1152 Node Matrix 24x48 Nodes 4 sections of 288 nodes ?????

[drm1963]

I am trying to build a model that will allow me to run a 24X48 Pixel Horizontal matrix that has 24 vertical pixels with 48 pixels across.

I can build a model with 4 sections on288 pixels but I cannot get it to respond as 1 complete matrix in Xlights.

When I place it in a sequence the Model plays as if it is 4 small matrix's and each show the exact same thing on each instead of One Large Matrix.

Is there any way to go in and renumber the model so that each 1 of the 4 sections of the model is controlled by 1 port of a F16V3, or am I going about it the wrong way?

The Matrix is wired like the model shows with 4 sections of 288 nodes, stating at the top left and zig zagging. I have also attempted this with the matrix in Xlights but it will not let me tell it the way I have it actually wired n the real world!

The Boscoyo model is how I have it wired and the Custom Model is the exported Matirx in Xlights

[keithsw1111]

I can't review the files but most people just use matrix model.

4 strings. 288 nodes per string. 6 strands per string. Set vertical/horizontal and start location to suit.

[drm1963]

Been all over Xlights and tried all different types of models and finally I read on this site in a thread, forgot which on, what was recommended to to set it at.

Horizontal
1 #string
1152 nodes/string
24 strands/string
top left

And after a bit more I powered everything down to each dinner.
went back and set the model back to

vertical
48 #strings
24 nodes/string
1 strands/string
top left


Made a few adjustments in the F16V3 and all appears to be functioning as it should even though I have been working on it most of the day and positive I had tried those settings earlier.

I believe I am going to have to go back to keeping a log like in the d coding days to keep up with any and all changes and attempts made!!

Thanks again!
That got me the closest I had been all day and when I went back in to the F16V3 I had to set the zigzag at 24

[keithsw1111]

Glad you got it working. Not the ideal setup for a number of reasons but who cares when it looks ok.

[drm1963]

What would be a better way to set this up?

I have 4 outputs going to the Matrix with each output driving 288 nodes, 1/4 of the layout.
It is wired in a zigzag pattern starting at the top left.

I have it wired in 1/4s of the whole matrix with 4 strings of 288 nodes at 24 nodes high by 12 nodes wide, for a total of 1152 nodes.

Completed matrix is 24 nodes high by 48 nodes wide.

Any input that would help me and or others  will be greatly appreciated for future plans.

I still have plans for a Mega tree, 16 -180`/ 32 - 360` in the works as well as possibly other matrices for the future.

Going away incandescent and heading toward all pixels .

[keithsw1111]

4 strings. 288 nodes per string. 6 strands per string. Top left starting position. I don't think you said what sort of controller you have but if it was a falcon this configuration would be the right one if you were uploading it.

[drm1963]

Actually I did state it was a F16V3 in the first post. This is a Falcon Controller.

I will go back and look at it with the settings that you show and see if there is any noticeable difference in how the Matrix responds.

This is not something that will be utilized this Christmas but will in future show, I am also adding a mega tree as well as more pixel outlines for the house as well.

Thanks aga for the input and if anyone else has a suggestion please feel free to let me know!

[Gilrock]

Not sure if it was clear but what Keith means is if you want to ever use the Falcon Upload feature built into xLights you need to define the matrix in a way where the # of strings matches the number of outputs used on the controller for that matrix.  There are many ways to define the string / strand combinations that will work but only one of those combinations will be correct for an upload configuration.

[drm1963]

I have the F16V3 set to use 4 Outputs to run the Matrix at 288 pixels per port.

the 4 outputs work each quadrant of the Matrix. I can change a few connections and run it all from 1 Port if I needed too but this makes sure I have hose 4 ports consumed on the 4-String Differential Receiver Board which will be the final controller for this matrix.

Like I said this will be for next years use so I do have time to make changes if I need to do so.

the whole Matrix is run from 1 - 5vdc 350watt Power supply and I have power injected twice into each 288 string at the midway and the end of each string with no issue. At any point on the Matrix I can check power the lowest I have found is 4.8v.

What else would I need to do to make it correct for an upload configuration?

[keithsw1111]

4 quadrants? So you don't run the strings all the way across. That is not a good way to make your life easy. Best idea is to set up XLights first then look at wiring view to see how XLights wants you to wire it.

[drm1963]

Next time I can be sure to model it in Xlights first then do the wiring but this time I did the wiring in a zigzag starting at the top left to the bottom then bottom to top and repeat in a zigzag pattern.

I could pull out all 1152 pixels and start over but I do not see that happening.

The only thing I did different in my wiring was to split it into quads and use 4 different ports so that automatically injected the same 5vdc into the matrix at 4 points.

 Like I said I could just move a few wires and run it all from 1 port but then I would have to go back and add 3 points for power injection or just use the same 3 ports minus the data wire from the last 3 so that just port 1 runs the whole show.

My way gives me options in case a port goes bad I still have 3. a bit of wire change and a small change on the hardware and I could be running again with no issues on 3 port or even 2.

[Gilrock]

Nobody is saying it has to run from one port.  Just not quadrants and # of strings in xLights should match number of ports you use.

[keithsw1111]

I am beginning to suspect he doesn't really mean quadrants.

[Gilrock]

Yeah probably true.

This is quadrants:

1|2
----
3|4

And this would be more normal:

-----
  1
-----
  2
-----
  3
-----
  4
-----

[drm1963]

I may have mislead everyone with the word quadrant when like you show I mean into 1/4 sections on the same PLANE. 

1|2|3|4

I see what you are saying about the difference and to actually wire in quadrants would not make sense to me either!

Sorry for that misleading and incorrect statement on my part!

I do appreciate any and all comments and or assistance that has been provided.