Jeff, I hope your doing well. I still havent built anything yet but have sent several friends to your channel and theyve been building. I love your hi jinks in your videos and miss them. Take care and hope to see you back in the Christmas shack.
Hey Jeff I hope you are doing well! Rewatching your videos right now as I'm setting up for this year I'm finally passing 1k lights this year! Thanks for the inspiration!
Hey Jeff, our favourite time of year is getting closer so hopefully that means some uploads from yourself, always find your videos entertaining and informative.
Great to see you again Jeff! These F4 boards are amazing work horses. I've pushed mine to the limits this year and they are rolling along fine. I've got 1 with 2 exp cards for 48 ports on 3 PSU. Each port running 200 5v pixels with no PI. Some range from 40% brightness to full. I needed /wanted a f48v4 but due to supply issues, I rigged a 16 into one, well more of a f32... With 2 diff exp cards. Fyi, You can power both cards off the ribbon cable rather than their own power connections. Dave really designed these family of boards extremely well. Hats off to him. I'm even running a 32 string mega tree off of 1 differential port (4 cards daisy chained) now that's a work horse.
dang it Jeff, I've missed your videos! You keep me entertained bud! I already know all about the falcon just had to watch your video! We need more explosions!!! you had me crackin up on your receiver video with the explosion, and satisfied my need for some falcons exploding due to operator error on this one! keep em coming Jeff! Happy Holidays to you and yours! Be safe!
Thanks! I took 2nd in my neighborhood lighting contest. Didn't even know I was entered. 😂 I am working on a video so hope to post something soon. Happy New Year to you too!
@@CanispaterChristmas I entered a Lighting Contest this year and won $500! Granted, it was the first of it's kind in our county, and we live in a small county (only 8 houses entered), but I still won dangit. 😆. I've uploaded the songs to my channel.
Wow. I decided to check your channel to see if you've uploaded anything for the new holiday season (I haven't looked in several months) and you just uploaded 1 hour ago!
If you are going to do a stand alone video I'd highly recommend updating to the latest firmware, it's currently up to build 21. Glad you're back to making videos.
LOL! Yeah, I noticed the "Download Firmware" link and upgraded tonight. Haven't read through the GIT history yet, but looks pretty much the same except for the WiFi area.
Hey Jeff great to see you back. Made my day! Some genius’ been making some new stuff we all need you to cast your knowledgeable eye over. Peace man…..😉😉
I've been watching your videos for a long while. you've pushed me over the edge!!! Im ready to jump into this hobby.. if I purchase bullet pixels, 12V... where would you purchase ...? what brand? there are so many.......Help me Obi Wan, You're my only hope..lol
LOL! Awesome! Shipping from China is pretty high right now so I recommend going "local." If you are in the US, there are a few vendors kinda depending on where you are or who you know, but I use Ken at Wired Watts. Met him at an Expo and have ordered from him the last few years. Contact him directly if you need help ordering.
@@CanispaterChristmas thanks AKA Jeff.. :). im in Minnesota....I'll check out wired watts.. wish me luck... I have no clue what im doing ...... LOL. here we go!!! thanks Jeff. love the content !
@@minnesotaskiracer1183 I just received a shipment of 10,000 lights from Ray Wu on Aliexpress. Shipping was included, they call it "Fast Boat" but it takes about 30-40 days, so plan to order early (like now). Works out to about 21 cents per LED, so the savings is about 30-35% over resellers. I would go for the 12 volt, regulated with xconnect connectors. It might sound like a lot of lights, but figure 3700 for a Mega Tree and 36" star on top. Throw in 3-4 mini trees and 3-4 snowflakes that take 300 lights each and they go fast. BTW this is my second order of 10K lights from Ray Wu and they are great and super high quality. Adding a full 2"x2" mesh of lights to the 3 car garage doors this year, so I will burn through LEDS like water! I buy all my xconnect wires and pigtails from Wired Watts. Its a fun hobby and the neighbors love it! Start early and map out what you want to do, then buy TWICE as much wiring as you think you need ! Cheers !
Glad to see you back sir. Do you happen to have any insider info on availability of the V4? I was looking to start my first display this year but I haven’t caught the controller available yet. I guess there’s always next year!
Great video Jeff! do you know if i can connect addressable light strips to this controller without any issue? Thanks! I see they are listed in the ws2811 alternatives, but just want to double check haha.
Great News!!!!!!!!!!!!! The F16V4 is back in stock and shipping in 2-3 weeks !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get on the site and order today, before they are out of stock again.
I know I'm super late to the game but is there any place to get pixel controllers this close to Christmas? Anything you don't need anymore and are trying to get rid of? 😉 love your videos!
Thanks! Probably not. Especially now. Those were hard to get this time of year prior to "the thing" and much worse now. You might find someone willing to let one go after the season is over, but they will hold onto them during lighting season.
Hey Jeff, thanks for the great videos, I’ve been watching you videos learning about pixel lighting and led pixel “walls”. I’ve been looking for any info bout running different led types on the same data line but could not find the answer anywhere. Do you know if it is possible to run ws2811 lights and ws2812b lights on the same data line? The two lights will have its own power supply since ws2811 is 12v and ws2812b is 5v. The only thing they will be sharing is the data line. Will this work?
@@CanispaterChristmas thanks for the response, Jeff! I’m working with a program called Resolume and can control lights individually or in groups/fixtures even if they are on the same data line. The only thing is I’m not sure if ws2812b and ws2811 understands the same protocol/data if put together in the same data line. Here’s and example of what I would like to do: I will set a 100 pixel ws2812b led strip as a fixture then a ws2811 flood light as another fixture but controlled on the same data line. The problem here is I’m not sure if ws2812b and ws2811 will work together within the same data line.
I know nothing about the actual protocols - I don't go that deep. Someone like David Pitts or Keith Westley might know the answer. Also, if you have more than about a foot between the last pixel on the prop and the flood, the data may not make it without some amplification like an F-Amp.
@@CanispaterChristmas yes I’m definitely ordering some F-Amps. Wish the Falcon F16V4 will go back in stock. Been waiting forever and never seem to be able to catch it in stock. Once I get a hold of that controller, I’m going all out on buying the lights. But until then, I’ll just keep on researching on how I want my setups and what will work and what won’t and maybe I’ll find a better controller that Is actually in stock. Hope to see more videos of your F16v4 and led panel set ups! Great content!
Jeff glad to see you doing videos again. Would you know why when I add models to the visualizer sometimes it places them under the first row. It appears to have turned it into a virtual string.
Do you frequent any forums or recommend a forum for a beginner wanting to get into smart rgb pixels. I have a 350 bulb c9 dumb rgb display. It’s your normal c9 roof outline. I am Tired of the dumb bulbs and having very little control over them. I’d like to do a much more in depth display but I know it’s a big jump. Thanks for the help.
My beginner playlist covers the basics (ua-cam.com/play/PLFyrAfJ-kKd4ZfPdXWIt8v_bav61mW_KW.html). Most of the forums have moved to Facebook now. There are links in the descriptions of my videos.
@@CanispaterChristmas Yes Jeff, as a matter of fact, I do have something specific . I been playing with the Virtual Matrix within Xlights and Xschedule. I had it working and then broke it! I am using an old laptop and have plenty those that make Raspberry Pi, well, look like crumbs! And just feel bad for my wife if I went out and bought a raspberry Pi when I have an egg crate of laptops at my disposal. My Projector is working well and would like to properly connect it to my laptop. I did go to the group chat and they helped me but then I broke it again and well, bad engineer! I didn't write down any notes. 🧠Can you help out and make a video that would allow for a virtual matrix using a null controller running xschedule64 to run video during the show? Thanks. 🎅🎄🤣
Thanks for the video. I've been considering one of these. Any idea on which license needs to be purchased if you want to run the upgraded software? Does it just depend on how many ports you're going to use?
License? Oh, I heard something about that, but know nothing. AFAIK, the manufacturers pay that and probably just include that in the purchase price, but I'm checking with Keith to verify if that's correct.
Hey I watched your video on setting up moving heads on the v3.. the serial page on the v3 and v4 is completely different and I'm having a time getting my heads set up. Could you do a quick update on moving head setup for the v4? Thank you!
Nice another new video. We talked about you yesterday. Can we use the v3 smart differential receiver on a V4 board? It looks like it's working in our setup but the V4 controller is stuttering a lot but I think that has another reason.
I think it works, but in a crippled mode (eg: doesn't have the full capability as the V4 receivers). I'll play around with it as I don't have any of the V4 receivers yet.
I've heard of a few people doing that. If you need the extra distance, it's a cheap upgrade. David Pitts didn't seem to think it was an issue so I go with that. 😂
The updates to the V4 look good, I am using an F16V3 and VERY happy with it. Why run any power through the board to the pixels? I use external power for my F16V3 and then only send data to the pixels from the board, I feed 5 volt DC power from my power supplies to the pixels.
would it eliminate the need for power injection if I added a 2nd power supply to the f16v4 and divided the ports between the 2? My show is around 3088 pixels total. I am running 12V pixels
The need for power injection is based on the length of the string. Many things affect it, but just run it and if they look dull or flash when it goes white, put a volt meter on the end of the string and that will tell you if you need to inject power.
My display hasn't reached the point where Ethernet has become a problem so some is shielded and some isn't/ The common ground is provided by a large/long mains cable that powers everything. Most of my display uses an F48 with differential receivers so that isolates each group of 4 props. Common ground really isn't an issue unless you use more than one power supply for a single prop. As for Ethernet, I have a 4-port network switch in my garage that feeds the display (2 controllers currently). I daisy-chain the BBB for the sign off the F48.
I let xLights do it. See xlights.org It's the software we use to program the light sequences, but it will also send the setup to the Falcon if you have all your models set up properly. There is a 3hr training video for it in my beginner playlist.
I don't have any because my WiFi environment is extremely saturated - I have a few ESP devices that constantly loose connection. I know a lot of people use them successfully though and might be able to play with them when I move.
I don't think the problem is exclusive to the UK. Things are just hard to get right now. "Supply issues." 😂 Seriously, from what I understand, he gets them in small batches and sends them out as soon as he gets them.
Thanks! No worries. Dave is fixing it for me plus sending other goodies, but I don't know when. I also ordered some new pixels to replace some defective ones so I hope to get the display back to where I want it. I did get a major hurdle done yesterday - cut the grass so I can set up the yard this weekend. Wish me luck! 😂
I don’t know the answer to that. It doesn’t show up in the list, but it could also be called something else. You can contact David Pitts. His contact info is at the bottom of the page on PixelController.com
As I see list doesnt exist, only broken link. Have contact them and got pretty shallow answer to my questions. Seems its just backup inside of strip, no need to connect anywhere just shortwire at strip beginning to gnd would be good. So every led chip except first gets data from two point. If you see chip as 12345 1. one have 3 wires to controller and backup data should be shorted to ground, unless you extend strip to strip. Chip 2. gets data in from data out of 1.chip and also backup in from data in from 1.chip. also for every next chip till end of strip. So any led in chain dies rest will keep working, but if two next to each other die rest will not work anymore becausee both data in and backup in are broken.
@@StageSound-u7s Hmm. Seems like it would be "yes" or "no." OR, not exactly, but set it to "X" and it's the same thing. If it isn't supported, but could be, then it would be based on number of people asking for it I suppose. What kind of info were you looking for?
@@CanispaterChristmas Well I wanted to put two 2.5m strips in parallel next to each other so have high power bar and make few of those bars to have some animations in background of music events. They only answer they prefer double outputs per bar and adress them as same than putting both strips in parallel data. I got answer from your video I guess, so can inject* separate power supply to leds since each bar would be about 200w 16.5Amp. I think it can work with this strip, so only left is software, I think Madrex or Elm would be the best in my case if it works with controller.
@user-vv3kh5vh3z basically don’t try to drive 2 separate strips with the same signal. Either chain them together as 1 strip (and control them through software) or use 2 controller ports and set them as the same address so they output the same thing. xLights will do this and even has some live show capabilities (I don’t know a lot about that since I run everything automated). See Keith’s training video on the software.
Have you tried using a resistor at the end where it connects to the 1st pixel? This has fixed my flickering many times. I think btwn 300 and 500 ohms works but you have to test different values sometimes.
help please can you give me a DIRECTIONS to go my loving spouse surprised me with a box of over 10 bundles of 50 RGB/smw/ws2811 Im so lost what to do with them they are a funny looking connector and a loose wire how this is all new to me Im use to just plug in the cord to the outlet but this don't have that what have we gotten into.he got them because he wanted me expand my Christmas lights and fun. but pulling my hair out on what to do i have seen some of your videos and love them! but most of them are like past the first steps so do you have a beginner one? or do you know a book that would help me I don't what to wast the money he spend on these lights.
My beginner playlist goes over the basics (ua-cam.com/play/PLFyrAfJ-kKd4ZfPdXWIt8v_bav61mW_KW.html) it's a lot to absorb all at once so I'd set expectations for getting them going next year. The biggest gate you have to go through is getting a controller that will push data out to the lights. Those are extremely hard to come by in good years and with the supply issues of the last couple of years, it's even worse.
Hi Jody, its too late for this year. Like Jeff said you need a controller and if you dont already have one you will not be able to get one for this year. Start planning for Christmas 2023. BTW, buy your lights in 100 node strings. It will make your life much easiser. Cheers!
@@CanispaterChristmas its all good you have so many great videos !!! i was getting lost i need a link for dummies lol to show me step by step lol thank you for the time. a
Jeff, I hope your doing well. I still havent built anything yet but have sent several friends to your channel and theyve been building. I love your hi jinks in your videos and miss them. Take care and hope to see you back in the Christmas shack.
Thanks! All good, just spread a little thin atm. I do plan on publishing some videos this year. 😂
It's great to see you again. I always learn from your excellent videos. Thank You!
Thanks Bob! I appreciate it and glad the videos are helpful.
Yay!!! a long awaited video from Jeff!
Thanks!
Hey Jeff I hope you are doing well! Rewatching your videos right now as I'm setting up for this year I'm finally passing 1k lights this year! Thanks for the inspiration!
Awesome! All good, just a few things happening around here. 😂
Good to see you back. Happy Thanksgiving and hope y’all have a Merry Christmas!
Thanks! Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!
Glad to see another video Jeff.
The V4 looks awesome!
Thanks! Yeah, looks like a nice next-gen controller so far.
Hey Jeff, our favourite time of year is getting closer so hopefully that means some uploads from yourself, always find your videos entertaining and informative.
Thanks! I do need to get back to making videos. Been playing with the cows too long. 😂
@@CanispaterChristmas leave the cows alone Jeff, we don’t make friends with food, it makes things awkward 🤣
LOL. Give them a good life. They reward you with tasty meat. 😂
@@CanispaterChristmas if we wasn’t meant to eat them then they wouldn’t taste like steak, burgers and brisket.
Great to see you back. Thank You. A question, didn't you have a second YT channel? Have been looking for it but no joy. Keep up the great work.
Yes. Grateful Hearts Ranch. I haven't posted a lot there yet, but will keep both going. ua-cam.com/users/GratefulHeartsRanch
Great to see you again Jeff!
These F4 boards are amazing work horses. I've pushed mine to the limits this year and they are rolling along fine. I've got 1 with 2 exp cards for 48 ports on 3 PSU. Each port running 200 5v pixels with no PI. Some range from 40% brightness to full.
I needed /wanted a f48v4 but due to supply issues, I rigged a 16 into one, well more of a f32... With 2 diff exp cards. Fyi, You can power both cards off the ribbon cable rather than their own power connections.
Dave really designed these family of boards extremely well. Hats off to him. I'm even running a 32 string mega tree off of 1 differential port (4 cards daisy chained) now that's a work horse.
Awesome! Thanks!
dang it Jeff, I've missed your videos! You keep me entertained bud! I already know all about the falcon just had to watch your video! We need more explosions!!! you had me crackin up on your receiver video with the explosion, and satisfied my need for some falcons exploding due to operator error on this one! keep em coming Jeff! Happy Holidays to you and yours! Be safe!
Glad I could bring some explosions to your entertainment! 😂 Merry Christmas!
@@CanispaterChristmas Merry Christmas brother! Take care! Thank you for all you do for this community!
Jeff, loving the sense of humor
Thanks!
Hey Jeff, just wanted to check in and see how you're doing. Haven't heard from you in a while. You're videos have always been so informative!
Thanks! All good. Workin' on a video. 😂
Missed you posting this year, Jeff! Hope you're doing well, and hope you were able to get a display up this year. Happy New Year!
Thanks! I took 2nd in my neighborhood lighting contest. Didn't even know I was entered. 😂 I am working on a video so hope to post something soon. Happy New Year to you too!
@@CanispaterChristmas I entered a Lighting Contest this year and won $500! Granted, it was the first of it's kind in our county, and we live in a small county (only 8 houses entered), but I still won dangit. 😆. I've uploaded the songs to my channel.
THAT'S AWESOME!
I enjoy watching your videos. You personality keep’s it fun and exciting. I hope by now your Ranch has grown. 😆😆😆😆
Thanks! Well, there's a story developing, but not much has been happening lately. 😂
as always, great information and always GREAT VIDEOS thank you
Thank you!
good to see you back on the horse!
Thanks!
Great video Jeff! And good to see you back 😀!
Thanks!
Thank you for this video. I always enjoy learning from you. Please keep the videos coming!
Thanks! Will do!
Thanks for all you do, great information and also funny, thanks
Thanks! I hope it helped.
Good seeing you back ! ! !
Hey, thanks!
Wow. I decided to check your channel to see if you've uploaded anything for the new holiday season (I haven't looked in several months) and you just uploaded 1 hour ago!
Merry Christmas! 😂 Hoping to get more out soon!
Make sure to hit the bell. They might send you a notification on new videos. lol
@@CanispaterChristmas will do! "Might" is a good way to put it haha.
Dang been missing your videos. Great info and entertainment how can you beat that. Thanks for taken your time for us
Hey thanks for watching! Merry Christmas!
Wonderful video! Can’t wait to see the one on the stand-alone capabilities!
Thanks!
Well glad you're doing this since I dove in and got the same board plus 3 differentials for year 1.5
Awesome! Nice board! It will serve you well.
Good to see you Jeff. We’ve missed you.
Thanks!
Yaaaa finally a brand new video great job 👏 and very useful information 👍
LOL! Thanks!
Welcome back!!!! 6 explosion episode.
LOL! Wanted to come back with a bang!
If you are going to do a stand alone video I'd highly recommend updating to the latest firmware, it's currently up to build 21. Glad you're back to making videos.
LOL! Yeah, I noticed the "Download Firmware" link and upgraded tonight. Haven't read through the GIT history yet, but looks pretty much the same except for the WiFi area.
Hey Jeff great to see you back. Made my day! Some genius’ been making some new stuff we all need you to cast your knowledgeable eye over. Peace man…..😉😉
LOL! Thanks!
Great to see and hear you again! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Great review looks like the F16V4 will be on my list next year!
Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well. Looks like a nice upgrade so far.
Hi, Jeff. Nice to see you!
Thanks!
Jeff haven’t seen a new video from you in quite a while. I hope you and your family are doing well! Happy holidays
Thanks! Life. All good, just a lot going on. Working on a video so stay tuned. 😂
Love your videos and humor!
You have taught me a lot! Thank you for your time.
Thanks! I love this stuff! :)
Welcome Back!
Thanks!
I've been watching your videos for a long while. you've pushed me over the edge!!! Im ready to jump into this hobby.. if I purchase bullet pixels, 12V... where would you purchase ...? what brand? there are so many.......Help me Obi Wan, You're my only hope..lol
LOL! Awesome! Shipping from China is pretty high right now so I recommend going "local." If you are in the US, there are a few vendors kinda depending on where you are or who you know, but I use Ken at Wired Watts. Met him at an Expo and have ordered from him the last few years. Contact him directly if you need help ordering.
@@CanispaterChristmas thanks AKA Jeff.. :). im in Minnesota....I'll check out wired watts.. wish me luck... I have no clue what im doing ...... LOL. here we go!!! thanks Jeff. love the content !
@@minnesotaskiracer1183 I just received a shipment of 10,000 lights from Ray Wu on Aliexpress. Shipping was included, they call it "Fast Boat" but it takes about 30-40 days, so plan to order early (like now). Works out to about 21 cents per LED, so the savings is about 30-35% over resellers. I would go for the 12 volt, regulated with xconnect connectors.
It might sound like a lot of lights, but figure 3700 for a Mega Tree and 36" star on top. Throw in 3-4 mini trees and 3-4 snowflakes that take 300 lights each and they go fast. BTW this is my second order of 10K lights from Ray Wu and they are great and super high quality. Adding a full 2"x2" mesh of lights to the 3 car garage doors this year, so I will burn through LEDS like water!
I buy all my xconnect wires and pigtails from Wired Watts.
Its a fun hobby and the neighbors love it! Start early and map out what you want to do, then buy TWICE as much wiring as you think you need ! Cheers !
Good to know. Thanks!
Glad to see you back sir. Do you happen to have any insider info on availability of the V4? I was looking to start my first display this year but I haven’t caught the controller available yet. I guess there’s always next year!
I don't. I think he gets them in small batches and sends them out as soon as he gets them.
Big gap in videos. Glad you're back really enjoy the information you're providing!
Thanks! Working to get more videos out soon. 😂
Good to see you.
Thanks!
Awesome Jeff! Good to see you! Hate it when the wife sneaks a camera in. 😋
LOL! Giving my trade secrets away....
@@CanispaterChristmas lol oops
@@CanispaterChristmas HAPPY TURKEY SANDWICH DAY Jeff 🦃
I believe it's spelled "sammich". Could be wrong. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well!
Hey Jeff, great to see you back making videos.
You have to make the switch to the used HP server power supplies, 900 watts for $30 each !
LOL! I have heard. 👍
When he started talking about powering the board with DC, not AC, I knew what was coming and moved my headphones off my ears for the explosion.
LOL! I turned them down a little this time.
Miss your videos, I grew up on ya
Thanks! Trying to get more out soon.
Many thanks for the Video and time in making good content ...
Thank you!
Good to see you :) I slacked and missed will they be in stock soon?
I think he gets them in small batches. Sends them out as quick as he can. They are hard to get, especially right now.
Always good to see all this , i do laugh when your comparing 2 boards like a child who has lego pieces , keep up the good work .
LOL! Thanks!
Hope falcon will get more stock in after the holidays wanting to expand my show next year and was going to run two controllers
They get them in small batches from what I understand and send them out as soon as they get them. Keep trying. :)
Great video Jeff! do you know if i can connect addressable light strips to this controller without any issue?
Thanks!
I see they are listed in the ws2811 alternatives, but just want to double check haha.
Thanks! If they use the WS2811 protocol, then they will work. Most of mine are WS2811.
Great News!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The F16V4 is back in stock and shipping in 2-3 weeks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get on the site and order today, before they are out of stock again.
WOO HOO!!!!
@@CanispaterChristmas David's new SRX4 quad long range smart receiver looks pretty cool too!
@@CanispaterChristmas Oh crap.....sold out again and not accepting orders.
If this keeps up it will be a tough year for the pixel Christmas Lights.
Great Video as of right now I’m still on the f16v3 some of the later made ones had the switches and not the jumpers. Mine says v1.01
Me too. My display is still V3, but this upgrade looks nice.
@@CanispaterChristmas I agree and it is a update at this point I don’t need any more controllers or anything.
Oh, well, then you need more lights! 😂
Falcon F16V4 back in stock (again)! Get um while you can !
LOL! I feel like I watching the stock market with your posts. 😂
@@CanispaterChristmas Its a rollercoaster for sure!
Miss ya!! Hope all is well.
Thanks! All good. I'll post something soon. 😂
I was the one that discovered the 5V board reboot. Its my only claim to fame.
LOL! CONGRATULATIONS! 😂
Jeff, did you find a new house?
Didn't find a house, but acquired land so now the long process of building it up. 😂 ua-cam.com/video/-ywBwfMLBKA/v-deo.html
I know I'm super late to the game but is there any place to get pixel controllers this close to Christmas? Anything you don't need anymore and are trying to get rid of? 😉 love your videos!
Thanks! Probably not. Especially now. Those were hard to get this time of year prior to "the thing" and much worse now. You might find someone willing to let one go after the season is over, but they will hold onto them during lighting season.
Hey Jeff, thanks for the great videos, I’ve been watching you videos learning about pixel lighting and led pixel “walls”. I’ve been looking for any info bout running different led types on the same data line but could not find the answer anywhere. Do you know if it is possible to run ws2811 lights and ws2812b lights on the same data line? The two lights will have its own power supply since ws2811 is 12v and ws2812b is 5v. The only thing they will be sharing is the data line.
Will this work?
I don't know if the protocol is the same, they might work, but even if they do, they might look different. Why do you need to share the data line?
@@CanispaterChristmas thanks for the response, Jeff! I’m working with a program called Resolume and can control lights individually or in groups/fixtures even if they are on the same data line. The only thing is I’m not sure if ws2812b and ws2811 understands the same protocol/data if put together in the same data line.
Here’s and example of what I would like to do:
I will set a 100 pixel ws2812b led strip as a fixture then a ws2811 flood light as another fixture but controlled on the same data line. The problem here is I’m not sure if ws2812b and ws2811 will work together within the same data line.
I know nothing about the actual protocols - I don't go that deep. Someone like David Pitts or Keith Westley might know the answer. Also, if you have more than about a foot between the last pixel on the prop and the flood, the data may not make it without some amplification like an F-Amp.
@@CanispaterChristmas yes I’m definitely ordering some F-Amps. Wish the Falcon F16V4 will go back in stock. Been waiting forever and never seem to be able to catch it in stock. Once I get a hold of that controller, I’m going all out on buying the lights. But until then, I’ll just keep on researching on how I want my setups and what will work and what won’t and maybe I’ll find a better controller that Is actually in stock. Hope to see more videos of your F16v4 and led panel set ups! Great content!
Jeff glad to see you doing videos again. Would you know why when I add models to the visualizer sometimes it places them under the first row. It appears to have turned it into a virtual string.
Prop may have different settings, like brightness etc.
Thanks! I've not had that happen so "uh uh." What are you trying to do when that happens?
TY for the video just got the f16v4 1 week before Halloween and it worked perfect! (used it without fpp) But why is already f16v5 out?
Not sure he'll have many out before this season. He just usually announces at expo.
We miss ya Jeff! 😋
Icemageddon. 😂
How is everything going jeff?
Do you frequent any forums or recommend a forum for a beginner wanting to get into smart rgb pixels. I have a 350 bulb c9 dumb rgb display. It’s your normal c9 roof outline. I am
Tired of the dumb bulbs and having very little control over them. I’d like to do a much more in depth display but I know it’s a big jump. Thanks for the help.
My beginner playlist covers the basics (ua-cam.com/play/PLFyrAfJ-kKd4ZfPdXWIt8v_bav61mW_KW.html). Most of the forums have moved to Facebook now. There are links in the descriptions of my videos.
@@CanispaterChristmas thanks appreciate it.
At the 10:25ish mark, it doesn't look like your bullet connector is crimped. Are you soldering these?
Those are crimped bootlaced ferrules. They don't need solder. I bought this kit in 2018 and have used them for everything since (amzn.to/3GRhgUc).
Jeff! Are you posting any videos this year?
Probably. You looking for something specific?
@@CanispaterChristmas Yes Jeff, as a matter of fact, I do have something specific . I been playing with the Virtual Matrix within Xlights and Xschedule. I had it working and then broke it! I am using an old laptop and have plenty those that make Raspberry Pi, well, look like crumbs! And just feel bad for my wife if I went out and bought a raspberry Pi when I have an egg crate of laptops at my disposal. My Projector is working well and would like to properly connect it to my laptop. I did go to the group chat and they helped me but then I broke it again and well, bad engineer! I didn't write down any notes. 🧠Can you help out and make a video that would allow for a virtual matrix using a null controller running xschedule64 to run video during the show? Thanks. 🎅🎄🤣
Thanks for the video. I've been considering one of these. Any idea on which license needs to be purchased if you want to run the upgraded software? Does it just depend on how many ports you're going to use?
License? Oh, I heard something about that, but know nothing. AFAIK, the manufacturers pay that and probably just include that in the purchase price, but I'm checking with Keith to verify if that's correct.
The license is for FPP and depends on the board. I don't have details, but apparently there is a post somewhere. I'm guessing Facebook.
I think you didn't have toys as a child. Hehe Great video.
I had to play with dirt clods. 😂
Hey I watched your video on setting up moving heads on the v3.. the serial page on the v3 and v4 is completely different and I'm having a time getting my heads set up. Could you do a quick update on moving head setup for the v4? Thank you!
It will only work on the 3rd (LOR/DMX) port of the V4. The first two are for differential receivers. I'll take a look.
Nice another new video. We talked about you yesterday. Can we use the v3 smart differential receiver on a V4 board? It looks like it's working in our setup but the V4 controller is stuttering a lot but I think that has another reason.
I think it works, but in a crippled mode (eg: doesn't have the full capability as the V4 receivers). I'll play around with it as I don't have any of the V4 receivers yet.
@@CanispaterChristmas We ordered the v4's so I think they arrive this week. Then we will change the v3 with the v4
Is it that easy to just update the resistor network? Do you see any issues with upgrading all of them on the f16 v3 to the B330J?
I've heard of a few people doing that. If you need the extra distance, it's a cheap upgrade. David Pitts didn't seem to think it was an issue so I go with that. 😂
The updates to the V4 look good, I am using an F16V3 and VERY happy with it. Why run any power through the board to the pixels? I use external power for my F16V3 and then only send data to the pixels from the board, I feed 5 volt DC power from my power supplies to the pixels.
It's convenient for short strings and not everyone runs 100% brightness. Potato/Potaato. 😂
Why wasn't there any update videos this year?
Life. Though I did take 2nd in my neighborhood lighting contest this year. 😂 I am working on a video though.
@@CanispaterChristmas well we all missed you
would it eliminate the need for power injection if I added a 2nd power supply to the f16v4 and divided the ports between the 2? My show is around 3088 pixels total. I am running 12V pixels
The need for power injection is based on the length of the string. Many things affect it, but just run it and if they look dull or flash when it goes white, put a volt meter on the end of the string and that will tell you if you need to inject power.
They use shielded Ethernet ports do you run STP cable on your displays? And where do you ground everything so you have the same potential?
My display hasn't reached the point where Ethernet has become a problem so some is shielded and some isn't/ The common ground is provided by a large/long mains cable that powers everything. Most of my display uses an F48 with differential receivers so that isolates each group of 4 props. Common ground really isn't an issue unless you use more than one power supply for a single prop. As for Ethernet, I have a 4-port network switch in my garage that feeds the display (2 controllers currently). I daisy-chain the BBB for the sign off the F48.
what software are you using to program Falcon board?
I let xLights do it. See xlights.org It's the software we use to program the light sequences, but it will also send the setup to the Falcon if you have all your models set up properly. There is a 3hr training video for it in my beginner playlist.
Been missing you Dude! Get that new house and the new App built and out the door so you can make more videos??
LOL. Thanks! Have a few ideas in the pipeline. 😂
I believe someone swapped out their 100-ohm resistors on the v3 to 33-ohm and achieved similar results
I know at lease one person that did that and it isn't me. 😂
Might want to update the build on that F16v4 Jeff, lol
Oh the firmware? Yeah, prolly should have done that before showing the web interface. lol
What do you think about Wled control
I don't have any because my WiFi environment is extremely saturated - I have a few ESP devices that constantly loose connection. I know a lot of people use them successfully though and might be able to play with them when I move.
The F16V4 Differential Expansion Board w/ribbon cable
Doesn't work
Doesn't work? What do you mean? Have you tried the xLights zoom room or contacting David?
HELP why can we not get these in the UK yet i have been looking for a while but all I get is waiting for new stock HELP please
I don't think the problem is exclusive to the UK. Things are just hard to get right now. "Supply issues." 😂 Seriously, from what I understand, he gets them in small batches and sends them out as soon as he gets them.
@@CanispaterChristmas Thanks Jeff i will just have to keep waiting Thanks for the new video 😀
Hi, i wrote 2 days ago an email to them for shipping to germany. They answer:We should have more early next year.
Unfortunately, not surprising. Stay warm this winter! 😂
@@Psycho80m thanks for the info mate
@CanispaterChristmas Jeff, I hope you are ok... there are no new vids and as a fellow Texan I am concerned.
All good. Hoping to get some videos out soon. Broke my controller so that messed up my schedule. 😂
@@CanispaterChristmas Im sure we all can donate to you for a new controller. Just ask. After all you do, it is worth it.
Thanks! No worries. Dave is fixing it for me plus sending other goodies, but I don't know when. I also ordered some new pixels to replace some defective ones so I hope to get the display back to where I want it. I did get a major hurdle done yesterday - cut the grass so I can set up the yard this weekend. Wish me luck! 😂
Wow! 130’ home runs would be a game changer. I do like the white boards better. It makes them look like they were made by Apple. 😂
Haha. Not sure the power will go that far, but the data survives. 🎄
hi, Anyone have a suggestion where to find a F16V4?
"Supply Issues." As I understand it, they arrive in small batches and are sent out as they arrive. Unfortunately, it's how things are right now.
I guess, I have to wait for next season now, thanks
Oh, you would probably need to anyway. Trying to get a controller this time of year has always been a challenge.
How many ways can you nuke the F16v4... let us count the ways. I think you just like that explosion clip!
You figured me out. 😂 I suppose all those warnings in the manual are from reported oopsies in the past.
Can it control ws2815 since its 4pin ?
I don’t know the answer to that. It doesn’t show up in the list, but it could also be called something else. You can contact David Pitts. His contact info is at the bottom of the page on PixelController.com
As I see list doesnt exist, only broken link.
Have contact them and got pretty shallow answer to my questions.
Seems its just backup inside of strip, no need to connect anywhere just shortwire at strip beginning to gnd would be good.
So every led chip except first gets data from two point. If you see chip as 12345
1. one have 3 wires to controller and backup data should be shorted to ground, unless you extend strip to strip.
Chip 2. gets data in from data out of 1.chip and also backup in from data in from 1.chip. also for every next chip till end of strip.
So any led in chain dies rest will keep working, but if two next to each other die rest will not work anymore becausee both data in and backup in are broken.
@@StageSound-u7s Hmm. Seems like it would be "yes" or "no." OR, not exactly, but set it to "X" and it's the same thing. If it isn't supported, but could be, then it would be based on number of people asking for it I suppose. What kind of info were you looking for?
@@CanispaterChristmas
Well I wanted to put two 2.5m strips in parallel next to each other so have high power bar and make few of those bars to have some animations in background of music events.
They only answer they prefer double outputs per bar and adress them as same than putting both strips in parallel data.
I got answer from your video I guess, so can inject* separate power supply to leds since each bar would be about 200w 16.5Amp.
I think it can work with this strip, so only left is software, I think Madrex or Elm would be the best in my case if it works with controller.
@user-vv3kh5vh3z basically don’t try to drive 2 separate strips with the same signal. Either chain them together as 1 strip (and control them through software) or use 2 controller ports and set them as the same address so they output the same thing. xLights will do this and even has some live show capabilities (I don’t know a lot about that since I run everything automated). See Keith’s training video on the software.
omghai jeff!
👋
Have you tried using a resistor at the end where it connects to the 1st pixel? This has fixed my flickering many times. I think btwn 300 and 500 ohms works but you have to test different values sometimes.
I haven't. Flickering generally means there is a problem of some kind, but can be caused by several things. What is your setup that needs one?
help please can you give me a DIRECTIONS to go my loving spouse surprised me with a box of over 10 bundles of 50 RGB/smw/ws2811 Im so lost what to do with them they are a funny looking connector and a loose wire how this is all new to me Im use to just plug in the cord to the outlet but this don't have that what have we gotten into.he got them because he wanted me expand my Christmas lights and fun. but pulling my hair out on what to do i have seen some of your videos and love them! but most of them are like past the first steps so do you have a beginner one? or do you know a book that would help me I don't what to wast the money he spend on these lights.
My beginner playlist goes over the basics (ua-cam.com/play/PLFyrAfJ-kKd4ZfPdXWIt8v_bav61mW_KW.html) it's a lot to absorb all at once so I'd set expectations for getting them going next year. The biggest gate you have to go through is getting a controller that will push data out to the lights. Those are extremely hard to come by in good years and with the supply issues of the last couple of years, it's even worse.
Hi Jody, its too late for this year. Like Jeff said you need a controller and if you dont already have one you will not be able to get one for this year. Start planning for Christmas 2023.
BTW, buy your lights in 100 node strings. It will make your life much easiser.
Cheers!
They might be 5V strings. They usually come in strings of 50. 😂
@@CanispaterChristmas
@@CanispaterChristmas its all good you have so many great videos !!! i was getting lost i need a link for dummies lol to show me step by step lol thank you for the time. a