Pixel Connectors

Pixel Connectors

Generally pixels come from vendors without connectors attached or they have proprietary non waterproof connectors connected to them. Most people utilize some form of water resistant connectors attached to their pixels and the mating connector to their pixel controllers. It is common to install the female connector (socket end) to the power source (controller) and the male connector( plug end) to the pixel string. Some people also use dielectric grease or protective spray like CorrosionX to further prevent corrsion and oxidation of the electrical contacts due to moisture.
Connectors from different vendors generally do not fit together due to different manufacturers sizes and keying.

Pixel Connector Properties
Feature
	Options
Type	Cap, Pigtail, Tee, Extension
Color	White, Black, Clear
Conductors	2,3,4,5 wires or pins
Length	Varies per vendor
Diameter	13.5mm, 15mm, other

Types of Pixel Connectors

Euro Connector

These connectors are typically found on pixel controllers like the Sandevices E682 of the Renard PX1. They are polarized and the plug only fits in the socket one way.

Euro Female socket

The female socket is typically soldered to the controller PCB. They can be purchased from various vendors like Mouser
Because the plug and socket are polarized it is critical that you connect the wires correctly to the controller and the pixels. The wire order for the typical E682 pixel controller is:

E682 Pixel Output Pin Assignments
Pin #
	Signal
1	GND (V-)
2	Clock (C)
3	Data (D)
4	V+

Euro Male Plug

The male plug is generally attached directly to the pixels or may be connected to a pigtail. They can also be purchased from Mouser in two versions, one with an inline wire entry like used on the Sandevices E682 and one with a rear wire entry as used on the Renard PX1

Pigtails

These are typically connected to the end of the pixel strings . They are generally sold as a pair of male and female ends. They usually have an o-ring seal that needs to be installed on the male end.

Tee

Often used for power injection. Depending on the vendor, they may have all wires connected thru to all three jacks, or some may have only some wires connected.

Extension cable

These typically have a male connector on one end and a female connector on the other end to allow an easy plug and play connection of pixels to a controller.

Caps

These typically go on unused female pigtail ends to seal them from the weather.

Wire Sizing

It is desirable to use the largest wire diameter (smaller wire gauge) that you can when connecting your pixels to your controller. The smaller wire gauge results in a high voltage drop and can cause your pixels to have poor colors or to not function at all. This is a good thread that discusses voltage drop. This is a Voltage Drop Calculator useful for calculating the effects of different wire sizes and lengths on pixel strings.

Wire Sizing
Wire Gauge (AWG) #
	Cross section Area (mm2)
14	2.08
16	1.31
18	0.823
20	0.518
22	0.328

Examples of Connectors available from different vendors

These are selected connectors from the various vendors with a mix of properties. Visit their sites for the latest information and to see their entire product catalog. Many of the vendors can provide custom length wires on the pigtails.

PLEASE CONFIRM ALL DETAILS WITH VENDOR BEFORE ORDERING!! ALL OF THIS DATA IS SUBJECT TO CONSTANT CHANGE AND MAY BE WRONG!!!

Pricing is in US $. Pricing is as of 6-24-13.

PRICING DOES NOT INCLUDE SHIPPING, TAXES OR IMPORT DUTIES!

Shipping from overseas can be expensive, check with your vendor.

Ray Wu

(China Based)

Type	Color	Conductors	Length	Diameter	Link	Image	Quantity	Price	Price per Connector	Note
Cap	White			13.5mm	link		10	$0.50	$0.05	End cap to go on unused male plugs
Cap	Black			13.5mm	link		10	$0.50	$0.05	End cap to go on unused male plugs
Pigtail	White	2	20cm	13.5mm	link		10	$3.00	$0.30	2x0.5mm²wire
Pigtail	Black	2	15cm		link		50	$23.16	$0.46
Pigtail	Clear	2	10cm		link		100	$57.89	$0.58	Coaxial 5.5/2.1mm 22gauge wire
Extension	White	2	1.5m(5feet)		link		10	$10.00	$1.00	2x0.5mm² wire
Extension	White	2	3m(10feet)		link		10	$16.00	$1.60	2x0.5mm² wire
Tee	White	2	40cm	13.5mm	link		10	$17.00	$1.70	2x0.5mm² wire
Tee	Black	2	40cm	15mm	link		1	$2.20	$2.20	2x0.75mm² wire