Im looking to purchase a pixel tree. Im thinking 8 strands of 50 nodes, 180 degrees. There are so many options out there I would really appreciate some help to get me started on a budget. If I purchased the pixels from Aliexpress can I use them with any controller? What software is the easiest to use (preferably pre programmed sequences to choose from)? What controller would people recommend?
Pixel tree - First timer
- Thread starter rob3
- Start date
Notenoughlights
400,000+ twinkly lights
Pixels, typically are the ws2811 variety and more commonly being used are the GS8208 for their backup data line. Voltage, 5v or 12v is really up to you. 5v requires more power injection, the pixels usually are cheaper. 12v requires less power injection, the pixels are a little more expensive.
Controller wise, I would suggest the HE123 Mk2 from @AAH webstore https://www.hansonelectronics.com.au/product/he123mk2/
it does require the purchase of a Beaglebone Black or Green board to run, and if you plan to use FPP v6 you will need to buy a license to use the outputs, Fpp versions 5 and below don't require this, so it could be a good starting point. If this is not something you see yourself being able to work out how to get going, Falcon and Advatek make great controllers, but the prices for those are higher than the HE123mk2 setup, and offer a little more simplicity.
Controller wise, I would suggest the HE123 Mk2 from @AAH webstore https://www.hansonelectronics.com.au/product/he123mk2/
it does require the purchase of a Beaglebone Black or Green board to run, and if you plan to use FPP v6 you will need to buy a license to use the outputs, Fpp versions 5 and below don't require this, so it could be a good starting point. If this is not something you see yourself being able to work out how to get going, Falcon and Advatek make great controllers, but the prices for those are higher than the HE123mk2 setup, and offer a little more simplicity.
Notenoughlights
400,000+ twinkly lights
Falcon player (AKA Falcon Pi Player for the fact it was used on raspberry Pi's) is an operating system designed around running light shows.
github.com
The releases button on the right hand side of that window will take you to where you can download the installation files.
Here is the manual for using the software https://falconchristmas.github.io/FPP_Manual(5.0).pdf
All 100% free to download, however Version 6 and above will require a license key to activate outputs for more than 50 channels if you wish to drive lights directly from the board running FPP. It will remain free for use for things like LED panels, and being a show player running the sequences sending out data.
GitHub - FalconChristmas/fpp: Falcon Player
Falcon Player. Contribute to FalconChristmas/fpp development by creating an account on GitHub.
github.com
The releases button on the right hand side of that window will take you to where you can download the installation files.
Here is the manual for using the software https://falconchristmas.github.io/FPP_Manual(5.0).pdf
All 100% free to download, however Version 6 and above will require a license key to activate outputs for more than 50 channels if you wish to drive lights directly from the board running FPP. It will remain free for use for things like LED panels, and being a show player running the sequences sending out data.
Hey Rob, welcome to ACL and the world of pixels.
Where abouts are you located? Members here are from all over, and sometimes it helps to see some of the kit first hand before making purchases so you can see how it fits together and make the most informed decision.
Where abouts are you located? Members here are from all over, and sometimes it helps to see some of the kit first hand before making purchases so you can see how it fits together and make the most informed decision.
Notenoughlights
400,000+ twinkly lights
Yes, usually those are the ws2811 type (most common) if you have anything else, they may not work.
KiwiPhil
Full time elf
8 isnt a lot for a pixel tree, 16 is much more effective, but you can run any amount (personally I use 20x100 @ 1" space) but you can kind of build it to any configuration you like
Adsy
Full time elf
yeah 16 is good starting point for effects. Text or images will require more
Notenoughlights
400,000+ twinkly lights
You can do that yes. You would create your sequence and upload it, you are then able to use the web interface to set schedules and create playlists to run your sequences.
Snicko
Apprentice elf
Where abouts in Melbourne are you?
There are a fair few of us here
Best way is to see someones display for a behind the scenes tour.
It was my first year this year, i used two HE123Mk2's from Alan and a Raspberry Pi to "Run" the show and control the two HE123Mk2s from @AAH
I had a 32 x 150 megatree that was about 5.5m High
I wouldnt consider 8 x 50... Would not be very tall or have enough pixel density, 16 or 24 strings would be much beter.
Watch lots of you tube videos!
There are a fair few of us here
Best way is to see someones display for a behind the scenes tour.
It was my first year this year, i used two HE123Mk2's from Alan and a Raspberry Pi to "Run" the show and control the two HE123Mk2s from @AAH
I had a 32 x 150 megatree that was about 5.5m High
I wouldnt consider 8 x 50... Would not be very tall or have enough pixel density, 16 or 24 strings would be much beter.
Watch lots of you tube videos!
- Thread starter
- #15
Hi Snicko, im in Bentleigh East. Where about are you? Big tree, got any photos or videos of it running?