Led Display for Cylinders

[Mtqpham]

Let me start off my excusing myself for the newb questions.

The company i work has given me the task to find information on how to make a Led display inside an acrylic 3 cylinder stacked cake.

The measurements for each cylinder are:
10x12
10x18
10x22 inches.

I've seen some matrix that curved and housed in various things like helmets. Some that are fabricated and some that are led strips.

What would be my best option to display graphics from these led displays? I have a budget of about 1k for supplies to make this happen and would take on the task myself if needed.

[adafruit_support_bill]

For a cylindrical form, strips would probably be easiest to work with. We have a "neomatrix" library that lets you treat an array of strips as a matrix. http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neop ... ix-library

How much of the insides of these cylinders do you need to cover?

[Mtqpham]

All three cylinders. top to bottom. I was think of decorating the base of each cylinder with EL tape or wire.

[adafruit_support_bill]

Depending on the density, that could be 5-10K pixels or more. You should probably be looking at something like a Teensy3.1 and the OctoWS2811 LED Library to control it: https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/td_libs_OctoWS2811.html

[mattjames]

I am interested in what kind of LEDs could be used as well. I have a similar project I will be starting soon. Except my cylinder has a diameter of about 36" and is about 10" tall. Not sure what to use for the LEDs

[adafruit_support_bill]

@MattJames - You are probably looking at 4-3K pixels also. Neopixels would work, but you will probably need something similar to drive them:

You should probably be looking at something like a Teensy3.1 and the OctoWS2811 LED Library to control it: https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/td_libs_OctoWS2811.html

[Mtqpham]

Is there anyone i can speak to over the phone directly to place my order. I definitely want to order parts. i just had a few more questions.

[Franklin97355]

I definitely want to order parts. i just had a few more questions.

Feel free to ask them here.

[Mtqpham]

What is the thickness of the strip with the housing? Does the housing stay intact when the strips used with eachother as a matrix. i hope to make it about 5 inches in wide for each matrix now.The acrylic fabricator accidently glued the pieces together which only leaves wholes 6 inches in diameter to place my hand in the led If i can can get some help with an itemized list. Ive already figured out the circumference of each cylinder:

22"x6"
10"x5"
10x5

[adafruit_support_bill]

Just to be clear, which of the strips did you plan to use? https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=neopixel+strip
We have 30, 60 or 144 pixels/meter strips.
The 144 pixel strips come without a waterproof housing. The housing is easily removed from the others if required.

Unsheathed strips are 12mm wide.
The sheath is 12.5mm x 4mm

[Mtqpham]

Im sorry i was debating between the 60 and 144

[adafruit_support_bill]

Once you decide on the type of strip and how much you need to cover the insides of your cylinders, we can help you put together a list of parts you need to power and control them.

[Mtqpham]

60 and 19.5 meters

[pburgess]

Update: recent batches of 144 LED strip now include the waterproof sheath standard. Like the other varieties, this is easily trimmed off.

For 30 and 60 LED/m strip: with sheath, width is 12.5 mm, thickness is 4 mm. Without sheath: width is 10 mm, thickness is 1.8 mm.

For 144 LED/m strip: with sheath: width is 14.75 mm, thickness is 4 mm. Without: width is 12 mm, thickness is 1.9 mm.

Figures are approximate due to manufacturing variances, flashing on cut edges of strips, thickness of solder on joined strip segments and 'squishiness' of the waterproof material; allow some overhead in your space requirements for this and for adhesive or fasteners. Also, end caps, if left in place, add some bulk in both directions.

[adafruit_support_bill]

60 x 19.5 = 1170 pixels
At 60mA per pixel (worst-case - full brightness white) = 70.2 Amps

Actual use will depend on the types of patterns you run. Typical draw tends much less than worst case. But, even half of that - 35 Amps - is still a lot of current.
Current will need to be distributed to multiple points along the strip. We generally recommend feeding power every meter or two to minimize the voltage drop.

We recommend that you read through this guide - with special attention to the page on "Best Practices". http://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neop ... -practices

To power the pixels, I would suggest 6x 5v/10A power supplies. You can probably dedicate two per tube: https://www.adafruit.com/products/658
You could use a single 60A supply, but you would have to design your power distribution wiring to handle that current. With separate supplies you can isolate sections and limit the damage that can be incurred by a short circuit.

You should also review your wiring and power distribution with an electrician familiar with your local wiring codes.

As per the Best Practices, you will also want 6x capacitors: https://www.adafruit.com/products/1589
And 6x adapters for connecting to the power supplies.

Processor choice will depend on the type of displays you intend to run. Given the number of pixels, I'd suggest you consider a Teensy 3.1 and the matching adapter board for driving the pixels. This processor will run the OctoWS2811 library which is capable of controlling large matrices of Neopixels at high speed.

https://www.adafruit.com/products/1625
https://www.adafruit.com/products/1779
https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/td_libs_OctoWS2811.html