Channel mapping strategy questions

[brianweb]

First time Xlights user; previously used Vixen 3. I am starting to plan out my layout and want to create some models etc. However it is not yet final both in number elements as well as pixels per element for some items.  For example I may add some snowflakes and the actually count for some framing of the house won't be known until it gets warmer out.

1) It is my understanding that since I am using Falcon 16v2's, that I can set them to universal addressing mode and for the most part, not have to worry about universe assignments at all - fair statement?

2) What are some best practices for channel mapping when you know there will be changes or additions?  Do you just add new items to the end?  Do you block out groups of channels for future use?  Or should I plan on remapping my start channels closer to November after the dust settles?

3) I plan on having a 5x5 p10 matrix. I believe I have read that if I plan on having it in slave mode, that I can just use the null button to allocate the channels without making a less of the Xlights tab. Sound right?

Thanks,

Brian

[Gilrock]

I like to create a 1:1 universe to output setup in xLights and then you can use the "From Output" field to mean universe number.  If you do that then its fairly easy to just update the universe number for each model if it changes.  I'm hoping we can improve the channel assignments this year like I would like to have them daisy chain so I can tell model 2 to begin where model 1 ends and then I just change model 1 to adjust the chain.

I do block out a range of universes on each controller and leave a few extra but sometimes I run out and then need remap things.  I can remap my whole yard and reprogram my controllers in like 30 minutes so if you know how it all fits together its easy to change later.  You just have to re-save all your sequences when you make those type of changes.

Are you planning to run effects on the panel that merge in with the rest of the yard?  I ask because I don't do that.  I sequence my P10 panel in its own show directory so that it keeps my channel count lower for my sequences which will speed up everything.

[AussiePhil]

Brian,
I'm one of those people that has no idea what they will have in the yard to sequence to well into October so my strategy in XL4 last year was to create  models as I needed them, all the big known stuff first and all the smaller ad-hoc stuff then just tacked on the end, often with shared absolute numbers whilst I sorted final layout.
creating the models allows you to sequence even if the preview is not 100% correct.

After I had finalised things I went back in and reconfigured all additional models added to used contiguous numbering, yes it's a bit of a pain but I personally think it's easier than leaving gaps.

It was only at this point I configured the FPP instances on the Pi's and BBB's and then spent the evening before go live configuring all the external controllers

[stampedeboss]

I like to create a 1:1 universe to output setup in xLights and then you can use the "From Output" field to mean universe number.  If you do that then its fairly easy to just update the universe number for each model if it changes.  I'm hoping we can improve the channel assignments this year like I would like to have them daisy chain so I can tell model 2 to begin where model 1 ends and then I just change model 1 to adjust the chain.

I do block out a range of universes on each controller and leave a few extra but sometimes I run out and then need remap things.  I can remap my whole yard and reprogram my controllers in like 30 minutes so if you know how it all fits together its easy to change later.  You just have to re-save all your sequences when you make those type of changes.

Are you planning to run effects on the panel that merge in with the rest of the yard?  I ask because I don't do that.  I sequence my P10 panel in its own show directory so that it keeps my channel count lower for my sequences which will speed up everything.

My question may seem dumb but for the life of me I can't find out how to create a 1:1 universe setup.  I have universe from 100 - 220 most of which are not defined as full universes.  When I try to use "From Output" on the model I always get "Invalid Entry".  All universes are setup as E1.31.

[Gilrock]

Doesn't matter if they aren't full universes but you can't have a 1:1 mapping if you are starting at universe 100.  The meaning of 1:1 mapping is the output number matches the universe number.  That means you first line says universe 1, second line is universe 2, third line is universe 3, etc.