Question about megatree model versus matrix model

[danj]

I need to troubleshoot why my controllers did not do what I needed them to do at Christmas and I would like to just spread out my pixel strips on the floor instead of re-hanging them on the megatree to re-run the sequences, run XL/NC  & SACNview test signals to determine what' going on and what I did wrong.  Will I be able to "see" the effects if I spread out the strips in a matrix?  Or do I need to plan on re-hanging them on the megatree to see the effects?  Thanks in advance!!

[JonB256]

I spread my Flex strips out on the floor before. Brought them to a point, then spread out as a either a 90 or 180 degree tree. It looked like a tree, not a rectangular matrix. If you have the floor space, go for it.

[danj]

Good idea Jon.   I will do that.  Thanks.  I have to spread them out in the garage, so I have room.

[flyinverted]

This is my first year with the megatree and I wanted to see the effects as I built the tree and the effects. Lucky for me I have an understanding wife. I took over the spare bedroom and built a frame to hold the 10 foot PVC light strands above my head. (Thank you Sean for the idea)  I would look at the reflection in the window to see the full tree and it helped my eyes focus on a longer distance.

[Steve Gase]

I have a metal "barn" structure where I work on my hobbies year-round.  this year I plan to hook my strings from the top of the wall and have them hang downward.  I already hang up the other objects on the walls -- my wife likes seeing them, and it adds a lot to the otherwise blank walls.

[jnealand]

My 16 pixel tree strands are zip tied on 1/2" emt and are about 7ft long.  I have been thinking about a matrix so back in October I built a rack that holds the emt in a horizontal position.  Using a model for the matrix that used the same channel assignments as the pixel tree, I could play with effects on the matrix or I could tilt my head and pretend it was a tree with out the pointed top.  Worked great.  When I take the tree down I plan to put the emt back in the rack and I will have it available all year to play with.  Fortunately I had a wall available.

[danj]

Thanks Jim.  Even though I was hoping to avoid setting up the megatree this spring/summer, my wife had a great idea for testing--put the strips on the PVC poles on our back porch--it has plenty of height for my 2nd megatree, which will be slightly more than 4m (13.5' EMT & PVC pole).  I appreciate all the responses!