Recent Posts

61

Do You Need Help? Post it here / Re: New problem. New controller doesn't get information from xlights.

« Last post by scottyv on November 26, 2024, 11:31:51 AM »

i think i got it. Didn't know of the new way of doing controllers. i jump into this every year without knowing how things got changed.

62

Do You Need Help? Post it here / New problem. New controller doesn't get information from xlights.

« Last post by scottyv on November 26, 2024, 11:17:32 AM »

I added a new controller to the my display this year and I can't seem to get it to talk to xlights. I pinged it so i can get out to it. the power is on. the new one is 192.1.168.180. attached network file. any help is appreciated im losing it.
thanks scott

63

Do You Need Help? Post it here / Re: Sequence won't play on windows 10 machine

« Last post by scottyv on November 26, 2024, 10:37:25 AM »

Thanks for response I had to get a new computer it would not update to 11 so figured it something weird with the hardware.

64

General hardware / Re: Max wire length (extension) for RGB Pixels

« Last post by jond on November 26, 2024, 09:22:07 AM »

300 lights sounds like a lot without power injection.  Turn the lights on all white, turn them up to the highest percentage of brightness you intend to run them at (30-40% is common), and take a multi-meter and read the voltage at the end of the line.  In most cases you do not want to be under 9.5 volts but lights vary.

65

General hardware / Re: Max wire length (extension) for RGB Pixels

« Last post by jwilliams31 on November 26, 2024, 08:52:04 AM »

Sorry. Some details:

12v bullets (2811 pixels)
18 gauge 3-wire for RGBs (from Amazon)

I was trying to run about 300 pixels per string.  It seems to work with 300 with about a 10ft extension, but that's just running the controller test sequence.  I haven't actually tried to run a program yet.

I will try to keep it under 25ft and keep my fingers crossed.  I appreciate the information.

66

General hardware / Re: Max wire length (extension) for RGB Pixels

« Last post by jond on November 25, 2024, 11:18:58 AM »

Lots of variables...  5v/12v, gauge of wiring, round/flat cable, how many lights, type such as seed/bullets.

I usually keep my strings under 170 lights, only run 12v lights, and use high quality 18 gauge wire.  I prefer to keep extensions under 25ft, but it does not scare me to go up to 35ft.  I have a couple of "tune to" signs with 50ft extensions and they work fine, but those are pretty far out and I am pushing it.   

5v will not go as far, but I don't use 5v lights and can't give you any recommendations.

67

General hardware / Max wire length (extension) for RGB Pixels

« Last post by jwilliams31 on November 25, 2024, 08:28:10 AM »

Is there a maximum wire/extension length for RGBs before power and/or signal start dropping off?  Trying to figure out the best placement for my controller and RGB elements.

First year attempting this so I'm still learning...

Thank you.

68

General hardware / Re: Pixels dim after certain number in string

« Last post by jwilliams31 on November 25, 2024, 08:26:28 AM »

Thanks all.  New to RGBs and wasn't thinking.  The controller says it can control 800 per channel.  Just assumed that included power.  But it actually just means control.

I have enough channels to do what I want with splitting up into smaller strings, it just means more soldering...

Power injection is for another time.

69

Do You Need Help? Post it here / Re: Sequence won't play on windows 10 machine

« Last post by MikeKrebs on November 24, 2024, 11:07:39 PM »

I run on Win10.

Did you turn on output to lights?
Can you show us the controller setup?
What is the IP of computer you are having problems with?

70

Do You Need Help? Post it here / Sequence won't play on windows 10 machine

« Last post by scottyv on November 23, 2024, 08:47:35 PM »

I can get the sequences to work on a windows11 but not a 10. I tried changing the directory to a more straight forward location. C:\ 2024 shows folder is where it is now, before c:\ user\ documents\ christmas shows. But the weird thing was i couldn't get the old setup to run either. It was left from last christmas and I tried to run a sequence with no changes whatsoever and it did the same thing. I opened sequence in the sequence tab opened a sequence pressed play it would display one model and stop. I thought maybe with updates to windows the old xlights couldn't deal with something. I Dled the latest and still the same thing.  Don't tell me I have to update to win11. please tell me I'm dumb and just forgot to do something.

Thank you for your help in advance.
Scott