How to make a cheep pixel controller

DJJAX99

New elf
Joined
Nov 10, 2019
Messages
6
Hi everyone. I normally hang up ordinary Christmas lights but this year I want to do something different. I would like to sync them up to music and run pixels of a pixel controller. Does anyone know a way i can make a full controller with the power supply for around $30-40?
 

keithsw1111

Senior elf
Joined
Oct 11, 2012
Messages
933
Location
Kellyville, NSW
You could get something simple with esp8266. This is a hard way to do things but it works. Just don’t try to have too many of them.
 

lithgowlights

Dedicated elf
Joined
May 6, 2010
Messages
1,023
You are probably better off grabbing a raspberry Pi and one of the many Pixel Hats/Capes that are available for them. This will give you a much easier route into pixels. I have comfortably run near 900 pixels off a Pi 3B+ and a $25 pixel cape, and it only got retired this year for a better solution. No programming needed (Except your sequences), and the firmware is already out there ready to go.
 

DJJAX99

New elf
Joined
Nov 10, 2019
Messages
6
I also have a old PC I don't use and Its running Linux. will i be able to do something with that?
 

AAH

I love blinky lights :)
Community project designer
Joined
Dec 27, 2010
Messages
4,188
Location
Eaglehawk
I also have a old PC I don't use and Its running Linux. will i be able to do something with that?
I believe that there's a Linux port of Xlights. You could do the sequencing on it. Easier with Windows based Xlights as it has better support though.
 
Top