New to the hobby, need help getting started

[babybear]

Have you checked out the Videos right here at Xlights
http://videos.xlights.org/index.html

You are right if I could start over I would use the F48 Differential Controller
see that way the only thing outside would be $17.00 receiver boards meaning
nice short runs for the Pixels. I have 4 outside now to lose one do to weather no biggie.

[bwinter]

There are many ways to get started.  Personally, I would just get ahold of a small board and a couple strings of lights—just to see if it’s a hobby that you would want to pursue.

There are many ways to get started (on a reasonable budget), that can easily evolve into a larger display in the future (if you choose to move in that direction).

Personally, I’m moving away from the “large central controller” model to using more smaller, distributed controllers.

[ducebigalow]

Well I have been researching about the controllers and the difference between centralized & de-centralized. 
If I have one Falcon f16 (16 ports/channels) mounted at the side of my house (centralized) , doesn't that mean I would have long extensions to the actual lights?  Realistically I think for the first setup I can only see an outline of the house being done.  Then building on that.  Approximately how many ports/channels do you think I would use up on that controller?  Thanks for the xlights video, I will watch that as well.  I am thinking Vixen software at the moment as it looks more user friendly?  I was thinking of playing around with the software on a mock up design of my house.  I think once I get started and understand this hobby more, I will build more to it.  Not only using it just for Christmas, but other holidays as well.  Halloween being the #2 setup. 
Thanks again everyone for all the information.  Very much appreciated as I try to make my way through all of this. 

[Gilrock]

Yes you should use Vixen its much more user friendly.

[poporacer]

Duce,
I can't believe you are on an XLights forum asking for help when you want to use Vixen? I too am new to this blinky/flashy stuff and when I was researching, I found that XLights had more support options and capabilities. My research might have been flawed, but I personally love XLights. I have not used Vixen so I can't really speak to the user friendliness but XLights has been pretty simple to use once you get past the initial learning curve.

[ttn2207]

I had issues with Static while playing the audio with Vixen.   Very little issues with Xlights.


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[keithsw1111]

The vixen crowd generally hang out on do it yourself Christmas. We will see you in a few years when you switch over as most do when their shows outgrow vixen.

You may want to ask about their video library, regular classes. Weekly meetings that go all year and their nightly drop in support sessions where they help their users  with all sorts of setup issues.


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[ducebigalow]

I said I was thinking of Vixen.....still open at this point as I am still researching.  From the couple of videos I have seen it looked more "user friendly".  I don't know where I will end up.  Sorry if I offended anyone.  Thought this was a good place for all types of questions/help.

[poporacer]

You didn't offend me at least, but this is a forum hosted by the XLights group and I am sure you will get the help you are looking for. Vixen might look a little more user friendly, but I can tell you that XLights is amazing and there is a TON of support options and for me that was important. I don't find XLights difficult to use in the least. Good luck with your research!

[ducebigalow]

Ok good, didn't want that.  Looking for help on here not to create problems.
I still don't understand how to inject power into lights.
I understand power from house to power supply, then power to controller board, outputs from controller to lights, approx. 120 lights before it needs power (12volt).  But how do you get extra power to the lights.  I'm still not understanding this.  Where does it come from?  If someone can direct to a good video, or diagram, article etc. that would be great.
Thanks

[Ebuechner]

A quick Google search got me this.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/wiki/index.php%3Ftitle%3DPower_Injection&ved=2ahUKEwja0errgc_eAhWn6IMKHWWLCYcQFjAKegQIABAB&usg=AOvVaw18Z6PLhvYGBlJ5yuROPLDB

[ducebigalow]

Ok, thank you.