5V, 12V, pixels, EVO & duo - Oh My!

[@ThatHouseOnHollybrook]

Thank you. I was curious about the evo and duo and this was very informative. I am still a noob, but I am going to throw it out there that the flickering in the evo's is due to the smaller gauged wire.

[@CharleesProps]

Thank you! The wire gauge could impact this (as smaller wire does increase resistance, dropping voltage over the line) - it happens because the 12v power line is the same as the lights being "native" 12v. Adding a Spiker T levels/bumps the voltage at the middle/end of the line - in the same way 5V pixels need power injection/balancing.

[@rc240zxt]

You mentioned power balancing and power injection. Would you have a simple video showing how to accomplish this effectively?

[@CharleesProps]

sounds like a good video to discuss. Those terms are used interchangeably (even by us) but they are actually 2 different ways of ensuring pixels have enough power. Stay Tuned!

[@imdbtruth]

I like the GS8208... The backup data line, constant current, nice brightness, and the Gamma Correction seems to give it an advantage on dimming effects and color curves.

[@CharleesProps]

This year we helped set up a show with both the DUO and standard WS2811 bullets. At the same brightness I was surprised at how much more vivid the 2811's were. For that application the DUO's were still the dominant/necessary pixel for sure. Thanks for the insight!

[@imdbtruth]

@@CharleesProps Thank you as well for the reply. I enjoy your work and have learned plenty from your videos.

[@CharleesProps]

That's why we do it! To help others learn from our experiences!

[@thecrumeister365]

Just an FYI, I have an EFL Designs Globe NSR and a ShowStopper Snowflake (each with 750 pixels) and I have EVO pixels in them with no power injection and no issues. I am only running them at 30% brightness but that is plenty bright.

[@CharleesProps]

FYI, brightness has very minimal effect on current draw for EVO's. This is well known and something to calculate, as if they are at 100% brightness. This includes when they are off.

[@ronm6585]

Thank you.

[@michaelp.caputo8190]

If im understanding when power planning you cant just take 30% current. Do i need to plan power at 100% current? Referring to evos

[@CharleesProps]

That depends on the type of pixels. Standard WS2811 pixels you can assume that 30% brightness means they will draw, at full white, 30% of their normal draw. In our personal show we don't push much past that in the even of a pixel failure, which could "bypass" that brightness limit and pull a higher draw. Both EVO and DUO pixels are native 12v - so they're a little different than your typical 2811. The EVO pixels pull full draw whether on, off, or any brightness effect (in actuality they do pull a little less if brightness is lowered, but you should factor a constant draw with EVO's).