Messages

1

Xlights Setup / Re: Best practices xLights controller setup

« on: July 13, 2021, 09:23:26 PM »

Thank you, Dan!!  You make a REALLY nice controller and I love using them.  I've upgraded from 8 - e682s to a myriad of K8s, K16s and K32s.  I really like the batch upgrade options, like you mentioned. Thank you again for taking time to address my concerns.

I have had a show since 2010, and I started with AC - That was one universe of DMX for my 17 A/C controllers.  Then I added in some RGB floods, then the e682s, then matrices... And I kept putting everything after the original controllers so I didn't have to reprogram their DMX addresses.  And, when I started with Vixen 1, then Vixen 2, then Vixen 3, and now XLights, I HAD to keep the channels in the proper spots, as the data layer couldn't be moved in XLights.  I've since gotten rid of all my data layers and replaced them with proper effects so I could move props/controllers around if needed.

I guess I will just invert my controller setup - I'll leave my 1 universe of DMX A/C props, but then I'll move the matrices up, then the rest of my pixel stuff after that.  Thank you again for the insight.

Lastly - I have one more question for you... I have Kulp boards in each of my Pelican cases, receiving E131 data.  I then use one of the serial outputs to generate the DMX signal I need to run my DMX controllers for A/C and my flood lights within each box.  That worked AWESOME last year - I only need one data line to each box, then the Kulp board generates the DMX needed for that box.  But... I tried to change over to DDP for efficiency's sake, but it won't allow it - I assume because I use the DMX out.  Is this the case, or am I missing something?

Thank you again!!

2

Xlights Setup / Best practices xLights controller setup

« on: July 11, 2021, 08:10:47 PM »

I've searched all over, yet I cannot find the "best practices" for controller setup.

Background:  I have 6 main controllers around my yard and house (all Kulp, either K8 or K16) and 4 matrices (all BBB with octoscrollers).  I also have about 16 other AC boards around the yard as well... running DMX on universe 1.

Right now, I have everything sequentially ordered in xLights, based on my current prop channel needs.  If a set of props on each controller needs, for example 750 pixels, that controller is set for 750 pixels, even though it may be a Kulp K8, with the capacity of (8*800) or 6,400 pixels. 

My question:  If I build new props or just want to change where props are plugged into, this would require a controller layout change, and it also would affect the other props down the line... So if I changed the channel count on the first controller, and added for example another 12 universes, this would shift all props by 12 universes... Causing me to have to reprogram the other controllers downstream.

My solution - Does this sound right...  Can I setup my controller layout for the MAX PIXELS per port on each controller, even though I may not be using those channels right away?  I'm not sure if it would grow the .fseq file too much, as the channels are mostly unused. 

Any pros out there knowing the best practice?  I'd appreciate any help!