Long Data Runs

[tr1ggahappee]

Hello! I’m new to the hobby this year and trying to get everything sorted out. I’ve been doing a lot of looking for solid information around how long data runs can be before needing a pixel driver or null pixel. I will have a few props 30-40 feet from my F4V3 and I’ll power them nearby, so the only wire coming from the controller is for data. I was originally planning to use 18/2 from the controller or Cat 5 for these longer runs. I’d prefer not to add an expansion nearby the props for this year, but if that is my best option I can go that route. Any help would be greatly appreciated.


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[jchuchla]

There isn’t a good answer for this. Lots of factors will contribute to whether you can go 5 or 50 feet. Generally though,15-20 feet will probably work. Over that it’s trial and error. You can only try and find out. I’m not a fan of null pixels. If you need to extend the signal a long way, differential systems are the better way to go.
By the way: you can’t just extend one data wire. You need a data/ground pair.


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[uncledan]

Run data and V- from the F4v3 with cat5 and power inject at the prop and you should be fine. I have done this several times without issue

[BizeekDIY]

You can get away with using 16/2 wire and power inject at the props. Always use same grounding across all power supplies if you’re not using receiver boards near the props.

If you use the cat5 cable, you should be able to get away with only the data line and grounding (-) cable, so double up the wires and test it out. Look for data flickering across props. This scenario still requires power injection near the props, so you are still running power 120v line out to it, just don’t run the data line and 120v side by side or you will get data interference. Lay them at least a feet apart.

[Stormyblade]

F-amps from Falcon are 5/$20, and there are others here selling data amps that are even less (I bought 20 for $40 earlier this year in a group buy sale). Just another option to consider.

[tr1ggahappee]

Thank you all for your helpful answers. I was hoping there was a rule of thumb for Cat 5 data length. As with everything it seems that I’ll just have to test and see!


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[algerdes]

Along with what the others have said, you can always use a diff sender/receiver combination. The F4V3 has a 2 port sender (8 outputs) available.

[tr1ggahappee]

Along with what the others have said, you can always use a diff sender/receiver combination. The F4V3 has a 2 port sender (8 outputs) available.

So I started looking at those and I wasn’t sure if I needed the expansion board and receiver or just the receiver. Thank you so much for clarifying.


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