Newbie about to buy pixels and controller! Let’s see if I have got this right

Joined
Dec 26, 2019
Messages
5
So I’ve looked around a bit think it’s time to take the plunge. The community on this forum is so kind to share it’s wisdom with the likes of me. Thanks for any comments you have about this.
I want to start small. Real Small. I might HATE this, you know. I might find it tedious and complicated. So It’s just one strand of 50 lights to begin.
Ok, I have a Mac Mini running xlights (which I think is a really cool piece of software!) out thru ethernet. I don’t need DMX and not LOR so my network protocol will be E1. Right now it does all I need. I think DC 5v suits me best right now. Amazon sells a string of 50 for under 20 bucks.

BTF-LIGHTING WS2811 Diffused Digital RGB LED Pixels Lights Addressable Color 50pcs DC5V 12mm
Link:

I think I am reading the specs right. It even comes with its own power supply! But if I’ve got this wrong I can always go to Ray Wu!

Now for the pixel controller. I think PixLITE 4 MkII Control Board is best at $120.
Link: https://www.advateklights.com/shop/pixlite-pixel-mapping/57-pixlite-4-controller.html

Also, I’ve looked at E6804 from Sandevices for $99
Link: http://sandevices.com/product/e6804-assembled-tested/

And the AlphaPix Classic 4 V3 from HolidayCoro for $109
Link: http://www.holidaycoro.com/AlphaPix-4-V3-RGB-Pixel-Controller-p/722-v3.htm

Still I think PixLite is best. So if I just get a power supply for the controller, that’s it, right?? Maybe I’ve missed something… but I’m getting out the Credit card soon
 

uncledan

Senior elf
Generous elf
Joined
Dec 27, 2014
Messages
545
Location
Buellton California
Welcome to ACL! Sounds like you're about to start having fun. The Pixlite4 board is a great controller. I used to have several in my display. I would recommend the Falcon F4v3 for an extra $5 over any of the boards you've looked into. https://www.pixelcontroller.com/store/index.php?id_product=51&controller=product Falcon F4v3 is the most bang for your buck and you can expand it in the future if you decide you want to add more pixels. I haven't been brave enough to purchase pixels from Amazon but should be fine for testing and learning.
 

The Bald Boy

New elf
Joined
Oct 14, 2018
Messages
41
Location
Lake Macquarie
Great list of things. Let us know how the pixel lights worked out. The have a 500 unit available - around AU$170 delivered. Not sure of they are of the same standard as Ray Wu - the supplier that a lot of people have recommended.
 
Joined
Dec 26, 2019
Messages
5
Well I certainly will never be able to put on the spectacular shows I see on this site. My condo is on the 14th floor with a tiny little balcony. I plan next Christmas to have 3 six foot trees out there It’s sure to drive the condo board nuts! Maybe one day when I win the lottery I’ll get a big house
The PixLite 4 has four outputs for 4 universes. That should be plenty for me! Thanks
 
Joined
Dec 26, 2019
Messages
5
I am going to look at Falcon. For some reason I got it in my head that Falcon's stuff was really expensive so I didn't even bother going to the site.
Thank goodness you got me before I whipped out the VISA (and builtin WIFi!!)
 

TerryK

Retired Elf
Joined
Feb 9, 2020
Messages
655
Location
West Central Ohio
I went for Falcon's F4V3; do not have it yet, this week I hope. Including the shipping about $133 for me. Did you get the string kit from Amazon? I purchased the same string, string only (5 volt) though. If you are still researching controllers, I also looked at DmxKing.
 
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