What is a Lynx Smart String?

[Corey872]

Guess I should specify: true white 'as far as the computer is concerned'

[mmulvenna]

Has the coop not started yet, or is my old brain just missing it?

EDIT: Just added my estimate.

[mmulvenna]

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?

[tconley]

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.

you just cut or splice them the size you want.

[mmulvenna]

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.

you just cut or splice them the size you want.

I did read that just like you did but I read his post that you can cut them at any spot in the string of 3.5" but what if you make the spacing between each node shorter than 3.5 ". Based on the bulb size and the necessary length to splice wires from node to node there must be some minimum spacing.

Thanks for the quick answer however.

[RJ]

You can loop the existing wire between them and tiewrap it so the bulbs touch and have no gap with out cutting anything.

RJ

[mmulvenna]

Fantastic, Thanks a lot, much better than cutting and splicing, my old brain never considered doing that.

[Christmasaddict]

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? 

[rrowan]

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? 

I don't think I am smarter but I'll give it a shot to answer your questions:

RGB node = Red Green Blue Leds in one container
This allow you to mix the leds output to create any color you like. The same way TVs work, iPhone, etc
So one string of RGB leds could replace many strings of lights to do the same thing along with enhance it with more color options. Like a mega tree, lights around your windows or doors etc.
No one has said Smart String is better than LE it just works different
LE's are AC while SS is dc

But like anything in this world. There are pros and cons
One con is more work in sequencing since you now have to do 3 channels per light (3 x 128 nodes = 384 channels * how many strings or SSC you need) Of course you can have less then 128 per string that is just a example.

Hope that helps some

Did you see RJ's write ups in the Wiki?
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Cheers

Rick R.

[Gary]

As he said your can cut and splice them however you like.

you just cut or splice them the size you want.

Is there a cutting and splicing solution that is more elegant than using wire cutters, wire stippers, a solder iron, and electrical tape? In orther words, is there a snap-together solution similar to computer IDE and floppy drive connectors?

[tbone321]

I would forget about the electrical tape which issloppy and time consuming and go with shrink tubing.  I'm sure that you could find some small crimp style connectors but manyof them are not rated for outdoor use and can cause problems in the future not to mention the expence of using them.

[Trepidati0n]

I saw the linked power supply.  One thing I can say, is be careful with PC supplies.  I now how to build a computer...I do 3 or 4 a year for my family and friends.  If you are going to hook up a few hundred if not thousand dollars worth of equipment, only use a very reptuable PC power supply.  Corsair, Seasonic, or PC Power & Cooling.  Honestly, these are the only guys I trust right now especially when it comes to trying to run them in less than room temp enviroments. If you do need to be a bit more cost concious I could recommend Antec.  I have seen one too many rigs go up a pretty pile of smoke because of less than reputable power supply makers trying to make a quick buck.

RJ also covered the backfeeding issue.  A single rail is of utmost importance.

[Corey872]

Re: Joining - I wonder if there is any way to access the solder terminals inside the node?  Perhaps the strings could be joined at the node and re-siliconed? 

On the length of the strings - there is a whole black art to that.  If you choose the smallest strings which are the right size but just a bit over, you assure you'll have the maximum number and smallest length of 'remnants' to patch into another string.  It might pay to try and order larger strings than needed and only need to splice 2 or 3 to make a new string.

[RJ]

Video of how to waterproof your nodes.

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RJ

[fjaust]

Video of how to waterproof your nodes.

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RJ

great stuff RJ.

can you post up the name of the chemical and the spelling? .

thanks, fj