Initial set up

[nsmetcalf]

I was unable to get my layout correct using the consecutive model.(Y model starts at the end of X) So, I deleted everything, figured how many nodes per element, and started over. All was going well from the beginning. Added mini trees 1-6. 5 nodes per string equaling 15 channels. Then when I got to mni tree 7 it calculated 200ish channels. I was not sure why, but I pressed on just changing my excel sheet to match the start and end channels calculated in xlights based upon my entries. According to my calculations xlights is calculating way too many channels per elements based upon my inputs (IE: nodes/string) I went ahead and finished my layout assuming I can go back and correct these channel counts. However, I am not sure what has gone wrong. I just downloaded the latest version this evening and it corrected my mini tree #7. However, the rest of my channel numbers after that are way off based on my original calculations. Any help appreciated.

[Gilrock]

Are you telling me you can't figure out where your channels numbers have gone wrong in the first 7 models?  If you think somethings wrong in the program you're gonna have to show proof not just a vague description.

[nsmetcalf]

Not trying to imply there is an issue with the program. I think the program is great. I just cant seem to get my layout correct. I have not problem admitting I am likely doing something wrong. I just can not figure out what that is. I have watched many tutorials and it seems quite simple, which is why I cannot believe I am having issues. Again, I am not attacking the program. I am just looking for guidance. I am willing to provide anything necessary to figure this out. At this point I am worried I will not have a show this year.

[Phrog30]

Don't worry. We will make sure you get things going. If necessary, someone can remote in and help you. I haven't actually kept up with this thread, so not sure what problem you have but I will look at your files later, unless someone beats me to it.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[nsmetcalf]

I really appreciate that! I am way behind compared to years past. Starting to sweat it. Please let me know what you need and I will do my best to get it to you. I am starting to at least play with sequencing in hopes that I can just correct the channel count later.

[Phrog30]

So it looks like you are just having issues with channel assignments.  I actually use absolute mapping, not end of model.  What I do is make a spreadsheet with my controllers.  I define my outputs on my controllers and then my model channel assignments.  My advice, start here.  Make a list and define what you have.  Then it's as simple as plugging the numbers in your layout.

I was able to make changes to your layout without crashing.  I thought I read one of your posts which stated you couldn't make changes without crashing.  If you want, I can go through your layout and fix things.  The great thing about xlights, you can change the mapping anytime you want and it will not effect your sequencing.  So, you can just throw garbage numbers in there and then come back later and put the correct numbers in.  So, yes, you can start sequencing now and come back later and make things right.

James

[cnbales]

Are you telling me you can't figure out where your channels numbers have gone wrong in the first 7 models?  If you think somethings wrong in the program you're gonna have to show proof not just a vague description.

Wow Gil!  I read his post and didn't think he was pointing his finger at the program at all.  In fact, he was humbly acknowledging that it very well could be user error; he just needs some guidance.

Create a new category titled "Emotional Distress" (you could call it E.D. for short and it would probably still be applicable to you - cue the Viagra commercial).  Be the first to post a topic about your anger / little man syndrome and the community will help guide you through these difficult times. 

Really, just lighten up man.  Your responses are way too aggressive sometimes.  You have to acknowledge that people get confused and we put a tremendous amount of pressure on ourselves to make a good quality show.  Thousands of dollars invested and a ticking clock to get the show running.  People are just looking for help.

[Phrog30]

I went through and just put garbage numbers into your models.  At least you will not get errors and you can sequence away.  Please make a backup of your files before using the ones I attached.

James

[nsmetcalf]

So it looks like you are just having issues with channel assignments.  I actually use absolute mapping, not end of model.  What I do is make a spreadsheet with my controllers.  I define my outputs on my controllers and then my model channel assignments.  My advice, start here.  Make a list and define what you have.  Then it's as simple as plugging the numbers in your layout.

I was able to make changes to your layout without crashing.  I thought I read one of your posts which stated you couldn't make changes without crashing.  If you want, I can go through your layout and fix things.  The great thing about xlights, you can change the mapping anytime you want and it will not effect your sequencing.  So, you can just throw garbage numbers in there and then come back later and put the correct numbers in.  So, yes, you can start sequencing now and come back later and make things right.

James

James

You are correct that originally my issue was crashing and overlap of my channels. Then, when I couldn't figure that out I completely uninstalled xlights and deleted all files. I created a spreadsheet defining my elements/universes/channels etc (to the best of my knowledge) (Please bare in mind I am completely new to pixels) Next, I set up my controllers and started my layout. All went well at first, but after my 1st 7 mini trees it seems to be calculating way too many channels per element (this is where I am not sure if/how I am making a mistake? I really appreciate you looking at the files I posted previously, but those are my original files. I am sorry if I was not clear on that. I would be happy to post anything else you would like to see. Again, thank you for taking the time to help me. Also, thanks for the confirmation that I can sequence. There is a large learning curve there as well, but so far it has been fun.

[nsmetcalf]

You were posting those files as I was typing my last response. In light of what I wrote last, would you still recommend I download the files you attached? I am happy to do so if that is your suggestion.

[Phrog30]

I guess I didn't read enough.  I thought those were the right files.  If you want, post the files you would like to get fixed.  It can be a big learning curve, but there is plenty of help, so just don't let it overwhelm you.  We can do a teamviewer session if it would help you out.  PM me if interested.

James

[keithsw1111]

Can I suggest you move to the latest version. Between v41 and v48 there have been changes which may help you sort this.

[nsmetcalf]

I downloaded the latest version earlier today. It did in fact correct my last mini tree, but still had issues beyond that. Appreciate the input though.

[Gilrock]

Are you telling me you can't figure out where your channels numbers have gone wrong in the first 7 models?  If you think somethings wrong in the program you're gonna have to show proof not just a vague description.

Wow Gil!  I read his post and didn't think he was pointing his finger at the program at all.  In fact, he was humbly acknowledging that it very well could be user error; he just needs some guidance.

Create a new category titled "Emotional Distress" (you could call it E.D. for short and it would probably still be applicable to you - cue the Viagra commercial).  Be the first to post a topic about your anger / little man syndrome and the community will help guide you through these difficult times. 

Really, just lighten up man.  Your responses are way too aggressive sometimes.  You have to acknowledge that people get confused and we put a tremendous amount of pressure on ourselves to make a good quality show.  Thousands of dollars invested and a ticking clock to get the show running.  People are just looking for help.

Really?  You want to attack me?  My response was quite short.  Your the one sounding postal.  All I'm saying is with 7 models its pretty easy to look at the end channel numbers and see which one doesn't look like its adding 15 channels.  Plus he said he deleted and changed everything so there's no way to help since he didn't post his files.  You just don't get what I'm doing when I respond like that.  Basically I know there's nothing wrong with the program so I'm challenging them take another look.  It makes people want to prove me wrong.

Now you just replied with a person attack on me.  So you can kiss my ass and never get help from me.

[jnealand]

When you are struggling with channels, you might try going to the menu tools, export models.  this will create a csv file that can be opened with a spreadsheet.  it will show you all your start and end channels including the ones in the models and the calculated one.  I then use the spreadsheet sort function to sort by start channel and you can see errors right away.  You still have to go into xlights or use notepad++ to fix the errors, but sometimes this is an easier way to see error yourself since you are looking at all models (or at least as many as fit on your screen) at once.

I don't know who did this or when this was added to the menu options, but it sure is a great feature.  In older version there is a models.bat program in the xlight program folder, but the new version is much better and more comprehensive.