My first steptowards a programmed show

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Prendy

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Dec 25, 2016
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Brisbane
Hi everyone, after doing much reading, ive mamaged to confuse myself a coupleof times so hopefully i'vegotthis figured out.

I've generally run a static display, so will leave that going, and i'm looking to add some dumb rgb string stuff to the mix.

Here's my shopping list for hardware;

2, possibly 3 of these - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DMX-512-...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

1 of these - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-USB-...975614?hash=item51c6948ebe:g:irgAAOxyFIFSAkdj

and some of these to juice up my strings - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5PCS-Min...290124?hash=item3ae54f6a0c:g:578AAOSwfRdZJVAY

Will likely use vixen for my software....

does that all look like it will run ok?

Thanks everyone.
 
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Prendy

New elf
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Dec 25, 2016
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Brisbane
I'm looking to run 4 or 5 strings to frame the house, 8 mini trees and 1 large tree. All LED strings. I'm open to suggestions for addressable LEDs, bit have to keep initial buy of hardware under $200 for spousal reasons....can get smaller stuff as time goes by if I need to :)
 
OzAz

OzAz

Senior elf
Global moderator
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Dec 29, 2015
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997
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Newcastle
under $200 - tight budget
Wondering if getting one of the Hanson controllers to run some of your existing lights might be an option?

If you could pickup a secondhand Falcon F16 controller or Advatek PixLite cheap that could be a good option to run RGB LED pixels or strips (in the long run, full RGB "smart" pixels is more versatile than dumb RGB)

a couple of power supplies and some strips or strings (eg: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/group/led-pixels/701799_256621362.html) and away you go. :)

Any particular reason for wanting to use Vixen? xLights seems more popular by users on here, so more likely to get help when needed.

my usual Disclaimer: I have plenty of opinions but no idea :D
 
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Prendy

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Dec 25, 2016
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I'm not locked to a software package but the initial budget is quite firm. Thanks for the tip, I'll have a squiz at some controllers.
 
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Prendy

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Dec 25, 2016
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Brisbane
Ok, so i've convinced the Mrs to up the budget so looking at a Falcon F16v3 and an expansion board. Power supply won't be an issue, but can this be controlled directly from Ethernet hub?

My pixel knowledge is very limited, the manual states each output max of 1024 pixels. Is each LED a pixel, or is it a group of 3?

My house frame needs runs of up to 14 metres, so how do I easily work this out? I also read that once the expansion board goes on the max is shared, so effectively 512 pixels per output.

Sorry for the what may seem basic questions, but i'm an old dog and you know what they say about old dogs and new tricks.
 
David_AVD

David_AVD

Grandpa Elf
Community project designer
Generous elf
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Jun 12, 2010
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So you're not going to control the existing lights you have? The Falcon board is a pixel controller, not a "dumb" string controller.
 
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Richie4540

Full time elf
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Jul 30, 2015
Messages
110
Location
Brisbane
To keep you budget low, check out the Wixel wifi stick, will do about 400 pixel control for $25. You can move up to a full controller later, this is for pixels, for dumb strings Hanson or David at avd will help out.
 
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