Is there an easy way to bridge a bad pixel

[kentd]

I have put together a 42 x 50 matrix and everything was working properly until this morning. I have a string that is not lighting up. I can read voltage OK but I am not sure short of cutting out a pixel how to determine if the first pixel is bad. They are 2811 on 12 volts.
Thanks
Kent

[Gilrock]

I'd try a know working string in it's place first before you cut on a string.  I almost thought I had a bad string last night and then tested that string in another port and it worked.  I finally discovered I had altered the controller setting for that output when I had it inside doing some string testing.  Also check the fuse for that output.  I don't know of any easy way to test.  Its about as much work to just solder in another pixel or two and then don't shrink the heat shrink until you prove its working.

[kentd]

Gil just to play it safe I cut just the data line and connected a new plug from the controller data only and the string turned on so now I will replace the pixel. Your comment helped.
Thanks
Kent

[Gilrock]

I think I've blown the first pixel before when I was hot swapping on a E6804.  I haven't had a problem hot swapping on my J1SYS or F16v2 cards.

[kentd]

I replaced the pixel but to my astonishment it appears the problem pixel actually was the last one lit. I cut the data line from it to the next pixel and found that it lights but does not transmit, so I actually replaced two pixels with one of them probably being a good pixel.
Oh well life goes on.
Thanks
Kent

[Gilrock]

Yeah that's kinda why I said a pixel or two.  You never know if its the last one lit not transmitting the data or the first unlit or flaky one.  I usually have enough spares it's just as easy to cut two out instead of one.

[kentd]

I just thought I would mention another situation that can exist, and that is the pixel not lighting but still sending the data on to the next pixel.
Three things:
No Light No Data
Light and no Data
No Light and Data
I mention his because after getting the Matrix up I noticed one pixel that did not light but seemed to be sending the data on. I wonder how long this may last as I do not want to cut this one out at this time.
Thanks
Kent