How to build a RGB tree

[@ein57ein]

Thanks!... I'm plotting an 8' tree for next year and this is great. I initially thought of using 3" spacing, but now I see the advantage of 2"

[@jairokattano692]

Excellent job and explained to build but i will like to learn to how make the light effect?

[@ducebigalow8834]

great video. I am just starting out in this hobby, I have the falcon f16 v3, a power supply, and some lights, more on order. I am lost on the wiring side of it all. I understand the wiring from the box to the lights, but power injection and fuses is one area I don't have a good handle on yet. Did you not have to power inject any part of that tree?Thanks

[@TheLedwarehouse]

No. We ran 16 strands, each from each channel on the box. Our lights you can run 150 lights without power injection.

[@stevetaylor2943]

I would like to recommend this guy for that information about power injection. Hope he helps you out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKexamSOea1ljJI.

[@whizzardno1]

Is there a reason I don't see anyone doing 1 inch apart LEDs? I'm thinking it will look better having more pixel density.

[@stevetaylor2943]

Great video! I am a newbie. Tell me more about your topper. Did you make or buy it? Thanks

[@revklindsey]

Does the controller do all the power insertion?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

The power does come from the controller. This particular set up has a power supply going to the pixlie board. The lights are plugged into the pixlite board. Each strand goes to a single channel on the controller, so there is no need to run any additional power.

[@rashmedo]

Great video. How many power supplies comes in that controller?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

We typically build them with two

[@jagmac01]

I am trying to work out what type of hooks you have on the base to connect the boscoyo strips to the conduit

[@TheLedwarehouse]

jagmac01 they were 3d printed hooks. Id recommend using zip ties or staking the strips to the ground. The hooks will come undone with a little wind. We just used hooks for easier install and removal at trade shows

[@jagmac01]

How does the tree handle wind. The pixel strips seem fairly flexible and could move with a breeze

[@TheLedwarehouse]

If you live in a windy area you may want to beef up your structure. You can add inner rings, guy wires..etc to give you more strength.

[@rashmedo]

BTW for the controller do you always have to have the ethernet cable mounted throughout the show or is it just for the initial setup

[@Tullio_Bettolo]

Ethernet cable is sending data, without it you would have no show. You would need it ran to every controller or daisy chained from controller to controller

[@royalcreations]

Hey, Can you do a detailed step by step video on the “controller setup and programing please. Thanks

[@brianholzheuer726]

Already done! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gomxf2R-hqp7iqs

[@hectorlongoria9625]

How much would that system cost.and do you sell it complete.ready to purchase

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Hector longoria we do sell complete kits but are sold out for 2019. Cost depends on size you want. Typically starts around $800 and goes up from there.

[@hectorlongoria9625]

@@TheLedwarehouse ok thanks

[@darkstar7539]

I'm interested in the computer connections. You've shown a CAT 5 that can be attached to a "computer or Raspberry Pi". If my tree is on the front lawn, I wouldn't want to leave a computer out there connected or really run a 100' Cat 5 to the house. Can you provide more insight on setting up a Raspberry Pi or could an Wireless Ethernet Bridge be placed inside the controller case to set the programming? My wife has asked for a Pixel Tree for next Christmas so I'm beginning the build.

[@TheLedwarehouse]

you could put a raspberry pi in the enclosure. If you had multiple controllers you could have the pi and a network switch in an enclosure. You don't really have to have the pi on wifi, but it makes it easier if it is. Here's a video of a pi set up right at the controller. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIW2dWuLjK-HbNk

[@Corydon1976]

This looks awesome! Planning for next year I want to do this tree and also a few other smaller things like arches. Can I double up the channels from the tree (2 strands per channel) and free up the other channels for other stuff? Would you just wire the end of one strand to the beginning of the next one right?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Jason Clement you could do that set up a zig zag pattern in the software. You can typically run about 150 pixels off an output before power injection. If you learn power injection you could run the whole tree off 1-2 channels

[@Mobil351]

What voltage does the pixel strings operate at? And the controller voltage also.

[@TheLedwarehouse]

These are 12v strands. Controller takes 12v as well.

[@chrishartman325]

I am very intrigued with the pixel tree and want to be changing my display over next year to pixels...arches...grid and such...I want to start building a tree about 6 foot tall...how many pixels would I need...controller and how do you inject power if needed?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

I'd do a 8ft tree. That way you can just use 50 count 12mm lights with 2 inch spacing. We have pre-made controllers and all the pre made plugs you'd need to easily set up the lighting. Send us an email and we can work up a quote for you for a plug and play system.

[@abdultairu]

Very detailed explanation. Thanks.

[@fishking107]

How wide is the plate at the top of the tree. Is there anyway to get a pixel tree to have more of a point? I really like the ease of assembly, disassembly, and storage footprint.

[@TheLedwarehouse]

+fishking107 Its about 8 inches wide. Our current plan is to add a star to the top (video coming soon). But, you could use a flange of somesort and attach hooks to it. That would give you a smaller disk on top.

[@stephenprovost8010]

Hello, where do you order the mounting strip for the pixel lights?Thanks

[@joziahisaias1696]

I know I am kinda off topic but does anybody know of a good site to watch newly released movies online ?

[@jadenjaxson5998]

@Joziah Isaias i would suggest FlixZone. You can find it by googling =)

[@vivaanaidan4789]

@Joziah Isaias i would suggest flixzone. Just google for it :)

[@shepardhudson4528]

@Jaden Jaxson Definitely, been watching on Flixzone for since march myself :)

[@armanizayne2364]

@Jaden Jaxson thank you, I went there and it seems like a nice service :) I really appreciate it !

[@Mine2232]

Please let me know how much a kit is and what comes with it? I would like 100 pixels per strand and a sixteen controller. Thanks

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Mine2232 we will have a 1600 pixel kit that comes with lights, strips, topper, controller and power supplies. 2017 pricing should be available soon. Feel free and send me an email if you want to be but on the notification list.

[@SCFireMedic67]

Curious. What size electrical.confuit did you use and how did you bend it to get the base

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Jason Brown half inch. It was pretty flexible to start with. I actually use turk stakes to stake it down as well since it has flex

[@SCFireMedic67]

@@TheLedwarehouse after watching this again multiple times I figured out what you are using isn't what I bought. Lol. I bought PVC conduit. It isn't very flexible. I saw what I need on Lowe's website last night. Thanks again.

[@TheLedwarehouse]

@@SCFireMedic67 good! You can also just get turf stakes and stake the strips to the ground and not have a ring at all. Depends on how firm the ground is.

[@SCFireMedic67]

@@TheLedwarehouse I like the look on how you did it. Plus we have Sandy soil here in the south.

[@zkrion3664]

Hello, Where can I get the pixel RGB lights from? How much do they cost and how many would I need for a set up for a tree?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Zkr Ion how many depends on the size of the tree you want to build. This tree is about 8ft and uses about 800 pixels. Heres our website link to our rgb lights www.holiday-light-express.com/RGBlights.php

[@jeffreyscott8332]

i purchased a 5v 16 plug and play. each string will have 136 pixels per output. will this system power 2,040 pixels or will i need another 16 plug and play system to power it?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

136 pixels for 5v is a stretch without power injection. You might run into some issues there. 12v systems are typically good for at least 150 without injection, so we would recommend 12v over 5v. But, if you are willing to power inject, yes, you could run 2040 pixels of a set up like this.

[@jeffreyscott8332]

@@TheLedwarehouse thanks for the information! i already purchased the 5V system so i would like to inject power. to get all strands working. Could you recommend a power supply with would have enough power? Also when injecting power, does the additional power supply connect to the 2 (red, white) additional wires that are attached to the pixel strand?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

jeffrey scott Id buy a meanwell 5v supply of some sort, we dont stock 5v so you’ll have to dig one up. Without seeing what lights you have its hard to comment on how to inject. Do know that typically you should stop the power, carry the ground and data through, or you will over amp your system. Electricity flows both ways :)

[@jeffreyscott8332]

@@TheLedwarehouse Hi, i purchased 2000pc Addressable WS2811 RGB LED Pixel Full color Light 5V IP68 4 Xmas Decorate. They have 2 free additional wires on each strand so im assuming their purpose is to inject more power but im not 100% certain. As of right now, i only have 5 strands up. Ive tested them and everything is working great however, before i add more pixels to each strand, i just want to make sure im wiring things correctly. To answer your question, im not sure. I' m very new to this. They have 2 free additional wires on each strand (red is +V, White is GND) Im assuming their purpose is to inject more power but im not 100% certain.

[@TheLedwarehouse]

jeffrey scott typicaly thats the case, but, you do need to break the 5v+ chain of power when you inject or you will run too many amps and blow your fuse. Also, you should fuse your power inject line as well so you dont cause a fire if you run too hot

[@imlon2]

Do you have to run those 16 separate strands? Or could you have ran the LED up the tree then back down then run a jumper and go back up and so on?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

imlon2 you could run multiple strands off a single port. You can run about 150 pixels before you have to inject power due to voltage drop. So you could easily run three strands off a single channel. You have to be conscious of voltage drop and total amps. The fuse and wire is only 5amps so you dont want to go higher than that on a single run.

[@SamusAran1969]

How much of a visual differnce would there be if you did 1 pixel per hole vs. skipping one?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Aric Stegen it would be half as tall. In that case you would want to use 100 count strands to get 8ft tall tree. It would be like the difference between a HD TV and a UHD TV. The denser the pixels the better things like text and pictures will look.

[@phillipkascak9852]

Where do I find the site to purchase the full pixel tree kit

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Phillip Kascak currently we are building them as fast as we can sell them. You can email [e-mail] for details and timing.

[@Chase023]

How much is the completed controller (board/enclosure/power supply) as seen on the video? I went to the site and from the pictures it looks like the board is only for sale.

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Chase023 we sold out for the season. But the plug and play kit is $450.

[@ryanhuddleston7279]

I really want to build a custom design with my lights for my yard. The tree would be the perfect fit. I would want to include music in the show. Do you have the kit fully built yet for the RGB pixel tree? I already have lights on the house but would like to add the tree then customize the show somehow. Any information is appreciated

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Ryan Huddleston we are out of kits for the season. But we can do them. We can set them up for whatever size you want.... just jot until next season :(

[@ryanhuddleston7279]

No problem, I am watching the videos trying to learn how to do everything. Not the most technical person! HA. Trying to figure out the program and setting up the raspberry pi and falcon.

[@UGotTheFunk]

If you had more than one tree, would you just link two of the PnP controllers together via ethernet? Also, say you did power injection, do you need to purchase another PSU? Or could you tie into the one inside the PnP controller?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Atarox to hook two boxes together you would need a network switch. We didn't power inject on this tree. Our pixels go up to 150bulbs before you need to inject you just have to watch the power draw and run at a lower output. But to answer your question, yes you can inject off the same power supply as long as there is still enough wattage available. You would also want a fuse inline for safety

[@UGotTheFunk]

TheLedwarehouse awesome thank you very much for the reply :) makes perfect sense.

[@anupkhekare5599]

is this weatherproof ? doesnt look like it is. what solutions are available ?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Anup Khekare sure. The case is weatherproof so are the light strands. In fact this tree is outside in the snow right now

[@rwpwalkalone]

Where did you get these RGB lights and how much were they? Im looking to do 15,000 lights. A house, pool house, driveways, and garage. Just wanted to know where would be the best place to get them and cheapest. Also, how many boxes would it take to run a show like this? Thanks.

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Robert Pugh we sell the lights. Links are in the video description. We also can build custom boxes for you as well. Your best place to start is to sketch out what you want to do then send us an email and we can take a look and come up with a plan.

[@MylesLacey]

Hi, you said the RGB LEDS are 12v, is that correct? My understanding was that the 12v WS2811 RGB LED's were not individually addressable.

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Voltage has nothing to do with it. It's all about the chip. All WS2811 chips are addressable. I'd advise you do with 12v ws2811 s you'll have less issue with voltage drop s using 5v strands.

[@MylesLacey]

Agree on the voltage drop. Plus 12v power supplies are easier to source in Ireland. Thanks for the very prompt reply.

[@ATeamAdam]

Can you do a video on basic programming to demonstrate how to set up a pixel display

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Adam Mufich please check our other videos as we have a video on how to program this tree as well as how to program a house set up

[@robertjacobson1399]

how much would you charge to build one if someone wanted to perches a kit

[@TheLedwarehouse]

This one would be a little expensive because of the plug and play controller. That alone is $450. But, this actual tree may be available at a discount as it's a demo. Feel free to email us and ask about it.

[@li2buenafe]

DO you need a software to have your Pixel light Display???

[@TheLedwarehouse]

There are basic controllers that you dont but in most cases yes. Most use xlights

[@robertjacobson1399]

if you were going build this on 2 channels do you run your data in a zig zag or all from the bottom?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

you have to run your data end to end. With RGB you go from one strand to the next. So for two channels you would go top to bottom with your data. Then every 100 pixels for so inject power to prevent voltage drop.

[@josephnguyen3122]

I can buy and how much

[@grahamrich11]

Hi, Where can I buy the toppers you are using

[@TheLedwarehouse]

grahamrich11 the-led-warehouse.com/collections/all/products/big-mega-tree-topper-16-32-for-1-3-8-inch-fence-post

[@rsrc8302]

Do you have a link where i can buy?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

We just sell the items to make them but we are pretty sold out for 2020. The-led-warehouse.com

[@jasonphillips119]

If I️ set my pixlite 4 controller to 200 pixels per channel instead of 170 would I️ set the number channel within xLights to 600 instead of 510?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Jason phillips I dont think this would work. A single universe is only 510. So you would have to set one universe to 170 and a second to 30 to get a total of 200 lights per output. Also, you’d have to inject power on 200 pixels as well. Make sure you are watching your amps as well or you will pop a fuse on the board.

[@jasonphillips119]

TheLedwarehouse thank you. Do you have an email address? I actually have a few more questions.

[@TheLedwarehouse]

You can contact us through our store email or on Facebook

[@jasonphillips119]

Thank you TheLedwarehouse I am getting closer to figuring this out. I am using 12 strings with 50 pixels in each. I am running 4 stings from 1 out of the controller to make 200 pixels per out. So I have 3 outputs from the controller running the Megatree. How should I configure this on the Megatree layout. It seems every way I've tried just does not look correct on the physical lights. Thank you for your time with this.

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Jason phillips you must be going up then down? If thats the case you need to set up zig zag on your pixlite comfig. That or hand draw your tree in xlights so the right channels are on the right end of the strands.

[@mirhan79]

How do you connect the wire to the controller which colour to where

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Amir dad khan it depends on the wire and plugs you are using. Generally, its blue is ground, yellow is data and brown is 12v. But not all plugs have the same color scheme. Its a good idea to make yourself a map with what color wire you are using for each and stick with your map

[@mirhan79]

Yup i did connect the wires accordingly but only the first bulb is lighted. Mine red is 12v blue ground and white data in.

[@mirhan79]

Btw im using the pixie 16 from light o rama. Try to setup using xlights. Do i need to buy the light o rama software to get it to work

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Amir dad khan nope. Its works as a e131 device with xlights... id check your wiring and id check that you have the data going to right direction. Your pixels should have arrows pointing which direction the data flows

[@mirhan79]

TheLedwarehouse Thanks so much. For the advice. I check both but seem no arrow on the pixel bulb. If no arrow which is the first and which is last. Mine one end got blue and red wire plus 1 jst male connector. Do i need to connect All the wire or just the a single jst connector

[@HookLineandAdventures]

How would you wire for the 4 channel control?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

that gets a little tricky but can be done. I'd split it up into 4 strands, so youd be wiring together 4 strands on the tree. youd have 200 pixels per channel that way. the tricky part is that you have to inject power as well. so every other strand you should tie back into your power supply to prevent any voltage drop issues. The pixlite 4 will do 340 pixels per channel, you just have to inject power along the way. So technically, you could even wire this tree so it only used 3 channels if you wanted. just have 6 sets wired together per channel and inject power every other strand.

[@84tanlile]

Are you using the 16/32 topper?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Tanner Lile yes

[@swendingo]

Do you not sell the controller any more?

[@brianholzheuer726]

we sell custom built controllers now. Sometimes we have extras and list them on our site. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in pricing for your needs.

[@kg7yts187]

Total cost of a similar setup?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

KG7YTS $900 to $1000 if you use our pre build controller (thats half the cost of it alone)

[@jeros2399]

where can i buy one i

[@TheLedwarehouse]

luis suarez we are out of kits for the season. But we will have tree kits available next year

[@billsimmons9320]

Is there another plug that can be attached to the light strings you recommend that would plug into a light-o-rama box outlet?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Bill Simmons you cant plug pixels into a normal LOR controller. Pixels require a controller that is designed to control pixels.. you can link a pixel control to a LOR box. This would let you expand your current LOR display with pixels

[@billsimmons9320]

TheLedwarehouse Thanks for the reply. New to this and trying to learn different methods.

[@jasonphillips119]

TheLedWarehouse thank you again for the help yesterday with getting my confit correct. You are definitely knowledgeable in this. Next I will be starting the frame work. Will a 1 inch emt pole work for the center of the tree? I did order a boscoyo tree topper. I was just wondering if it would fit over the 1 inch pipe. Would you recommend anchoring the 2x4 to the ground to keep the tree in place?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Jason phillips how tall of a tree? 3/4 emt is good for 8ft or less. 1 3/8 fence post works good for 16ft trees

[@jasonphillips119]

my strips are 101 inches. So that is around 8 1/2 feet tall. Also how do I find the correct size and spacing for the bottom of the tree?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Jason phillips have to do a little math! Figure out your width of the base. Then the circumference of the base, then divide by 16. That will give you the spacing between the strips at the base

[@jagmac01]

How would you go about adding a star to the top of the tree

[@TheLedwarehouse]

jagmac01 i would add it on to the end of the first strand. You can run 150 pixels without power injection, so in this case you could add a 100 pixel star by just adding it to the end of the first strand. Then in xlights you creat the star model but your start channel will be the next pixel (144)

[@fernandob2139]

How much does thoes lights go for ???

[@TheLedwarehouse]

fernando b just the lights are $22 a strand with the plugs already attached or if you wanted 100 count they are $37 with the plugs attached. A 800 light tree with controller lights mounting strips and topper costs about $950.

[@MisterHallo]

dimension from the tree?

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Mister Hallo this one was 8ft tall and about 42” wide at the base. But you can really scale them to whatever size works for you.

[@MisterHallo]

@@TheLedwarehouse it looks perfect, thanks for sharing the dimensions

[@truongnga5186]

which wire you put the light bulb on?

[@briancaruana3549]

good to a aussie controller nice one

[@chelcie3]

I just have to build this for next year.

[@truongnga5186]

What is this you call?

[@kg7yts187]

Work on the cable management.

[@TheLedwarehouse]

KG7YTS all the new lights have plugs built in and we have extension cables with plugs built in. Its much easier to build these trees now than in the past

[@bradroland2545]

them some skinny 2x4s

[@TheLedwarehouse]

Thanks!

[@ravikumarpatani7125]

Telme videaos

[@josewilsonamaya8694]

Where l can buy it

[@TheLedwarehouse]

José Wilson Amaya you can email us with how big of a tree you want and we can set you up. Pricing for a tree like this one starts around $800. [e-mail]