hello im new

[petepenrith]

looking at buying a falcon player and dont know where to get it from really.. also whats the best way to get led rgb lights..

if i get a falcon player do i need a pi?

any help would be great

 

[Mark_M]

Officially welcome @petepenrith ,
Falcon controller in AU we get in a community bulk buy from Daryl. It has closed but you might be able to ask for spares.

You can use a Pi to run you show or a computer running xLights.
The Pi is helpful to save needing a computer running.

 

[petepenrith]

so i need a pi and a falcon together to run the lights and show?

there will be a thread for daryl bulk buy

 

[Mark_M]

You don't need a Pi to run a show. There is benefits in using one though.
It depends whether you want a normal computer running the show or a credit card sized mini computer.
If you've got an old laptop that would do just as well.
I like Pi player for it's size and means I can still use my computer for other things.

Daryl's bulk buy:

Closed - Falcon F16v3 & F48 E1.31 pixel controller 2020 buy

This thread is for purchasing a selection of Falcon Pixel Controllers and accessories. As in previous years I am working directly with David Pitts at Falcon Christmas (falconchristmas.com) to import some of his boards directly from his manufacturer and distribute them locally. Please carefully...

auschristmaslighting.com

If buying a Falcon controller is too much then you could look at alternatives like AdvaTek controller in Australia.


No matter what, you will need a controller like a Falcon F16v3 or F48 to connect to the lights. It receives data from Pi or a computer to run the show.
I'd have a look over CanispatorChristmas's videos; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCby1v6Kbi8AHMkV2yMyF1MQ

Along with previous recorded mini videos in the media tab. There's one by Keith about Falcon Pi player.

 

[petepenrith]

are the AdvaTek controller easy to use?? does everyone use falcon cause they are better or they use it cause its got the best rep??

 

[Mark_M]

Falcons have better support in xLights at the moment.

 

[Daniel1973]

Online Expo - Easter 2020 - self isolation style
https://auschristmaslighting.com/threads/online-expo-easter-2020-self-isolation-style.12357/

 

[petepenrith]

support as in more people know about it or falcon r doing more work with people with xmas lights

 

[Mark_M]

support as in more people know about it or falcon r doing more work with people with xmas lights

Both.
xLights can configure the Falcons outputs automatically. Real handy.

 

[petepenrith]

ahhh that sounds good.. ill talk to the guys from Melbourne and see what help i can get out of them. would be nice to help out an aus company..

so xlights doesnt work well in the adva tek stuff or just a bit more work?

 

[TANSA]

Dude
Slow down and take a breath. I run 2 AdvaTek boards (1-PixLite 16MkII and 1-PixLite 4MkII ECO and have a Falcon F16V3 not used yet)
xLights works with many many controllers, read the ACL101 and watch way tooooo many videos until your head spins then take a breath draw your house or ??
Design a layout, download xLights have a play and then get some gear (Controller, Pixel, Materials to build Props or order from Extreme Lighting Diapalys (Oz company))
Enjoy don’t stress or it will become harder than it actually is.

 

[keithsw1111]

Xlights works fine with the Advatek boards and will also configure them. The only thing to understand is there are more configuration constraints with them than the falcons.

 

[petepenrith]

been reading it and watching lots of youtube stuff just dont wanna buy something and than work out its not really going to to work with what i want.. just trying to find something easy and that will work well.. im more than happy to do the advatek stuff

 

[Zuseleets]

been reading it and watching lots of youtube stuff just dont wanna buy something and than work out its not really going to to work with what i want.. just trying to find something easy and that will work well.. im more than happy to do the advatek stuff

Hi @petepenrith. Welcome to ACL. If it helps, I own both a Advatek ( Pixlite 16 mk2) and and a Falcon (F16v3) and both work great. I found that configuring both of the controllers was easy enough. Advatek has pretty decent support through their website. It's a matter of opening a ticket and being specific when explaining the issue you're having, and they are quick to respond. For me, I find the Advatek assistant frustrating at times as it either required me to walk the 100 metres back to the house to use the assistant, or lug my laptop around with me. There is no web interface for Advatek controllers. But on the flip side, I really really like how the Advatek Pixlite 16 mk2 can be put into expansion mode without having to buy any extra boards. They also have receiver boards you can purchase.

Going into 'expansion mode' on the Falcon controllers requires the purchase of an additional "expansion board". That is more money that you need to fork out on top of the controller expense. Falcon controllers have a web interface that you can easily access on your smart phone for convenience. Falcon has great support, although I have never needed to contact them as I found there are plenty of falcon users in the community. You basically just need to say falcon, and a bunch of people jump out of nowhere and offer their help, which is kinda cool.