Null Pixels - Revision history

Jklingert: /* 4 Wire Pixels vs 3 Wire Pixels */

2013-12-02T03:32:29Z

4 Wire Pixels vs 3 Wire Pixels

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:32, 2 December 2013
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	==4 Wire Pixels vs 3 Wire Pixels==		==4 Wire Pixels vs 3 Wire Pixels==
	[[Different_Styles_of_Pixels#Pixel_.28IC.29Control_chips_and_number_of_wires\|Pixels]] that use 4 wires (V+,V-,Data,Clock) such as the [http://www.adafruit.com/datasheets/WS2801.pdf WS2801] typically need a Null Pixel roughly every 6M (19ft) due to the need for both the Data and Clock signal to be regenerated.		[[Different_Styles_of_Pixels#Pixel_.28IC.29Control_chips_and_number_of_wires\|Pixels]] that use 4 wires (V+,V-,Data,Clock) such as the [http://www.adafruit.com/datasheets/WS2801.pdf WS2801] typically need a Null Pixel roughly less than every 6M (19ft) due to the need for both the Data and Clock signal to be regenerated.


	[[Different_Styles_of_Pixels#Pixel_.28IC.29Control_chips_and_number_of_wires\|Pixels]] that use 3 wires (V+,V-,Data) such as the [http://www.nooelec.com/files/WS2811.pdf WS2811] typically need a Null Pixel roughly every 10M (32ft).		[[Different_Styles_of_Pixels#Pixel_.28IC.29Control_chips_and_number_of_wires\|Pixels]] that use 3 wires (V+,V-,Data) such as the [http://www.nooelec.com/files/WS2811.pdf WS2811] typically need a Null Pixel roughly less than every 10M (32ft). It is common to use a null pixel every 15-20ft to eliminate problems.

	The distance you can go depends on many factors including the proximity to other power and data wires, wire shielding and if you use twisted pair wire or not. '''You should always test your Pixel layout with the proper length wires to see if there will be an issue and the need for additional Null Pixels.'''		The distance you can go depends on many factors including the proximity to other power and data wires, wire shielding and if you use twisted pair wire or not. '''You should always test your Pixel layout with the proper length wires to see if there will be an issue and the need for additional Null Pixels.'''


	==Managing Null Pixels in Pixel Controllers and Sequencing Software==		==Managing Null Pixels in Pixel Controllers and Sequencing Software==

Jklingert: /* What is a Null Pixel */

2013-08-05T11:57:10Z

What is a Null Pixel

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:57, 5 August 2013
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	==What is a Null Pixel==		==What is a Null Pixel==
	Unlike regular LED strings, Pixels allow each individual RGB LED to be turned on and off separately. In order to have each RGB LED be capable of individual control, it must have data signaling go to the Pixels to command them. Pixels have power wires connected to them to power them, but Pixels also use high speed serial data communications over additional wires in the cable to them. The serial data signal can only go a limited distance before the signal is to ~~week~~ or distorted to allow proper function of the Pixels. If the signal is too weak or distorted, the Pixels may not respond properly and flash erratically or not light at all.		Unlike regular LED strings, Pixels allow each individual RGB LED to be turned on and off separately. In order to have each RGB LED be capable of individual control, it must have data signaling go to the Pixels to command them. Pixels have power wires connected to them to power them, but Pixels also use high speed serial data communications over additional wires in the cable to them. The serial data signal can only go a limited distance before the signal is to weak or distorted to allow proper function of the Pixels. If the signal is too weak or distorted, the Pixels may not respond properly and flash erratically or not light at all.

	Null Pixels are placed on the power and signal lines between the [[Controllers\|Pixel Controller]] and the first Pixel that is located at a distance from the controller. The Null Pixel basically is a regular Pixel that is not used for lighting, but merely repeats the signal and sends it down the line to the next Pixel. It is possible to splice multiple Null Pixels into a line if the distance is great. By inserting Null Pixels in the signal lines you regenerate the data signals and the clock signals and allow them to go further away from the controller. The Null Pixel must be the same IC Type as the rest of the Pixel string due to the fact that different Pixel ICs use different serial signaling protocols.		Null Pixels are placed on the power and signal lines between the [[Controllers\|Pixel Controller]] and the first Pixel that is located at a distance from the controller. The Null Pixel basically is a regular Pixel that is not used for lighting, but merely repeats the signal and sends it down the line to the next Pixel. It is possible to splice multiple Null Pixels into a line if the distance is great. By inserting Null Pixels in the signal lines you regenerate the data signals and the clock signals and allow them to go further away from the controller. The Null Pixel must be the same IC Type as the rest of the Pixel string due to the fact that different Pixel ICs use different serial signaling protocols.

Jklingert: /* Disclaimers */

2013-08-05T11:46:41Z

Disclaimers

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:46, 5 August 2013
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	==Disclaimers==		==Disclaimers==
	The standard disclaimers pertaining to the information contained on this wiki page are listed [[Disclaimers \| here.]]<br/>		The standard disclaimers pertaining to the information contained on this wiki page are listed [[Disclaimers \| here.]]<br/>
	~~'''THIS WIKI PAGE IS NOT COMPLETE YET AND HAS NOT BEEN CHECKED FOR ERRORS.'''<br/>~~

	==What is a Null Pixel==		==What is a Null Pixel==

Jklingert: /* Related Links */

2013-08-05T11:44:01Z

Jklingert: /* What is a Null Pixel */

2013-07-29T17:02:10Z

What is a Null Pixel

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:02, 29 July 2013
Line 7:		Line 7:

	==What is a Null Pixel==		==What is a Null Pixel==
	Unlike regular LED strings, Pixels allow each individual RGB LED to be turned on and off separately. In order to have each RGB LED be capable of individual control, it must have data signaling go to the Pixels to command them. Pixels have power wires connected to them to power them, but Pixels also use high speed serial data communications over additional wires in the cable to them. The serial data signal can only go a ~~certain~~ distance before the signal is to week or distorted to allow proper function of the Pixels. If the signal is too weak or distorted, the Pixels may not respond properly and flash erratically or not light at all.		Unlike regular LED strings, Pixels allow each individual RGB LED to be turned on and off separately. In order to have each RGB LED be capable of individual control, it must have data signaling go to the Pixels to command them. Pixels have power wires connected to them to power them, but Pixels also use high speed serial data communications over additional wires in the cable to them. The serial data signal can only go a limited distance before the signal is to week or distorted to allow proper function of the Pixels. If the signal is too weak or distorted, the Pixels may not respond properly and flash erratically or not light at all.

	Null Pixels are placed on the power and signal lines between the [[Controllers\|Pixel Controller]] and the first Pixel that is located at a distance from the controller. The Null Pixel basically is a regular Pixel that is not used for lighting, but merely repeats the signal and sends it down the line to the next Pixel. It is possible to splice multiple Null Pixels into a line if the distance is great. By inserting Null Pixels in the signal lines you regenerate the data signals and the clock signals and allow them to go further away from the controller.		Null Pixels are placed on the power and signal lines between the [[Controllers\|Pixel Controller]] and the first Pixel that is located at a distance from the controller. The Null Pixel basically is a regular Pixel that is not used for lighting, but merely repeats the signal and sends it down the line to the next Pixel. It is possible to splice multiple Null Pixels into a line if the distance is great. By inserting Null Pixels in the signal lines you regenerate the data signals and the clock signals and allow them to go further away from the controller. The Null Pixel must be the same IC Type as the rest of the Pixel string due to the fact that different Pixel ICs use different serial signaling protocols.


	'''When splicing in Null Pixels, pay close attention to the [[Pixel_Wiring_Colors\|wire color codes]] and the Pixel Orientation. There is an input and an output side to every pixel.'''		'''When splicing in Null Pixels, pay close attention to the [[Pixel_Wiring_Colors\|wire color codes]] and the Pixel Orientation. There is an input and an output side to every pixel.'''



	==4 Wire Pixels vs 3 Wire Pixels==		==4 Wire Pixels vs 3 Wire Pixels==

Jklingert: Created page with "==Intro== In some Pixel layouts where the Pixels are located a long distance away from the Pixel Controller it may be necessary ..."

2013-07-29T16:33:50Z

Created page with "==Intro== In some Pixel layouts where the Pixels are located a long distance away from the Pixel Controller it may be necessary ..."

New page

==Intro==
In some Pixel layouts where the [[Different Styles of Pixels|Pixels]] are located a long distance away from the [[Controllers|Pixel Controller]] it may be necessary to install a Null Pixel in the wiring to ensure that the Pixels perform properly.

==Disclaimers==
The standard disclaimers pertaining to the information contained on this wiki page are listed [[Disclaimers | here.]] 
'''THIS WIKI PAGE IS NOT COMPLETE YET AND HAS NOT BEEN CHECKED FOR ERRORS.''' 

==What is a Null Pixel==
Unlike regular LED strings, Pixels allow each individual RGB LED to be turned on and off separately. In order to have each RGB LED be capable of individual control, it must have data signaling go to the Pixels to command them. Pixels have power wires connected to them to power them, but Pixels also use high speed serial data communications over additional wires in the cable to them. The serial data signal can only go a certain distance before the signal is to week or distorted to allow proper function of the Pixels. If the signal is too weak or distorted, the Pixels may not respond properly and flash erratically or not light at all.

Null Pixels are placed on the power and signal lines between the [[Controllers|Pixel Controller]] and the first Pixel that is located at a distance from the controller. The Null Pixel basically is a regular Pixel that is not used for lighting, but merely repeats the signal and sends it down the line to the next Pixel. It is possible to splice multiple Null Pixels into a line if the distance is great. By inserting Null Pixels in the signal lines you regenerate the data signals and the clock signals and allow them to go further away from the controller.

'''When splicing in Null Pixels, pay close attention to the [[Pixel_Wiring_Colors|wire color codes]] and the Pixel Orientation. There is an input and an output side to every pixel.'''

==4 Wire Pixels vs 3 Wire Pixels==
[[Different_Styles_of_Pixels#Pixel_.28IC.29Control_chips_and_number_of_wires|Pixels]] that use 4 wires (V+,V-,Data,Clock) such as the [http://www.adafruit.com/datasheets/WS2801.pdf WS2801] typically need a Null Pixel roughly every 6M (19ft) due to the need for both the Data and Clock signal to be regenerated.

[[Different_Styles_of_Pixels#Pixel_.28IC.29Control_chips_and_number_of_wires|Pixels]] that use 3 wires (V+,V-,Data) such as the [http://www.nooelec.com/files/WS2811.pdf WS2811] typically need a Null Pixel roughly every 10M (32ft).

The distance you can go depends on many factors including the proximity to other power and data wires, wire shielding and if you use twisted pair wire or not. '''You should always test your Pixel layout with the proper length wires to see if there will be an issue and the need for additional Null Pixels.'''

==Managing Null Pixels in Pixel Controllers and Sequencing Software==
Pixels work by receiving all of the data for the entire string, using the data meant for that specific RGB LED and then passing the remainder of the data down the string to the next Pixel which repeats the process. You need to account for the Null Pixels in either the Sequencing Software or the [[Controllers|Pixel Controller]].

If your Pixel Controller has a setting for Null Pixels, like the [http://sandevices.com/E681info.html E682] does, then you just set the controller up with the correct number of Null Pixels and then in the Sequencing Software you just sequence for the active Pixels in your design and ignore the existence of the Null Pixels. The Null Pixels do not add additional channels to your sequence.

If you Pixel Controller does not have a setting for Null Pixels, like many low cost controllers, then you must account for the fact that there are Null Pixels in your sequence and adjust your sequences to ignore the Null Pixels. The Null Pixels do add additional channels to your sequence.

==Related Links==

[[Different Styles of Pixels]] 
[[Controllers]] 
[[Dumb RGB or Intelligent Pixels??]] 
[[Things You Will Need To Get Started With Pixels]] 
[[Pixel Wiring Colors]] 
[[Pixel Connectors]] 
[[Choosing a Pixel Voltage: 5V vs 12V]] 
[[Power Injection]] 
[[Waterproofing Pixels]] 
[[Power Supplies]]

[[Category:RGB]]
[[Category:Pixel]]
[[Category:DIYC Index]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:44, 5 August 2013
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	[[Power Injection]]<br>		[[Power Injection]]<br>
	[[Waterproofing Pixels]]<br>		[[Waterproofing Pixels]]<br>
	[[Power Supplies]]		[[Power Supplies]]<br>
			[[E1.31_(Streaming-ACN)_Protocol\|E1.31 Network Setup and Configuration]]

	[[Category:RGB]]		[[Category:RGB]]
	[[Category:Pixel]]		[[Category:Pixel]]
	[[Category:DIYC Index]]		[[Category:DIYC Index]]