Hello from Albion Park, NSW

Hi All,

Have been on the forum a while this is first real post I believe.
Just ordered my first pixel strip and PSU and am now hanging to figure out how it all works.

Just to start off with and for testing I will be getting a small controller of some sort before I expand into something that I can run from a device such as a Raspberry Pi.

I saw Fasteddy's display a few years ago and he told me about this site when he was at the end of his street one evening, I have been watching displays since then.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll have many more questions - even after reading the 101 basics book.

Thanks,
Andy

If this is a pixel strip then it might be better to start with a large controller. Small controllers are still expensive and you can get better value by starting with a large one. Anything with E1.31 input will work with data sent to it from either a Raspberry Pi or a computer with an ethernet port.

Can you post a link to what you've ordered?

An official welcome to ACL, Im glad to see you have decided to take the plunge into a controlled display. Unfortunately I haven't done my display for a few years because I just don't have the energy and time after doing my commercial lighting as there was a lot of work just to manage the traffic each night. But my son may finally be getting to an age where he may do something next year if his laziness doesn't take control

i13 this is what I ordered as I figured I would get something simple to learn the basics on.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/DC12V-WS2811-led-strip-5m-30-48-60-leds-m-IP30-65-67-10-16-20/32658513954.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.hjAAsi

I got the "5M 60leds/m WS2811 12V Waterproof in tube" version. I also ordered a 12V 30A 360W PSU.

For the controller, I have been looking at a San Devices e682 pixel controller for the future. The small controller was more for a test once I built the arches etc to make sure they actually fire up. I might skip the small controller and go straight to a larger one.


Fasteddy thank you, your display is what started my interest in the first place. Living close by it was really good to be able to pop in the car and make that part of our Christmas light hunting trip.

Welcome to ACL Andy

Have a look at the PixLite 16 MKII and Falcon F16 controllers. Not much of a price difference, they're capable of running significantly more pixels and you don't need to order them from overseas.

Thanks i13.

I will look into them.
Any recommendations of where to buy them?

The PixLite 16 MKII is here http://www.advateklights.com/shop/pixlite-pixel-mapping/50-pixlite-16-mkii-control-board.html
Note that the PixLite range can only output one pixel signal type at a time. Choose your first pixels carefully if you get a PixLite controller. Have a look at the range and not just the MKII.

The Falcon F16 is available through group buys https://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/index.php/topic,9480.0.html