Facebook
youtube
Home
What's new
New posts
New display videos
New media
New media comments
Latest activity
Forums
New posts
Search forums
Wiki
Search wiki pages
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Display videos
New display videos
Search display videos
Display locations
Displays by region
Members
Current visitors
Latest activity
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
New posts
Search forums
Menu
Log in
Register
Navigation
Install the app
Install
More options
Close Menu
New to Christmas lighting?
Get started with the
AusChristmasLighting 101 Manual
Home
Forums
Welcome
101 display basics
Starting up ... what hardware is needed?
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
[QUOTE="Skymaster, post: 124762, member: 36626"] Hardware wise - for the most basic setup- [LIST] [*]You'll need a computer to create your sequences on - a couple of different options, but xLights seems to be the most popular, and is well supported with loads of videos and help on their Facebook site as well as videos.xlights.org - This can run on Windows/Mac/Linux - take your pick. This doesn't need to be the same machine that you run your show from - so you can use your modern PC for designing your display. [*]You'll need a computer to run your sequences from - this can either be a Raspberry Pi, running Falcon Player, or a full-blown PC, running xSchedule (part of xLights) - you've mentioned the PC option above. [*]You'll need some form of controller that interfaces between the PC and the Lights [LIST] [*]There are a multitude of pixel controllers out there - Falcon, Kulp, Advatek, to name a few. Right now there are global component shortages to finding something might be difficult, but there are 10 more months to worry about that. [*]DC light controllers can either work with pixel data (emulating a pixel, driven by a pixel controller) or with DMX (serial a lighting control protocol) - You can either hook these up with a pixel controller (most have DMX output) - or you can use a USB DMX adaptor. [/LIST] [*]And you'll need a power supply/supplies, rated to deliver the amount that your lights or pixels will need. [*]Finally - you'll need props, mounting, conduit, whatever you decide to use - to physically place your lights/pixels around the place. [/LIST] Starting with Pixels isn't a bad thing. There's no reason you can't start small - say a couple of mini trees, house outline, and snowflakes (as an example) - to get a feel for the pixels and the programming. The other existing lights can remain exactly as you would normally use them. Then you slowly build your show and either add more in the way of pixels, or integrate the existing lights if they work nicely in your place. If you were to use your existing props and try to technically incorporate them: [LIST] [*]Plain strands - depends on the wiring of them. I [LIST] [*]f they are the more modern 2 wire ones sold by the likes of BigW, Bunnings, etc (generally 31V), then Hanson Electronics has a DMX controller for them - the DMX2-24. [*]If they are the older style with either 3 or 5 wires, then a regular DC controller would work. [/LIST] [*]As for the Mirabella Genio's - I think they are still being investigated as to how they can be integrated. There is a thread here about it: [URL]https://auschristmaslighting.com/threads/controlling-2-wire-genio-mirabella.14504[/URL] [*]Bluetooth - who knows - more info would be needed on how the controller actually works and communicates with the lights to answer that. [/LIST] [/QUOTE]
Verification
The title of our introductory lighting manual contains a three digit number. What is that number? Clue: Display basics forum
Post reply
Home
Forums
Welcome
101 display basics
Starting up ... what hardware is needed?
Top