Lights On Briarfield

The 2023 season has been rough, we’ve had a lot of pixel failures. I’m talking 15 strings as of the moment of this post. Luckily only the batch purchased in 2022 seems to be affected.

Thankfully, I have 2 things making it easier:

First, the bullet node pixels have a 2 year warranty, so everything is covered and being replaced. One of the main reasons I buy my pixels exclusively from Mattos Designs. When the EVO Pixels come in, they will have a 3 year warranty.

Secondly, once a string has been approved for replacement, I can make a repair by cutting out the bad pixel and splicing in a new one. The ClickIts by Experience Lights have been a HUGE time saver. I just cut, insert new, click, and done. No more hauling out a soldering iron or heat gun to make three electrical splices in the cold on the roof.

My method of operation has gone like this: First dead pixel, take lots of pictures and submit for warranty. Once approved, repair. If a second pixel dies on the same string, immediate second repair. If a third pixel dies on the same string, rip the whole string out and replace. I’ve done this on 15 strings in 2 months.

This is where the Bin of Shame comes in, all the dead pixels I have to cut out go into the bin of shame. If you want a souvenir (dead pixel), let me know. I’ll hand them out while supplies last. (disclaimer – small parts, not a toy, may have sharp wire at the cut end, adult supervision required.)

I’ll have to replace all the strings on the spiral trees once the new EVO pixels come in. Hopefully things will settle down now that so many have been replaced.