output to be kinda of dim. This lets you see the difference between them. It is much more than I expected.
There were no lens used on either they are in full flood mode.
RJ
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second and fourth pics
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+1
>.d9
That just greatly aggravated my christmas light addiction...
;D
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RJ, I can't see real well from the pictures...
Can you please send me an Aether II so I can see it in person. ;D JK
Awesome, I though I had already taken care of LED floods for this Christmas, now I need more better ones...
Brian
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Great news. Can't wait!
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Good news! The new cheaper cost will allow me to build more Aethers that I couldn't afford during the last coop.
Bad news! I haven't build the 5 kits I bought last coop and now I hear they won't match. <fp.
Thanks for working so hard RJ.
>.d9
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Holy cow!!! Those look awesome!! Can't wait!!!
Very nice Sir!!! <res.
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Wow, nice work RJ! If you ever leave we will need a clinic to serve methadone on-line. Another homerun for team Jordan.
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Quick update on the Aether II.
I had one of the heatsink plates completed last weekend by the machine shop and It a nice drop in fit. I have the LED unit attached with 4-40 screws with a little heatsink compound between the led and the heatsink plate.
I have some proto pcb's ordered and have to wait on them to put it together complete but I have been running it off of the breadboard and temps look very good. Light output is as I showed great!
Building it will only require your soldering Iron, solder, hand drill, two common drill bits and a Phillips screw driver. It should only take about 45-60 minutes to have one built. Much less if you do a couple at a time.
The cooped kit will include all hardware, parts and pcb. Even two pigtails used on the SSC's to use to feed out for a Cat5 connection. All you will need to supply is a housing (same as Aether).
No running to the hardware store to hunt for stuff!
RJ
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Awesome! Can't wait for the coop.
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Cool!... Cant wait! >.d9 <pop..
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hey, if you ever need beta testers ;D
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<md.. I Just fell out of my chair. >.d9
RJ you are da' man. Any chance of a Coop in time for a 4th of July display?
I heavily use floods in my shows and the AETHER II will really ROCK IT.
Michael.
PS: Something for Halloween............FIRE! Stay tuned for the release. ;D
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I wonder if a Lowes housing would work as they are bright red instead of yellow. More Christmassy.
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once you have the guts out, and before you assemble, you could paint the enclosure
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I was thinking the same thing.
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I wonder if a Lowes housing would work as they are bright red instead of yellow. More Christmassy.
Also much hotter if the sun is up. Remember that dark colors will increase the temp if you ever use when the sun is up. If so stay away from dark colors. If not using when the sun is out then it will not matter.
RJ
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I got the proto together today and it is working. I had a little trouble with it fitting so I am going to mod the pcb some to move things for a better fit.
Heres a video :
http://vimeo.com/24755871
RJ
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Wow can't wait to see what single led puts out that much light. It look to be comparable to the 3 rebel LOR unit they are coming out with after the expo. I see why it needs a huge heatsink.
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Wow can't wait to see what single led puts out that much light. It look to be comparable to the 3 rebel LOR unit they are coming out with after the expo. I see why it needs a huge heatsink.
It's this :
http://www.ledengin.com/files/dist/40wLZ/LZC-00MD40.pdf
40 watt RGBW led engine.
RJ
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So, if you really wanted to make this brighter, would it be possible to just add another of these LEDs in series, or would that be over the power limits for the board?
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No, but you would not be able to get rid of the heat and they both would fail from overheating. And yes the controller could not control two of them do to the power needed.
You can not look at the light as it is, I am not sure brighter is a good idea from the safety point of view. If you look at the specs in the little notes you will see it is regarded as unsafe to stare at by the manufacturer.
RJ
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Will this light be able to run off the Lynx Dongle?
Mike
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Will this light be able to run off the Lynx Dongle?
Mike
Yes its a DMX device. In the video RJ is using the Pixelnet hub but the cat5 is coming off of the DMX port
Cheers
Rick R.
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Looks great!!
1 - I'm assuming the bulb is a very powerful RGB module.
2 - Do you have any idea what the power consumption is while on in full white? I'm just trying to
determine how much power I'd save vs. my traditional (75,100w) floods I currently use. I"m guessing lots.
3 - I'm assuming the 2nd and 4th pictures (the slightly brighter ones) are for the Aether II ??
How will a sneak this into the 2011 budget?!!! argh!
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How will a sneak this into the 2011 budget?!!! argh!
MISC Expense ;)
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Business expense ;D
Wonder if my accountant will allow me to deduct these powerful "worklights" for rental property maintenance. I really need several "high quality" dmx controlled lights to paint properly...
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Looks great!!
1 - I'm assuming the bulb is a very powerful RGB module.
Yes you are correct very powerful!
2 - Do you have any idea what the power consumption is while on in full white? I'm just trying to
determine how much power I'd save vs. my traditional (75,100w) floods I currently use. I"m guessing lots.
Full white is one led so figure 12w of power for a single color
3 - I'm assuming the 2nd and 4th pictures (the slightly brighter ones) are for the Aether II ??
Correct!
How will a sneak this into the 2011 budget?!!! argh!
I am afriad that is beyond my scope of influence. ;D
RJ
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So, from the looks of it (at 2:28 in the video), it doesn't run on 120V, but rather powered over CAT5 cable, like Smart Strings?
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it should be similar to the original aether... 120v ac for power, and a cat5 cable for dmx data
11 secs into the video, you can see the power cord (black)
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Chris would be correct. The Aether is a stand alone unit that simply requires 120V and a DMX signal telling it what to do.
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it should be similar to the original aether... 120v ac for power, and a cat5 cable for dmx data
11 secs into the video, you can see the power cord (black)
Oh, now I see. I guess it wasn't plugged in at 2:28 because it wasn't ON at the time. :-[
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Cat5 is data. It still has the 120v power cord.
RM
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Will there be a standalone toggle switch like on the Ver 1 aether?
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I am sure I am overlooking this somewhere, however, I am dieing to get the latest information on the new aether. Anyone have any info? <pop.. <;d
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What do you want to know about it?
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RJ did a video on it. http://www.vimeo.com/24755871
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I had thought I read somthing about RJ releasing cost and coop timeframe... I could be crazy though... <md.. Just ask my wife :)
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RJ never releases dates when anything will be ready. He usually unveils it when it is ready and has a COOP manager ready for the COOP. He also does not give specific costs, but he did say it was going to be cheaper than the original Aether, so less than $86...
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I have been working this over in my head for the last week and a half and I believe I am changing my mind on this light. I think I am going to Make it run off of a landscape lighting Transformer. This solves a big space issue as well as a transformer backorder issue and let people use them for landscape using what they have. A $60 transformer will run 6 -8 of these so it will save money also.
If I stay the way I was going we will be always trying to get the pcb transformers as this size is not common and not stocked at high levels anywhere. The lead times are normally about 15 weeks so kinda long to wait on in a coop.
Thoughts!
RJ
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RJ, I am ALL for it. I was wondering when this might happen.
Now if the same thing could happen for the SSCs and Hubs...
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The problem with doing that is that not only would it not save any money, it would probably cost many people a whole lot more. A hub if loaded up can pull a lot of power and the components needed to poperly regulate and filter the AC coming from a landscape tansformer would be expensive and require a redesign of the board which is also not free. Then to add to the injury, large landscape transformers are every bit as expensive as ATX supplies so no real cost savings there either.
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I'm all for doing whatever makes sense to ensure we have enough parts and can get some Aethers built before the season.
Since I'm all hard-wired anyway, $65 for something like this 4 port PoE power supply (a 12v model) would suit me just fine...if you could build in support for it. <pop..
http://www.l-com.com/item.aspx?id=26792
If time was unlimited, I'm sure a DIY multi-port injector board driven by an ATX supply would also be possible.
Mike E.
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Less 115AC in the yard =safer display.
I like the idea of using a landscaping transformer, but aren't most of them 12 volt systems? I know you need more than that for one of the colors...
RM
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They call them 12V and at max rated load that's about where they are but they are unregulated AC transformers and put out around16V unloaded.
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I wonder how many folks would only be using 1 or 2 units. This would drive the cost per unit up quite a bit, although the other benefits may outweigh this issue. What is the cost of the board mounted transformer in a qty of one? At what qty of aethers would the cost per unit become less?
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There is more to it than just the cost of the transformer. As RJ said before, the transformer that he would need is not one that there is any quantity of in stock and lead times could be 15 weeks. That alone would be enough for me to look in another direction. Then there are space issues inside of the case that need to be delt with as well. He also said that a $60 landscape transformer (small) would be able to run 6 to 8 of them so I'm sure that he has taken care of the voltage issues. I like this idea since I already have some of this in place and landscape transformers are in most cases less expensive and far more weather resistant than ATX power supplies.
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When Ather was introduced the landscape transformer is what I wanted. My yard already has 5 up directed flood lights on the house, 2 up directed lights in one tree and 6 down directed lights in three trees.
My transformer is a 600 watt professional with a 3 position switch to select the voltage needed.
The 5 floods on the house is what I want to change to Athers to change the color of the wall wash on the house during the year. Brick is white.
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I wonder how many folks would only be using 1 or 2 units. This would drive the cost per unit up quite a bit, although the other benefits may outweigh this issue. What is the cost of the board mounted transformer in a qty of one? At what qty of aethers would the cost per unit become less?
Not as much as you think!
The savings on each Aether II unit is about $18 so if you have three aethers it is a breakeven. I have even found the Transformers for less
This should run two units easy:
http://www.bestprolighting.com/60w-black-plastic-transformer-bpl60w-12vbk
This should run five units I believe:
http://www.bestprolighting.com/150w-black-plastic-transformer-bpl150w-12vbk
This I believe would do ten:
http://cgi.ebay.com/300W-LOW-VOLTAGE-OUTDOOR-LANDSCAPE-LIGHTING-TRANSFORMER-/160603323493?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2564b43c65
And if you want to go crazy buy this and do 20 of them:
http://cgi.ebay.com/600W-LOW-VOLTAGE-OUTDOOR-LANDSCAPE-LIGHTING-TRANSFORMER-/150618588798?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item231191467e
The other option I have thought about is to make it operate off of 15v DC regulated and plug one of the $8 little waterproof 15v power supplys Ray has into each one so it is 120 - 240 AC powered but the power supply is outside.
The last options is to go ahead as originally intended and drop the lenses and give myself extra room to work with.
RJ
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I like the 5&10 unit option
Mike
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How about powering from SS hub 12V via cat5? 40W is less than 12V x 5A...
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That might work if you don't have much on the hubs but mine will be pretty loaded up.
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How about powering from SS hub 12V via cat5? 40W is less than 12V x 5A...
This would not work as the unit needs more than 12v DC. The landscape transformer is 12v AC which is much more when converted to DC.
RJ
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What is the wattage or amp draw of 1 ether unit running on the "12vac ish landscape" transfomer? I have another thought on off the shelf transformers from another industry that may be a economic option.
KEN
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I have decided already and went ahead with the Landscape Transformer setup. The pcb is designed and will be ordered Monday.
RJ
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if you still have the manual switch on the aether, it can be used as landscape lighting ;D
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I like the landscape lighting transformers myself, already have 3 out there I can use during Christmas. I also like that they are already water proof, no containers to find, no cooling to do. Plug in and go.
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I like RJ's decision as I want the option to try all the lenses to get the effect I want. I saw last years had a switch. Did the switch allow color choice? and was there a way to dim the light down especially with these new more powerfull leds my HOA might not like it if I have bright floods year round but might accept colors if not too bright.
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i'm just speaking about future possibilities...
most of the time when i go into stores, they are really pushing landscape lighting to be solar/battery powered.
most of these stores are showing less and less of the wired versions...
could this potentially be a problem as so called "green" options are being forced upon us?
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I don't think of it so much as something being forced as much as they are simply easier to install. You don't need to run any wires and in some cases that makes all the difference in the world. I have a few of them myself in a few areas because it would be far to difficult to get the wire to where it needs to be for them but the rest are 12VAC.
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Not having any landscape transformers in my yard, could someone give a description of how power and dmx would be run around my yard using this setup.
Thanks
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Not having any landscape transformers in my yard, could someone give a description of how power and dmx would be run around my yard using this setup.
Thanks
Nothing changes with the DMX. You simply do not plug the new Aether into a 120v AC but instead you plug one of these outdoors Transformers in somewhere out of site and run the cable from it to the lights.
So instead of having a power cable with 120v AC running to them you run a power cable with 12v AC to them.
Everything stays the same.
RJ
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I just bought a Landscape Transformer from home depot.
After figuring in the shipping(these things are heavy) it is as cheap as mail order and I can take it back if I have problems and get another one.
Heres what I got :
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-202059606/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053
I believe it will run all of my aethers.
RJ
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I have that exact same transformer running the lights on my deck and back yard. It is mounted on the fascia of my deck out in the weather and I have not had a problem with it.
John
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This one has been mounted outside on the wall of my house for about 2 or so years.
Opps its sideways, I don't know how to rotate it.
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Will the Aether use a pigtail or a fixture mounted connector for power?
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It will be up to the User but I think I am going to use the water proof three pin connectors from Ray. I will Just cut off one lead and use two of them for power. I can get two pigtails for DMX and two wires for power into the black box on the back of the light housing using the existing watertight fittings so I am going this way as to not drill holes in the case to bring it in.
RJ
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For the power I think I would just use the same connectors as on landscape lighting. They pinch onto the wire without having to cut it, waterproof connection, and can be removed. I posted another pic of the transformer in the back, but straight this time. I think these are 600 watts???
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I believe it will run all of my aethers.
RJ
How many is ALL???
Mike
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It is only an estimate but expect you need 30 watts per aether as a rule of thumb. None of this is even tested yet so everyone rushing out to get them have been warned. Once I have the prototype working I will know more but I have to wait on PCB's as normal so waiting its is. I did have the machine shop make me a number of the heatsinks since I need some and the beta testers will need some.
RJ
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Since this is moving more into the category of landscape lighting (kick-butt landscape lighting that is), would it be conceivable to (using DMX) toggle the light from a show mode (where DMX data controls the lights) to a landscape mode where you pre-define the color and intensity and whenever power is applied it will turn on using those settings? That way during the non-show(s) season, you can adjust the color and intensity then not have to rely on a controller. Aether I does include the jumper/switch for work light override but didn't allow for setting the color or intensity (other than for a firmware hack from what I can tell). I like to change up my house up lights for the non-show holidays to different colors but don't really want to have to rely upon a PC to always be operational to do this. It would also allow for after a show completes for the evening, to put the lights in a non-show setting then power off the computer and rely upon the transformer to work it's tried and tested dusk/dawn mojo magick.
As an aside; RJ this is totally awesome work your doing for the community and I can't thank you enough. Your really bringing us hobbyists into the big leagues without the fear of failure and the high-cost of playing. I can't wait to convert all my show equipment over to DMX control this year... something I would have never considered I could achieve before now.
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My first instinct was "no, I like my equipment self contained". However, I believe a notion of eliminating exposed 115 out of the yard is good. After this year, the only thing left on 115 will be my "strobes" running of a LE. I'm hoping that someting comes out that is good as a nice 115 AC strobe that I can power from LV power and DMX.
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Update on progress, It has been slow as I have a firmware bug I am chasing on the SSC's as well as adding the null node ability asked for in the conference call.
http://www.vimeo.com/26211335
RJ
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Nice !!
Looks super easy to build and tons of light
Cheers
Rick R.
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Wow, that is beautiful RJ. Thanks for taking it to the next level!
-Paul
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When you have it mounted in its case could you do a out door clip.... low tech or not it looks very bright.
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8) RJ,
I am looking on this for my 2012 project list,
by the way what degrees lens did you use in the video
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Jerry,
Sorry but as you likely noticed i have all three on the bench and m not sure which one was on in the video.
Most likely the middle maybe.
RJ
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Still waiting on Heatsink to get made.
Since it is so hard to get them made I told them to make 50. I hope I do not end up stuck with them. I need a few but not 50.
RJ
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Still waiting on Heatsink to get made.
I told them to make 50. I hope I do not end up stuck with them.
RJ
I doubt it :D
Ron
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I got dibs on at least six units. >.d9
I don't think you'll have a problem either.
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I will take five as soon as the coop opens
Ken
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R. J., I have access to a full service CNC shop and may be able to get a "good buddy" price on future metal work if you are intrested.
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Thanks I will keep it in mind.
RJ
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Still waiting on Heatsink to get made.
Since it is so hard to get them made I told them to make 50. I hope I do not end up stuck with them. I need a few but not 50.
RJ
I am guessing I will want at least 6 of them, and maybe 8. The way my house is I have a lot of walls I want to light up, and maybe a tree or two. I know I put some floods on some trees in the past and they looked pretty good that way. So you will probably have no trouble getting rid of them, and might need more if other coops going quick is any indication.
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3 for me. I think RJ may run out he he.
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4 here. :)
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2 here 8)
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4 here
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how far can on aether cover I have a 45 foot by 8 foot wall. I would like it to be uniform and bright. I am hoping 4 will do it but would like some advise so I know how many to buy when the coop starts
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Maybe he should make 100 of them for me! <la..
It depends on the color of the wall and how bright you want it to be. Maybe one of the users how users them could give you a hint. The new one is somewhat brighter but the throw will be similar.
RJ
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Maybe he should make 100 for you.
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RDwizard - 6
kfxi - 5
jeffcoast - 8
keitha43 - 3
SGInut - 4
mykroft - 2
bisquit476 - 4
shaunkad - 4
Wow. Potentially up to 36 units already and a COOP hasn't even started.
RJ, we are definitely interested and salivating. <;d
Keep up the good work. I really appreciate it!
Thanks......Ray
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I would also take 4 -5 of those heat sinks (as well as the rest of the kits) at coop time.
I need something to stop the drool..... I heard solder smoke help a lot.
Flash G
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I'm probably in for 2. Cooking boards and all the trouble folks had on the "Aether I" led me to sell those kits off. Now with thru hole I should be good to go. Good thing I'm only "mostly retired" or I wouldn't have any income to help feed the addiction.
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I will be in for 3-4!!!
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6 for me! <res.
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This Drooling-COOP is now closed.
We have reached 50 units to take off of RJ's hands.
RJ, build and they shall come.......
I'm so excited that I would run this COOP for the NEW AETHER.....
<;d <;d <;d <;d <;d <;d <;d <;d <;d <;d <;d <;d <;d <;d <;d <;d <;d
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If and when the coop begins/ends will the boards be available or will it be like the Aeon and original Aether?
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Do these mount in the original utility lamp cases? I would love it if they fit in a smaller rectangular landscape case or better yet, seeing the round lens, one of the landscape tube housings. I second firmware that allows you to default to a preset color if there is no DMX signal for a period of time (or off).
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They only fit in the same cases. They is not enough room to get rid of the heat in a smaller package. This is the tradeoff of small and bright. The more output the more heat so you have to get rid of it, or kill the LED. The AetherII uses the case as part of its heatsink just like the Original did.
RJ
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If and when the coop begins/ends will the boards be available or will it be like the Aeon and original Aether?
At least at first only on the coop.
RJ
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They only fit in the same cases. They is not enough room to get rid of the heat in a smaller package. This is the tradeoff of small and bright. The more output the more heat so you have to get rid of it, or kill the LED. The AetherII uses the case as part of its heatsink just like the Original did.
RJ
Understood! Just got excited seeing the size of it and the possibilities. Like the other poster, I was thinking it would be awesome to leave these out all year for landscape uplight and change the color occasionally.
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I am! they will make awesome lighting and I am going to release the firmware I have only had time to play with. It runs one the light it is put into through random slow blends of colors but sends the data out to the others to have them follow exactly along. Time is always against me but I will have a few of these outside this next year lighting my house in the early evening. I learned I had to have the ability to set the max output of any channel cause the full brightness is too much for this kind of lighting.
RJ
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Drooling with anticipation! Any chance we could be seeing these coop in time for this year's display?
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That is the plan!
My only hold up has been getting heatsinks made. They are suppose to be done this week so I should be able to get one done this coming weekend. I hope so I want to take one to Lone Star Academy so the members that attend can play with one and see if they think it is any good.
RJ
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That is the plan!
My only hold up has been getting heatsinks made. They are suppose to be done this week so I should be able to get one done this coming weekend. I hope so I want to take one to Lone Star Academy so the members that attend can play with one and see if they think it is any good.
RJ
Very cool RJ! Hoping to have a few of these added to the display this season if possible. Now to avoid temptation of other coop's until this one shows up ;)
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Well should we be buying power supplies? Did everything work out? I could not get down to TX to see it.
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The demo of the new Aether was great. Very bright and it looks to be very simple to build. I think you should wait until RJ is ready for a coop to start buying power supplies, but he just used a landscape lighting transformer for the demo.
Ron
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Thank you Ron. I was fishing for some more info from RJ.
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I think that waiting for the coop to gt the supplies would be a bad idea. I would expect that the coop is at least a month away and working at a Lowe's a few years ago, they are not big on stocking many these transformers that late into the year. With the state of the current economy, they are even less likely to have many. Even now if you look at their top stock, there isn't much up there and it can take weeks for some out of stock items to show up and that's if they have it at the distribution centers. I hope that RJ either orders or can order more than 50 heat sinks because that number of Athers will sell out in a few hours.
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I think that waiting for the coop to gt the supplies would be a bad idea. I would expect that the coop is at least a month away and working at a Lowe's a few years ago, they are not big on stocking many these transformers that late into the year. With the state of the current economy, they are even less likely to have many. Even now if you look at their top stock, there isn't much up there and it can take weeks for some out of stock items to show up and that's if they have it at the distribution centers. I hope that RJ either orders or can order more than 50 heat sinks because that number of Athers will sell out in a few hours.
This was my thought exactly last year I waited till October to make mini trees 10 stores later i had a total of 3 cages. I like to have my ducks in a row by October either all supplies in house or on order.
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I do not expect the transformers are going to be the limiting factor. The Led is going to be. I think we will likely have to run a coop for 100 to have the leds be avaliable right away. Then have a coop start the day the first one closes for however many people want up to the point of sorting being an issue. Then we leave it open for a few weeks and put the leds on order. The people in the second coop might not make using them this year. This is just the facts. I can not control how fast the companies can get the leds out. With a ten week lead time and only so many in stock everywhere it becomes the limit. Likely we will have an easier time next year after an order or two because they will up stocks at the warehouses. But am I am working on this to see if we can improve the short term.
RJ
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That sounds like a good way to do it and I would suggest that if you do it that way that you put a limit on the number of units that can be ordered on the first coop, at least for the first one or two days. This way more people can get a few for this season. I intend to order 6 myself but of the limit is two or three, I would be good with that and would just order the rest on the second coop. I can make two or three work if the others don't get here in time.
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I would agree tbone. I too would like 5-6 however I would be happy with 1 or 2 as I do not have any color washing as of yet. :-\
<res. to you RJ for all you do!!!
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I would like 5 or 6 but can live with 2 or 3 if it will get most people some lights
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I agree with a limit of 2. Sounds like a fair way to make them available.
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Limiting it to 2 for a few days (Say a week or so) would give more people a chance to get in on the deal.
Thanks RJ for all the cool stuff you develop. It really make christmas fun for us. It's been close to christmas sence the first LE coop this year, with all the things I have to buy and make. Make this heat in Texas sure make it impossible to do much after work. I've been wanting to get my Mega tree but together with the lights in the backyard but way to hot. Maybe next month.
Sweating in Texas
Scott
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i skim through the entire post quickly so i m sorry if this question is already answered. i was wondring do you know how much does it roughly cost?? if i decide to make one of these this would be my first UNIT :) and i would love to do this if its affordable for me lol. ALSO, i am gonna do sum research on trying to manage this heat issue, caz i would love to beff this unit up even more lol.
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Please be away that Lynx equipment is only for personal use and not for commerical use such as DJ.
I also do not allow mods of my hardware. This is all covered in the user agreement every agrees to when they join.
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RJ
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Just a quick update on the Aether II. I have the updated proto pcbs coming and expect to have them next weekend. I upgraded the Bridge Rectifier after a lot of hot weather testing. It ran a little too warm for me in hot conditions so I upgraded it to one that can dissipate many times the heat of the one I was using and added a small heatsink to it. This will make the unit totally bullet proof. I also swapped a part around on it that I had put on the wrong side with the first pcbs. Moved the feed though hole a little to allow the LED to be center better in the heatsink.
These are the last of the changes, I will assembly a new one and test outside in the extreme heat for a few days before we can gear up for a coop. Thanks for the many who have offered but we already have a coop manager for this coop lined up. He has been waiting for many months to do it and is ready to get going.
Currently there is enough parts in stock to handle a coop of 100 without backorders. We can not be sure there will be when we order the parts. As is normal we will not offer pcbs only for the first coop it will be complete kits only. They will include the following:
All parts including the LED
PCB
Heatsink
Screws and hardware
2 RJ45 pigtails for dmx data connections
You will have to provide the light housing just as with the Original Aether. It uses the same cases so if you have some you are good if not you can pick them up at about anywhere. I get them at Northern. Just make sure you are getting the correct ones as the heatsink will not fit others and you can not cut it down to fit.
There is no surface mount parts in this design. All that is needed to assemble one is basic tools to solder it, a drill and some basic drill bits, basic screw drivers, a small wrench or pliers to hold the 4-40 nuts when you are tighting them up, and about 4-5 feet of stranded 20ga hookup wire to make the connections between the led and pcb and to run out of the case for the power input. Radio Shack or any decent 20 ga stranded hookup wire is fine.
There are three lenes avaliable for the Aether II and are not included in the coop kit. If the Coop manager decides to they will be offered as additional kits in the coop.
An Aether II only uses one Lense per light unlike the Original which took 6 lenses per light.
They are the:
FL model - Flood light which is 35 deg
NF model - Narrow Flood which is 24 deg
SP model - Spot which is 15 deg
You also can use no lens for the widest flood which will light a large area up.
RJ
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Sounds great.
...as usual, can't wait!
-Paul
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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=28.346635,-81.612146
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Awesome!
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RJ,
Thanks for all the hard work.
Brian
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Go RJ!
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quick and broad general question ....
do you think sometime in the future there will be a pixelnet version?
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I hope that that the coop manager does offer the lenses in the coop. The shipping cost savings alone compared to ordering them seperately would be worth it. And the fact that the usit only uses one lens makes it easy to sort. I would make a lens kit that included one of each lens it uses. They are cheap enough to do it that way and again, much easier to sort.
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Super excited!!!!!! <pop.. <pop.. <pop.. <pop.. <pop.. <pop.. <pop.. <pop.. <pop..
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Update,
The pcb for testing showed up and I have one almost built but didnot have enough time to finish it tonight. Will finish it up tommorrow evening and put it out to cook in the florida heat with the temp recorder on the Rectifier to make sure the new rectifier and heatsink runs cool enough. I am sure it will.
Hope to be gearing up for the coop to maybe start next week if all goes well. the only issue is I do not have a manual done for it. So I have to deal with that.
RJ
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<res.
Can't wait.
Thanks for all your hard work.
Brian
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Can't wait!!!!!! <res.
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Who hoo!
<pop..
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Very exciting RJ.
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I am looking foward to year round light wash on my house.
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the current coop only has about 30 left after 2 hrs is there going to be a second longer coop as talked about.
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the current coop only has about 30 left after 2 hrs is there going to be a second longer coop as talked about.
Sure it can.
It normally comes down to two things:
1 - larger enough member demand
2 - a willing and approval coop manager
Rick R.
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Oh man, didn't see the co-op until it was already too late :'(
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I haven't counted yet but I hope I made the cut. Wish I stayed up all night to catch it sooner.
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Well I counted 107 #1 kits.
at 3am it was still 94 kits with Steve Gase from 1:38am, sorry I have to sleep sometime
Rick R.
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I had to hit the post button 5 times for it to take someone kept posting before me last night
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Last night/this am was probably the only time I benefited from not being able to sleep due to a sinus infection...
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Darnit, I work at night, and checked this board right before I went to bed yesterday morning, and guess I should have checked before I went to work, but didn't have time. Hopefully they will try to do another one soon.
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Darn, I was really hoping to be able to incorporate them this year for Halloween/Christmas/Year Round. I guess 7-8 times a day checking in wasn't enough this time around. :)
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And to think RJ was worried he wouldn't get 50.
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My apologies for those that were not able to get in on this one. I figured it would fill, but not THAT fast. I think there were 48 orders after 45 minutes. For those that did, please check the second coop posting for your order to make sure that it is correct. I'll begin getting quotes put together based on the posted quantities.
Thanks,
-Keith
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Any chances that another one (coop) or two will happen soon?
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The issue was with stock levels at suppliers. The main part has a 10 week lead time so it becomes a limit.
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RJ
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OH Well . . . . . . .
Gives me something to plan and do next year.
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Will circuit boards and heat sinks be available after the coop is complete?
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would have been nice with such a short coop/limit - that this would could have been limited qty so more ppls could have gotten in.... like on the LE coop for the 1st xx hrs....
was out of town for 3 days, and just got back and saw it was over already....
time to change show..
Myk
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Under normal situations, the boards and heat sinks are available after the current coop ships. If the plan is to have a second long term coop then I would guess that they will not be avilable until after that coop closes and the parts for it are ordered and received.
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I thought I was in but Rick miscounted :(
By the way the supplier must of misunderstood when RJ called them because they have more RGB with Amber with more on order.
Oh well.
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the aether is rgbw
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This is why I suggested an order limit of two or three units in that first coop. I'm lucky I checked the site before going to bed or I would have missed it as well. People loved the first Aether and this one tops it in just about every way so I knew this one was going to go fast.
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I only bought half of what I wanted for this reason. I have also suggested that I would be willing to do a aether coop in January. I know it does not help this year but we would have them early next year.
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the aether is rgbw
Yes you are correct the Aether II is RGBW. Read my post again...
I will be happy to explain more after Keith gets everything ordered.
Brian
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Ach! I go away for 2 days and miss the one Co-Op I was waiting for. I had my enclosures all ready to go.
Placing a couple unit limit would have been nice for the first Co-Op, but no sense crying about it now.
Fingers crossed another happens.
Sigh.