Setting up RGB Universes/Channels for Models

[bravado67]

First, let me say I am really liking the flow of Nutcracker. I purchased 3 16 channel controllers from LOR with a late start last November with a lot to take in. Now, I am preparing for next year's RGB madness. I will be adding E1.31 controllers and Intelligent RGB to the show. With 16 channel on the controller I believe I can manage up to 170 nodes. Does this mean I could have two of my arches (50 RGB nodes each) in the same Universe? I don't know if RGB Pixels daisy chain together to make this happen or is just better to keep each arch on it's own Universe?

Another example:  If I use a Large 360 mini tree from Boscoyo (up to 170 nodes) How would I configure this in Nutcracker for a Model? I assume I would need multiple strings to get to 170 nodes.

Final example:  I want to run RGB pixels on my roofline. I have 8 sections that cover it ranging from 16 feet to 25 feet. In my layout I configured each section to be it's own Universe (Output). Would it make better since to not break these sections up and run longer lengths within a Universe?

Sorry for being such a newbie.

[t.jo13t]

First, let me say I am really liking the flow of Nutcracker. I purchased 3 16 channel controllers from LOR with a late start last November with a lot to take in. Now, I am preparing for next year's RGB madness. I will be adding E1.31 controllers and Intelligent RGB to the show. With 16 channel on the controller I believe I can manage up to 170 nodes. Does this mean I could have two of my arches (50 RGB nodes each) in the same Universe? I don't know if RGB Pixels daisy chain together to make this happen or is just better to keep each arch on it's own Universe?

each universe  is 512 channels , so yes you can run them off 1 universe. You only will be using 300 chanels with both arches at 150 channels each. They can be connected together but you may have to use a pixel extender or a null node between the 2 arches

Another example:  If I use a Large 360 mini tree from Boscoyo (up to 170 nodes) How would I configure this in Nutcracker for a Model? I assume I would need multiple strings to get to 170 nodes.

to set it up in xlights you need to know how many strings it will have with how many nodes for each string. For example my mini trees are 50 nodes folded 5 times  for 5 strings of  10 nodes each.


Final example:  I want to run RGB pixels on my roofline. I have 8 sections that cover it ranging from 16 feet to 25 feet. In my layout I configured each section to be it's own Universe (Output). Would it make better since to not break these sections up and run longer lengths within a Universe

You have to look at what each output can handle, some of my controllers are set at 128 nodes per output, and some are set at 170nodes per output. I personally try to keep each output to around 100 nodes for each output just to make sure  i dont have issues. Flex is a little different as you just have to test what you can get for a total string. 16ft should be fine but 25ft may not work  this is based off of 12v  not 5v[/color]

Hope some of this helps joe

[babybear]

Welcome to Xlights/NC.
   There is no need to worry about universes. Yes your items in your display will overlap universes. Have you decided what controller your going to use for your smart RGBs?  A F16v2 controller will let you have different strings lengths per output. Also 680 nodes, 2040 channels, 4 universes per output.  That's using the 16 output controller. Now if you also get the daughter board, adding another 16 outputs, 32 total the numbers/nodes channels are cut in half per outputs. But the overall totals for the controller remane the same. The E682 controller also has 16 outputs but grouped in 4s. That means if you use all 4 outputs in that group, they need to be the same in type and length. Only a total of 3570 channels. Other controllers I'm not sure about.

[babybear]

The last thing. No reason to be sorry for being a newbie. We all started as newbies and we are all here to help and learn from each other. Ask away......

[bravado67]

Joe, that helps tremendously!

I can now go back and change my configuration and save a few channels. Running 16 nodes on one Universe is probably a bit wasteful.

Next issue I am struggling with:  I am using a tree model with 85 nodes for 9 mini trees. I want to have a 20 node star on each. That's 105 nodes. Its the Large 180 Derek's Kalek MiniTree that comes with 20 node star. 9x105 nodes =945 nodes. 945 divided by 512 = 1.85 so 2 Universes. I know this can't be right due to volts, right? But I could divide them by say 4 Universes and be okay?

Ron

[bravado67]

Welcome to Xlights/NC.
   There is no need to worry about universes. Yes your items in your display will overlap universes. Have you decided what controller your going to use for your smart RGBs?  A F16v2 controller will let you have different strings lengths per output. Also 680 nodes, 2040 channels, 4 universes per output.  That's using the 16 output controller. Now if you also get the daughter board, adding another 16 outputs, 32 total the numbers/nodes channels are cut in half per outputs. But the overall totals for the controller remane the same. The E682 controller also has 16 outputs but grouped in 4s. That means if you use all 4 outputs in that group, they need to be the same in type and length. Only a total of 3570 channels. Other controllers I'm not sure about.

Thank you so much. I am not sure which controller yet.I did speak to the guys at WowLights and they have a 16 channel controller. I don't know who makes it. The F16v2 sounds very powerful. Would I need Power Injection points with this system?

I plan to use RGB for rooflines. (Not sure if bullets or C9) I'm a bit afraid of strips because someone will lose an eye if you put a soldering iron in my hands. LOL 4 RGB arches, 9 RGB mini trees, RGB Mega Tree, Windows, garage and whatever I can fill my 3 LOR controllers with. (all in good taste hopefully)

Ron

[bravado67]

The last thing. No reason to be sorry for being a newbie. We all started as newbies and we are all here to help and learn from each other. Ask away......

I appreciate that. Now if I can finish my 2nd mortgage application to pay for next year's show all will be great. LOL!

Ron

[babybear]

Next issue I am struggling with:  I am using a tree model with 85 nodes for 9 mini trees. I want to have a 20 node star on each. That's 105 nodes. Its the Large 180 Derek's Kalek MiniTree that comes with 20 node star. 9x105 nodes =945 nodes. 945 divided by 512 = 1.85 so 2 Universes. I know this can't be right due to volts, right? But I could divide them by say 4 Universes and be okay?

Ok Lets drop the Universes. The only thing Universes do is group the data when it is sent. Power/volts/amps/watts is something totaly different. Power injection is something different. Everyone has a different thought here. I start with putting power at both ends of all my lights. Remember not data. Then I inject power every 100 nodes, But I'm running strip lights, so that 300 LEDs. Over injecting does not hurt anything but under your lights begain to fade. When all white you will see it the most. The power you inject can still come from your controller.

And a big YES, the F16v2 controller is very powerful......  They are only sold a few times a year, Made to order, not a stock item.  There is a sale going on now until the end of the month. After that they go into production and shipped out in March.  My first year I did not know better and got a E682, A solid controller don't get me wrong but I filled it to its max  All 3570 channels. 1190 nodes.

[bravado67]

Next issue I am struggling with:  I am using a tree model with 85 nodes for 9 mini trees. I want to have a 20 node star on each. That's 105 nodes. Its the Large 180 Derek's Kalek MiniTree that comes with 20 node star. 9x105 nodes =945 nodes. 945 divided by 512 = 1.85 so 2 Universes. I know this can't be right due to volts, right? But I could divide them by say 4 Universes and be okay?

Ok Lets drop the Universes. The only thing Universes do is group the data when it is sent. Power/volts/amps/watts is something totaly different. Power injection is something different. Everyone has a different thought here. I start with putting power at both ends of all my lights. Remember not data. Then I inject power every 100 nodes, But I'm running strip lights, so that 300 LEDs. Over injecting does not hurt anything but under your lights begain to fade. When all white you will see it the most. The power you inject can still come from your controller.

And a big YES, the F16v2 controller is very powerful......  They are only sold a few times a year, Made to order, not a stock item.  There is a sale going on now until the end of the month. After that they go into production and shipped out in March.  My first year I did not know better and got a E682, A solid controller don't get me wrong but I filled it to its max  All 3570 channels. 1190 nodes.

I ordered that controller with plate and expansion board last night. I need to find a power supply and box for it now.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[babybear]

Good move on the controller. As for power supplies, everyone has them. looking for 350 to 400 watts each. The cases, I'm tight on money so I look for different things I have access to. Where I work we have hundreds of power tools.  Each came in a hard case. Hmmm, yes cut out the ribs and glue in a piece of solid vinyl in the bottom. Mount my controllers power supplies and away I go. I could post a pix tonight if you like. All of my coro displays I make myself.  Saving money and the pride of doing them myself.
2 4x8 sheets made 2@ 36"snowflakes and 4 gift boxes. 1 sheet made 2 8' candles.

[bravado67]

Good move on the controller. As for power supplies, everyone has them. looking for 350 to 400 watts each. The cases, I'm tight on money so I look for different things I have access to. Where I work we have hundreds of power tools.  Each came in a hard case. Hmmm, yes cut out the ribs and glue in a piece of solid vinyl in the bottom. Mount my controllers power supplies and away I go. I could post a pix tonight if you like. All of my coro displays I make myself.  Saving money and the pride of doing them myself.
2 4x8 sheets made 2@ 36"snowflakes and 4 gift boxes. 1 sheet made 2 8' candles.

Awesome! I would love to see pics of the setup. Another question came up. Well two: 

1. Should I get 3 wire or 4 wire pigtail? Will I ever use the Clock conductor?
2. Do most use Nutcracker for their entire display? Someone has suggested that I use Nutcracker for effects and then place in Sequence Editor where I will have control of each pixel. If I do that I have to create the same exact layout using LOR Visualizer to see playback.

Ron

[Gilrock]

The only time I've used the 4 conductor pigtail is for differential runs when you have power, ground, and two wires for data.  You can edit down to the pixel level in xLights also.  People that start out using LOR just get kinda stuck in that way of doing things.

[babybear]

In Xlights/NC can break down your display items down to the strands and then from there to the node levels. I have used both but not that often. I started with Xlights and only use it. 

[Phrog30]

Good move on the controller. As for power supplies, everyone has them. looking for 350 to 400 watts each. The cases, I'm tight on money so I look for different things I have access to. Where I work we have hundreds of power tools.  Each came in a hard case. Hmmm, yes cut out the ribs and glue in a piece of solid vinyl in the bottom. Mount my controllers power supplies and away I go. I could post a pix tonight if you like. All of my coro displays I make myself.  Saving money and the pride of doing them myself.
2 4x8 sheets made 2@ 36"snowflakes and 4 gift boxes. 1 sheet made 2 8' candles.

Someone has suggested that I use Nutcracker for effects and then place in Sequence Editor where I will have control of each pixel.

That someone is probably a lor nut job who is inside his bubble and only knows what the other lor goobers say.

Xlights is a full sequencer. It's not just an effect generator. It used to be, but that changed in latest major revision.

By the way, I'm an ex lor nut job.

James

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[babybear]

Have you read the Xlights/Nc manual yet?
   I would like to know what you cant do in Xlights that other software can?
  My whole show was and always will be done with Xlights only.