Updated video to include more basics info. I hope it helps those of you just getting started as well as some of you veterans that may not have all of this information.
Jeff, Love the videos. I have been in the LOR world for several years now and although I am "behind the times" lol I am looking to go into the Smart/Dumb pixel world for nest season. I have few specific questions that will determine the direction I go. Do you have an email address or a way to contact directly without clogging the comment sections of your videos? I would be happy to "Donate/and or pay for about 30 minutes of your time. Please let me know. Thanks! David
Thank you so much for this video and the rest on pixals. Even with years of experience and electronic theory diagnostics and repair, I needed this to sort out my plans and tech choices to create what is in my imagination. I have been over complicating and procrastinating and denying my self the gratification of making it happen.
Wow. You really just put my mind at ease after feeling really overwhelmed with sine of the other "beginner" videos. Thanks for explaining it all in layman's terms. I was almost scared off from getting into the hobby but I think I'll give it a try now, thanks to you.
Hi Sarah! Thanks and Welcome. I'm glad it helped! The hobby is a blast and the community is extremely helpful. There can be a lot to learn in the beginning, but once you have the first year under your belt, the rest is fairly easy. Be sure to check into the Facebook groups listed in the description and I highly recommend the Wednesday night xLights zoom calls (see xlights.org).
Very nice Sir!! One thing I learned when I started this a year ago.... have a very, very fluid budget. One thing leads to another, and another. Have fun!!
In a span of 4 years I have gone from LOR controllers to dumb controllers to Falcon controllers for this year. As you know, lights have to go with them all. Happy wife, happy life. I get Christmas lights and controllers, she got a new car. Obviously I win. Keep up the great videos, hope you wife is doing good.
Thanks for taking the time to help all us newbies out! Stupid question possibly but I really like the look of the ‘warm white led’ when the display is not dancing to the music.. would an RGB be able to recreate this or can I only get this with an RGBW light?
You should be able to recreate that. You'd just need the color values for it or just pick one you like from the picker. You'd still need a sequence to output the data to set that value though. You could create a 30-second sequence where all the lights were that color if you wanted.
This video is very informative. I feel like I learned a lot. I wonder what kind of trouble I will get into if I got into this hobby. Also, kind of curious what a blind squirrel can do with some crazy lights, LOL.
LOL! Thanks! There is a beginner playlist that pretty much goes through everything you need to know to get started. It's a bit late this year, but you can get a head start on next year.
Love the videos. I was wondering how u would go at a project like wire frame decorations using pixels. For example if I made a grinch wire frame what type of pixel would u use to zip tie it to the frame. Or what would u do.
Hey Jeff! Would you recommend buying used controllers? I've been devouring your content but I want to apply what I've learned. This year I'd like to set up a single talking tree using xlights, but I'm having trouble finding a controller that isn't $300+. I've checked out the Sandevices, but wanted to get your opinion on ease of use and compatibility. Seems like everyone is using a Falcon controller nowadays. Also if you have any old controllers you're willing to sell, I'm more than willing to buy one! Cheers to you and your family!
Thanks! The SanDevices pixel controllers may lack the bells and whistles of a Falcon, but they do the job well. I started out with them and they are solid controllers. If you're in the toe-dipping stage, I'd recommend them. I can't remember if they are programmable by xLights or not because that feature came out after I switched to Falcons. Either way, if you have trouble, there are people in the Zoom room that are quite familiar with them and can help you get going with them if needed.
Over the last couple years I have fallen in love with the light shows I have seen. It seems like a daunting task but I would like to start building a show for next year. Should I piece together a kit or just buy a plug and play kit? I do plan on expanding each year. I get overwhelmed trying to figure out what exactly I would need in terms of controllers and power supplys. I will be measuring and planning what type of displays I want to do so I can get a decent picture of how many total pixels I will need. Does each channel on the controllers support 1 universe or can they support multiple per channel? I found your channel and it is very informative, thank you.
Thanks! There are some "ready-to-run" kits out there, but that doesn't include the computer (Pi or real computer) and you lose some of the DIY part of figuring everything out. Go through my beginner playlist and that will explain each of the parts needed. Controllers are different, but the Falcon F16V3 can support 1,024 pixels per port and isn't limited to one universe. Yes, do your research first. A year is plenty of time to get something going. The first year will be the toughest as there is a lot to learn, but once you learn it, it's easier to expand the next year. Check the descriptions of my videos as there are a ton of resources available to help you through your journey. :)
Good day, I know you stated in another video that you use Mean Well for your power supply. They have so many different options my head started spinning, Could you be more specific in the model/type you use for Christmas lights. Thanks
Most of us use the 350-watt variety. They do have a few different models, but it comes down to personal preference. They have some where the screws point up and some where they point out. For 12V, I use several of the LRS-350-12.
@@CanispaterChristmas I'm not quite sure if I want to start with a tree or just my roofline for the first year but I want to be able to expand and synchronize to music. From what I've seen the controllers are the biggest cost and all the videos I've found are at least 2 years old. I'm looking something that will not break the bank so the wife doesn't shut it down before I get started lol. Love your videos, they are informative yet understandable.
@@homersarcade5950 Yeah, if you're dipping your toe in, pixelcontroller.com has a PiCap that will run a relatively small number of pixels, but will help you get past the steep learning curve of how everything fits together. The Falcon F16, though a larger up-front cost, is a workhorse and has plenty of room for expansion. The F16V4 is out, but with all the supply issues you probably can't get one this year. The V3 is still a very capable controller and I still use my V2. Controllers have a very limited job - convert E1.31 data into serial data for the pixels so they tend to be useful for a while. Each new version has additional capabilities and capacity, but the old ones still work great. You might also look for a used one to keep the wife happy.😂
@@CanispaterChristmas is that serial data the same as DMX? I've seen some e1.31 to DMX controllers around the web and was wondering if that was the same or not.
No it's SPI I believe - a serial protocol you see on microprocessors/arduinos. Some pixel controllers have DMX outputs, but it's different serial data.
Great video! I have purchased my first set of lights and I run into some issues. I need to get some pigtails, but which connection type should I get? I was looking to buy 3pin connection and then one set showed up with four wires, I think I ordered one set 5v and one 12 v. Newbie mistake, where do you order yours from. I see they vary in length. Thanks for your help in advance
Thanks! I suppose it really doesn't matter, but I standardized on 4-pin connectors early on just in case I got pixels with 4 wires. FYI, NONE of my strings have 4 wires! It is nice though to put 3-pin pigtails on 5V strings to keep me from accidentally hooking them up to 12V. Personal preference really. I buy my pigtails from Ray since my lights come from him too. When you order, you can specify the pigtails you want and he'll put them on for you.
Hello, Where is the best place to get the music for the christmas lights displays? Your videos are awsome and have helped me out learning about RGB, gonna try to do a crazy display but NEXT YEAR.
Great question. I'm not an attorney, but I believe it depends on the venue. At your house, I've not heard of any issues using any music for your personal display. If it's for a commercial display, you start wandering into needing licenses. If you're wanting to post it on RU-vid, there is no standard as each record company sets the rules. Some have no rules, some want attribution and/or the ad revenue and some don't allow it at all. Pick a song you like a lot as you'll be listening to it several times to sequence it then contact the record company if needed.
Hi, I'm just looking for different Christmas remixes or just good dub step music for a house display. I see xlights has some music but do find your music on sound cloud or make the music yourself?
@@vcaputo22 The medley is a custom mix. I created two songs on my iPad and mashed them together. The other stuff is commercial music. I contacted the record companies before posting to get permission and requirements. I made my own dubstep mix because I couldn't find anything I liked, but SoundCloud is probably the best place to check.
@@CanispaterChristmas Currently binge watching all your videos for the past month I've been watching some videos and I always never can figure out where to start. Your the first RU-vidr doing this that really covers that as well as actually provides useful resources. I figured I would start to buy some stuff early next year (I wanted to do a least a pixel tree and maybe one or two more simple features. I'm also hoping to find some group to hook up with in MN to talk through things (I learn better with some give and take so I really appreciated you listing some forums.)
@@Regelos Thanks! Yeah, it's a little easier if there is someone local you can bounce stuff off of or help you troubleshoot something. A tree is a nice starter prop. You learn all the concepts and it's a nice addition to the display. Stay warm! lol!
@@CanispaterChristmas I'm glad youtube suggested you tonight. Also its really cool you respond!! How worried should I be about the weather in MN with pixels?
@@Regelos Haha! Well, we got a ton of rain this year and the only problem was a little water in one of the boxes that had a power supply inside - apparently not enough water to make it short out. Those were new this year so may stick with the CG1500s from now on. I haven't heard of people having trouble with anything in cold climates, but you might post a note on the forums just to be sure. Well, I say that. The only issue is not being able to take the display down until March. lol!
Thank you for your nice videos. I have a Tanbaby 5V 60A PSU that produces so much electrical noise at boot up that it renders my lights unusable. Is there a way to reduce this noise? As a temporary fix I have put a switch on the output, so I first turn my LEDs on after the PSU has been on for a couple of seconds.
You might try this question on the forums listed in the description of my videos if you don't get a good answer here. I've not heard of this problem nor experienced it myself, but I'm using MeanWell PSUs. Maybe a time-delay relay? There may be a filter circuit you could put together, but that is beyond my capabilities.
I know this is an older post but just learning more about the RGB world. Have been watching your videos. I'm a LOR user but thinking of switching to X lights. LOR licenses are getting way too rich for my blood. Plus I See Xlights have a lot more options and effects. Anyway, I'll be building a lot of new props for next year and needing to start with pixel ordering. There seems to be multiple node types but think I got it narrowed down to bullet style. thinking of going with the 12 V like yours but I see there are some that use resistors and others that have a regulator in them. what would you recommend?
Most of my pixels are resistor because regulated are relatively new. I got a bunch of regulated this year, had some failures (slightly more than my resistor version), but overall, they seemed to work fine. I haven't done a comparison between the two with regards to power consumption, but theoretically, regulated should be better. Also, if you are in the US, my preferred vendor is wiredwatts.com. I still order from Ray for bulk orders, but I find myself ordering more from Ken (ww) lately because he has a lot more of what I need, not just pixels. To answer the question, regulated from now on. :)
Great video. Do all 16 channel controllers handle 1024 pixels per Port/channel? I know you said the f16v3 does but how about kulp boards or renard ss24?
There is no standard. You need to check the specs on each one. I only have the Falcons and some SanDevices boards. Also, for pixel controllers, they are pixel ports. Channels are something else all together and confusing the two will be, well, confusing. :) 3-channels per pixel (red, green blue).
Thanks! You can buy some kits that have some of it - controller, power supply, pigtails. Software is free and downloadable. Lights are separate. Be sure to go through my beginner playlist as that explains each part in more detail.
love your videos. So this is my first year doing this I have built a mega tree with about 3350 lights but where I'm stuck is when I do the calculations at 100% I will be pulling 200 amps or 30% 70 amps that seams like a large load for residential house
That is a TON of lights for a tree, but also remember that’s 200 amps at 5/12 volts, not 110. But your calculations seem right. Make sure to send me a picture at #canispaterchristmas on instagram! I’ve got to see that one!
Yes I realize I over did it on the tree will fix it next year can’t start over it’s too late 🙈thank you so much for your help I watch all your videos I started this project in the beginning of the year 👍
Thanks Jeff for wonderful videos. My home wall outlet is 110 V AC, & hooked up with main panel breaker of 15 amps. If I use same outlet to power my pixel controller , how many pixel leds can be hooked up with same controller ? i mean, does 110v AC wall outlet amp capacity & amp being consumed out of DC 12V/5V controller has any relationship ? how to calculate safe amp load?
There's a relationship, but I don't know the calculation. I'm running about 6K pixels on 1 outlet. It peaks around 800 watts AC and idles around 200 watts.
Thanks! There are way too many great xlights videos available so I've stayed away from them. Go to videos.xlights.org. Also, there's a long Vimeo video that pretty much takes you through everything at vimeo.com/239465131. Anything in particular you're looking for?
I could have sworn I watched a video of yours about power injection using T connectors where you pulled the data connection out of the T with a pair of pliers. Any idea which video that might have been? I thought it might have been in your udemy course, but I couldn't find it there either.
I don't use T connectors for anything. All my power injection is done with the pigtail wiring or directly to the string if it's in the middle. I do use the 2-wire automotive connectors tho.
There's always some degree of "what do you mean by...." in that question. What do you want to do? There are "testers" that will output data for pixels in patterns, but they don't allow for any customization of those patterns. If you just want blinky pixels, then check out Alan's web site for a tester (see video descriptions for links). If you want to run a show (ie: custom patterns, maybe to music) then you'll need a controller that converts E1.31 to SPI and/or acts as a player (Falcons & Kulp boards). If you have a Pi or computer to act as a master show player, then SanDevices makes great "basic" controllers. Availability is like everything else, kinda tight & sporadic right now, especially this time of year. Check out my beginner playlist if you are new to the hobby and that will explain most of the basics and might give you a better idea of what to look for. AND you may need to dial your expectations back as it's difficult to get started in November for a December display. Hope that helps.
I hope and plan on getting my first controller after the first of the year, and working on it off and on through out the year. You had mention some controllers in the video. I have looked into one called a light-o-rama. Could you explain what the difference is between the two, and or which one maybe would be a good starter set. I would rather spend a little extra money now instead of wishing; I should have bought one a little better. I need one that I could use and add lights to for the first couple of years until I get how these things work,without having to buy more controllers. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
It depends on the lights you plan to run (kinda). LOR started out as an AC light controller so you could buy strings of lights from WalMart and control them with LOR controllers. LOR has since moved into RGB pixels, but I don't have experience with the newer line of controllers. If you are planning to run pixels only, the Falcon controllers from pixelcontroller.com are IMO the best. The F16V3 is the current 16-port controller that would be a great grow-into controller.
Another question I have is about power supply runs. Like with 120 ac I can run well over 150ft of cord to run my led lights along my fence line. So with 18 gauge wire how far can your power lines run ft wise without having to buy another power supply? Or even how many feet can cat 5 data go from your pie or computer to run your lights? Thanks for answering my last question
It depends on the voltage and even the pixels themselves, but I've been able to go about 30ft from power supply to first pixel. Brightness level also factors into power needs, but the standard ballpark figure is 0.06 amps per pixel or about 6amps for 100 pixels at 100% brightness for all white (all three LEDs on). I run most of my stuff at 30% brightness to keep from landing aircraft in my yard. :) Data is standard Ethernet so 100 meters (328 feet).
A universe is 512 channels so 512/3 or 170. You can actually use the last 2 channels for 171 and have the next universe provide the 3rd channel. You really don't need to care about that as controllers & software understand the protocol. You just need to allocate enough to handle what you need.
Haha. Standard lights have their limitations, but have a lower learning curve. Pixels allow for pretty much anything you can dream up, but you kinda need to have a passion for them as there is a lot more to learn. If you have no background in electronics or computers, standard is probably the way to go. If you have the background and are a little OCD, you'll likely prefer pixels. There are forums for both camps and you can start with standard and add pixels later if you want. Which way do you wanna go?
CanispaterChristmas the pixels look way better. I know computers well but have little to no knowledge in electronics. I was thinking of starting out with maybe 2 controllers a few little trees, some house lights and a midsize mega tree? I live in a suburb home with a standard fuse box.
You might want to start with some pixels then. I had about 6k pixel in my display this year. Run it all off one circuit breaker so they don't pull a ton of power. Last year, at idle (only the power supplies & controllers running) it pulled about 200 watts. During showtime, it would fluctuate between 600-800 watts. Standard house wiring has no problem handling that load. There's not much electronics except for connecting things together and calculating how many amps a string is going to pull. The wires (+, - and data [maybe clock]) and voltages (12V vs 5V) are important. Get involved in the community (forums and Facebook groups listed in the descriptions of my videos). You'll learn a lot. Make sure to check into the xLights zoom room on Wednesday nights if possible. They have weekly presentations related to the hobby and also have Q&A afterwards. You'll learn a lot.
CanispaterChristmas do you by chance look at pictures of someones house and tell them what they need for a certain budget? Or if they tell you what they have as far as lights and props do you tell them what all they need as far as the power supplies and all that?
Unless you plan to permanently install it, outdoor rating is less important. I generally use speaker wire just because I had it on hand. Real copper does seem to do better as I've seen corrosion with CCA.
I took your online course at udemy and found it very informative. I still have questions as I am just starting out . I have messed around with light show pi and the the node mcu . If you can help me out or a video link would very helpful. The question is with the universes and how there defined in the Falcon f48 and xlights . I kind of get it but still not 100% . How many universes do you need how do u calculate that . I know each node is three channelsSo if I have one string at 50 knows that will be a little bit less than one universe know if I have three strands of 50 then that should be three universes if I’m doing it correctly this is where I’m getting it confused and not too sure of how universes are added together how many strings equals the universe and so forth so any help that you can give me would be very appreciated
E1.31 is the stage lighting protocol that is used, essentially DMX over Ethernet. A Universe is 512 channels or bytes of lighting data with a few additional bytes for administrative overhead. 170 pixels is 510 channels. Pixel 171 can be split between 2 universes so you don't have to worry about universes much except for getting the size correct and knowing how many you need (which xLights can tell you). Older controllers chose to use 510 as a universe size to stick to 170 pixels exactly, but newer controllers can use 512, yet come set to 510 by default to interop with older controllers. If you follow Keith's method of configuring xLights then send the controller config from xLights to the controller, you don't have to worry about calculating anything. It can also program the outputs on FPP if you use it. xSchedule uses the xLights config. I'll typically wait until I'm done adding models and look at the last model on a controller to see how many universes it uses then adjust the controller entry before programming the controller with xLights. No spreadsheets or calculators needed. :)
Jeff, I am getting ready to order pixels from Ray. There is a large selection to choose from. But I think I have it figured out. I am not sure on the spacing however. What do you think about these.? Promotion!!!WS2811 DC5V 50nodes addressable LED pixel string node;IP68 rated;3inch(7.6cm)spacing;24AWG wire,;RGB full color
Promotion = defective. That's why they are cheap. Shipping from China is kinda horrendous right now. You might be better off going through wiredwatts.com if you are in the US.
Yes. You can either use a dongle or get a pixel controller (like the Falcons) with a DMX/LOR output that can plug into the LOR controller and sequence everything in xLights. I don't have experience with that, but several in the group do. Check out the forums and Facebook groups linked in my video descriptions if you have questions about it.
So I’m completely new to this kind of stuff and I’m hoping to start with something small, for next year. Do you need multiple controllers for a certain amount of lights?
Each controller supports number of lights. If you go over , then yes, you'd need another controller. I'd recommend a Falcon F16V3 (www.pixelcontroller.com/store/index.php?id_product=48&controller=product) to start with and grow into it. Tell David I sent you! :) You can do a lot with a small number of pixels as compared to thousands of regular lights. To give you an idea, I am running just over 4,000 pixels this year.
Hi Jeff. Thank you for these videos. As I get ramped up for Christmas I went to buy the FM transmitter on eBay, but the link was bad. Do you have a different link?
Just received my Pixel's from Ray, and want to just test them... but I do not have my Falcon controller yet... but I DO have all of my power injection pigtails with just 2 leads... can I just power them on to see if they light up? and I realize that I'd had no color control yet, so not even sure if they'd light at all... but figured I'd ask you first, or I can wait until I get my Falcon and create that test light pattern you run... Thanks
You probably want something that will schedule and play multiple sequences. You choice is Falcon Player or xSchedule. xSchedule only runs on a computer while Falcon Player only runs on a Pi (or BB).
Jeff, if I design a pixel element like the American flag. where would I get the program code to run the element? does this need a customized program? it so, who can I contact?
Hey guys, I could use some help in selecting a controller. Just starting this adventure so I want something not too expensive but not cheap in quality either. If I had could convince my wife I would probably buy the ready to go Falcon F16V3 unit but that's gonna have to wait while I figure this out. Basically, I just wanna run Xlights, Power supply and a controller to try out all the various projects and RGB lights. Thanks so much for the help!
You didn't mention how many pixels you plan to start with. David has the F4 (4-port) boards that would be a little cheaper than an F16, but if you plan to expand, you could just get the F16 and one power supply and start there. There's also the SanDevices boards that are solid performers - not as many features as the Falcons, but they work great. There are a couple of other options, but involve more tinkering.
Probably going to do a small project this year like icicles or a Boscoyo star so 150 pixels max. I looked at the SanDevices and there doesn't seem to be a huge price difference in regards to their controllers compared to functionality.
Yeah, not much. You might also look into a PiCap or PiHat for a controller, but it requires a Raspberry Pi running FPP so not sure if you want to go that far with it all.
Yes. In bridge mode, FPP will pass data from xLights through to the hat. You can also create an FSEQ file in xLights and play that in FPP. That's how many folks automate their shows, but the xLights scheduler has been getting a lot of love from Keith over the past few months and is a strong contender if you have a spare PC to run the show on.
Hi Jeff, im new to this hobby of course.. I need help with the saving a file into a floder and how to importing a song into xlights. Do you have a video about that , if you do can you direct me to it please. Thank you for your time.
Thanks! Not sure I understand. When you create a new sequence in xLights, you have the option to create an animation or musical sequence. Click musical sequence and find the audio you want to use (best to keep it in your show folder to keep everything together). Or do you mean something else?
Yes , thank you. After a late nite I think I was able to figure it out. I was able to start the sequence but, I couldn't figure out which folder the file was in once I would save it. Thank you for time.
@@jorgenunez8704 Files are typically saved in the show folder. Look at the "Show Directory" on the Setup or Controllers tab (this was recently renamed). Also, you might want to go through all the videos in ru-vid.com/group/PLFyrAfJ-kKd4ZfPdXWIt8v_bav61mW_KW if you haven't already. One of them is Keith's xLights training video. It's long, but covers everything.
So Typically, can you use one company's controller and software but use a totally different manufacturer's pixel lights? Are the connectors standardized or is it proprietary to each manufacturer? thanks
It's DIY so some lights come with pigtails, others come with bare wires you add connectors to. Years ago, someone figured out how to order stuff directly from manufacturers in China, had a good experience and we kinda latched onto him. There is another vendor now providing similar lights, but I've always ordered from Ray. So I've standardized on his connectors as they work well. The general operation of SPI lights is the same. Most are 3-wire (+, - and data), some have 4 (+, -, clock and data), but all are based on the chip they use to convert data to mix the colors for the lights. WS2811 has been around for a while and is typical, but there are other chips most controllers support. Controllers are the specialty item and there are a handful of manufacturers. Controllers convert E1.31 data to SPI data the lights need. E1.31 is generated by a few sequencing apps we use. But yeah, it's up to you as to what you use and how you hook it up.
You can import old LOR sequences into xLights and drive the LOR boards with a Falcon F16V3 via the DMX output on the board. The F16V3 will also run the pixels. OR, I think LOR has pixel controllers now, but no clue about how to integrate them or software needed.
hello I was wondering if you could do a video on everything needed for a RGB mega tree to include controller power ect. i am looking at building one this year and this will be my first experience with rgb. We purchased a pixel tree from qvc and we loved it until it rained and it quit. so many bad reviews so we sent it back fort a refund. so i am wanting to build one to replace it that will hold up to the weather.
@@CanispaterChristmas another question because my wife has been watching your videos and she saw you had a link for a starter kit on one of your videos but did not know which one. could you possibly post that link for me. thanks
The only starter kit I can think of is this: shop.cfolights.com/product/pixel-starter-kit-desktop-star-burst-2019-presale/ a very small (desktop-sized) set of pixels, but has everything in it to run them. Probably not what you're looking for though based on our previous conversations.
Hello like another person has commented about fallen i. Love with this type of lights i have also. I know i dont want to do plug n play im more interested in being in control. Now im not that smart of a person when it comes to reading or watching a video but im good in figuring things out. One question is your power supply. I know you said mean well are the best. What model would you suggest? Im really wanting to do something big this year not for christmas but im not sure where to get the stuff at and if it can be done. Is there anyway i can reach you to explain what that is and get your expertise? Thanks
Hey Michael, my about tab has contact info, but I am not THE expert in all of this. Unless this is a super secret project, there are forums (listed in the descriptions of my videos) where you could explain what you're doing and get help from multiple experts. There is also a Wednesday night xLights call where you'd have instant feedback and advice on your project (see xlights.org). While I'd love to get involved in individual projects, I work full-time and have a wife with medical issues that takes up most of my free time so I've done these videos to explain the basic concepts of RGB lighting. If you need more help than that, the resources I mentioned are the best and quickest way to get help.
I completely understand. Im wanting to build and run a wall thats going to be 8' by 12' i wasnt sure if i needed 3" or 1" space. Itll start start out with the American flag which will fade away with sparkles showing then change to showing the names of all our military branches then change to across the top sap saying god bless our veteran and under that names of our local veraran would appear. Didnt know if xlights could do this or not and didnt know about how many power supplies or what model and how many falcon controllers would be needed.
3" is probably fine, but that depends on distance between the person looking at it and the matrix, how picky you are to make it look like a photo and budget. 1" would be denser, but costs more. I have a 4'x8', 512-pixel ChromaMesh matrix using 3" spacing. 512 pixels at 100% brightness will overload a 30-amp power supply with all white (that comes out to around 30.72 amps and you want to stay under 25 with a 30 amp power supply). I run my display at 30% brightness because it's still bright enough and I can save 2/3 power. Your situation may be different. You want 8x12 so basically 4 times all that. 2048 pixels and at least 4 30-amp power supplies or possibly less if you cut the brightness. If you go with 1" spacing, it will be more pixels and power supplies. I like the MeanWell LRS-350-12 (12 volt) variety and they're available from electronics suppliers like Mouser, TRC electronics, etc. Several options for how you actually wire all that up, but I'd get a Falcon F16V3. xLights can do that - definitely check out the Wednesday night call for help with that tho. :)
@@CanispaterChristmas Sorry, I have a Falcon F16v3 and I have attached another box with a Falcon BBB smart receiver v2.0 with its own power supply. I configured the smart receiver the way you did it in the video (the xlight way) but when I plug in the 100 pixel string to test it, automatically pixels 1-8 turn on and the first pixel is blue then white and the fourth one is yellow then back to white. Even when I haven’t started the test. I’ve tried changing cables but the problem persists. Not sure what to do. I appreciate your help
If you connect the string to the main board, does it do the same thing? Trying to figure out if it's the pixels or the receiver (or something else). FYI, I'll be away from the keyboard quite a bit today so you might try logging into the xlights zoom room (browse to xlights.org). They can help troubleshoot and possibly resolve more quickly.
@@CanispaterChristmas yes I just tried connecting directly to the main board and it’s fine. Sounds good, I’ll go to the zoom. I truly appreciate your help and time.
I'm having an issue where when I light my 22x30 pixel grid on red, the matrix shows different colors about every 170 pixels. Could you help me out here? I'm using f16v3 with fpp
Make sure the universe sizes are all either 510 or 512. Since you have an F16, I’d go 512 unless you need 510 for an older controller. I believe the F16 comes set to 510 by default so change it to 512 on the inputs page (can’t remember what it’s called - going from memory here). :).
I was just wondering what wiring I needed to make them longer. I’m doing a matrix of 1200 Pixel lights i need the wiring to be long enough to reach my falcon controllers. I’ll see if Home Depot has 18 gauge wire in the same color so I don’t confuse myself. I’ve been watching your videos for three months. I’m basing everything on your teachings. Wish me luck🤪
Regulated should be more efficient, but otherwise the same. You may not see much of a difference with 5V pixels, but possibly with 12V. Like I said, I haven't really done tests to see if there is much of a difference. You might check on Facebook to see if anyone has done more research.
@@CanispaterChristmas making my first big purchase from Ray and want to ensure everything is correct I ordered “100 node bullet regulated dc12v addressable 12mm ws2811 led pixel string” this will work with common controllers like the falcon, correct?
@@frostycarbon270 WS2811 is supported by all controllers AFAIK. Know that shipping from China is kinda horrendous right now. You may get better pricing from a local vendor, but if you've already placed the order, then no worries.
5V pixels generally come in strings of 50. 12V pixels generally come in 50-100. You can splice strings together to make longer strings. Most current controllers are limited to 1,024 pixels per port.
From what I've read, WLEDs are white. Pixels have 3 LEDs in each bulb or "node" - one red, one green and one blue. Each node has a microchip capable of mixing the intensities of the three LEDs to produce practically any color. "Smart" or digital pixels use (computer) data to control the color and intensity of each individual node (20 times per second) which allows for animating patterns among the various elements or "props" in the display. "Dumb" or analog pixels are essentially the same, but the entire string is the same color and intensity. Most are using smart pixels these days.
"They?" If you mean dumb/smart pixels, they use different controllers, but can use the same power supplies if the pixels are the same voltage. Now, dumb controllers (eg: www.hansonelectronics.com.au/product/2811dc30/) I've seen can use the SPI data from a smart controller (eg: www.pixelcontroller.com/store/index.php?id_product=48&controller=product) to control the dumb strings - the dumb controller acts like a small set of smart pixels to the smart controller. If you want to avoid getting more hardware, smart pixels can do everything dumb pixels can do and more so most are using smart these days. I have no idea what's involved with WLEDs.
Could you be more specific? I don't use LOR so I'm not a good resource, but there are a ton of folks on PlanetChristmas.com that use it and can help if needed. Or do you mean you have a large LOR investment and you want to add pixels? There is a lot of interoperability so let me know what you're asking about.
@@kiteslights7189 OK. I know the Falcon F16/F48 has an output to drive the LOR boards and you can import your LOR sequences into xLights. There's a couple of videos on the xLights web site (xlights.org) covering all that, but I won't be much help there. Definitely check out the forums/Facebook groups listed in the video description - there are folks that have already done this.
