Answered Help requested - configuring xLights to reverse alternate strings

SantaClaws

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Could someone please tell me how to configure xLights to reverse alternate (half)strings on a mega-tree that has 8 x 300 pixel strings, folded at the top so as to form 16 x 150 pixel strings?
xLights sends data to a Pixlite16 controller, which has 8 outputs connected to the 8 strings.

Any assistance would be appreciated.
Thank you
 

Dave_Szoka

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Just had a quick look... I believe this is right.. attached Xmodel too

Screen Shot 2018-09-20 at 3.04.49 pm.png
 

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  • Tree.xmodel
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uncledan

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Been a while since I used a Pixlite but I always set that in the Advatek Assistant. Set Zig Zig on the output at 150 and you should be good if I remember correctly
 

SantaClaws

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I have tried to setup xLights to reverse strands (8 strings, 2 strands), but it didn't make any difference, just displayed garbage.
Then I tried to configure Pixlite16 (see pics), but, again, no joy.
I have even tried resetting the Pixlite back to factory settings and starting again, but that didn't help.
 

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  • Pixlite zigzag config2.jpg
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  • Pixlite zigzag config1.jpg
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Dave_Szoka

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I have tried to setup xLights to reverse strands (8 strings, 2 strands), but it didn't make any difference, just displayed garbage.
Then I tried to configure Pixlite16 (see pics), but, again, no joy.
I have even tried resetting the Pixlite back to factory settings and starting again, but that didn't help.

Did you have a look at the tree.Xmodel I attached above...

You need to remove the zig zag from your controller & the reversed off

Reversed is use to make the last pixel in your string number 1 instead of 300
 

SantaClaws

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Did you have a look at the tree.Xmodel I attached above...

You need to remove the zig zag from your controller & the reversed off

Reversed is use to make the last pixel in your string number 1 instead of 300

I removed the zigzag and turned off the reverse switch from the controller
I had a look at your tree model, I have the same parameters as your tree, with the exception of pixel size.
I don't think that would make a difference.
 

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  • Setup1.jpg
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  • Tree model conf.jpg
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Dave_Szoka

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I removed the zigzag and turned off the reverse switch from the controller
I had a look at your tree model, I have the same parameters as your tree, with the exception of pixel size.
I don't think that would make a difference.

Funny question / idea

Can you make a single line model in xlights with 299 pixels,
Plug into port 1 on your controller.... use test to make it say all red.. if your strip & controller are right you will have a single pixel out at the end

I’m just wondering what your strip is.. eg the specs, some strip 1 pixel means 3 leds

Just an idea
 

SantaClaws

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Hi Dave,
I have created a single line, as you suggested, with 299 LEDs and, again, the outcome from the Pixlite does not appear logical (see below).
Physically, I have 8 x 300 LED strings connected to Outputs 1-8 on my Pixlite16 controller.

Using the Advatek Assistant v2.3.15:
If I configure it to control 100 pixels per output, then every LED is lit (ie 300 pixels per o/p)
If I configure it to control 95 pixels per output, then 285 LEDs are lit (ie 300-15 per o/p.)
If I configure it to control 90 pixels per output, then 270 LEDs are lit (ie 300-30 per o/p.)
(as per attached pics)

Do you think there could be something, fundamentally, wrong with my PixLite controller?
Using the 'test' function, I can set the single colours ok.
 

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  • PixLite config - 90.jpg
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  • PixLite config LEDs.jpg
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  • Tree - 100.jpg
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  • Tree- 90.jpg
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Dave_Szoka

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Ok so if you patch 1 pixel per output, do you have 1 led on or 3??

Where did you get your led strip, do u have a link to them..

I think your strip is only 100 pixels.. 3 leds per pixel..

Eg pixel 1 controls led 1-3 pixel 2 controls led 4-6

If so change xlights to be 100 pixels per string not 300
 

SantaClaws

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Hi Dave,
You hit the nail on the head - three LEDs per ic.
I have just looked closely at the strings and there is only one ic per three LEDs.
I was sure I ordered individual addressable strings.
I hadn't come across three LEDs per ic before so I probably just looked at 'addressable'.

Just looking at Ebay ads. I have noticed most strings nowadays have one ic per three LEDs - that's a trap to be aware of.

Where do you buy yours?
 

SantaClaws

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Very common with 12V strip. Usually 30 LED's and 10 IC's per meter.

I had used only WS2801 (5v) strips before now, but wanted to get away from 5v supplies due to high current and subsequent voltage drop.
I now have a frame for my tree, but will look at replacement LEDs (strips or strings?).

What spacing (H & V) would be needed to build an aesthetically-appealing 2m tree (270 deg) for viewing from 10-15m ?
ie. how many leds/m vertical
 
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