Difference between revisions of "Pixel Megatrees"
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[[File:Pixel_megatree.png | 200px]] | [[File:Pixel_megatree.png | 200px]] | ||
| − | A pixel megatree is just a normal megatree but fashioned using strings | + | A pixel megatree is just a normal megatree but fashioned using pixel strings or pixel strips instead of strings of normal LED or incandescent lights. Because pixels provide the ability to control each individual light's color (instead of each string as in a basic megatree) pixel megatrees allow for the display of patterns or even pictures -- and in some exotic cases, full motion video! |
| − | The same considerations for height and width apply to pixel megatrees as they do to basic megatrees in that the lengths of the materials you choose to use will help determine the general shape, height and width of the tree. A major difference, however, is that strings of pixels are much bulkier and heavier, which puts significant stress on the wiring between each pixel as the pixel string length increases. This stress can cause electrical connection problems and ruin the display. To combat this problem, DIY'ers use additional support materials such as zip-tieing the pixel strings to guy wires or paracord or using pixel mounting strips that hold the pixels firmly and eliminate the stress on the pixel string's wiring. | + | The same considerations for height and width apply to pixel megatrees as they do to basic megatrees in that the lengths of the materials you choose to use will help determine the general shape, height and width of the tree. Pixel strings and pixel strips are available from many vendors and costs vary widely. Strings seem to be generally preferred over strips, probably for their durability; pixel strips usually have a greater density than strings because the individual LEDs are closer together. |
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| + | ::::[[File:Pixel string.png | 400 px]] [[File:Pixel strip.png | 400 px ]] | ||
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| + | A major difference, however, is that strings of pixels are much bulkier and heavier, which puts significant stress on the wiring between each pixel as the pixel string length increases. This stress can cause electrical connection problems and ruin the display. To combat this problem, DIY'ers use additional support materials such as zip-tieing the pixel strings to guy wires or paracord or using pixel mounting strips that hold the pixels firmly and eliminate the stress on the pixel string's wiring. | ||
Google '''pixel mounting strips''' and you'll find many sources; two excellent sources are Boscoyo Studios (https://boscoyostudio.com/) and Holiday Coro (http://www.holidaycoro.com/). Both of these companies provide a great many additional DIY products and have been solid supporters of Christmas lighting DIY'ers for many years. | Google '''pixel mounting strips''' and you'll find many sources; two excellent sources are Boscoyo Studios (https://boscoyostudio.com/) and Holiday Coro (http://www.holidaycoro.com/). Both of these companies provide a great many additional DIY products and have been solid supporters of Christmas lighting DIY'ers for many years. | ||
Revision as of 08:46, 12 May 2020
A pixel megatree is just a normal megatree but fashioned using pixel strings or pixel strips instead of strings of normal LED or incandescent lights. Because pixels provide the ability to control each individual light's color (instead of each string as in a basic megatree) pixel megatrees allow for the display of patterns or even pictures -- and in some exotic cases, full motion video!
The same considerations for height and width apply to pixel megatrees as they do to basic megatrees in that the lengths of the materials you choose to use will help determine the general shape, height and width of the tree. Pixel strings and pixel strips are available from many vendors and costs vary widely. Strings seem to be generally preferred over strips, probably for their durability; pixel strips usually have a greater density than strings because the individual LEDs are closer together.
A major difference, however, is that strings of pixels are much bulkier and heavier, which puts significant stress on the wiring between each pixel as the pixel string length increases. This stress can cause electrical connection problems and ruin the display. To combat this problem, DIY'ers use additional support materials such as zip-tieing the pixel strings to guy wires or paracord or using pixel mounting strips that hold the pixels firmly and eliminate the stress on the pixel string's wiring.
Google pixel mounting strips and you'll find many sources; two excellent sources are Boscoyo Studios (https://boscoyostudio.com/) and Holiday Coro (http://www.holidaycoro.com/). Both of these companies provide a great many additional DIY products and have been solid supporters of Christmas lighting DIY'ers for many years.
Because of the added complexity of using pixels, pixel megatrees are controlled by pixel controllers and often powered using multiple external DC power supplies, and sequenced using software tools designed for controlling the many thousands of equivalent "channels" that pixel displays require. Software such as Vixen-3 and XLights are two popular pixel sequencers -- that also can be configured to control conventional non-pixel lighting, too.