Waterproofing Pixels - Revision history

Dmcole: /* Need for Waterproofing */

2015-02-07T01:39:47Z

Need for Waterproofing

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:39, 7 February 2015
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	[http://www.sandevices.com Sandevices.com] the manufacturer of the [http://www.sandevices.com/E681info.html E680-E682] Pixel Controllers has the following [http://www.sandevices.com/documents/An%20Introduction%20to%20RGB%20Pixels.pdf note] on its website that explains the issues with pixel nodes.<br/>		[http://www.sandevices.com Sandevices.com] the manufacturer of the [http://www.sandevices.com/E681info.html E680-E682] Pixel Controllers has the following [http://www.sandevices.com/documents/An%20Introduction%20to%20RGB%20Pixels.pdf note] on its website that explains the issues with pixel nodes.<br/>

	<blockquote>"There are additional considerations for outdoor displays. The first is waterproofing. Bear in mind these comments refer		<blockquote>"There are additional considerations for outdoor displays. The first is waterproofing. Bear in mind these comments refer to the popular Chinese‐made pixel strings. First, it’s important to understand the original purpose of these pixels. They were designed to be installed in digital signs, pushed in from the back of the faceplate of the sign, in a pretty closely spaced grid. So, they are relatively waterproof, as in designed for outdoor use, but there originally intended application doesn’t subject them to direct rain or snow because they are pretty‐much shielded by the sign enclosure.
	to the popular Chinese‐made pixel strings. First, it’s important to understand the original purpose of these pixels. They
	were designed to be installed in digital signs, pushed in from the back of the faceplate of the sign, in a pretty closely spaced
	grid. So, they are relatively waterproof, as in designed for outdoor use, but there originally intended application
	doesn’t subject them to direct rain or snow because they are pretty‐much shielded by the sign enclosure.

	The weak spot is that there are two sets of wires going into each pixel, two 3 or 4‐conductor flat cables. These two flat		The weak spot is that there are two sets of wires going into each pixel, two 3 or 4‐conductor flat cables. These two flat cables are just pressed against each other and they enter the pixel through a single hole in the silicone. The problem is that there is no silicone between the two sets of wires, and this not only creates a potential entry point for moisture, with a ‘hanging’ string, the weight of the string will tend to pull the silicone apart slightly, allowing a larger path for water entry. Some pixels are made from a pretty stiff silicone, others are made from silicone that’s a lot more flexible. Those made from the stiffer silicone are probably more inherently waterproof, but those made of the softer stuff do lend themselves to some additional waterproofing by a quick shot of hot melt glue between the two sets of wires. The silicone is soft enough that you can just jam the tip of the glue gun in, forcing the wires apart a bit, then you shoot in a dab of glue, and when you remove the gun the silicone snaps back and seals everything up tightly. I personally ran 40 strings of pixels this year, about 20 of each type. I did do the hot‐melt glue waterproofing of the softer pixels. All strings survived the season."</blockquote><br/>
	cables are just pressed against each other and they enter the pixel through a single hole in the silicone. The problem is
	that there is no silicone between the two sets of wires, and this not only creates a potential entry point for moisture, with
	a ‘hanging’ string, the weight of the string will tend to pull the silicone apart slightly, allowing a larger path for water entry.
	Some pixels are made from a pretty stiff silicone, others are made from silicone that’s a lot more flexible. Those made
	from the stiffer silicone are probably more inherently waterproof, but those made of the softer stuff do lend themselves
	to some additional waterproofing by a quick shot of hot melt glue between the two sets of wires. The silicone is soft
	enough that you can just jam the tip of the glue gun in, forcing the wires apart a bit, then you shoot in a dab of glue, and
	when you remove the gun the silicone snaps back and seals everything up tightly. I personally ran 40 strings of pixels this
	year, about 20 of each type. I did do the hot‐melt glue waterproofing of the softer pixels. All strings survived the season."</blockquote><br/>
	<br/>		<br/>

Dmcole: /* Need for Waterproofing */

2015-02-07T01:38:39Z

Need for Waterproofing

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:38, 7 February 2015
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	[http://www.sandevices.com Sandevices.com] the manufacturer of the [http://www.sandevices.com/E681info.html E680-E682] Pixel Controllers has the following [http://www.sandevices.com/documents/An%20Introduction%20to%20RGB%20Pixels.pdf note] on ~~their~~ website that explains the issues with pixel nodes.<br/>		[http://www.sandevices.com Sandevices.com] the manufacturer of the [http://www.sandevices.com/E681info.html E680-E682] Pixel Controllers has the following [http://www.sandevices.com/documents/An%20Introduction%20to%20RGB%20Pixels.pdf note] on its website that explains the issues with pixel nodes.<br/>

	<blockquote>"There are additional considerations for outdoor displays. The first is waterproofing. Bear in mind these comments refer		<blockquote>"There are additional considerations for outdoor displays. The first is waterproofing. Bear in mind these comments refer

Jklingert: /* Need for Waterproofing */

2013-11-26T19:37:41Z

Need for Waterproofing

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:37, 26 November 2013
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	=Need for Waterproofing=		=Need for Waterproofing=
	Over the last few years there have been many different types of pixel nodes coming from China. The waterproofing on the pixels vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. While many claim to have pixels with an [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=Waterproofing_Pixels#Understanding_IP_Ratings IP68] rating (the highest) those claims are often exaggerated. Recent construction techniques like epoxy resin molded bodies have helped to make the units more waterproof, however the quality of the nodes often vary. The biggest weakness is where the wires enter the back of the pixels and how it is sealed. Failure to properly waterproof pixel nodes can result in their destruction due to water damage.<br/>		Over the last few years there have been many different types of pixel nodes coming from China. The waterproofing on the pixels vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. While many claim to have pixels with an [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=Waterproofing_Pixels#Understanding_IP_Ratings IP68] rating (the highest) those claims are often exaggerated. Recent construction techniques like epoxy resin molded bodies have helped to make the units more waterproof, however the quality of the nodes often vary. The biggest weakness is where the wires enter the back of the pixels and how it is sealed. Silicone injection molded pixels have frequently had water leakage issues. The water can find its way into the pixel via flexing of the wires or simply by wicking up the wires due to temperature changes. Failure to properly waterproof pixel nodes can result in their destruction due to water damage.<br/>
	[[File:2801pixelback1.jpg\|300px]] [[File:Badpixel1.jpg\|200px]]		[[File:2801pixelback1.jpg\|300px]] [[File:Badpixel1.jpg\|200px]]
	<br/>		<br/>

Jklingert: /* Disclaimers */

2013-08-05T12:35:23Z

Disclaimers

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:35, 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 PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND IS NOT COMPLETE AND HAS NOT BEEN CHECKED FOR ERRORS YET!!'''<br/>~~

	=Need for Waterproofing=		=Need for Waterproofing=

Jklingert: /* Related Links */

2013-08-05T11:43:41Z

Jklingert: /* Related Links */

2013-07-29T17:08:31Z

Jklingert: /* Understanding IP Ratings */

2013-07-27T19:22:20Z

Understanding IP Ratings

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 |}
 [[Category:RGB]]
 [[Category:Pixel]]

Jklingert: /* Waterproofing Techniques */

2013-03-04T15:18:35Z

Waterproofing Techniques

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:18, 4 March 2013
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	'''Avoid supporting pixel node strings by their own wire alone.''' Hanging the pixel node strings without support pulls the wires apart in the back of the node and it makes it easier for water to enter them. Common methods of supporting the pixel node strings include: attaching them to plastic strapping made for shipping boxes, attaching them to paracord or attaching them to PVC frames. Some people have recommended putting a small plastic cable tie around the wires where they enter the pixel to keep them from pulling apart. <br/>		'''Avoid supporting pixel node strings by their own wire alone.''' Hanging the pixel node strings without support pulls the wires apart in the back of the node and it makes it easier for water to enter them. Common methods of supporting the pixel node strings include: attaching them to plastic strapping made for shipping boxes, attaching them to paracord or attaching them to PVC frames. Some people have recommended putting a small plastic cable tie around the wires where they enter the pixel to keep them from pulling apart. <br/>
	<br/>		<br/>
			[http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?25433-Silicone-and-other-sealants-on-electrical-connections Here] is a good thread about how different materials hold up after exposure to weather.

	=Waterproofing Pixels Videos=		=Waterproofing Pixels Videos=

Jklingert: /* Waterproofing Pixels Videos */

2013-02-03T19:56:54Z

Waterproofing Pixels Videos

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:56, 3 February 2013
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	[https://vimeo.com/18358717 Plasti Dip] Diping Pixel strings in Clear Plastidip<br/>		[https://vimeo.com/18358717 Plasti Dip] Diping Pixel strings in Clear Plastidip<br/>
	[https://vimeo.com/12869885 Liquid Tape] Injecting Liquid Tape into the back of Pixel Nodes<br/>		[https://vimeo.com/12869885 Liquid Tape] Injecting Liquid Tape into the back of Pixel Nodes<br/>


			=Waterproofing Electrical Connections=
			Here is a interesting [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?25433-Silicone-and-other-sealants-on-electrical-connections thread] about different sealants for electrical connections on pixels. It has photos and discussion about effects of weathering on the various sealants.

	=Waterproofing Supplies=		=Waterproofing Supplies=

Jklingert: /* Need for Waterproofing */

2013-01-31T01:39:08Z

Need for Waterproofing

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:39, 31 January 2013
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	=Need for Waterproofing=		=Need for Waterproofing=
	Over the last few years there have been many different types of pixel nodes coming from China. The waterproofing on the pixels vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. While many claim to have pixels with an [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=Waterproofing_Pixels#Understanding_IP_Ratings IP68] rating (the highest) those claims are often exaggerated. Recent construction techniques like epoxy resin molded bodies have helped to make the units more waterproof, however the quality of the nodes often vary. The biggest weakness is where the wires enter the back of the pixels and how it is sealed. Failure to properly waterproof pixel nodes can result in their destruction due to water damage.<br/>		Over the last few years there have been many different types of pixel nodes coming from China. The waterproofing on the pixels vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. While many claim to have pixels with an [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php?title=Waterproofing_Pixels#Understanding_IP_Ratings IP68] rating (the highest) those claims are often exaggerated. Recent construction techniques like epoxy resin molded bodies have helped to make the units more waterproof, however the quality of the nodes often vary. The biggest weakness is where the wires enter the back of the pixels and how it is sealed. Failure to properly waterproof pixel nodes can result in their destruction due to water damage.<br/>
	[[File:2801pixelback1.jpg\|300px]]		[[File:2801pixelback1.jpg\|300px]] [[File:Badpixel1.jpg\|200px]]
	<br/>		<br/>

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:43, 5 August 2013
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	[[Power Supplies]]<br>		[[Power Supplies]]<br>
	[[Power Injection]]<br>		[[Power Injection]]<br>
	[[Null Pixels]]		[[Null Pixels]]<br>
			[[E1.31_(Streaming-ACN)_Protocol\|E1.31 Network Setup and Configuration]]

	[[Category:RGB]]		[[Category:RGB]]
	[[Category:Pixel]]		[[Category:Pixel]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:08, 29 July 2013
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	[[Choosing a Pixel Voltage: 5V vs 12V]] <br>		[[Choosing a Pixel Voltage: 5V vs 12V]] <br>
	[[Power Supplies]]<br>		[[Power Supplies]]<br>
	[[Power Injection]]		[[Power Injection]]<br>
			[[Null Pixels]]

	[[Category:RGB]]		[[Category:RGB]]
	[[Category:Pixel]]		[[Category:Pixel]]