Basic xLights Setup

[Gary860]

Hi All, I am new to xLights - looking to setup a small show before Xmas 2020.
I am retired, have a computer hardware background with some software exposure. I have read the Aus XmasLighting 101 manual ( easy part ) and some of the 659 pages of xLights manual.
I have purchas no conroller / lights yet, but looking at E1.31 and Falcon 16 port controller.

I am looking at a mega-tree ( 2m ? ) and maybe 6 arches just as a starting point. I dived into xLights and created models etc but have got totally bogged down in timing / effects area, regardless of my reading.
I cannot get  the lights to do much at all.
I recently watched a video covering importing a free sequence into xLights and modifying/porting it to my needs.
This sounds like a better learning proposition than I was previously doing.

I have a few questions about importing:

Can I find the exact number of controllers/ports/strings/leds used from the imported seq ?
Is it better to make my physical light setup/models identical or modify my own models ?
How hard is it then to import seq from another user, modify and make it work on my models ?
I am really just wanting to get a small seq up and running ( that I understand ) then I can expand as needed.
Any suggestions appreciated,
Gary860

[MrChristmas2000]

Every Wed evening there is an online training session that you might consider to start attending. It is conducted via a program called Zoom and the meeting is usually refereed to as a Zoom meeting. The application does not necessarily need to be installed but for future use and attendance I would recommend doing a permanent installation. Tonight's session is definitely for beginners in this hobby. You are welcome to attend using this link.

https://zoom.us/j/175801909

The session usually starts at 8:00PM Eastern time and last for an hour or so. Afterwards is an open question and answer session. Don't be afraid to ask any question you like.

[Gary860]

Thanks for the prompt reply.
I am in Australia - are you meaning Eastern US time ??
We call it Eastern Daylight Time so bit confused.
Thanks again

[keithsw1111]

The aussies hang out in the same zoom room on Friday evenings. Stop by acl chat and ask if anyone is free to help.

[ozaz]

Importing someone else sequence effects into your layout and sequences is relatively easy, but there are a few tips that will help. There's no need to match your physical controllers or props to theirs.

Download, and unzip if required, the other persons sequence into a separate folder (eg: one called Imported)
Open xLights, go to the Setup tab and change the Show Directory to the folder where your imported sequence is (where their rgbeffects file is)
Open their sequence and then do a Render All

Now the easiest way to import  (IMHO)(especially if you have multiple monitors) is to open a second instance of xLights, go to your own show directory and then create a new sequence.

Then got to Import/Import Effects and match their props to your props, also import all their timings.

This is where having the two instances of xLights open helps, as you can look at their layout and yours to help match props.

I usually save the mapping, really helps if you map other sequences from the same person/vendor (eg: http://sequencearmory.com/ free ones)

There's a few other tips and tricks and one of the Aussie sequence vendors has a nice FAQ which includes the link to Keith's how to video - https://rgbsequences.net/faq/