Want to extend the distance from your smart pixel controller port to the smart pixel string?  There are several factors to consider including brightness, pixel type, number of pixels, total extension length (and where the extension is located), and weather / environment.

Based on 12V Aurora Core Controller or 12V Pixie 4/8/16 Controllers V2+ with Firmware v1.11+ (rated for 4A per port), using standard 4" spacing LOR bullet pixels. 

*Maximum theoretical permitted distance to the first pixel to ensure data integrity using WS2801 or WS2811 drivers. Real world distances can be shorter or longer and are dependent on type of wire used, temperature, pixel driver chipset, number of connectors, number of pixels, type of pixels, and other factors.

LOR Pixel Extensions are tested with LOR controllers and LOR pixels to determine theoretical maximums. Pixel Extensions might not be compatible with other manufacturers devices or strings, or have different extension and brightness limits. User assumes all risk with 3rd party compatibility.

Voltage drop may occur with long extensions and pixel color can be affected. This is not a problem with the extension itself, but rather a distance factor. The farther you extend the length between the controller and first pixel of a string, the fewer pixels you will be able to connect per port. 

If you experience any issues with pixels and are using one or more extensions, remove them and test again.  If the product begins to work, there is nothing wrong with your pixels or controllers – you simply have too long of an extension for your environment.

Pixie 4/8/16 controllers are rated to 4A per port at any voltage. Pixie2 controllers are rated to 2.5A per port. Exceeding the amperage rating of a port can damage the board and is not covered under warranty.

Extensions between props / strands more greatly impact voltage drop and will reduce the maximum distance to the first pixel as well as the total number of pixels that can be used on the port.

Light-O-Rama recommends no longer than a 10ft extension between two Light-O-Rama bullet pixel strands for best performance, and no more than a total of 15ft of extensions combined between the total number of props or strands connected to one port. Reduce the total number of pixels per port when using extensions between strands. Other types of pixels or pixels from 3rd party manufactures may have different limits. 

Network Speeds

Light-O-Rama controllers are connected to a data network for communications.  Some of our products talk at a very high speed (500K or faster).  The high speed is especially useful in high pixel count environments.  If you run a network at a high speed, make sure all the controllers attached can operate at that speed. For networks operating at 500k, we recommend a maximum of 3000 pixels (or 9000 channels) per network for average sequencing. Simpler or slower sequencing effects may allow you to connect more pixels; fast changes or complex effects may allow less.

Consider using a Pixielink or Aurora Core for increased speeds.

Input triggers and Easy Light Linkers are not supported on Enhanced ELOR networks.

How fast can a controller talk? Think of a data network as a highway with a speed limit. Exceed the speed and unpredictable things can happen. You can mix and match Light-O-Rama controllers on the same data network as long as they all stay at or under the speed limit.

Legacy Devices