Review of Technicolor Strings

[sittinguphigh]

Just to make this clear for me.

Is the problem that the Technicolor needs more 5 amps to run them and the SSC system only handles 4 amps? Or is it a voltage thing?

Then can we just go around the SSC with the power line and use a inline fuse?

[Steve Gase]

What is the real advantage of these new technicolor pixels?

I see a better mechanism for mounting.

Probably better sealing I'm sure.

Look handy to be able to screw on C9 like bulb caps.

Anything else about them that is truly much better than the standard wiki nodes ?

Advantages:

• better protection from water (due to injection molded case)
• less susceptible to damage and water intrusion due to stress/tension on the wire
• better mounting, and light is uniformly directed outwards
• UV-resistant wire (to extend the life of the string)
• built-in waterproof connectors
• a "system" for doing power-injection with the use of the T-connectors
• use of WS2811 chips to lower the price (compared to TM180x)

Disadvantages:

• heavier
• draws more power -- necessitating the use of power-injection for 100-pixel strings
• cost

[Steve Gase]

Just to make this clear for me.

Is the problem that the Technicolor needs more 5 amps to run them and the SSC system only handles 4 amps? Or is it a voltage thing?

Then can we just go around the SSC with the power line and use a inline fuse?

If you use 50-count strings, no power injection is needed.


If you use 100-count, or longer -- yes, you need power injection.  You can inject at the middle of the string, or at the end.  The 12V+ wire used to provide injection should be fused.

[zach stoltenberg]

Heads up on the newest lens to be available for the Technicolor.  Designed to work with the V2 5050 but should also work with the legacy V1 strings (same thread pattern).  These are the first sample lenses, expecting shipment this week on the first ones.

Z

[sittinguphigh]

Just to make this clear for me.

Is the problem that the Technicolor needs more 5 amps to run them and the SSC system only handles 4 amps? Or is it a voltage thing?

Then can we just go around the SSC with the power line and use a inline fuse?

If you use 50-count strings, no power injection is needed.


If you use 100-count, or longer -- yes, you need power injection.  You can inject at the middle of the string, or at the end.  The 12V+ wire used to provide injection should be fused.

So does that make it a volt problem or a amp problem?

[sittinguphigh]

Heads up on the newest lens to be available for the Technicolor.  Designed to work with the V2 5050 but should also work with the legacy V1 strings (same thread pattern).  These are the first sample lenses, expecting shipment this week on the first ones.

Z

Those are great looking. Like to see what they look like with the lights on. I wonder if you can make them like this.

[Steve Gase]

Those are great looking. I wonder if you can make them like this.

I like the options that Zach has provided so far...  but sittinguphigh's suggested look would be very cool! ...enough to make me consider covers. 

[Steve Gase]

Just to make this clear for me.

Is the problem that the Technicolor needs more 5 amps to run them and the SSC system only handles 4 amps? Or is it a voltage thing?

Then can we just go around the SSC with the power line and use a inline fuse?

If you use 50-count strings, no power injection is needed.


If you use 100-count, or longer -- yes, you need power injection.  You can inject at the middle of the string, or at the end.  The 12V+ wire used to provide injection should be fused.

So does that make it a volt problem or a amp problem?

Its an amp problem.  You could exceed the draw allowed by the fuse and the rating of the board.  The voltage would also diminish at the end of the string so that the lights are dimmer... but the concern is over the amps and its impact on the wiring and traces.

[sittinguphigh]

I just got some of these strings.
I'm going to order some of the bulbs and cit them in half and mount it on top.

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[Steve Gase]

I just got some of these strings.
I'm going to order some of the bulbs and cit them in half and mount it on top.

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I think we'll need to see them in person to get a true appreciation on how that much light will work through all those facets. 


It should be great!

[zwiller]

Heads up on the newest lens to be available for the Technicolor.  Designed to work with the V2 5050 but should also work with the legacy V1 strings (same thread pattern).  These are the first sample lenses, expecting shipment this week on the first ones.

Z

Those are great looking. Like to see what they look like with the lights on. I wonder if you can make them like this.

Zach,
Shoot me PM if need be but I cannot find about info or buying technicolors and I have looked.  Very interested in v2. 

THANKS

[txag2008]

The 12V+ wire used to provide injection should be fused.

I have been looking at 12V 4A fuses to use for this.  I'm looking at getting a few inline fuse holders like the picture below.  Seems like the easiest way to install and ensure you are fused.

[Steve Gase]

The 12V+ wire used to provide injection should be fused.

I have been looking at 12V 4A fuses to use for this.  I'm looking at getting a few inline fuse holders like the picture below.  Seems like the easiest way to install and ensure you are fused.

Can you pass along the buying details?  they look very nice!

[txag2008]

Can you pass along the buying details?  they look very nice!

Radio Shack has them, You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login but the place I've seen them listed most is on Ebay, You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login.  I've never used any of them before so can't speak to the quality

Speaking of fuses......I would assume 4A would be the best choice since that is the same amperage the SSC are rated for?

[sittinguphigh]

Just to make this clear for me.

Is the problem that the Technicolor needs more 5 amps to run them and the SSC system only handles 4 amps? Or is it a voltage thing?

Then can we just go around the SSC with the power line and use a inline fuse?

If you use 50-count strings, no power injection is needed.


If you use 100-count, or longer -- yes, you need power injection.  You can inject at the middle of the string, or at the end.  The 12V+ wire used to provide injection should be fused.

So does that make it a volt problem or a amp problem?

Its an amp problem.  You could exceed the draw allowed by the fuse and the rating of the board.  The voltage would also diminish at the end of the string so that the lights are dimmer... but the concern is over the amps and its impact on the wiring and traces.

So the reason you can't hook the power line up around the SSC at the beginning is the extra amps will fry the wire and chips?