GECE Megatree and Power Supply with e681

[rklarman]

I am working on figuring out a megatree and using the e681 or 2 e681's depending on pixel density using GECEs. I have 25 ct GECEs and the OEM adapter is rated at 1.2A out to the string. I have some PC power supplies that can output 30A at +5v.

For maximum usage of an e681, I am planning on using as close to 680 pixels as possible. This would come out to a maximum total of 27 sets of 25 pixels. 27 sets @ 1.2 A would total 32.4 A. Would a PC power supply rated at 30A work for this? I assume there is overhead built into the OEM GE adapter.

How easy is it to enclose the PC power supply since it has a fan? I don't know if moisture would be an issue - possibly have the enclosure open at the bottom?

When attaching GECE sets to lengthen the strand, is the end bulb pretty much useless since you cannot solder directly onto the PCB? Is there a maximum length or number of pixels per string that the signal or power degrades too much and causes dimmer or unresponsive bulbs? Is it possible to only splice the data wire at each break of 25 bulbs and solder in a power supply to power the next 25 bulbs? It looks like I will have a maximum of 42 pixels per string. There are other areas of my display where a continuous run would be beneficial resulting in about 100 pixels for a string if possible.

[mschell]

I just spliced some GECE strings together for some fixtures that I'm making. But I haven't tried to hook anything up to that "last" pixel on the string. I'm guessing that if you could remove some of the potting mixture, you may be able to get to the PCB to connect to.

The only issue is that I'm planning to mount these in the clips to wooden frames. Not sure how the splices would work if they had some tension on them.

As for the power supply, it probably depends on how much power you plan to use. I have several sealed, "no-fan" power supplies that I'm planning to use for my GECE's.

I do have a 12V supply with a fan that I plan to use for some RGB strips. As of right now, I'm not planning to vent it, but I will be testing that before hand.