Universe

[babybear]

So is there advantage of not having multiple models in a  universe. Say 3 models with 50 nodes each, 450 channels all sharing the same universe. Or one model finishing in universe 2 and another model starting up to then go into another universe.  I have only concentrated on my start channels matching my controller outputs.  To me sounds like too much work if not needed.

[Gilrock]

I do it the other way around.  I create my models in xLights and then I go back and tell the controller where things live.  All I do is map the first model in a controller and all the others just land back to back wherever they fall.  I've seen models start on channel 511 no problem.

[babybear]

Yes I do it exactly the same way you are I just cannot figure out why people are working so hard just split it up between channels and universes and models.I thought I was just missing something. A benefit or something. Thank you for your answer

[jnealand]

I think those using universes came from an environment where that was the norm.  I come from a pixelnet environment with a universe of 4096 and I have trouble thinking in 512 channel universe terms, it just does not make sense to me.  I just deal with channels, but try to keep things / multiple things within the same 4096 block, ie. so that they do not cross a boundary of 4096, 8092, etc.  I have lots of "spare" channels scattered around.

[babybear]

I myself have only been using Smart RGBs only for a few years now and have never used anything but Xlights. So I have not been conditioned to sequencing in another fashion. But always learning, creating.

[danj]

I think one of the ideas here is that it is "ok" to "waste" channels.   I started with LOR in 2013, so I guess I am a bit pre-conditioned to think in terms of 512 channel universes.   Anyway, I like to setup my stuff where, as Jim noted, I am not "breaking across" universe boundaries.  I think maybe it is at DIYC I have read that some of the controllers don't do well if models break across universes.   So, I just stay away from that when laying out my channels.   If I ever do a major revamp, I will probably just do what Gil said--let xlights just layout everything from start to finish....

[babybear]

You are right about leaving some blank channels. I'm running a F16v2 with a differential board and 4  4string boards. I will be filling the differential 4 string boards but not the F16v2 fully. I have it laid out so the F16v2 will be in the basement, 2 of the string boards 1 in the garage and one in the attic. the other 2 outside. the Rochester weather can be nasty. This was my first lay out before I ordered my Differential boards and set up my strip lighting for the roof/window/doors. Poly lines are a big help here.