Pixels a beginners guide - Revision history

RobBaldwin: /* So we have an idea of how the pixels and protocols work, now lets cover some basics about the controllers that manage them. */

2016-06-04T22:14:49Z

So we have an idea of how the pixels and protocols work, now lets cover some basics about the controllers that manage them.

RobBaldwin: /* A basic idea of how RGB work versus the more traditional lighting in computer controlled shows: */

2016-06-04T22:11:34Z

A basic idea of how RGB work versus the more traditional lighting in computer controlled shows:

RobBaldwin: /* A basic idea of how RGB work versus the more traditional lighting in computer controlled shows: */

2016-06-04T22:09:32Z

A basic idea of how RGB work versus the more traditional lighting in computer controlled shows:

RobBaldwin: /* A basic idea of how RGB work versus the more traditional lighting in computer controlled shows: */

2016-01-12T17:56:03Z

A basic idea of how RGB work versus the more traditional lighting in computer controlled shows:

RobBaldwin at 03:38, 12 January 2016

2016-01-12T03:38:32Z

RobBaldwin at 03:37, 12 January 2016

2016-01-12T03:37:48Z

RobBaldwin at 03:32, 12 January 2016

2016-01-12T03:32:55Z

RobBaldwin at 03:27, 12 January 2016

2016-01-12T03:27:33Z

RobBaldwin at 03:26, 12 January 2016

2016-01-12T03:26:44Z

RobBaldwin: /* So we have an idea of how the pixels and protocols work, now lets cover some basics about the controllers that manage them. */

2016-01-12T03:11:09Z

So we have an idea of how the pixels and protocols work, now lets cover some basics about the controllers that manage them.

@@ Line 60: / Line 60: @@
 Please note specific boards is beyond the scope of this wiki and will not be answered
-In a dumb RGB board the board is assigned what universe and what start channel it is supposed to use. In a dumb controller, output 1 is the first 3 channels assigned to the board, output 2 is the next 3 channels assigned to the board and so on. Dumb RGB controllers can, for example, control 3 channels (a single strand) to 27 channels (9 strands) and beyond. You can hook together more than one strand just like you can hook traditional lights together, all strands connected together will be the same color.
+In a dumb RGB board the board is assigned what universe and what start channel it is supposed to use. In a dumb controller, output 1 is the first 3 channels assigned to the board, output 2 is the next 3 channels assigned to the board and so on. Dumb RGB controllers can, for example, control 3 channels (a single strand) to 27 channels (9 strands) and beyond. You can hook together more than one strand just like you can hook traditional lights together, all strands connected together will be the same color as the first strand.
 In a RGB Pixel controller board the board is not directly assigned universe or channel numbers, instead each output on the board is assigned what universe and channel number it starts with. Instead of having the switches on the board there are smart chips in the individual RGB pixels directing the settings on each of the 3 elements (red, blue, and green), so the board sends a native language signal out on each output that starts with the correct universe and channel that is assigned to the output, the data is sent along a wire ensuring each RGB pixel gets the correct channels to the correct pixel elements. You can connect several strings of lights together using this, additional strands are still individual pixel controlled.

@@ Line 36: / Line 36: @@
 *Pixel bulbs look like traditional C7 or C9 bulbs — about 1-1/2 or two inches long with a frosted or faceted cover. Like bullets and squares, each element is separated by a length of wire.
-*RGB strips (which come as either rigid or flexible) are long, narrow printed circuit boards that have lamps attached every few inches. The lamps can be close together or far apart — space is varied by what you want or is available.
+*RGB strips (which come as either rigid or flexible) are long, narrow printed circuit boards that have lamps attached to it. The lamps can be close together or far apart — space is varied by what you want or is available.
 When buying strips you may see notes like 30/10 or 60/60 these numbers represent the number of lamps per meter / the number of ic chips per meter, if the numbers don't match then lamps are grouped having one ic chip control more than one lamp. In a 30/10 strip of 5 meters, there is 150 lamps (30*5) but only 50 ic chips or pixels (10*5) so in this case each pixel is 3 lamps. In a 60/60 strip each lamp is individually controlled (5 meters would be 300 pixels and lamps).
 Also when buying strips you will see that the lamps come in 3 sizes 5050 (5.0 mm x 5.0 mm), 5630 (5.6 mm x 3.0 mm), and 3528 (3.5 mm x 2.8 mm) do not confuse this number with the number of lamps / ic per meter this is simply the size of the lamp. You also will see the term smd, all this means is surface mount device... all flexible strips have all their stuff surface mount so this is not really needed to be said.

@@ Line 13: / Line 13: @@
 These boards are controlled by a signal generated by a computer running software that sends the signals, the boards figure out which switch is being referenced in the signal and adjusts the correct switch making all lights plugged into the switch dim/brighten.
-Pixels are different in that one switch does not control the whole lamp; instead each pixel is comprised of 3 lights, one red, one green, and one blue. So each pixel needs 3 "switches" to make it function.
+RGB is different in that 1 switch doesn't control a string, instead each lamp in a string is comprised of 3 elements. 1 red, 1 green, and 1 blue. 3 switches are needed to make RGB function. The advantage of this is by controlling the intensity of each element you can create any color you wish.
-How the lamp is controlled defined as either dumb RGB or RGB pixels.
+How the RGB lamp is controlled defined as either dumb RGB or RGB pixels.
 In a dumb RGB strand/strip, the 3 switches control the entire string of lamps, these are usually located on the board much like traditional controller boards. Like traditional lights the entire string lights up the same color, though they can be any color you choose. We generally cannot use a dumb rgb board to control rgb pixels, nor can we use a rgb pixel board to control dumb rgb.
@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 '''NOTE''' There are a few boards available that do have the ability to control either but they are usually 1 or 2 output boards and are used infrequently in the DIY community.
-In a smart pixel, in these there is a chip that controls each of the red, blue, and green elements in each pixel. (so Pixel No. 1 can be red, Pixel No. 2 can be green and Pixel No. 3 can be — well, any color you want). In a smart pixel string there can be a lot of smart chips emulating several hundred switches depending on the number of pixels. Smart pixel controllers send a signal down a wire that makes sure each light element gets the signal that is supposed to go to that element. Smart pixels each pixel can be any color at any time.
+In a smart pixel, in these there is a chip that controls each of the red, blue, and green elements in each lamp. (so Pixel No. 1 can be red, Pixel No. 2 can be green and Pixel No. 3 can be — well, any color you want). In a smart pixel string there can be a lot of smart chips emulating several hundred switches depending on the number of pixels. Smart pixel controllers send a signal down a wire that makes sure each light element gets the signal that is supposed to go to that element. Smart pixels each pixel can be any color at any time.

@@ Line 38: / Line 38: @@
 *RGB strips (which come as either rigid or flexible) are long, narrow printed circuit boards that have lamps attached every few inches. The lamps can be close together or far apart — space is varied by what you want or is available.
 When buying strips you may see notes like 30/10 or 60/60 these numbers represent the number of lamps per meter / the number of ic chips per meter, if the numbers don't match then lamps are grouped having one ic chip control more than one lamp. In a 30/10 strip of 5 meters, there is 150 lamps (30*5) but only 50 ic chips or pixels (10*5) so in this case each pixel is 3 lamps. In a 60/60 strip each lamp is individually controlled (5 meters would be 300 pixels and lamps).
-Also when buying strips you will see that the lamps come in 2 sizes 5050 (5.0 mm x 5.0 mm) and 2832 (2.8 mm x 3.2 mm) do not confuse this number with the number of lamps / ic per meter this is simply the size of the lamp. You also will see the term smd, all this means is surface mount device... all flexible strips have all their stuff surface mount so this is not really needed to be said.
+Also when buying strips you will see that the lamps come in 3 sizes 5050 (5.0 mm x 5.0 mm), 5630 (5.6 mm x 3.0 mm), and 3528 (3.5 mm x 2.8 mm) do not confuse this number with the number of lamps / ic per meter this is simply the size of the lamp. You also will see the term smd, all this means is surface mount device... all flexible strips have all their stuff surface mount so this is not really needed to be said.
 It is up to the individual as to whether to use bullets, squares, bulbs or strips based on how you want your lights to look. All function the same, only their appearance is different.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:38, 12 January 2016
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−	NOTE: A pixel by definition can never be dumb. To avoid confusion don't refer to RGB dumb as any sort of pixel.	+	'''NOTE''' A pixel by definition can never be dumb. To avoid confusion don't refer to RGB dumb as any sort of pixel.

	All rgb either dumb or pixels run on direct current (DC) this is not the household electricity in a wall socket or light bulb, household electricity is alternating current (AC) and the wall socket can be 110 volts - 220 volts depending on what country you live in. RGB need a power supply much like in your computer or cell phone charger, this converts the AC in your home wiring to DC and at the correct voltage. RGB run on either 5 volts or 12 volts, a 12 volt board will burn up a 5 volt pixel string so its very important to match the board to the RGB voltage.		All rgb either dumb or pixels run on direct current (DC) this is not the household electricity in a wall socket or light bulb, household electricity is alternating current (AC) and the wall socket can be 110 volts - 220 volts depending on what country you live in. RGB need a power supply much like in your computer or cell phone charger, this converts the AC in your home wiring to DC and at the correct voltage. RGB run on either 5 volts or 12 volts, a 12 volt board will burn up a 5 volt pixel string so its very important to match the board to the RGB voltage.

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 So you're interested in learning about pixels, they are an amazing technology that is growing rapidly in DIY lighting. Throughout this intro there will be some concepts that may be difficult to soak in all at once, refer back to this as necessary.
@@ Line 25: / Line 15: @@
 Pixels are different in that one switch does not control the whole lamp; instead each pixel is comprised of 3 lights, one red, one green, and one blue. So each pixel needs 3 "switches" to make it function.
-How the lamp is controlled defined as either dumb rgb or rgb pixels.
+How the lamp is controlled defined as either dumb RGB or RGB pixels.
 In a dumb RGB strand/strip, the 3 switches control the entire string of lamps, these are usually located on the board much like traditional controller boards. Like traditional lights the entire string lights up the same color, though they can be any color you choose. We generally cannot use a dumb rgb board to control rgb pixels, nor can we use a rgb pixel board to control dumb rgb.
@@ Line 32: / Line 22: @@
 In a smart pixel, in these there is a chip that controls each of the red, blue, and green elements in each pixel. (so Pixel No. 1 can be red, Pixel No. 2 can be green and Pixel No. 3 can be — well, any color you want). In a smart pixel string there can be a lot of smart chips emulating several hundred switches depending on the number of pixels. Smart pixel controllers send a signal down a wire that makes sure each light element gets the signal that is supposed to go to that element. Smart pixels each pixel can be any color at any time.
 All rgb either dumb or pixels run on direct current (DC) this is not the household electricity in a wall socket or light bulb, household electricity is alternating current (AC) and the wall socket can be 110 volts - 220 volts depending on what country you live in. RGB need a power supply much like in your computer or cell phone charger, this converts the AC in your home wiring to DC and at the correct voltage. RGB run on either 5 volts or 12 volts, a 12 volt board will burn up a 5 volt pixel string so its very important to match the board to the RGB voltage.
@@ Line 37: / Line 30: @@
 RGB also come in a variety of profiles:
-*RGB bullets look something like traditional lights — there is a "bullet" and then a run of wire and then another pixel "bullet," and so on. But remember, each one can change color.
+*RGB bullets look something like traditional mini lights — there is a "bullet" and then a run of wire and then another rgb "bullet," and so on. But remember, each one can change color.
 *Square RGB are like bullets, except each lamp is a one-inch by one-inch by one-quarter-inch plastic box. Again, box and then a run of wire and then another box and so on.
@@ Line 44: / Line 37: @@
 *RGB strips (which come as either rigid or flexible) are long, narrow printed circuit boards that have lamps attached every few inches. The lamps can be close together or far apart — space is varied by what you want or is available.
 It is up to the individual as to whether to use bullets, squares, bulbs or strips based on how you want your lights to look. All function the same, only their appearance is different.

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 Terminology: A basic list that you should become familiar with when using dc RGB systems
-Dumb RGB: these are known as dumb strips and can also just use the term RGB. In a dumb RGB strand positive voltage is applied to all lamps, the colors and intensity is selected by the resistance of the ground felt on 3 wires labeled r, g, and b. As resistance is increased on one colors ground wire, all the elements in the string of that color are dimmed. In Dumb rgb the entire string is controlled as one, individual lamp control is not possible.
+Dumb RGB: these are known as dumb strips/strings and can also just use the term RGB. In a dumb RGB strand positive voltage is applied to all lamps, the colors and intensity is selected by the resistance of the ground felt on 3 wires labeled r, g, and b. As resistance is increased on one colors ground wire, all the elements in the string of that color are dimmed. In Dumb rgb the entire string is controlled as one, individual lamp control is not possible.
-RGB Pixel: these are known as smart pixels and can also just use the term pixel. In a RGB pixe strand positive and ground are applied to each lamp and each pixel has an ic chip that controls the resistance of ground felt on the color elements, in this way each ic chip can be individually addressed and the lamps that that ic chip controls can be different than the ones before or after it. When buying strips you may see notes like 30/10 or 60/60 these numbers represent the number of lamps per meter / the number of ic chips per meter, if the numbers dont match then lamps are grouped having one ic chip control more than one lamp. In a 30/10 strip of 5 meters, there is 150 lamps (30*5) but only 50 ic chips or pixels (10*5) so in this case each pixel is 3 lamps. In a 60/60 strip each lamp is individually controlled (5 meters would be 300 pixels and lamps).
+RGB Pixel: these are known as smart pixels and can also just use the term pixel. In a RGB pixe strand positive and ground are applied to each lamp and each pixel has an ic chip that controls the resistance of ground felt on the color elements, in this way each ic chip can be individually addressed and the lamps that that ic chip controls can be different than the ones before or after it. When buying strips you may see notes like 30/10 or 60/60 these numbers represent the number of lamps per meter / the number of ic chips per meter, if the numbers don't match then lamps are grouped having one ic chip control more than one lamp. In a 30/10 strip of 5 meters, there is 150 lamps (30*5) but only 50 ic chips or pixels (10*5) so in this case each pixel is 3 lamps. In a 60/60 strip each lamp is individually controlled (5 meters would be 300 pixels and lamps).
 Also when buying strips you will see that the lamps come in 2 sizes 5050 (5.0 mm x 5.0 mm) and 2832 (2.8 mm x 3.2 mm) do not confuse this number with the number of lamps / ic per meter this is simply the size of the lamp. You also will see the term smd, all this means is surface mount device... all flexible strips have all their stuff surface mount so this is not really needed to be said.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:27, 12 January 2016
Line 10:		Line 10:
	RGB Pixel: these are known as smart pixels and can also just use the term pixel. In a RGB pixe strand positive and ground are applied to each lamp and each pixel has an ic chip that controls the resistance of ground felt on the color elements, in this way each ic chip can be individually addressed and the lamps that that ic chip controls can be different than the ones before or after it. When buying strips you may see notes like 30/10 or 60/60 these numbers represent the number of lamps per meter / the number of ic chips per meter, if the numbers dont match then lamps are grouped having one ic chip control more than one lamp. In a 30/10 strip of 5 meters, there is 150 lamps (305) but only 50 ic chips or pixels (105) so in this case each pixel is 3 lamps. In a 60/60 strip each lamp is individually controlled (5 meters would be 300 pixels and lamps).		RGB Pixel: these are known as smart pixels and can also just use the term pixel. In a RGB pixe strand positive and ground are applied to each lamp and each pixel has an ic chip that controls the resistance of ground felt on the color elements, in this way each ic chip can be individually addressed and the lamps that that ic chip controls can be different than the ones before or after it. When buying strips you may see notes like 30/10 or 60/60 these numbers represent the number of lamps per meter / the number of ic chips per meter, if the numbers dont match then lamps are grouped having one ic chip control more than one lamp. In a 30/10 strip of 5 meters, there is 150 lamps (305) but only 50 ic chips or pixels (105) so in this case each pixel is 3 lamps. In a 60/60 strip each lamp is individually controlled (5 meters would be 300 pixels and lamps).

−	Also when buying strips you will see that the lamps come in 2 sizes 5050 (5.0 mm x 5.0 mm) and 2832 (2.8 mm x 3.2 mm) do not confuse this number with the number of lamps / ic per meter this is simply the size of the lamp. You also will see the term smd, all this means is surface mount device... all flexible strips have all their stuff surface mount so this is not really needed to be said.	+	Also when buying strips you will see that the lamps come in 2 sizes 5050 (5.0 mm x 5.0 mm) and 2832 (2.8 mm x 3.2 mm) do not confuse this number with the number of lamps / ic per meter this is simply the size of the lamp. You also will see the term smd, all this means is surface mount device... all flexible strips have all their stuff surface mount so this is not really needed to be said.

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:26, 12 January 2016
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	So you're interested in learning about pixels, they are an amazing technology that is growing rapidly in DIY lighting. Throughout this intro there will be some concepts that may be difficult to soak in all at once, refer back to this as necessary.		So you're interested in learning about pixels, they are an amazing technology that is growing rapidly in DIY lighting. Throughout this intro there will be some concepts that may be difficult to soak in all at once, refer back to this as necessary.
		+
		+	Terminology: A basic list that you should become familiar with when using dc RGB systems
		+
		+	Dumb RGB: these are known as dumb strips and can also just use the term RGB. In a dumb RGB strand positive voltage is applied to all lamps, the colors and intensity is selected by the resistance of the ground felt on 3 wires labeled r, g, and b. As resistance is increased on one colors ground wire, all the elements in the string of that color are dimmed. In Dumb rgb the entire string is controlled as one, individual lamp control is not possible.
		+
		+	RGB Pixel: these are known as smart pixels and can also just use the term pixel. In a RGB pixe strand positive and ground are applied to each lamp and each pixel has an ic chip that controls the resistance of ground felt on the color elements, in this way each ic chip can be individually addressed and the lamps that that ic chip controls can be different than the ones before or after it. When buying strips you may see notes like 30/10 or 60/60 these numbers represent the number of lamps per meter / the number of ic chips per meter, if the numbers dont match then lamps are grouped having one ic chip control more than one lamp. In a 30/10 strip of 5 meters, there is 150 lamps (305) but only 50 ic chips or pixels (105) so in this case each pixel is 3 lamps. In a 60/60 strip each lamp is individually controlled (5 meters would be 300 pixels and lamps).
		+
		+	Also when buying strips you will see that the lamps come in 2 sizes 5050 (5.0 mm x 5.0 mm) and 2832 (2.8 mm x 3.2 mm) do not confuse this number with the number of lamps / ic per meter this is simply the size of the lamp. You also will see the term smd, all this means is surface mount device... all flexible strips have all their stuff surface mount so this is not really needed to be said.

@@ Line 55: / Line 55: @@
 Please note specific boards is beyond the scope of this wiki and will not be answered
-In a dumb pixel board the board is assigned what universe and what start channel it is supposed to use. In a dumb controller, output 1 is the first 3 channels assigned to the board, output 2 is the next 3 channels assigned to the board and so on. Dumb pixel controllers can, for example, control 3 channels (a single strand) to 27 channels (9 strands) and beyond. You can hook together more than one strand just like you can hook traditional lights together, all strands connected together will be the same color.
+In a dumb RGB board the board is assigned what universe and what start channel it is supposed to use. In a dumb controller, output 1 is the first 3 channels assigned to the board, output 2 is the next 3 channels assigned to the board and so on. Dumb RGB controllers can, for example, control 3 channels (a single strand) to 27 channels (9 strands) and beyond. You can hook together more than one strand just like you can hook traditional lights together, all strands connected together will be the same color.
-In a smart Pixel controller board the board is not directly assigned universe or channel numbers, instead each output on the board is assigned what universe and channel number it starts with. Instead of having the switches on the board there are smart chips in the individual pixels directing the settings on each of the 3 elements (red, blue, and green), so the board sends a native language signal out on each output that starts with the correct universe and channel that is assigned to the output, the data is sent along a wire ensuring each pixel gets the correct channels to the correct pixel elements. You can connect several strings of lights together using this, additional strands are still individual pixel controlled.
+In a RGB Pixel controller board the board is not directly assigned universe or channel numbers, instead each output on the board is assigned what universe and channel number it starts with. Instead of having the switches on the board there are smart chips in the individual RGB pixels directing the settings on each of the 3 elements (red, blue, and green), so the board sends a native language signal out on each output that starts with the correct universe and channel that is assigned to the output, the data is sent along a wire ensuring each RGB pixel gets the correct channels to the correct pixel elements. You can connect several strings of lights together using this, additional strands are still individual pixel controlled.
 '''So we have covered the general concept of pixels hopefully this will help to clear some of the fog.'''