Just another boring old Mega Tree

[JEC]

So - - how does this compare cost/feature-wise to Galaxia?

While purposely avoid the answering your question re: price, I can say that (having not used Galaxia myself) I believe theirs is a somewhat closed system. The software allows for video, images, effects, etc to be created and then stored locally on the controller for playback.

And I believe that there are provisions for external effects triggering in some fashion or another.

However - and I may be mistaken here - I don't think their system can be driven 'live'.

On the other hand, what we've been fooling around with can be driven directly (through a protocol bridge) by either DMX or Art-Net. The advantage to this method is that one can use any hardware or software package available for effects authoring.

Thus, anything from a $1.09 PIC 16F688 to a $40,000 GrandMA lighting console will drive these lights, at least in some fashion.

Further, up to ~ 2000 nodes can be driven in a series chain while preserving a 30+ fps refresh rate. The caveat is that since each node draws ~ 60 mA @ 5V, power needs to be re-injected every 50 nodes or 6 meters. Otherwise, voltage drop in a long chain becomes significant.

Multiple chains may also be driven in parallel from a single controller's output.

[tonypgst]

MPH and JEC, just excellent. This is just fantastic and something I'm sure that many of us would aspire to be able to produce one day. Please do post some details and share as much as you can to get us headed in the right direction.

[kychristmas]

amazing. I would like a break down of what you did! That's incredible.

[sjwilson122]

mrpackethead and JEC, I am speechless and in awe. That is most mezmorizing display that I have ever seen. You deserve a BRAVO and full standing ovation for your efforts. Truely amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dirknerkle]

Further, up to ~ 2000 nodes can be driven in a series chain while preserving a 30+ fps refresh rate. The caveat is that since each node draws ~ 60 mA @ 5V, power needs to be re-injected every 50 nodes or 6 meters. Otherwise, voltage drop in a long chain becomes significant.

Announcing Dirknerkle's Group Buy for 2010

Yes, now YOU can own your own nuclear power station, complete with mini-cooling towers, supply ponds and on-site nuclear storage. Caution: this kit is for the mid to advanced level DIY-er. Details to follow as I work up the licensing agreements with the NRC...

[JEC]

Announcing Dirknerkle's Group Buy for 2010

Yes, now YOU can own your own nuclear power station, complete with mini-cooling towers, supply ponds and on-site nuclear storage. Caution: this kit is for the mid to advanced level DIY-er. Details to follow as I work up the licensing agreements with the NRC...

Note that if you did built a megatree this size using regular C9 bulbs, you'd need about 18 KW of power. This LED tree runs on just 1,000 watts. Amazing.

[mrpackethead]

Note that if you did built a megatree this size using regular C9 bulbs, you'd need about 18 KW of power. This LED tree runs on just 1,000 watts. Amazing.

Correction for you.. the power supplys are rated to supply up to 1000W, but i'm only running it at about 60%, so i have some head room ( nothign like not stressing stuff out to make it reliable ).. so about 600W is the actual power consumption.. I'll plug in a power meter some time and actually measure the real draw.

[mrpackethead]

BTW, Jec will have his home display up and going shortly.. I have a little insight into what hes built, but hes still a bit hush hush about it.. Same kit, very different layout.. Watch out for his videos soon.

[sjwilson122]

Actually if C-9s were used and you had to use 2000 of each color (red, green and blue) it would take 54000 watts. That's 225 amps at 240 volts and 450 amps at 120 volts. Wow talk about energy savings. Even using mini light strings at .33 amps each would require 19.8 amps for 2376 watts. What you have done with this project is outstanding!

[zaker]

All I can say is WOW!!!!! Fantabulous