Falcon F16V5 and LOR Controller

[DaSarge]

Good day to all, I am awaiting delivery of my new F16v5 controller, and I wanted to know if there is a way to connect my LOR Pixie2 (Runs my 200 RGB Star) to the controller. 


Thanks!

This is the Pixie2 Controller:
https://store.lightorama.com/collections/rgb-controllers-mounted/products/pixie2-12v-complete

[dkulp]

No.  The Pixie's are horrible controllers using a proprietary protocol.   You can get them to somewhat work by connecting via USB to a Raspberry Pi, but they are a bit of a pain to configure.   

[DaSarge]

I take it I can't use DMX?  it has the option.  if there is no way to get it to work, how can I get these 2 strands in the star to work?  What controller do I need to purchase?

[JonD]

If you're already bald with no hair left to pull out, and have the crisis hotline number on speed dial if you get suicidal, you could give it a shot. It seems like they will sort of support DMX, but you would probably be limited to 1 universe @ 170 lights which is 30 short of the 200 node star.

You just bought a shinny new Falcon... do you have any free ports available left?  Maybe a Smart Receiver for the Falcon if not?  The bulbs that hang off these are typically standard WS2811 lights and will move to a Falcon port.  Might have to put another end connector on the lights if the existing plug is not compatiable.

[DaSarge]

my new falcon replaces the Pixie16 for my Mega-Tree, no open ports.  does the power supply that comes with the new Falcon enough to power a smart receiver too?  if not, gonna have 2 big boxes at the bottom of the tree   (think of 'em as xmas presents)

[JonD]

I typically place a smart receiver (native/normal mode) in all my F16v4s for 20 native ports total.  I run my lights at 30% power and don't have any power issues running 20 ports, but my strings are 170 or less on each port.  If you are running 800 pixels off each port, or running them at 100% that could add to power issues.  A lot of variables.  The SR might be able to sit in the Falcon box, or you could place the SR in another box with its own power supply.  The Falcon will support a lot of ports in smart mode.

[DaSarge]

each ribbon has 50 pixels.  I have 16 ribbons I could add a SR to the box and drive the star.  just need to make/get extensions for the 2 strings up in the star

[JonD]

I use adhesive PCB clips and stick the SR on top of the power supply in a way that does not restrict air flow.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07F23656R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 

[JonD]

16 50ct strings will not pull much power.  I would think you could easily place the SR in the existing Falcon box.  Since you will have two SR ports left over I would not mess with Smart Mode.  Smart Mode works well, the but the ABCDEF learning curve is kind of steep.  Keep it simple if you can.

[jnealand]

I have two trees running 24 strands of 60 ws2811s However that is only 6 strings (ports) of 240 with a 7th port running a 150 node star.  I have run those lights using a falcon F16v2 and also a Kulp K8 with absolutely no issues.   I run at 30% brightness and no power injection.  You just need to start making longer strings.  I call them virtual strings as they are made from multiple physical strings.

[JonD]

Jim makes another good point.  Might be a bigger deal to reconfigure in LOR than in xlights.  (Especially if you are still programming at the channel level)  I personally like to keep each strand on its own wire, but many prefer to zig-zag them and save controller ports.