Sean Meighan
Software => Enhancement Requests => Topic started by: samstone11 on January 06, 2018, 10:38:29 AM
-
I had a great first year learning about RGB PIXEL programming (BIG thanks to everyone who chipped in to help-especially Ken Kahala, Mastermind, esq.) and would like to ask about a few things.
1. Is there a method to map PSU, controller, expansion board, other hardware placement? If this could be formatted in a manner that would somehow be positioned in the layout and automatically "grab" and calculate nearby models in a zone of some kind it would solve millions of headaches. A second approach would be if models could be mapped in the layout by zones which would not just determine the channel numbers but add up the power needs and suggest likely power insertion points.
2. In the same line of questioning, can I show the wiring harnesses needed to power the models to/from PSUs and outlets to plug in the PSUs in XLights?
3. I'm already pumped about sequencing for this year, but don't always have my laptop handy. Can this be done on an Android phone or tablet?
4. I don't understand the video conferences and/or other opportunities to meet with others. Have I missed something explaining this?
5. I learned a LOT, starting with the fact I will never stop learning. Unfortunately, as great as the community is even bare bones tutorials can be unintentionally intimidating and overwhelming. Would it be presumptuous of me to offer a post titled something like "Things They Didn't Teach You In XLights Kindergarten" and dumb it down to the level I found myself? If so, would anyone else be interested in contributing?
6. Is it insulting to ask for a "Budget Friendly" section for those like myself on an exceptionally restrictive fixed income?
7. Would it be possible to have somewhere that some of the incredible people I spoke to this year and others interested to tutor individuals according to their available time and expertise? It would make sense if there was a board they could sign in listing the skills they are willing to help with when they are available and sign out when they're not. In my own freshman year, I was easily embarrassed asking what I knew we're simple common sense questions splattered all over a forum.
Forgive me for any unintentional rudeness. I assure you all that is by no means my intent. I learned a lot if humility last year and these dilemmas are all quite fresh in my memory. Thanks again to everyone.
Highest Regards,
Sam Stone
-
Hey Sam. Join the weekly Zoom call or today’s beginner class.
-
What are the details on the beginners class
-
The beginners class is over already, so you may have missed it. If you did, it was recorded and posted here. http://videos.xlights.org/xlights-beginner-seminar-jan-2018_04fcb08e8.html
The weekly meetings (7pm eastern US time) can be accessed via the blue link on the right side of this link.
https://xlights.org/. In addition to those calls, some of us hang out in there on a semi-regular basis. Jump in anytime and see if someone is in there to help you out. If no one is, wait a bit and more may join in.
While xlights itself is free, the lights and the controllers are not and there really isn't a budget model. However, with good planning, especially starting early like you are now, you can have an idea of exactly what you want, so you only buy what you need. It is very easy to overbuy, which is where some of the added expenses can come in.