friskybri wrote: i got 30 of the LED from CDI. The only thing that I don't like is when you first power up they all flash but quickly change to random. I am going to get 20 more next week.
So has anybody seen a video of a "string" of these CDI LEDs when they are first powered up, so we can see how they start off (in unison). I am really torn between these from CDI and Darryll's--I lean towards Darryll's (based on appearance and firing rate), but CDI's are cheaper, use less power, and potentially more reliable. I am new to LOR this year and planning about a 10-12ft megatree, with 10 strobes within it.
Another issue of concern: I live on the outer edge of a 90 degree bend in the road, and the strobes will be in the megatree that is about 30' from the road. Is there such a thing as "too bright" of a flash from these, thus blinding a driving on the bend? Would be bad if a driver crashed into the display or a house! Not sure if either the CDI or Xeon ones would make a difference with this (thinking particularly of the initial unison flash). Or is this not something to even be concerned about--10 bulbs at 30-40 feet? I have never seen these in a display live--only others videos, which doesn't capture the true effect.
I haven't seen the CDI LEDs at all. I do however, have 35 of the Darryl strobes on a single string that I use for my mega. They don't all start at the same time. They chase for about 2 or 3 seconds from the moment they're turned on and then become random. I have no idea why they do it, but it's like an arc-line strobe when they're first turned on.
BTW, I've tried to videotape them... it ain't hap'nin!
Jeff
____________________ Evan... Are you at home resting yet? I'm very glad you're feeling better!
I was the original tester for Paul on his CDI strobes. They are constructed very well, and I left one plugged in continuously for 2 weeks with no failure.
It comes down to the points that John made. The orientation and flash rate. Darryl's strobes flash about 4-5 times per second, Paul's get close to twice. I did side by side comparisons, and the only other issues that I saw with the early CDI prototype models, is the strobe sometimes lagged the command. Darryl's were always spot on.
Darryl's do fail a bit more. They have also been used longer since CDIs are new this year. This is almost exclusively due to condensation. Darryl's can be oriented any way with no flash compromise. Paul's do lose a bit if you are not looking straight on.
If you spray conformal coating on the PCBs of Darryl's strobes, you will increase the life and see no where near the failures that are moisture related. Granted, this is extra work, but can extend the life of this investment if you already have made it.
In looking at Paul's site, I believe his pricing is for a case of 12, with Darryl you can get his strobes for a low as $5.50, but you can get odd lots. I have a close to 200 Darryl strobes and will be using some of CDIs as well this year. CDI additionally has colors which is an interesting concept. It will be interesting to see these used in displays. Just my dos centavos.
