Sean Meighan

Hardware => General hardware => Topic started by: bravado67 on April 02, 2016, 01:06:18 PM

Title: PSU Question
Post by: bravado67 on April 02, 2016, 01:06:18 PM
Is it possible to test a string of 12V RGB pixels using a 350W 12V PSU? I don't have my F16V2 controllers yet and I started my journey learning to solder today. I am afraid to go any further until I test my sloppy soldering work. The crazy layout on one of the ChromaFlakes requires me to lengthen the string to reach.

Ron
Title: Re: PSU Question
Post by: jnealand on April 02, 2016, 01:16:18 PM
You have to have something to put data into the string.  Power alone does not do anything (except sometimes flash when turned on or first connected).

I have chromaflakes and never had to lengthen a string, but you need to take a close look at the order of how you are putting the lights in holes.
Title: Re: PSU Question
Post by: bravado67 on April 02, 2016, 01:36:00 PM
You have to have something to put data into the string.  Power alone does not do anything (except sometimes flash when turned on or first connected).

I have chromaflakes and never had to lengthen a string, but you need to take a close look at the order of how you are putting the lights in holes.

From hole 7 to 8 it is a longer stretch according to the excel template I used from Wiki. Would it make sense to change the order on the custom model or will that throw things off? The distance on the string is 4".

Ron
Title: Re: PSU Question
Post by: bravado67 on April 02, 2016, 01:36:57 PM
I'm going to to go purchase a mulitmeter to test continuity.
Title: Re: PSU Question
Post by: drlucas on April 02, 2016, 01:48:14 PM
Do you have a Pi? Isn't there the ability to test pixels from gpio ? You'd have to take a look at the FPP wiki or groups but that might be a way to get by for now.


Sent from my iPhone
Title: Re: PSU Question
Post by: bravado67 on April 02, 2016, 03:04:27 PM
Do you have a Pi? Isn't there the ability to test pixels from gpio ? You'd have to take a look at the FPP wiki or groups but that might be a way to get by for now.


Sent from my iPhone

Now, I wish I had ordered the PiHat. LOL!

I'm just wondering if I can change the layout configuration and be fine.

Ron
Title: Re: PSU Question
Post by: jnealand on April 02, 2016, 06:17:09 PM
I looked at your bulb wiring from a template you posted somewhere that I downloaded and I see your problem.  Look at these templates from John Storms.  Notice the difference in using every other hole going out the leg.  There is only one snowflake that is a problem.  Also be sure that you are looking at the snowflake from the front when you insert the nodes or you will get to do it again, like I did.
Title: Re: PSU Question
Post by: bravado67 on April 02, 2016, 07:34:36 PM
I looked at your bulb wiring from a template you posted somewhere that I downloaded and I see your problem.  Look at these templates from John Storms.  Notice the difference in using every other hole going out the leg.  There is only one snowflake that is a problem.  Also be sure that you are looking at the snowflake from the front when you insert the nodes or you will get to do it again, like I did.

You are my hero! Do you mean if I inserted the other three flakes with the open area towards me and following the diagram from the Wiki I need to reverse those?

Ron
Title: Re: PSU Question
Post by: bravado67 on April 02, 2016, 09:40:53 PM
I looked at your bulb wiring from a template you posted somewhere that I downloaded and I see your problem.  Look at these templates from John Storms.  Notice the difference in using every other hole going out the leg.  There is only one snowflake that is a problem.  Also be sure that you are looking at the snowflake from the front when you insert the nodes or you will get to do it again, like I did.

Thanks again jnealand! I have unpoked and repoked all 8 ChromaFlakes and made the changes to my layout in xLights. It works better than before.

Ron