I have an idea for an add-on feature for xLights. In the layout you establish you models and number of nodes for those models. Imagine if it asked you the type of light, mA, voltage, distance from controller to 1st pixel, etc... The type of controller, gauge of wire, PSU, etc... It could then make recommendations on possible power injection points, null pixels, recommend lengths of run based on cable type, etc... Basically, a Noob feature that tells you if you will have voltage drop, ugly lighting, kill your board, or burn down your home. i know this takes all the fun out of everyone's opinion of the right voltage, wire size, controller setup, run length and all the experience to back it up. But for Noobs wanting to enter this hobby there is a steep learning curve. I may laugh about this in 6 months but right now it's challenging. If I ask the builder of a board how I can run 32 strands with 100 nodes from 32 channels and he says, "For 32 strands of 100 I would use 4 350W power supplies. Two for expansion and two for main board. " then I should feel confident it will work. But then I have people telling me that not with 60mA lights I become concerned and frustrated.
Ron