LOR to LE's / LOR to XLights

[lightsonlinden]

I am not running any shows this year but want to move over to Xlights.

When I ran a show I had LOR controllers but have sold those and now have LE's.

Wondering how I set up Xlights to run the LE's and then import my LOR sequences.

I believe the first thing I need to do in Xlights is to set up the Lighting Networks.   I am not sure if I set LE's as USB or E1.31.

For now I just want to be able to run Xlights running LE's with my imported LOR Sequences if that makes sense..... I eventually want to do RGB with F16 controllers with a mix of LEs.

[jnealand]

The LEs run in DMX mode so you must have a DMX source.  A lynx USB dongle flashed with DMX or an active hub and take DMX from it or some other device that will give you DMX out instead of e1.31.  I ran mine last year by taking DMX from an active hub to a wireless transmitter and then to 7 LEs and 2 SSR4s with wireless.  This year I am only using the SSR4s, the LEs are still in storage.

[lightsonlinden]

I have one of the dongles but have not attempted to use it.  I think they need to be flashed or something like that but not sure.

Assuming the dongle works like it supposed too and I have that connected to the PC and it to a LE... I should be able to connect I am thinking.

However, on the set up page in X lights how do I do the hardware set up for four LEs?

[jeffl]

The Lynx Dongle can be added as a USB device in xLights.  Haven't done it yet but that should do it.  I use mine in LOR which is very similar.  I would set the last channel as 512 and save that for DMX AC channels.  Then use universe 2 and above for pixel stuff.

I think on the DMX dongle if it's flashed with DMX firmware it has both LED's lit.  If it's pixelnet only one will be lit.  If you need it flashed let me know and I can do it.

If it doesn't work in xLights test it in LOR just to verify.

[rdebolt]

However, on the set up page in X lights how do I do the hardware set up for four LEs?

So you really are not setting up specifically for LEs. As previously stated they are just dmx devices. Are you only going to run A/C controllers or will there be RGB as well? You will set XL up for DMX in the outputs and then in your models set your specific dmx channels that match your LEs.

Roger

[lightsonlinden]

It will be a mix of LEs and RGB.

Right now what I want to do is get the set up solved and then try the process of importing my LOR sequences for my AC  -  Will add the RGB stuff later.

[rdebolt]

One great thing about XL/NC is that it is very easily modified. Very few of us these days use USB dongles, but let's say that you set it up for that. In less than 30 seconds you can change your network to E131. Decide what you are going to drive them with, then set up your network accordingly. Like I said that can be changed at any time. If you just want to get started I would just set up an E131, set for multicast with single universe @ 512 channel count. Then focus on building your models in the "Layout" tab. That is where you set up the channels and what type they are.... like dmx for the LEs. Set each model as a single channel as that is what the LE is outputting. Here is one of my LE models. Just a yard art deer.

Roger

[lightsonlinden]

So I have watched a few videos on how to do the channel set up, models, and import of the LMS information (leechburglights videos).   I think I will get it with a few trial and errors.

My question now is about the models as this is new to me. Perhaps I have just not wrapped my head around it.

What I am struggling with is my mini trees, they are a single tree but three AC channels for the three different colors.   How do you model that?

My mega tree is very simplistic. It has three three channels for three slices.  How do you model such a tree?

Here is a video of the set up in LOR:  https://youtu.be/Q0fgqE6omFY

[jeffl]

For the AC mini tree models I used Andy's models as a starting point.  Link is below.  Basically they are "custom" models, one each for the three colors.  I then align them close to each other.

http://nutcracker123.com/forum/index.php?topic=1594.msg9457#msg9457

Clyde at Leechburg Lights has some great videos on creating custom models.  It takes some time to get the hang of it so hang in there.  I watched the videos many times before I got the hang of it.

[jnealand]

Unfortunately there is no easy way to model multiple mini trees made from AC lights.  The above is what I have done also.

[lightsonlinden]

I may be just confusing myself but after watching the LOR to Xlights conversion videos by Leechburglights I went and looked at my LOR Channel mapping for the four LOR controllers I had.

If memory recalls Leechburglights said everything needed to be linear when coming into Xlights.   But what I have found is my Sequences are all over the board - for the most part they are 1, 2, 3, 4  but the layout within each controller is not linear - How and why it ended up like this I have no idea.

That said, do I need to move everything around so every item is linear or does it really not matter as once the models are built and mapped its not an issue??

I also found that only controller #2 & #4 is being mostly utilized. Again not sure why I didn't keep everything consolidated.  Might be due to Amps per controller, not sure.

I did find that #3-15 and #3-16 where the primary channels for running my Radio Station Sign which is always on during the show and 3-16 I had a blow mold Elf that I would blink on and off when running voice overs between each sequence.

I have mapped in Excel what I think it will map too in Xlights but wanted a second opinion if my though process is correct??