Pixel Connectors
Intro
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. The number of conductors required for each pixel type depends on the number of wires that pixel requires. Some pixels only need 3 wires, Ground, V+ and Data while some require a fourth Clock wire.
Connectors from different vendors generally do not fit together due to different manufacturers sizes and keying.
Pixel Connector Properties | ||
Feature | ||
Options | ||
---|---|---|
Type | Euro, Cap, Pigtail, Tee, Extension, Anderson Powerpole | |
Color | White, Black, Clear | |
Conductors | 2,3,4,5 wires or pins | |
Length | Varies per vendor | |
Diameter | 13.5mm, 15mm, other | |
Wire Size | typically 18-22ga |
Disclaimers
The standard disclaimers pertaining to the information contained on this wiki page are listed here.
Types of Pixel Connectors
Euro Connector
These connectors are typically found on pixel controllers like the Sandevices E682, Renard PX1 and HolidayCoro AlphaPix Controllers. 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. Here are the wiring orders for common pixel controllers:
Common E1.31 Pixel Controller Output Pin Assignments | |||
Pin # | SanDevices E682 | HolidayCoro AlphaPix 4[1] AlphaPix 16[2] | |
---|---|---|---|
1 | GND (V-) | V+ | |
2 | Clock (C) | Clock (C) | |
3 | Data (D) | Data (D) | |
4 | V+ | GND (V-) |
Euro Male Plug
The male plug is generally attached directly to the pixel leads or may be connected to a pigtail.
Shown above, with an inline wire entry like used on the Sandevices E682 and HolidayCoro AlphaPix controllers.
Shown above, with a rear wire entry as used on the Renard PX1
Pigtails
These are typically connected to the end of the pixel strings and to controllers to allow an easy way to quickly connect and disconnect the pixels using a "waterproof" connector. They are generally sold as a pair of male and female ends. Pigtails are polarized so that they only fit together one way. They can have either a notch and tab or a flat spot on the male end that must interlock with the corresponding feature on the female end. The wires on pigtails are color coded, but may vary from batch from the same vendor. It is wise to confirm which pin on your pigtails are connected to which color wire before you solder them and test fit to make sure they properly function. The wire color code for the pixels also can vary from batch to batch.
An alternative to using pre-cut pigtails is to use extensions and then cut them to your exact length requirements. This video shows how to cut down extensions into pigtails:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehCdjdvl064
Here is an example of some pixel wire color codes. Check with your vendor to make sure you have the right color code and the correct input side for your specific pixels.
Male Pigtail
Male Pigtails are generally connected to the input end of a pixel string. Male pigtails often have a separate o-ring that must be slid on to the body into the notch. There is also a locking nut that slides down over the back of the male pigtail and is used to tighten the male plug into the female socket.
Female Pigtail
Female pigtails are generally connected to the device supplying the power. Is is common to attach the female end (without the pins) to the controller end so as to prevent possible shorting of the outputs - this is the same reason AC plugs are male and AC outlets are female. The Euro connector connects to the pixel controller and the female pigtail extends the cord outside of the enclosure that the controller is mounted in. It is also common to connect a female pigtail to the end of a pixel string to connect to the next pixel string in series. While there is no official standard color code for pigtails, here are come common color connections used with vendor's pixels:
SanDevices Pixel System 1 Female Pigtail | ||
Wire Color | ||
Signal | ||
---|---|---|
Black | Ground | |
Blue | Clock | |
Green | Data | |
Red | V+ |
HolidayCoro | ||
Wire Color | ||
Signal | ||
---|---|---|
Black | Ground | |
Green (On 4 conductor cables only) |
Clock | |
Yellow | Data | |
Red | V+ |
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.
Instructional Videos
The following videos show common methods of attaching pixels to pigtails:
Soldering nodes/modules to pigtails
Soldering strip/ribbon to pigtails
How to use extension cables as customized pigtails
Anderson Powerpole High Current Connectors
Anderson Powerpole connectors are frequently used in situations where you need a modular connector that can handle a large current (>5A) through the connector. For more information see the Datasheet. They are useful for connecting High Current Power Supplies with High Channel Count Pixel Controllers. They come in different sizes:
- PP15 - Up to 15A current and 16-20 AWG wire size
- PP30 - Up to 30A current and 12-14 AWG wire size
- PP45 - Up to 45A current and 10 AWG wire size
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 (higher number) results in a high voltage drop and can cause your pixels to have poor colors or to not function at all. For more information about how to choose the right wire size look here. This is also 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.
WARNING: It is not uncommon for extension and pigtail wiring to be mis-labelled (on the vendor website or printed directly on the cable) as to wire gauge (e.g. 18 AWG, actually 20 AWG) - be sure to confirm with your vendor the specifications as to number of "cores" and the diameter of those cores to ensure you are receiving the as-promised wire gauge. Additionally, there can be wide differences in the current carrying capacity between Copper Clad Aluminium (that looks like copper wire), Tin, Tin Coated Copper and pure Copper wires, if you are not sure what your vendor sells, confirm with them.
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 and custom quantity pricing on the pigtails and extension cables.
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.
DIYLEDEXPRESS
(USA Based run by DIYC user tjetzer)
Type | Color | Conductors | Length | Diameter | Link | Image | Quantity | Price | Price per Connector | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 Conductor | ||||||||||
Pigtail | White | 2 | 10" | link | 10 | $11.85 | $1.190 | 18 ga wire | ||
3 Conductor | ||||||||||
Pigtail | Green | 3 | 10" | link | 10 | $12.50 | $1.25 | 18 ga wire, fits Pixabulbs | ||
Extension | Green | 3 | 5feet | link | 1 | $2.25 | $2.25 | fits Pixabulbs | ||
Extension | Green | 3 | 10feet | link | 1 | $3.50 | $3.50 | fits Pixabulbs | ||
Tee | Green | 3 | link | 1 | $3.79 | $3.79 | fits Pixabulbs | |||
4 Conductor | ||||||||||
Pigtail | White | 4 | 10" | link | 10 | $12.00 | $1.20 | 18ga wire | ||
Extension | White | 4 | 5feet | link | 1 | $2.25 | $2.25 | |||
Extension | White | 4 | 10feet | link | 1 | $3.75 | $3.75 | |||
Tee | Green | 4 | link | 1 | $4.50 | $4.50 | fits Pixadot strings |
HolidayCoro
(USA Based run by DIYC user dmoore)
Type | Color | Conductors | Length | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|
Extension/Pigtail | Black | 3 | 5 Ft | link |
Extension/Pigtail | Black | 3 | 10 Ft | link |
Extension/Pigtail | Black | 3 | 20 Ft | link |
Tee - MMF | Black | 3 | 12 In | link |
Tee - MFF | Black | 3 | 12 In | link |
Extension Wire | Red/Green/Blue | 3 | 100 Ft Roll | link |
Extension/Pigtail | Black | 4 | 5 Ft | link |
Extension/Pigtail | Black | 4 | 10 Ft | link |
Extension/Pigtail | Black | 4 | 20 Ft | link |
Tee - MMF | Black | 4 | 12 In | link |
Tee - MFF | Black | 4 | 12 In | link |
Extension Wire | Red/Green/Blue/Black | 4 | 100 Ft Roll | link |
Extension Wire | Red/Green/Blue/Black | 4 | Sold by the Foot | link |
Ray Wu
(China Based) Contact Ray Wu directly for lower shipping costs if you are ordering multiple items.
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 | ||||||||||||||
Cap | Black | 15mm | link | 10 | $0.25 | $0.03 | End cap to go on unused male plugs | ||||||||||||||
2 Conductor | |||||||||||||||||||||
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 | ||||||||||||
3 Conductor | |||||||||||||||||||||
Pigtail | White | 3 | 20cm | 13.5mm | link | 10 | $5.00 | $0.50 | 3x0.5mm²wire | ||||||||||||
Pigtail | Black | 3 | 20cm | 13.5mm | link | 10 | $5.00 | $0.50 | 3x0.75mm² wire | ||||||||||||
Pigtail | White | 3 | 30cm | 13.5mm | link | 10 | $6.00 | $0.60 | 3x0.5mm² wire | ||||||||||||
Pigtail | Black | 3 | 20cm | 15mm | link | 10 | $5.00 | $0.50 | 3x0.5mm² wire | ||||||||||||
Extension | White | 3 | 1.5m(5feet) | link | 10 | $12.00 | $1.20 | 3x0.5mm² wire | |||||||||||||
Extension | White | 3 | 3m(10feet) | link | 10 | $18.00 | $1.60 | ||||||||||||||
Extension | White | 3 | 7.6m(25feet) | link | 10 | $37.00 | $3.70 | ||||||||||||||
Extension | Black | 3 | 1.5m(5feet) | 15mm | link | 10 | $12.00 | $1.20 | 3x0.5mm² wire | ||||||||||||
Extension | Black | 3 | 3m(10feet) | 15mm | link | 10 | $22.00 | $2.20 | |||||||||||||
Tee | Black | 3 | 40cm | 13.5mm | link | 10 | $19.00 | $1.90 | 3x0.75mm² wire | ||||||||||||
Tee | White | 3 | 40cm | 13.5mm | link | 10 | $18.00 | $1.80 | 3x0.5mm² wire | ||||||||||||
4 Conductor | |||||||||||||||||||||
Pigtail | White | 4 | 30cm | link | 10 | $8.00 | $0.80 | ||||||||||||||
Pigtail | Black | 4 | 20cm | 13.5mm | link | 10 | $7.00 | $0.70 | 4x0.75mm² wire | ||||||||||||
Pigtail | White | 4 | 150cm(5ft) | link | 10 | $19.00 | $1.90 | ||||||||||||||
Pigtail | Black | 4 | 20cm | 15mm | link | 10 | $7.00 | $0.70 | 4x0.5mm² wire | ||||||||||||
Extension | White | 4 | 1.5m(5feet) | link | 10 | $12.00 | $1.20 | ||||||||||||||
Extension | White | 4 | 3m(10feet) | link | 10 | $19.00 | $1.90 | ||||||||||||||
Extension | White | 4 | 7.6m(25feet) | link | 10 | $39.00 | $3.90 | ||||||||||||||
Extension | Black | 4 | 2.5m | 15mm | link | 10 | $22.00 | $2.20 | 4x0.75mm² wire | ||||||||||||
Extension | Black | 4 | 7.6m(25feet) | 15mm | link | 10 | $44.00 | $4.40 | 4x0.75mm² wire | ||||||||||||
Tee | Black | 4 | 40cm | 13.5mm | link | 10 | $22.00 | $2.20 | 4x0.75mm² wire | ||||||||||||
Tee | White | 4 | 40cm | 13.5mm | link | 10 | $22.00 | $2.20 | 4x0.5mm² wire | ||||||||||||
Tee | Black | 4 | 40cm | 15mm | link | 10 | $24.00 | $2.40 | 4x0.5mm² wire | ||||||||||||
5 Conductor | |||||||||||||||||||||
Pigtail | White | 5 | 15cm | link | 100 | $96.84 | $0.97 | ||||||||||||||
Pigtail | Black | 5 | 20cm | 15mm | link | 10 | $8.50 | $0.85 | 4x0.5mm² wire |
Seasonal Entertainment
(USA Based run by DIYC user Ponddude)
Type | Color | Conductors | Length | Diameter | Link | Image | Quantity | Price | Price per Connector | Note |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4 Conductor | ||||||||||
Pigtail | White/Black | 4 | 6.5" | link | 1 | $4.00 | $4.00 | |||
Extension | White/Black | 4 | 1m | link | 1 | $7.15 | $7.15 | |||
Extension | White/Black | 4 | 3m | link | 1 | $10.30 | $10.30 |
Related Links
Different Styles of Pixels
Controllers
Dumb RGB or Intelligent Pixels??
Things You Will Need To Get Started With Pixels
Power Supplies
Choosing a Pixel Voltage: 5V vs 12V
Power Injection
Waterproofing Pixels
Null Pixels
E1.31 Network Setup and Configuration