HELP! I can't get Xlights to talk to my PixLite Controller:-(

Giles1

Giles
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This is my first year using Pixels and I was so keen to get them up & running. However as usual, everything caught up with me and I didn't finish my lights until the 3rd of December. At last I could see something for all of my hard work & $, but I'm having issues getting Xlights to talk to my PixLite Controller.
I used the Test option in the PixLite Software, but only the first string of 100 Pixels would light-up. I wasn't sure if this was a fault, or a limitation in the testing program. However, as I got the same result on different outputs & with different strings, I assumed it must have been the software. Anyway, I thought it would all become clear when I used Xlights to run the Controller.
However, this is where I really ran into a wall (setting up the software part was always my biggest concern). I have watched many videos and even read the instructions (Yes, there is a first time for everything), but I still can't get it to work. :-(
I'm assuming it's in the network setup, but I've tried several different setups, but nothing I do can get it up & running.
Can anyone assist and tell me where I'm going wrong?

Please see below my Setup, Layout & Sequence Xlights Tabs below, and hopefully it just something simple I've overlooked.
Xlights-Setup.JPG

Xlights-Setup.JPG Xlights-Layout.JPG Xlights-Sequencer.JPG
I'm running 2 x 100 Pixel Jumping Arches. 4 X 100 Pixel Spiral Trees and 2 runs of icicles (Garage 2 x 105 Pixels-Total 210 & Roof has 2 x 105 Pixels + 1 x 70 Pixels-Total 280). All with 12v Power injection.
Xlights-Sequencer.JPG

The Sequence is just something I put together to test the system. I'd Love to create something better, but at the moment it's pointless.
One last thing, I've seen where you can import someone else's Sequence, so can I download any of these from the auschristmaslighting Page and if so, where would I find them, so I can just have a play?
 
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in the Advatek Assistant you can set the number of pixels per string, it caught me out first time i used it too.

It is under the 'Control' tab in pixlite configuration on advatek assistant.

I cant offer more help sorry, as the software side of things is the wife's domain ( CrazyCatLady )
 

Giles1

Giles
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in the Advatek Assistant you can set the number of pixels per string, it caught me out first time i used it too.

It is under the 'Control' tab in pixlite configuration on advatek assistant.

I cant offer more help sorry, as the software side of things is the wife's domain ( CrazyCatLady )

Thanks for that, but I thought I had already done that. I did show them as Pixels and not channels, but I'll go back and check it again tonight. If I can't get it working, I'll take a screen shot and show you how I've set it up. Thanks. :)
 

Giles1

Giles
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One thing to note is the if you have 100 pixels (for example), you will need 300 channels as each pixel requires 3 channels.

So in the PixLite controller, I should be showing them as channels and not Pixels? Or is this a change I need to make in Xlights?
 

David_AVD

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I don't recall how to set up a PixLite, but in xlights make sure you allow for the right number of channels (pixels x 3) in a universe when setting up the controllers.

Also remember that a single universe can only supports 170 pixel (510 channels).
 

OzAz

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what pixels do you have on what outputs?
your setup and layout don't seem to match what you've described as having in number of pixels
by my calc you should have 3,270 channels ( as David said - 3 channels per pixel with max 510 channels per universe)

2 x 100 pixel arches is 300 + 300 channels
so 1 and a bit universes, etc etc for the rest of the setup
 

cdbrown

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I can see that all the channels are wrong in xlights for the models. You've got overlaps with channels being used across multiple models. arches left is 1:1 - 1:300 (this means that your left arch has 100 pixels on universe 1). Arch right is 1:101 to 1:400 so the channels are clashing. It should be 1:301 to 1:600. Do you really have 100 pixels per arch? Your trees are also clashing with the arches.

Can you list out how many LEDs and what type (string, strip, modules) for each of the elements and we can help with the channel and universe.
 

Giles1

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Yes, I do have 100 Node Pixel Arches (they ended up being Bigger than I thought they would).
So I need to use the Channel numbers, instead of the numbers of nodes/pixels when setting up both my controller and software?

I'm also using 2 x Null Nodes/Pixels on one of my long Data runs (around 9m), out of Output-3. Do I also need to count the Null Nodes into the channel count as well and if so, do I allow 3 channel each for them? Also, how much power should I allow for each Null Node? Just as a starting point, I've allowed the standard 0.6 watts for each Null Node. Please see some of my calculations in the attached Spread Sheet and let me know where I'm going wrong.
I really would appreciate any pointers you could give. :)
 

Attachments

  • Pixel setup-2017.xlsx
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OzAz

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So I need to use the Channel numbers, instead of the numbers of nodes/pixels when setting up both my controller and software?

Yes you do.
Not 100% sure of the controller I have a different one, some have options for pixels and/or channels.
Definitely in the software, as per your spreadsheet Required Channels column. Also the column Correct Universes ? is correct ( or at least more correct than your original :) )

As all your props are on the 1 controller in layout you could just use the End Of Model method of numbering eg
right roof arch would be 192.168.1.100:1:1 (1st model, 1st universe; 1st channel) then next model choose Start Channel / End of Model and select right roof arch, then continue for remaining models down the list as per your spreadsheet
 

Boof63

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asumming pix 16 then for XL setup
u1 ch1 300 ch Arch 1
u2 ch1 300 ch Arch 2
u3 ch1 300 spiral 1
u4 ch1 300 spiral 2
u5 ch1 300 spiral 3
u5 ch1 300 spiral 4
u6 ch1 315 garage icicle 1
u7 ch1 315 garage icicle 2
u8 ch1 315 roof icicle 1
u8 ch1 315 roof icicle 2
u9 ch1 210 roof icicle 3
in pix set your outputs as you wire up the lights
Could be one output per universe or you can add more pixels in the setup page (not as channels)
ie output 1 could be u1 ch 100 pix or if two strings back to back (with Power injection)
output 1 u1 ch1 200 pix - and the controller will know that 2 univerese are back to back and send data accordingly
output 2 u1 ch1 as above for either option etc
Hope this helps
Cheers Boof63

sequences on xl forum http://nutcracker123.com/forum/index.php?board=38.0
 
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