Messages

1

Latest xLights/Nutcracker software / xx 2018.33 & 2018.34 released

« on: October 01, 2018, 08:51:48 AM »

2018.33 and 2018.34 released
Thanks Dan, Scott and Keith for the new content.


Latest releases are found at www.xlights.org
Videos tutorials are found at videos.xlights.org
Forums are located at nutcracker123.com/forum
Issue Tracker is found here: www.github.com/smeighan/xLights/issues

XLIGHTS/NUTCRACKER RELEASE NOTES
---------------------------------
2018.34 October 1, 2018
   -- enh (dkulp)  On OSX, detect if default audio device changes and move audio to new device
   -- enh (dkulp)  Update to newer standard dictionary
   -- bug (dkulp)  Loading dictionaries did not properly use utf-8.  Fixes #1247
   -- enh (scott)  Added Start and End Time to the Lyric Dialog
   -- bug (scott)  Fixed Missing Nodes on Node Select Dialog
   -- bug (keith)  Fix row paste always pastes to top row on model
   -- bug (keith)  Get artnet timecode working correctly proven with TimeLord and Madrix
   -- enh (keith)  Add MIDI timecode support
   -- bug (keith)  Fix crash on right click after undoing an effect add
   -- bug (keith)  Fix start channel dialog does not list outputs which use ids rather than universes
   -- bug (keith)  Fix on effect cycles should be 0-100 not 0-1000 and value of 10 acted like 1
   -- bug (keith)  Fix models list export gets end channel on model groups wrong
   -- bug (keith)  Fix xschedule rapid restart on linux unable to listen on http port
   -- bug (keith)  Fix custom model background image does weird colour things when you dim it down
   -- enh (keith)  Add 7 pixel fonts to text effect
   -- bug (keith)  Allow blink for rest and off static phonemes
   -- bug (keith)  Fix some quirks in xschedule date handling that only show up in months with less than 31 days
2018.33 September 7, 2018
   -- enh (dkulp)  Bunch of performance updates for Test dialog on OSX
   -- bug (keith)  FPP Upload extra logging and delete any existing file before upload
   -- bug (keith)  Change the way we detect falcon model/version as 2.01 firmware broke it
   -- bug (keith)  Fix hang selecting model group on layout panel

2

Latest xLights/Nutcracker software / xx 2018.32 released

« on: September 06, 2018, 10:30:27 AM »

2018.32 released
3 enhancements, 6 bug fixes
Thanks to Keith and Scott for content in this release

Latest releases are found at www.xlights.org
Videos tutorials are found at videos.xlights.org
Forums are located at nutcracker123.com/forum
Issue Tracker is found here: www.github.com/smeighan/xLights/issues

XLIGHTS/NUTCRACKER RELEASE NOTES
---------------------------------
2018.32 September 6, 2018
   -- enh (scott)  Added Node Select Dialog to the SubModel, Faces, and State Dialogs
   -- enh (scott)  Added import/export to colour manager dialog
   -- bug (keith)  Fix output to lights incorrect for grouped universes
   -- bug (keith)  Some fixes for text effect
   -- bug (keith)  Fix value curves not resetting on some effects
   -- bug (keith)  Fix falcon upload serial validation incorrect
   -- bug (keith)  Fix screen wont update after exporting preview to video
   -- bug (keith)  Fix some number pad keys dont work
   -- enh (keith)  Consolidate render cache folders

3

Latest xLights/Nutcracker software / xx 2018.31 released

« on: August 30, 2018, 08:30:06 AM »

2018.31 released
3 enhancements, 11 bug fixes!
Thanks to Gil , Dan and Keith!

Latest releases are found at www.xlights.org
Videos tutorials are found at videos.xlights.org
Forums are located at nutcracker123.com/forum
Issue Tracker is found here: www.github.com/smeighan/xLights/issues

XLIGHTS/NUTCRACKER RELEASE NOTES
---------------------------------
2018.31 August 30, 2018
   -- bug (gil)    Fix timings not snapping when not zoomed in. Fixes #1221.
   -- enh (scott)  Added Submodel Draw Dialog
   -- enh (keith)  Rewrite falcon and espixel stick upload to reduce edge cases which cannot be supported for upload
   -- bug (keith)  Fix window frame model wont accept anti-clockwise setting
   -- bug (keith)  Insert gap for node in custom model renumbering all nodes
   -- bug (keith)  When start channel on model changed models in groups can become invalid causing crashes on layout panel
   -- bug (keith)  xCapture does not handle properly when it cant listen for e131/artnet
   -- bug (keith)  Fix xSchedule lags every second on Linux ... these changes will also improve all platforms when the on second processing runs
   -- enh (keith)  Replace model prompts to copy replaced model start channel if it doesnt look like you have set the start channel on the replacement model
   -- bug (keith)  Fix zoom link
   -- bug (keith)  Fix non ip outputs not listed in the universe dropdown on start channel dialog
   -- bug (dkulp)  Fix esc to stop render on osx
   -- bug (dkulp)  Fix occasional crash when changing show directories

4

Latest xLights/Nutcracker software / xx 2018.30 released

« on: August 25, 2018, 06:33:00 PM »

2018.30 released (Thanks Keith!)
4 enhancements, 3 bug fixes

Latest releases are found at www.xlights.org
Videos tutorials are found at videos.xlights.org
Forums are located at nutcracker123.com/forum
Issue Tracker is found here: www.github.com/smeighan/xLights/issues

XLIGHTS/NUTCRACKER RELEASE NOTES
---------------------------------
2018.30 August 22, 2018
   -- bug (kevin)  Fix house preview video export on Windows with high DPI settings
   -- enh (keith)  Change the colour panel update button to purely apply the colour palette. All other colour settings are ignored.
   -- enh (keith)  Add the ability to change custom model background image from within the model data dialog
   -- enh (keith)  Strip out some buttons and replace them with a right click menu with enhancements to create
                   gaps in node numbers, compress node numbers to remove gaps, trim blank rows and columns from the edges of the
               model and a shrink function that helps reduce the model size.
   -- enh (keith)  Give user some ability to influence minimum model size generated by Generate Custom Model and prevent some over
                   optimised custom models being generated
   -- fix (keith)  Crash if use home/end while editing a field
   -- fix (keith)  Hang or slowness opening a new sequence after previously rendering another sequence

5

Latest xLights/Nutcracker software / xx 2018.29 released

« on: August 19, 2018, 12:35:59 PM »

2018.29 released
Keith is busy (as usual)

Latest releases are found at www.xlights.org
Videos tutorials are found at videos.xlights.org
Forums are located at nutcracker123.com/forum
Issue Tracker is found here: www.github.com/smeighan/xLights/issues

XLIGHTS/NUTCRACKER RELEASE NOTES
---------------------------------

2018.29 August 19, 2018
   -- enh (keith)  Add key binding support for presets
   -- enh (keith)  Add a link to zoom in the help menu
   -- bug (keith)  Unable to enter text in controls if key is assigned in keybindings
   -- enh (keith)  Add warning about setting which stops FSEQ save as that setting is undesirable for most users
   -- bug (keith)  Fix a bunch of minor errors in xSchedule - play random step in specified playlist, some play list item names not saving, high midi cpu
   -- enh (keith)  Allow timing mark creation after pausing playback
   -- bug (keith)  Fix timing tags dont load properly
   -- bug (keith)  Fix morph text control is not editable

6

Latest xLights/Nutcracker software / xx 2018.28 released

« on: August 17, 2018, 05:54:54 PM »

2018.28 released
1 enhancement, 9 bug fixes
This bug "Fix text boxes with sliders where zero is not valid are hard to edit". was something driving Lilia nuts. On some value curves if you tried to change a value, it would override what you entered. in the wave effect, the first slider's valid values are 180 to 3600. If you manually tried to change it, it would immediately change your number to 180. She wanted to enter 420 but on the very first 4 the number would be changed to 180. Keith, Lilia says thanks!

Latest releases are found at www.xlights.org
Videos tutorials are found at videos.xlights.org
Forums are located at nutcracker123.com/forum
Issue Tracker is found here: www.github.com/smeighan/xLights/issues

XLIGHTS/NUTCRACKER RELEASE NOTES
---------------------------------
2018.28 August 18, 2018
   -- bug (gil)    Fix VSA Imports with multiple event types and treat DMX relays as 8bit effects.
   -- enh (keith)  Extend significantly the keybindings available functions
   -- bug (keith)  Fix text boxes with sliders where zero is not valid are hard to edit
   -- bug (keith)  Fix single segment polyline allows individual start channels
   -- bug (keith)  Fix video drift in generate custom model video watcher
   -- bug (keith)  Yet another tweak to the animated GIF reader
   -- bug (keith)  Fix right click after selecting models to create a group omits selected model
   -- bug (keith)  Minimise render events when bulk editing
   -- bug (keith)  Direct user in check sequence how to fix legacy value curves
   -- bug (dkulp)  Fix reading back from render cache changes pixel colour

7

Xlights Setup / Re: FPP vs Xschedule

« on: August 13, 2018, 08:11:08 PM »

more xscheduler advantages. i like that all my falcon controllers are shown in bottom left corner. if they are alive and well they are green. any issue, they turn red. double click on a controller and the web page ui for that controller comes up.

8

Xlights Setup / Re: FPP vs Xschedule

« on: August 13, 2018, 11:20:43 AM »

a table of comparisons would be nice.

here will get you started
same
both can be controlled by your phone
both can act as either a FPP remote or master
both can be configured through a web page

differences
rpi can drive 250K channels, laptop can drive over 1 million
rpm (sep zero) uses way less power. rpi good for battery operation of scheduler
more external interfaces available for rpi than for laptop. all of those plugin boards that give you relays, A to D, cameras, ultrasonic sensors .etc.

do you want to tie up a rpi for 2 months or a laptop?

features only on xschedule
ability to map live video directly onto your megatree or matrix

it used to be that the scheduler in xLights (written in 2010) was way less capable than FPP on a rpi.
Over the last year, xScheduler now has more features. FPP group is now working to close that gap.

others can add to this list

9

Latest xLights/Nutcracker software / xx 2018.27 released

« on: August 11, 2018, 08:38:13 AM »

2018.27 released
Wow, one day later!
1 enhancement, 2 bug fixes
Dan and Keith fixed one nasty bug

Latest releases are found at www.xlights.org
Videos tutorials are found at videos.xlights.org
Forums are located at nutcracker123.com/forum
Issue Tracker is found here: www.github.com/smeighan/xLights/issues

XLIGHTS/NUTCRACKER RELEASE NOTES
---------------------------------
2018.27 August 11, 2018
   -- bug (dkulp)  Fix some issues with subbuffers
   -- bug (dkulp)  Dont double up the windows menu
   -- enh (keith)  Allow matrix faces to be dropped on submodels

10

Latest xLights/Nutcracker software / xx 2018.26 released

« on: August 10, 2018, 01:09:12 PM »

2018.26 released
2 enhancements , 4 bug fixes

Latest releases are found at www.xlights.org
Videos tutorials are found at videos.xlights.org
Forums are located at nutcracker123.com/forum
Issue Tracker is found here: www.github.com/smeighan/xLights/issues

XLIGHTS/NUTCRACKER RELEASE NOTES
---------------------------------
2018.26 August 10, 2018
   -- enh (dkulp)  Use parallel algorithms in Twinkle/Butterfly/Plasma/Warp/Meteors effects to speed them up
   -- bug (keith)  Fix variable subbuffers not calculating correctly
   -- bug (keith)  Fix yet more animated gif issues
   -- bug (keith)  Fix some effects are wrapping pixels (eg picture, pinwheel)
   -- bug (keith)  Add back start parameter to sine based curves because timeoffset was not quite equivalent
   -- enh (kevinp) New save icons

11

Latest xLights/Nutcracker software / xx 2018.25 released

« on: August 08, 2018, 05:18:54 PM »

2018.25 released
2 enhancements, 6 bug fixes

Latest releases are found at www.xlights.org
Videos tutorials are found at videos.xlights.org
Forums are located at nutcracker123.com/forum
Issue Tracker is found here: www.github.com/smeighan/xLights/issues

XLIGHTS/NUTCRACKER RELEASE NOTES
---------------------------------
2018.25 August 8, 2018
   -- bug (keith)  Prevent a crash due to value curves on sub-buffers. This stops the crash but the subbuffer is wrong ... further fixes to come.
   -- enh (keith)  Remove flag that prevents effects grid paste until a copy has been performed
   -- bug (keith)  Fix non default perspective with floating windows does not load correctly
   -- bug (keith)  Fix a problem with transparent gifs
   -- bug (keith)  Fix a few bugs with render cache
   -- bug (keith)  Fix check sequence flags controller upload issue on multicast universes ... these should be ignored
   -- bug (keith/scott)  FPP Connect unable to find/upload sequences if not saving FSEQ files in show folder
   -- enh (scott)  Added Refresh Button to FPP Connect USB Upload

12

Latest xLights/Nutcracker software / xx 2018.24 released

« on: August 06, 2018, 04:51:19 PM »

2018.24 released
6 enhancements, 3 bugs

Latest releases are found at www.xlights.org
Videos tutorials are found at videos.xlights.org
Forums are located at nutcracker123.com/forum
Issue Tracker is found here: www.github.com/smeighan/xLights/issues

XLIGHTS/NUTCRACKER RELEASE NOTES
---------------------------------
   -- enh (keith)  Remove flag that prevents effects grid paste until a copy has been performed
   -- bug (keith)  Fix non default perspective with floating windows does not load correctly
   -- bug (keith/scott)  FPP Connect unable to find/upload sequences if not saving FSEQ files in show folder
   -- enh (scott)  Added Refresh Button to FPP Connect USB Upload
2018.24 August 5, 2018
   -- enh (keith)  Allow exclusion of channels in xFade from blending/brightness control
   -- enh (keith)  Add a sample on warp mode which samples a pixel from the underlying layer and sets the whole model to that colour
   -- enh (keith)  Add optional render cache ... likely to improve average render times by 30-50%.
   -- bug (keith)  Fix initialisation of model individual start channels
   -- bug (keith)  Rework unmask again as the last rework only handled pure black ... this version restores the old unmask which doesnt really unmask and adds a true unmask.
   -- enh (keith)  Add ESC key to cancel of render all
   -- bug (keith)  Fix transparent GIFs not rendering correctly
   -- enh (keith)  Add "Play specified playlist if not playing <playlist name>" and "Play specified playlist if nothing playing <playlist name>" commands to xSchedule
   -- enh (dkulp)  Introduce multithreading to layer blending

13

Latest xLights/Nutcracker software / xx 2018.23

« on: July 29, 2018, 10:07:32 PM »

Relase 2018,23 released
Thanks To Gil Jones, Scott Hanson, Chris Debenham and Keith Westley for this content release

13 bug fixes, 8 enhancements

Latest releases are found at www.xlights.org
Videos tutorials are found at videos.xlights.org
Forums are located at nutcracker123.com/forum
Issue Tracker is found here: www.github.com/smeighan/xLights/issues

XLIGHTS/NUTCRACKER RELEASE NOTES
---------------------------------2018.23 July 27, 2018
   -- enh (gil)    Increase DMX Effect/Panel to 40 channels.
   -- enh (gil)    Changed the default channel assignments for the Skulltronix Skull option so that you can set
                   the start channel to 1 and the Power channel will start at channel 8, Jaw at 9, etc.
   -- enh (gil)    Added the default Node Names for the Skulltronix Skull option.
   -- enh (gil)    Timing duration is now read from VSA file instead of a hard-coded 33ms.
   -- bug (gil)    Corrected VSA import issue when there are inactive tracks mixed in with active tracks.  Fixes #1190.
   -- bug (keith)  Add in bulk edit for canvas mode
   -- bug (keith)  Fix bug which crashed house video export when writing last frame
   -- bug (keith)  Fix audio/video sync for some video files
   -- bug (keith)  Fix crash due to some GIF files where first frame was not the full frame size. Include support for GIF backgrounds
   -- bug (keith)  Fix check sequence Canvas mode checks
   -- enh (keith)  Add Y offset to wave effect
   -- bug (keith)  Fix square wave to make it recognise thickness and mirror properties
   -- bug (keith)  Fix strobe and meteors incorrectly drawing when responding to music but no music present
   -- bug (keith)  Fix Add DDP not disabled when outputting to lights
   -- bug (keith)  Fix align models does not save positions correctly.
   -- bug (keith)  Fix audio frame data not always prepared correctly leading to audio dependent effects not working as expected
   -- enh (keith)  Add MIDI scan to setup of MIDI triggered events in xSchedule
   -- bug (scott)  Fix crash if new group name is blank
   -- bug (cjd)    Revert to GTK2 due to ongoing instability in GTK3/wxWidgets support

14

Latest xLights/Nutcracker software / xx 2018.22 released

« on: July 08, 2018, 12:07:02 AM »

2018.22 released. Thanks Scott, Keith and Gil for this content.

Historical Note: This is the 300th release of xLights since the first one in Feb, 2013.

Latest releases are found at www.xlights.org
Videos tutorials are found at videos.xlights.org
Forums are located at nutcracker123.com/forum
Issue Tracker is found here: www.github.com/smeighan/xLights/issues

XLIGHTS/NUTCRACKER RELEASE NOTES
---------------------------------
2018.22 July 8, 2018
   -- bug (scott)  Fix FSEQ not being saved by default in same folder as xml
   -- enh (scott)  Add custom papagayo dictionary editor
   -- enh (keith)  Remove emptry vendor model categories
   -- bug (keith)  Fix memory leak impacting xschedule and xlights
   -- enh (keith)  Allow user to decide how interactively crashes are handled
   -- bug (keith)  Fix windows upgrade detection because xLights website page it was using is broken
   -- enh (keith)  Add a library of DMX fixtures
   -- bug (keith)  Fix bug in spirals effect rotation value curve
   -- enh (keith)  Add checksequence check for spurious use of canvas blend style which slows down rendering
   -- bug (gil)    Fix VSA import.
2018.21 July 4, 2018
   -- bug (scott)  Fix Roto-Zoom reset bug

15

Latest xLights/Nutcracker software / xx 2018.20 released

« on: July 02, 2018, 11:59:23 AM »

2018.20 released. Since there have been 3 released in the last week, i will include notes on .18,.19 and .20.
Thanks to Keith and Scott for the 2018.20 content

Latest releases are found at www.xlights.org
Videos tutorials are found at videos.xlights.org
Forums are located at nutcracker123.com/forum
Issue Tracker is found here: www.github.com/smeighan/xLights/issues

XLIGHTS/NUTCRACKER RELEASE NOTES
---------------------------------
2018.20 July 2, 2018
   -- bug (keith)  Fix warp treatment flips to constant
   -- bug (keith)  Fix bulk edit crash
   -- bug (keith)  Fix changing audio speed starts audio playback
   -- enh (scott)  Enhance submodel copy to prompt about overwriting like named submodels
   -- bug (scott)  Prevent blank submodel names
2018.19 June 30, 2018
   -- bug (keith)  Fix warp treatment flips to constant
   -- bug (keith)  Fix bulk edit crash
   -- bug (keith)  Fix submodel dialog crash
   -- bug (keith)  Fix mapping to strands does not work after a model is renamed
   -- bug (keith)  Fix unmask blend style so it doesnt turn black areas white
   -- bug (keith)  Change the way rendering is triggered to try to stop some crashes
   -- enh (keith)  Add value curves to marquee
   -- enh (keith)  Fully script the windows release process
   -- enh (keith)  Optimise xSchedule performance
2018.18 June 25, 2018
   -- bug (keith)  Fix audio wont stop playing
   -- enh (keith)  Add support for Falcon F48