Strip problem.

[RoboMello]

I have 4 arches in series. 30x4, total of 120 pixels.
I am using only 1 universe.
The system worked just fine.  But tonight the 3rd and 4th arch stopped working. If I plug directly to the 3rd one it will work.
I have a similar problem with 2 windows? They are 12x23, total of 70 pixels.
It will work for 10min and after that some of the pixels (more than half) with freeze and won't respond to the controller.

Has anybody ever had this problem?

Thank you.

Roberto Mello

[sean]

what hardware controller are u using? How far are the cables?

it works and then stops sounds like a controller issue. There is nothing in our software, that i know of, that would stop outputting after some period of time. people run their shows for like 4 hours straight.

[Steve Gase]

its more likely that the 2nd arch is not sending the signal to the 3rd arch.
pixels go bad.
move your 2nd arch to the back and you should be running again.

[RoboMello]

The cables are 50ft to the 1st arch then 10ft each arch.
I am using Pixlite 16 as a controller, but everybody talks about E682, is a better controller?

I have added a power supply closer to the arch and the problems still there. I have not replaced the 2nd one with the last one yet.
Would be a good idea to run a new universe to it?
I have a similar problem with a window frame. Works for 30min and stops, random pixels stop working. I have not added a extra power supply in series yet.

Thank you for the help.

[Steve Gase]

pixels should have no more than 6-10 ft separation...  the 5v data signal degrades over distance.  some controllers are better and will cover more of that distance.

when a pixel receives the data signal, it not only generates LED light, but the chip regenerates that signal to get another 6-10 feet to the next pixel.

50ft is pushing it.    but if you are successful getting to the first pixel, then all of the pixels after will have the benefit of a newly-generated data signal coming from that first pixel (to the second pixel)

i've not heard much about pixlite... just mentions this year.  I've tried a SanDevice this year and liked it.  For the larger distances it works well to send ethernet to the controller...  and as long at the controller and the first pixel are within 6-10ft, you'd be ok.

i use Falcon products now, with pixelnet (to get long distances from hub to controller.  the small smart string controllers are placed near the string where the distance to first pixel is rarely an issue.

one way to help with the distances -- "null pixels".  basically, have one or more pixels between the controller and the first pixel you really want to light.  these pixels don't need to produce light, they are used to regenerate the signal and get you a new 6-10ft to work with.