Alphapix 16 Network Setup Troubles for Mega Tree

[jayhgreathouse]

First I want to thank all the supporters of this site and experts.  You guys are great.  Without all these forums this hobby would be impossible for those of us who are slightly technically challenged.  I've been doing simple light shows for years and am switching over to 100% pixel this year.  Should be the first in NW Iowa with this kind of show.

So I have a 16 strand mega tree; it has 70 pixels per strand, 5v 2811 RGB pixels (from holidaycoro), and 16 port Alphapix controller.  I have used the test function in the Alphapix controller and all strands and tests work fine. 

I have downloaded a 16 strand mega tree sequence from Holidaysequence.com to test out the tree.  I have the sequence working and loaded on my xlights software and the mega tree model created. 

My problem is when I try and output to lights only 12 of the 16 strands are working and the lights are all over the place, not all what is playing on the screen of my computer.  I assume it is with my setup.  I've watched several videos and read several threads here and on DIYChristmas but I can't seem to make it work.  Thus, my first ever post for help (and I'm sure not my last).

Here are pictures of the setup in xlights and the Alphapix controller.  Please let me know if you have any additional questions or ideas of what I am doing wrong.  I'm sure it is a basic thing, I don't fully understand yet, but I do appreciate the help in advance.

Thank you,

Jay in Sioux City, Iowa

[Gilrock]

I don't know the Alphapix.  Maybe try 510 channel outputs in xLights instead of 512.  Not sure that board works with 512 size definitions.

[jbskelton]

Go to your xlights setup tab and change each of your 16 outputs to 210 channels.
Then go to the alphapix controller and set your dmx start channels to 1--211--421--631--841--1051
1261---1471---1681---1891---2101---2311---2521---2731---2941---3151 This will make xlights & the alphapix the same as far as channel setup goes.
Render your sequence and retry

[jayhgreathouse]

Thanks that was my problem.

I appreciate it.  I knew it was something simple I missed.  It would have bit me!

[Gilrock]

You could also use 510 size universes as I suggested but you would need to alter the AlphaPix setup page to match where each output starts.  If you have a small show its fine to leave it like you have it but it is under utilizing the universe packets.  They can hold data for 170 so you are using less than half the space.

[jayhgreathouse]

Yeah I thought about that as well, but this is for a mega tree 5v on the far side of my driveway with nothing else over there.  In fact, it is in my neighbors yard.  So just the exact works for this display.

I do appreciate the advice, so I maximize my use of controllers.

Take care,

Jay

[Gilrock]

That reply makes me think you don't know what I was talking about.