How to turn off the automatic start channel.

[algerdes]

I do not build my props/models in any specific order within layout. 
Unfortunately, the program is automatically assigning start channels to each prop.

e.g.,
  Shelf1 start channel = channel 1
  Shelf2 start channel =  Shelf1:1
  Shelf3 start channel =  Shelf2:1

I do, however, know what channels to start each of my models on.  What I want is a way to stop the automatic numbering that takes place when building models. 

I understand the reason that this was turned on, but I don't need it myself.

[Gilrock]

Sounds like you're going to type a new number over it anyways so why does it matter?  Just type in the new number after you create it.

[algerdes]

Until you mentioned it, I was under the impression I had to do the following:

Click on model.
Click on "Start Channel"
Click on elipsis ("...")
Change "offset from" to "None (Absolute)"
Set channel number in "Start Channel" box.

My miss-understanding.  Sorry.

[Gilrock]

Well to be fair the same thing was bothering me the other day.  When I'm just playing around testing I don't really want model daisy-chaining because if you try to delete or change one and don't start from the end you get a ton of errors.  But yeah you can just select that cell and type a new number without opening the dialog.

[algerdes]

Believe it or not Gil, that is what started this request. (Building and deleting models.)

Thanks for putting me on the right track.

[algerdes]

Another question, same area...
Now that the models have been decided, and placed in the layout, I'm going back and assigning them their start channel. I'm really liking the daisy-chaining - especially since I found that I can set the first model in each chain to an IP address/universe number and then the rest in that chain fall in line.

The question is, what would you consider the best way to account for unassigned channels?

For instance...
Controller 192.168.1.100 has a continuous line of pixels using channels 1 through 299.
Channels 300-321 are not used, but then channels 322 through 510 are another line of actual pixels.

I have thought of putting in a "empty-channels" model but am not sure the consequences of doing so.

Another method would be to put in a start universe/channel on the second string of pixels, but that might defeat the purpose of the daisy-chaining.

Any thoughts?

The above is using the "End of Model" daisy-chain.

(I know that I am not the first to have to do this.)

[Gilrock]

My solution is quit trying to leave the gaps.  It's easy to reconfigure the controller.  I reconfigure my controllers as I'm setting up my yard.

[algerdes]

E682 controller. There are empty channels when uneven models are used within the same output group.  (Version 4.x firmware.)

I'll post the findings of my experiments.  Also welcome input from those that have already done this.

Thanks.

[algerdes]

Also... Thank you for the addition of allowing IP address selection in the "Universe Number" area of the start channel setup.  Very handy.

[Gilrock]

Yeah that's why I like the Falcon controllers.  Everyone I know with E682's say they don't want to switch cause they've always been rock solid controllers but then I see all the frustration they go through with a bunch of up front channel planning.  With Falcon controllers you can pretty much ignore all that and just start sequencing.  You really only need to decided which items will be on the controller so you can daisy chain them.  Last year I literally changed all my channel assignments in xLights and on the controllers after I was setting them up in the yard and figured out what I was going to plug in where.   Then I just rendered and saved everything.  So all my sequencing and modeling was done without even knowing channel assignments.

[algerdes]

Good advice. 

I have 6 Falcons, some with expansion, some with extenders (sender & receivers).  I also have 6 E682s, 2 E6804s, and 2 ECG-P2s. There are 18 SS14s, 1 SS16, and a whole lot of PX-1, 18 ESP (wireless), and who knows what else out in the workshop.  I say this not to impress, but to keep my self in the realization that I can't change it all over at once. 

I like sleeping indoors, and eating at least one meal a day.   

Just let me say, THANK YOU, to all that have worked on this stuff - from hardware to sequencers to players.

This is one heck of a group!!!