How to learn sequencing Xlights

Dreamin

Full time elf
Joined
Dec 28, 2016
Messages
382
Location
Sunshine Coast
Hi,

I've been playing with sequencing my first song from scratch. I've imported a play a bit with xlights but it's all a bit daunting. I've got the singing bulbs worked out ok, but stuggling to know the best ways to sequence the rest of the house to the song. I've broken song up into elements, like the bells, the clapping, the jingle type bells, the drum thinking that was a good place to start. I seem to spend half my time fumbling around the effects, not really knowing what they do but knowing what I want to achieve in my head. I get there in the end though, but time consuming!

Are there any good guides or youtube videos that I can learn off? I'm a little worried I'll get half way thought and realise I didn't do it right from the start.

For example I started programing some individual items like my four arches, and then realised that I might be able to do that are a group, with out a whole lot of cutting and pasting and making minor changes to each prop for direction. I'm sure there are complicated ways, and easier and more refined way that make the outcome the same. Also I would like to share this once it's completed so having something that is transferrable to others would be preferable.

TIA.
 

Adsy

Full time elf
Joined
Aug 10, 2018
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203
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Sheidow Park SA
Importing some other sequences gives a good feel of what is possible with different effects, but not necessarily applicable to your display. Trust your instincts its your display ,yes its time consuming but rewarding at the same time. Some parts will come easy and some will come with fresh ears or eyes . Using groups is a helpful shortcut as is a whole house/display group. Most of all relax its all a bit fun really
 

OzAz

Senior elf
Global moderator
Joined
Dec 29, 2015
Messages
997
Location
Newcastle
Sounds like you've got a good start on the process. Yes it's time consuming and there's so many effects. There are a few xEssentials videos on sequencing techniques that may help you, see - S3E8 Sequencing from the left side of your brain; S2E29 Sequencing basics; S2E26 Sequencing from the heart;
 

keithsw1111

Senior elf
Joined
Oct 11, 2012
Messages
933
Location
Kellyville, NSW
Create a matrix and start by playing with effects on it as that will give you an understanding of what each effect does. Then watch my sept 2019 video on buffers and layers to understand how the effects then work on different model types.

There are also videos covering each of the effects. Even the old ones are pretty good as effects don’t change much over time.
 

Dreamin

Full time elf
Joined
Dec 28, 2016
Messages
382
Location
Sunshine Coast
Thanks I'll watch those videos. That gives me a good start, I just feel like I'm swimming upstream at the moment, but I know it will all come together eventually.
 

Dez

Fueled by Christmas - Inspired by You!
Joined
Dec 16, 2014
Messages
277
Location
Toowoomba QLD
Yes the x lights videos are great. You just need the next 6 months to get through them all!
 
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