Looking for some matrix advice

[toozie21]

I've (sadly) not done a new prop with pixels for a while now. I currently have a matrix of WS2812b outdoor strips (they are in the silicone tubing). It is 73 pixels wide by 20+ pixels tall with 1.3in spacing between pixels (so about 8ft wide by 2ish feet tall).

It looks decent and it has served me well for something like 8 years. P5/P10 panels are intriguing, but the cost and waterproofing are a little bit of a turnoff for me. I am considering sticking with pixel strips, but going with a 60 led/m approach (so ~0.65in between pixels). A 2.5m strip, cut in half, would give about 4ft total width. I don't know the exact dimensions of the width of the strip itself, but let's say that the strips need to be stacked one after the other to get the height needed to keep the pixels in a perfect measurement between pixels vertically as well as horizontally. If that is the case, there would need to be 56 strips to get a height of 3ft (if I am doing my math right). Since the strips are cut in half to do this, I would need 28 strips. At $25/each, that is $700 in JUST pixels (4200 total pixels). That doesn't include all the power supplies and controllers and spare parts.....

So what are people doing today to get a decent matrix? Any suggestions?

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[bloojoop]

I have helped a LOT of people with P5 or P10 panels, more than standard bullet pixels matrices this year.  Also seeing an increase in virtual matrices with TVs or projectors.   These seems to be what most people are doing for the pixel density you are referring to. P10 panels would be approx .4 inches between pixels and will consume WAY less power than your pixel strip concept. 

[jnealand]

Here is 1000 pixels in a 20 x 50 config using Everbilt fencing from Home Depot. It is 1.5" spacing, but you could go denser if the frame was built stronger.  I built this in the fall of 2020 and have used it for 3 seasons as a combo tune-to and matrix for effects.

[toozie21]

I have helped a LOT of people with P5 or P10 panels, more than standard bullet pixels matrices this year.  Also seeing an increase in virtual matrices with TVs or projectors.   These seems to be what most people are doing for the pixel density you are referring to. P10 panels would be approx .4 inches between pixels and will consume WAY less power than your pixel strip concept.

After posting I couldn't sleep, so I was doing a lot of research and had forgotten about wired watt's matrix calculator.  After working up a 4ftx3ft P5 setup, the price was pretty reasonable ($800 for the panels and the rest of the goodies that it specs out).

In your working with others, have you found a mounting approach that makes it worth having the outdoor panels?  If I recall, the back still needs to be sealed, right?

[toozie21]

Here is 1000 pixels in a 20 x 50 config using Everbilt fencing from Home Depot. It is 1.5" spacing, but you could go denser if the frame was built stronger.  I built this in the fall of 2020 and have used it for 3 seasons as a combo tune-to and matrix for effects.

Looks good!  What do you think your viewing distance is to the matrix?  I would think it would have to be pretty decent due to the spacing.

[k6ccc]

Especially if you want to display graphics or videos, P10 or P5 beats bullet nodes any day.  Don't rule out a virtual matrix with a real video display either.

[jnealand]

Looks good!  What do you think your viewing distance is to the matrix?  I would think it would have to be pretty decent due to the spacing.

I never think of things in viewing distance so I wouldn't know what that really means.  I can easily read two lines of words from anywhere in front of my house or across the street. It about 35' from the curb.