brucecampbell Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Please excuse my ignorance on this subject, but I'm looking at LED strip lighting for my pool area, in particular to light up a waterfall and have no experience with this type of lighting. I have a few questions I am hoping you guys can help with. Please confirm/comment on the following:1. DMX controller will sit in my rack plugged into the HC800 via RS232 ?2. Controller will connect to 1st decoder via a DMX to RJ45 cable ? 2a. I am assuming runs of cat6 cable from the DMX controller to the DMX decoder can be reasonably long ie: 50-60 mtrs will be no issue ? 2b. 2nd decoder will be daisy chained to 1st decoder, and so on...3. Decoder will be mounted close to the LED strip outdoors, most likely in a weather proof enclosure ?4. DMX controller, via C4 interface, will be able to control each DMX decoder independently ? Cheers. RobbieF 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackstone Posted November 11, 2014 Author Share Posted November 11, 2014 This is a viable way to do it but I would recommend placing the decoders in a dry place indoor near the power supply. Then run a 18/4 wire from each decoder to the led strip segment it control, So you'll only have cables that run outdoor, no sensible electronic devices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark LaBelle Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Spot on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucecampbell Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Great, thanks for the advice, I hadn't even considered the decoder inside, had it stuck in my head that I'd be running cat cable... Another question: What limitations are there with connecting multiple LED's to one decoder. - can they simply be chained together using 18/4 wire?ie: (my plan):One decoder running the strip under the water fall.One decoder running 2-3 LED spots shining up into the trees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackstone Posted November 11, 2014 Author Share Posted November 11, 2014 The limitation is only related to current drawn by the LEDs. Check out the Ampere rating of the decoder and don't overload them. If you want to put lot of LED on a single decoder, best is to use some RGB amplifiers, they cost nothing but can repeat the RGB signal and let add more load on the circuit. Small DMX decoders are usually 3 amp per channel, some larger are 5 amp per channel. As reference, a full 5M roll of 5050 RGB LED Strip can draw up to 6 amp so it's more than what a single decoder channel can provide. Having some amplifiers in hand is always very useful. For wire, 18/4 is the most common type of wire for LED but don't overload it. A single 18/4 can power 10-15 meters of RGB strips, if you need more you may need a larger cable or put the amplifier at the cable end. Speaking of your project, the strip will be short and will not cause power issue. The spot can cause problem if you use powerful unit (30w &+) Best is to use low-power spot (less than 10w) and you can connect everything to the same 5 amp decoder, or wire each segment separately if you want to use brighter spots. It's all about load calculation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucecampbell Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Thanks Jackstone, very helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMHarman Posted November 12, 2014 Share Posted November 12, 2014 The limitation is only related to current drawn by the LEDs. Check out the Ampere rating of the decoder and don't overload them. If you want to put lot of LED on a single decoder, best is to use some RGB amplifiers, they cost nothing but can repeat the RGB signal and let add more load on the circuit.Small DMX decoders are usually 3 amp per channel, some larger are 5 amp per channel.As reference, a full 5M roll of 5050 RGB LED Strip can draw up to 6 amp so it's more than what a single decoder channel can provide. Having some amplifiers in hand is always very useful.For wire, 18/4 is the most common type of wire for LED but don't overload it. A single 18/4 can power 10-15 meters of RGB strips, if you need more you may need a larger cable or put the amplifier at the cable end.Speaking of your project, the strip will be short and will not cause power issue. The spot can cause problem if you use powerful unit (30w &+) Best is to use low-power spot (less than 10w) and you can connect everything to the same 5 amp decoder, or wire each segment separately if you want to use brighter spots.It's all about load calculation.That roll of 60SMD 5050 is only pulling 2A per channel in RGB. It's the white that messes with the math. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackstone Posted November 12, 2014 Author Share Posted November 12, 2014 You were right SMHarman, it's 2a PER CHANNEL so 6a total for all RGB. a 3a/channel DMX decoder can drive a full roll of RGB LED with no problem and no need for amplifier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackstone Posted November 18, 2014 Author Share Posted November 18, 2014 LimitlessLED driver is released. Check out this threat: http://www.c4forums.com/topic/15930-limitlessled-mi-light-easybulb-driver-released-free-trial/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackstone Posted November 30, 2014 Author Share Posted November 30, 2014 Google Translate: Brightness level is level 5 separate seviyelidir.hız level 10 separately. (RGB color determines the color of the passage of time) due to the default color mode .Demo görünür.vdc Operating voltage + 5-24V dc.çıkış current 4 amps differently for each color max.rf sound-sensitive remote control frequency of the control mhz.uzak 433 effective from 15 meters. (open field) RGB (LED strip), and other products applied in fun controls to desired values sistemi.ayarlan finally need to solder through the records in the memory socket connector edilmektedir.led duymaz.24-5 + dc amps max power girişli.4 input and output .Led groups. + -DC power supply switching models which are tavsiyemizdir.5 meter average value for 3528 lED strip should be selected around 2 amps or 24w led TRAFOSAN (even translated, it's hard to understand, sorry I only understand English and French) But I understand you want to show us an alternative for Sound-to-light with RGB lights? I know it exist quite few alternatives, but there no solution of this kind for Control4 and very few alternate solution can work with multiple lights on different channels. Our solution is able to make a large number of independant lights come alive by following the beat. The way it is done is not complex and will not replace a DJ console, but it's a nice addon for a complet RGB(w) LED control solution completely integrated with Control4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackstone Posted December 11, 2014 Author Share Posted December 11, 2014 A nice guy just find this cable: http://sirs-e.com/shop/led-rj45-dmx-cables/heavy-duty-rj45-xlr-5-pin-dmx-cable-adapters-3ft/ This is the cable needed to connect the recommended PX24500 DMX decoder to the DMX Interface. It is hard to find and most of the time we were needed to build-it ourselves, not anymore, thank for sharing blackfiveo1! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackfiveo1 Posted December 11, 2014 Share Posted December 11, 2014 nice guy, more like a confused guy im going to lay my scenario out here because this thread is awesome full of info I want 3 zones I will call them. The zone behavior is exactly the same output from the RGBW strip 1 zone (theater room)1 zone (living room/kitchen/entry accent lighting)1 zone (exterior house led lining the sophet of the house all the way around (approx 360 ft) SoHC800 [via Serial] --> RS232 DMX Engine XLR5 [via cable needed thats XLR5 to RJ45] --> PX24500 decoder.I could literally stack 10 of these PX24500 decoders in my closet with 1ft cat6 daisy chains. and have my power supplies to power them in that closet. then from the PX24500 decoders I run 18/4 cable to the start of my LED strips. Each Decoder can support how many RGBW 5meter strips??? (need to figure this out) So..Zone 1 could be Decoder 1Zone 2 could be Decoder 2Zone 3(outside) could be DecodeR 3-10? OR Zone 3 could be Decoder 3 piled up which a bunch of RGBW amplifiers(think I like this better) Sorry just thinking out loud, please jump in and correct me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackstone Posted December 12, 2014 Author Share Posted December 12, 2014 You get it blackfive01 HC800 [via Serial] --> RS232 DMX Engine XLR5 [via cable needed thats XLR5 to RJ45] --> PX24500 decoder. - Correct. ...and all other decoder daisy chained after the first ... don't forget to set the DIP switch on each decoder to different address, by keeping in mind that an RGB decoder use 3 channels and not one. Each Decoder can support how many RGBW 5meter strips??? (need to figure this out) Try to not connect more than 10m of strip on one decoder. Even if the PX24500 is 5a per channel, having more than two 5m strip connected together may lead to dimming and inacurate color. Use an amplifier after each 10m of strip. It's not a law, but just best practice, then from the PX24500 decoders I run 18/4 cable to the start of my LED strips PX24500 - Correct for RGB, RGBW will require a 18/5 or 18/6 depending how they're made. I could literally stack 10 of these PX24500 decoders in my closet with 1ft cat6 daisy chains. and have my power supplies to power them in that closet. - Sure. It's the best way to do it. Only one big power supply needed. Zone 3 could be Decoder 3 piled up which a bunch of RGBW amplifiers(think I like this better) The more segment you have, the more color effect options you'll get. If you want to outsite to be always the same color all the time, with only a color loop as available effect, then connect all the lights on the same decoder using amplifier. If you want to enable "Chase", "Scrolling" or "Random" effect, then try to wire your lights sections on separate decoders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackfiveo1 Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 Perfect thank you for your time and response, the PX24500 are just RGB, but I want RGBW strips, (my default I want my outside to be white). Is there a way to make that work? (different decoder possible? Also if I go that route of 1 decoder for all outside zone and use a bunch of amplifiers, I just need to be running a 18/2 gauge wire from my power supply to all these amplifiers is that correct? Any links to a beefy power supply that would run all this? I found a 400watt one but figure I would probably need 3-4? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackfiveo1 Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 I almost like the idea of using a bunch of decoders(running 1 18/6 wire to the start of each run), but im back to my problem of wanting to run RGBW and these decoders only are RGB.As opposed to h having to install amplifiers in my attic every 26 feet, it seems like I could set all my decoders to just do the same thing for my outside zone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackstone Posted December 12, 2014 Author Share Posted December 12, 2014 You can install amplifier anywhere where there is a power source, they can also be centralised and all LED wire will be run to the same place. For the "W" channel (white), just use a single channel on a extra RGB decoder. This decoder can serve to drive three channel of white that can be anywhere in the house. It's just a way to do it. You can also use RGBW decoder but I don't have model to recommend, the only one I've tried was not so good. As for power supplies, to comply the electrical code you need to buy a transformer in a UL/ETL certified housing. Local LED shop may sell that and they are not cheap. If you want to bypass the "law", then look on eBay and search for "Meanwell 12v 350w" of something like that. Meanwell power supply are affordable and come with basic safety certificate. Don't buy no-name China power supplies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackfiveo1 Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 ok I think I understand so basically i would use 2 decoders for a RGBW,Decoder 1R = RedG = GreenB = BlueeV+ = Constant Decoder 2R = Hook my White up hereG = UnusedB = UnusedV+ = Unused All this adds up to 1 RGBW light run (in that case if I was using decoders I would need to double buy, sounds like amplifiers would be the way to go) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackstone Posted December 14, 2014 Author Share Posted December 14, 2014 Yes that will work. The "Unused" channel on Decode 2 can serve connecting other "White" channel elsewhere in the house. It's important to use the same power supply for the two decoders in that case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackstone Posted December 14, 2014 Author Share Posted December 14, 2014 It's also possible to use 4-channel decoders built for RGBW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silverled Posted December 14, 2014 Share Posted December 14, 2014 RGB LED CONTROLLERParlaklık seviyesi 5 ayrı seviyelidir.Hız seviyesi 10 ayrı seviyelidir.(RGB renklerinin renk geçiş zamanını belirler).Demo modu sayesinde default renkler görünür.VDC Çalışma voltajı +5-24V Dc.Çıkış akımı her bir renk için farklı farklı 4 amper max.Rf uzaktan sese duyarlı kumanda frekansı 433 MHz.Uzaktan kumanda etkili mesafe 15 metre. (açık alanlarda)RGB (şerit led) ve diğer ürünler içinde uygulanan eğlenceli kontrol ünite sistemi.Ayarlanmak istenen değerler en son olarak hafızada kayıt edilmektedir.Led bağlantı ucu soketi sayesinde lehim yapmaya ihtiyaç duymaz.24-5+ dc girişli.4 amper max güç .Led grubuna giriş ve çıkış.+ -DC güç kaynağı anahtarlamalı modelde olanlar tavsiyemizdir.5 metrelik 3528 şerit led için ortalama değer 2 amper veya 24w led trafosı civarında seçilmelidir. silverled 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackstone Posted December 14, 2014 Author Share Posted December 14, 2014 Someone understand Turk language here? this look like an add for an online LED seller... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMSellaro Posted December 16, 2014 Share Posted December 16, 2014 Buenas tardes Jackstone, quería preguntarte cuanto cuesta la licencia del driver de control 4?, quiero instalarlo en mi demokit para probarlo.Me podes indicar los modelos que me convienen?Estoy por realizar un proyecto nuevo y quiero ponerlo en practica con 3 bandas de led.Te agradezco si me podes contestar.Un gran abrazo desde Argentina Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackstone Posted December 17, 2014 Author Share Posted December 17, 2014 I don't understand Spanish but Google translate did a pretty good job this time... JMSellaro, for all pricing request please contact me via email to info@domaudeo.com Yes we do offer way to allow dealer to demo the driver in their showroom, let's discuss that in private. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucecampbell Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Will this 4 conductor cable be suitable for my application? http://www.dynamix.co.nz/productimages/pdfs/cs4cx.pdf I will run a single LED pool light per cable.The cable runs will be approx 30 mtrs from the DMX decoderI believe the Pool lights are 3.5WThe DMX decoders will be: This one Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cyknight Posted February 9, 2015 Share Posted February 9, 2015 Should be fine, though I dislike running the exact amount of conductors I need. Plus you might end up considering wanting to get RGBW (needing 5 conductors) - RGB set to white tends to, well not be really white. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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