BBB + HE123 vs Other Controllers

[Skymaster]

Hi all,

As I'm just getting started into the realm of pixels and intelligent lighting, I am in need of a controller.
Reading through many articles and threads here, I am trying to figure out the features and pros/cons of the various controllers.

From what I can tell, the majority of the way it's all set up is E1.31 data is received by the controller, and mapped to a particular channel triplet on a particular output, thereby driving the pixel with its RGB values. This data coming from the likes of FPP or xSchedule etc depending on the configuration.

What do the particular controllers offer over one another in this respect? Obviously going with the Hanson HE-123 + BBB combo + FPP running in 'bridge mode' is going to do the same thing - so why would I purchase, say a Falcon F16 or Advatek Pixlite 16 over this combination, given the significant price difference?
Are there any limiting factors to what can / can't be done with the BBB based controller, over one of the more 'premium' ones?

Cheers
Mike

 

[franky_888]

Biggest difference is that BBB based controllers are software based, whereas your Falcon/Avatek controllers are firmware based.

BBB controllers would require you to load the fpp image onto an sdcard. Falcons just boot with their installed firmware.

If you find yourself adverse to 'there's more to go wrong', then BBB controllers would fall into this category in my opinion, but personally, even though I have falcon controllers, I wouldn't be against using a BBB based controller.

Make sure you're factoring in the costs of the BBB as well when weighing up costs etc.

 

[Skymaster]

Thanks Franky. Absolutely on the costs side of things - well aware there are those additional bits and pieces to cover off.

As a network/computer engineer by day, with my head stuck in Linux machines, I have no issues with working with software images by hand and troubleshooting them.

My main concern was if there was some features and/or useful bits that are missing on the software controller that is implemented in the hardware units. Sounds like it might be a good starting point.

Ultimately it is coming down to getting a good sense of what the initial outlay will be, so that it can be run by the CFO @ Home and ensure she is happy with it

 

[Katekate]

Being able to actually buy one right now is a big plus for the HE123

 

[Skymaster]

Being able to actually buy one right now is a big plus for the HE123

This is one of the big reasons the thread was started too ;-)

 

[Notenoughlights]

HE123 was far cheaper than anything else available when I was looking for another controller this year. Looking at Advatek's Mk2 range, they're over 440NZD new not including shipping at the current time of writing this post.
I had an HE123Mk2 + BBG (rather than BBB) shipped to my door for half the cost of an Advatek controller, and with the option of expanding how many pixels it controls via addon boards (38k pixels total 40fps on the HE123mk2 vs 16k max on pixlite mk2), it wasn't a hard decision at all.

Software wise, because it runs FPP, it merges and works well without issue so long as it is set up correctly and gave me zero problems during the run time of my 2021 show.

The fact it was also available right away was also a huge bonus too.

 

[brando]

Falcon F16V4 (when available in “first quarter”) - USD220

HE123Mk2 plus BBB - AUD226 inc express postage (I received mine to Gold Coast in under 24hours from placing order)

Also, the number of pixels you can’t run is massive

 

[Skymaster]

Well it looks like you have all helped make up my mind.
I've just ordered the board from HE123v2 board and a BBB, as well as a pixel tester, $231 posted to Sydney. Happy days.

 

[SmartAlecLights]

I know one major difference between bbb/rasp based controllers and firmware based controllers..
firmware does one job, boots up fast, and less chance of hiccups .
rasp/bbb sd card could get corrupt, something might stop something else from working as the software evolves, ohh an the bootup wait time..

but yes a rasp/bb should be cheaper for that reason. (but it also means your on the cutting edge, great in my eyes)

Thats my view..

my show had hickups this year, all rasp/bbb related, and the firmware controllers just worked..
ps. my firmware controllers are J1sys. (there old but work perfectly every year)

 

[Grievous8]

HE123 was far cheaper than anything else available when I was looking for another controller this year. Looking at Advatek's Mk2 range, they're over 440NZD new not including shipping at the current time of writing this post.
I had an HE123Mk2 + BBG (rather than BBB) shipped to my door for half the cost of an Advatek controller, and with the option of expanding how many pixels it controls via addon boards (38k pixels total 40fps on the HE123mk2 vs 16k max on pixlite mk2), it wasn't a hard decision at all.

Software wise, because it runs FPP, it merges and works well without issue so long as it is set up correctly and gave me zero problems during the run time of my 2021 show.

The fact it was also available right away was also a huge bonus too.

Hi
Do you have any tips for set up, i have he123mk2 and BBB i thought i set up as per manual i had all the lights on but now FPP wont open running off win 10 laptop and oled screen wasn't displaying any thing i emailed Alen a few times but i think i stuffed the FPP set up and i cant find how to reset it.
All i keep reading is how good and easy they are but 10hrs of reading and playing around im at a standstill
Thanks

 

[Notenoughlights]

Hi
Do you have any tips for set up, i have he123mk2 and BBB i thought i set up as per manual i had all the lights on but now FPP wont open running off win 10 laptop and oled screen wasn't displaying any thing i emailed Alen a few times but i think i stuffed the FPP set up and i cant find how to reset it.
All i keep reading is how good and easy they are but 10hrs of reading and playing around im at a standstill
Thanks

You didn't accidentally remove the memory card while the BBB was powered on did you? I did that (silly design flaw where you squeeze it and it clicks out unlike on the pi) that will probably corrupt fpp requiring a fresh install

 

[Grievous8]

Ill try formatting the sd card and trying again thanks

 

[SmartAlecLights]

BBB stores the fpp image on its built in emmc.
the sd card or usb stick are normaly used for fpp show data

 

[Skymaster]

BBB stores the fpp image on its built in emmc.
the sd card or usb stick are normaly used for fpp show data

Only if you choose to copy it there after doing the install, which it is warned against doing where the button is to do it.
If you build the SD card on a PC etc, and drop it into the BBB, it'll run from the SD card until told otherwise.

 

[darylc]

Only if you choose to copy it there after doing the install, which it is warned against doing where the button is to do it.
If you build the SD card on a PC etc, and drop it into the BBB, it'll run from the SD card until told otherwise.

Depends what you did when you installed it, what you say is only true on later versions