xLights Sequence Manager - Utility to split a sequence file

[rcowan]

Hi All,

I wrote a little utility over the weekend to split apart an xLights sequence into smaller sequences. I discovered the need for this when I decided that I would be better off with individual sequences rather than one long 11 minute one. Basically I decided to go with one sequence per song rather than a sequence for the whole medley. I thought others may get some use out of it so I am posting it here.

Basically you just need to create timing marks for where you would like the sequence to be split. You can do the whole sequence or just a portion of it. The utility doesn't touch or modify your original sequence. After you have the timing marks set, save your sequence and then launch the application. You then simply select your sequence file and the timing track that your split marks are on and click "Split."

Couple of items that I'd like to point out.

• I only tested this with a musical sequence. I don't know how it would work on an animation sequence.
• It will handle effects that span the split timing marks. However, what it won't do is continue the effect from where it was. So let's say you had a chase effect going from left to right and the split point was right in the middle of the effect. The first sequence would have half of the effect and the second sequence would get the other half. But they are now two separate effects instead of one smooth one.
• Lastly, it is a Windows application so I'm sorry to the Linux and Mac guys out there.

I've attached the application to this post. I've also put the source up on GitHub here: https://github.com/rickcowan/xLightsSequenceManager

I created a video giving a demonstration of how to use it. You can find the video here: https://vimeo.com/152951124

I'm not sure if anybody will have a use for this but here it is anyhow. Enjoy. Feedback is welcome.

EDIT: In the video, I mentioned that you can create the timing marks either in Audacity or xLights. However, I forgot to mention the importance of actually doing it in Audacity. By setting the timing marks in Audacity and then splitting up your MP3 files along those same timing marks you ensure that the effects of the new split sequences will still line up with the music. If you were to just try and wing it then you could be a second or so off and then none of your effects will line up where they used to.

[rcowan]

I've updated the original post with something that I forgot to mention in the video. Basically, the safest way to create the timing marks for the split is to create them in Audacity.