Author Topic: Pixel Megatree Specs  (Read 13976 times)

Offline plaberge

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #15 on: December 31, 2013, »
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I can just copy this, picture almost looks exactly like my tree.

It's a great design!
« Last Edit: December 31, 2013, by plaberge »
- Paul
  North Vancouver, BC
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Offline RobertB

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #16 on: June 01, 2014, »
I know this is an old thread. However I am putting up either a pixel strip mega tree or a pixel node mega tree this year. Would love to see some videos of everyone's mega trees in action!
Robert
Fayetteville, GA

Offline twooly

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #17 on: June 02, 2014, »
Here is mine I recently finished building.  I'm using pixel nodes in PVC.  12 legs of 30 nodes high.

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Offline RobertB

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #18 on: June 02, 2014, »
Todd how tall is that and what kind of pixel nodes are those?

Offline twooly

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #19 on: June 02, 2014, »

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Todd how tall is that and what kind of pixel nodes are those?

It's about 8 feet tall, 10 when I put the star on top.  It's using the tm1804 nodes listed in the wiki.
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Offline RobertB

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #20 on: June 02, 2014, »
Is there an advantage on that chip over others???

Offline twooly

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #21 on: June 02, 2014, »
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Is there an advantage on that chip over others???

Not really besides they are the official nodes that RJ made sure worked with the SSC
« Last Edit: June 02, 2014, by twooly »
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Offline plaberge

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #22 on: June 02, 2014, »
Here's a video from last Christmas.

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- Paul
  North Vancouver, BC
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Offline RobertB

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #23 on: June 02, 2014, »
   plaberge - That is awesome!!!!!
What chip set is that you used in your strips. Do you have any other pictures of your setup?
That is my fear of doing a shorter tree. I would be afraid the graphics would not be as clear as it is on a taller tree like yours. Really nice.

Offline plaberge

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #24 on: June 02, 2014, »
Thanks! I used flex strips from Ray Wu with TM1809 chips --> You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login I've included a close-up of the base that shows a bit more detail.

As noted above, I take no credit for the design: I followed the one posted by Sean Meighan --> You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login with a few small changes. Since I used 1 3/4" EMT for the center pole, for the topper, I was able to use standard EMT connectors that mounted inside of rabbetted pieces of plywood sandwiched as shown in the pictures below.

While I also built the star from scratch, the design is from holidaycoro --> You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login See photo of star during construction.

Hope that helps!
« Last Edit: June 02, 2014, by plaberge »
- Paul
  North Vancouver, BC
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Offline RobertB

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #25 on: June 03, 2014, »
Paul thanks so much for the pictures. That does help. I looked through Sean's videos on his as well. Probably will end up using that type of construction on mine. I like the idea of being able to "hook up" the strip or leg. I don't think my 8ft ladder would reach ;-)

Over on the PC forum a fellow shared another video with me;
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He said that this fellow used rectangle modules. I may end up having to go with that or the W2811 strips. The TM1809's are twice the price of the other strips.  I hate it because I love the definition yours was able to crank out with those strips. 

Offline jnealand

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #26 on: June 03, 2014, »
Be carefull of WS2811 strips as there are 3 leds lighting for every channel.  Greatly reduces your effect capability.  WS2811 strips are great for eaves, windows, etc, but not fpr pixel trees or matrices.
Jim Nealand
Kennesaw, GA

Offline RobertB

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #27 on: June 03, 2014, »
Jim,
What about W2811 nodes? I know the spacing is a littler further apart than those on the strips. Or maybe not if you get the 30 per meter strips.  I seem to see more people using the nodes than strips. Even though folks doing the nodes are typically doing a more traditional tree.

Never heard back from you about getting together over here in PTC.

Offline tbone321

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #28 on: June 03, 2014, »
Nodes are nodes, regardless of the chip being used.  Each node is a separate item and are controlled individually.  The only issue with the different chips is compatibility with the controller being used.  With strips, it's a very different issue.  Not only do you still have the compatibility issue, now you have layout issues as well.  The standard layout in a strip is one chip per 3 LED's.  The TM1809 has 9 outputs so it can seperately control each of the 3 RGB LEDs between it and the next TM1809.  Since the W2811 only has 3 outputs, all three LED's are connected in parallel and must do the same thing.  The primary advantage to nodes over strips os their flexability.  You can control the spacing and they can be postioned any way you desire. Flex strips can only flex in one direction which while a positive in some ways, is a limit in others and depending on what you want to do ........
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your not cut out for sky diving

Offline RobertB

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Re: Pixel Megatree Specs
« Reply #29 on: June 03, 2014, »
tbone321 - ....and that is what I am seeing now as well. The flexibility issue. Leaning more toward nodes with the info I now have. Thanks.