Zig Zag on strips for mega tree

[tonyf1949]

Hi. Zig Zag query. Am building a 16 pixel strip 50 node per string mega tree. I will only use 2 pixel strips per output on the FalconV16f2. This will use up 8 outputs for the mega tree. How and where do I program the zig zag effect so that on the top (end) of strip 1  the data goes directly into the top of strip 2 and so on for the other strips. Appreciate your help.

[jnealand]

I would do it in xlights, far easier in my opinion.

lights per string = 100
strands per string = 2

I have two using 30 nodes per strand and combine 4 into one string/output
lights per string = 120
strands per string = 4

[tonyf1949]

Thanks for reply. Does this mean that the second strip is then effectively mounted upside down (data running in the same direction from node 1 to 100)? Making the two strips in series totalling 100 pixels?  I want all strips to start from the bottom of course.
So if I get this right - I run strip 1 with data starting at bottom and finishing at top and strip 2 data starting at top and finishing at bottom. In Xlights prog tree for 100 lights per string and 2 strands per string.

[jnealand]

yep, you got it.  For my shorter pixel trees I actually use a 60 node string and just use two different Boscoyo mounting strips that are not connected at the top.  So each string makes 2 strands.  They are close enough together at the top that the wire between nodes can start the downhill side with no problem.  On my big mega tree I have 60 nodes per strand and put 3 pin waterproof connectors on the top and bottom with the second strand have the lights come down that string.   I also use shorter wires at the top parts of the strings, where on the bottom I have a longer wire so I can run back to the controller on the input side.  xlights does all the translation for you.

[tonyf1949]

Thanks Jim. Worked perfectly. Now if I can only solve my instability with the data cable from controller to strips. About 8 metres. I have used cat 6 cable and used one of each of the 4 pairs for data and grounded the other 4. Seems stable at present but not convinced. The problem with the strips without signs zagging showed up instability with data cabling. Makes me worry about building arches with a couple of metres between each arch.

[pixelpuppy]

Its pretty easy to do it in the F16V2 too.  Just remember to do the zig-zag in only one place.  Either do it in software (Xlights Strands/String>1) or do it in hardware (controller zig-zag setting) but not both.

You described your tree as 16 strings of 50 pixels so that's how I would define it in Xlights:

• #Strings = 16
• Nodes/String = 50
• Strands/String = 1

Then in the controllers on ports 1-8 set the pixel count to 100 and the zig-zag to 50

[danj]

bump so I can find this one later.    I am going to zig zag all my mega's...