Power Injection and JST connecctor SM3

Questions
1

I have a string of WS2811 (link below) with 288 leds, with 60a P/S. They are in physical sections of 18 LEDs per stick (30in PVC pipe =stick). I connect them with JST SM3 connectors (link below). I have power injection at both ends and middle (14awg to the JST connector). When I test with solid white and brightness at 200+ I see drop off on the brightness after at the 36 LEDs at the injection points.
36 LED * 0.06a = 2.16a cellulated getting through the string. Voltage drops from 5.17 at injection to 3.98 after 18 LEDs.
With this configuration it suggests that I need injection every 36 LEDs to see the white without fading.

I have bypassed the JST at the injection point and connect the LED power injection leads directly to the 14awg wire. No improvement.

The JST connections between the sticks of 18 LED are 12in or less.

Are the JST connectors an acceptable connector for this many connection points? If not what is recommended and suggested length of the connector cable to LED connection.

My initial project goal was to use for our craft show tent. But after I completed the project I see I’m going to use them for other applications. I have 16 sticks of LED with 18 LED/stick. Kind of like pick-up sticks, I can arrnage them in various configurations and setup WLED to animate.

Anyway, thoughts of JST connector and my fading white lights?

Thanks in advance.

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h between the LED sticks?

Amazon.com : WESIRI WS2811 Diffused Digital RGB LED Pixel Lights Black Wire Individually Addressable Round DIY LED Pixels Module IP68 Waterproof DC5V 50pcs/Set : Tools & Home Improvement

BTF-LIGHTING 20 Pairs JST SM 3 Pin Connectors for WS2812B WS2811 WS2812 WS2814 SK6812 FOCB CCT LED Strip Female Male 15cm 22awg Wire - Amazon.com

2

Have you actually measured the current draw of 30 (20,10) LEDs to get an actual power requirement?

Those JST connectors are OK for data, but are not a good path for power.
Unfortunately the wire that connects pixels in the strings is often fairly light as well, so you can’t count on it carry much current.

If you’re seeing colour drops after 36 LEDs, that would suggest you need good injection at 18 LEDs or at the slpice points.

If your injection wiring is good - individual injection pairs running back to the main supply (I don’t think your picture shows that) - you should be able to get by with 8 injection lines. You place one at the middle of pairs of connected strips.