Power, but no data?

[ttwiss]

One of my RBG strings appears to have power, but no data.  When I connect it, all the lights flicker initially (which I assume means there is power).  But there is no data and they won't run.  Is it possible the first light in the string is bad?  The first light flickers when the string is plugged in.  Any thoughts or suggestions?

[JonB256]

Are you positive that you have the correct end?  I've had it do that when I put data on the "out" end.

[babybear]

normally when that happens to me its a bad connector. its the old game of plugging other lights into it and plugging those lights into an output you know that works.

[ttwiss]

Let me try switching ends of my connector.  I did switch with other outputs in the E682, and other connector in that specific output, and got data, so I know the output is correct.  I hadn't thought that maybe I switched ends on my 'extension cord'.

[ttwiss]

Well that did not correct it.  It does the exact same thing- flicker once when connecting, but no data/function of the lights.  When I plug other light strings into the output those work, so I know its not the output.  It seems to be just that string.

[JonB256]

It seems to be just that string.

If just that string, then it may be just the first pixel.

Are these Bullets, Squares or strips?  Is the input just bare wire or does it already have a connector? (JST or round, waterproof type)

[ttwiss]

These are bullets, with a round waterproof type connector (that I soldered together.)  Everything worked great last year.  I pre-set it up in the garage and everything still worked- right up until I put it all up!

[Boof63]

having exact same symptoms for pixicle lights . if any one can please provide a solid answer/work thru i also would be greatly appreciative (brand new pixicle this year- shed test all good, connect up and nothing different  to what ttwiss has posted.)
Help please
Cheers Boof63

[keithsw1111]

Like anything break it down by eliminating possibilities. Eliminate wires, eliminate controller outputs, eliminate controllers. Based on what works and doesn't work you can isolate the problem. For instance check the controller output but plugging some know good pixels directly into it. If it works you know it is your wiring or pixels. Now plug them into the wire where it meets your pixels. Do they work there and so on.

[Boof63]

thanks keith but that is where i am stuck,
will keep working on it
cheers and thanks
Boof63

[keithsw1111]

I don't understand. What have you tried and what results did you get.

[aknflyer]

I had the same prob with a tested star, twice on deployment. Used a spare fpp and spare string soldered into where first pixel would be, both times was first pixel failed. Same flash when plugged in. Replaced 3rd time and all is good. Assuming might have been temp or static causing to fail, deployed at 15 degrees, Alaska.

[ttwiss]

So I feel like I've tried everything.  I have three wreaths with RGB bullets. I have an ethernet extension cord to each one with round waterproof connectors.  I've interchanged all of the pieces, and all of the outputs.  Everything works except this one wreath.  I even tried a brand new string of RBG bullets, and a new connector and that  wouldn't work either.  I don't know if I have an FPP setup problem, which everything worked perfect last year and nothing has changed.  Or if there is some issue with my E682, or issue with the lights.

The output in question that I normally have this wreath connected to works just fine when I plug another wreath into it.  Maddening

[keithsw1111]

Why dont you jump into zoom and ask those there to help you work it out? There are already folks in there today and there will likely be people there for the rest of the night.

[ttwiss]

Why dont you jump into zoom and ask those there to help you work it out? There are already folks in there today and there will likely be people there for the rest of the night.

Tell me more... being a newbie I'm not sure what zoom is.