help getting started, next step?

[jnealand]

I always make a couple of simple sequences that I use when setting up.

-- make a whole house group that has every light in it and turns them on in a single color for 30 secs (the xlight default).  I make one for each color and I do not do color changes in this as some might do.  I have 12 controllers and checking each controller to make the color order is correct can take more than 30 sec so I run the sequence on repeat.  For some controllers you can even adjust the color order while a sequence is running which lets me get any color changes done quickly.  In xlights I keep everything set to RGB, but different manufacturers and different form factors often use a different order like BGR.  Making multiple little sequence is simple and also lets you learn how to use FPP upload and xlights controller config uploads.

--  You can also make a couple of seqences using the bars effect on the same whole house group.  If you tell the bars to go right to left and run and see lights going the wrong direction you again can make corrections at the controllers.  Same goes for up and down movement.

[netfan]

Thanks,

So, what part of the manual will take me through a sample sequence creation?

Also, xlights?

Sorry, I'm really new

[tbone321]

Creating anything in xLights is going to take some time and is not necessary for this.  Do you have FPP configured to talk to your controller yet?  If not, that would be your first step here.  After that, you can go into Status Control - Display Testing and test your connection between FPP and your controller there.  There are a lot of tools in there to test your lights and the test functions are pretty simple to use.  Just leave the model at "All Channels" and set the start and end channels to what you configured the controller for on the outputs screen and check the enable box.  If everything is set up correctly, the lights should do what you told them to in the test settings and if not, you can post the screen shots of the output config screen and the test function screen so we can confirm that they are set up correctly.

[Poporacer]

I have read the FPP manual down to around page 90 and my head is swimming.

Did you look at the table of contents or search the manual for "test"? The manual is designed so that you do not need to read it in its entirety. 

[netfan]

I did skip ahead, but even the test information left me missing something.

I believe my issue is that the San Device was not given a static IP address and couldn't be located.  I've now successfully done that and I'm able to run test patterns on the pixel string attached to the e682.

I've located the control panel for the e682 and can get to that at will.

So, direct me to the manual instructions that help me understand how to have the FPP and E682 communicating.  Thanks!

[Poporacer]

I believe my issue is that the San Device was not given a static IP address and couldn't be located. 

This is the networking part of the equation and can sometimes be a bit difficult to comprehend. Every device needs a "name" (IP address/Host Name) and that name needs to be unique. They don't need to be static names but that sometimes helps. But with static "names" you need to take precautions that your router does not assign the same "name" to another device. This might help? 

I've now successfully done that and I'm able to run test patterns on the pixel string attached to the e682.

What is the IP address of the e682?

So, direct me to the manual instructions that help me understand how to have the FPP and E682 communicating.

That will depend on what is your definition of communicating is? I have a feeling that you mean sending E1.31 data? If so, https://falconchristmas.github.io/FPP_Manual(6.0).pdf#page=107

You might want to jump into the Zoom room...that is probably the best resource for help.

[netfan]

OK,

Moving right along, I'm sending packets!!  Tried some display testing and it's all working quite nicely.  6000 packets and no errors received by the san device.

San device IP = 192.168.0.50
FPP = 192.168.0.13

As a bonus I've been able to identify everything on my network (lots of stuff!)

I'm ready to move on to some manual and or copied sequencing.

Still working with my single 100 bullet string.

[netfan]

Current understanding:

1. Create sequence in Xlights (or facsimile)
2. Upload Xlights file to FPP
3. Play sequence from FPP

Is this correct?

I've installed Xlights, looking for links to CURRENT help for getting started.  I've watched a couple of videos but they are old enough that the menu doesn't even match up with my screens....

Any ideas, links, thoughts?

Thank You!!

[jnealand]

And then subscribe to this group.

[netfan]

OK,

To me, (and I have signed up for literally everything suggested), this is a video that should be called:

"Xlights beginner seminar for MIT graduates"

I'll keep looking, but I'll need to find something that moves much more slowly without the unbelievable complexity and tangent conversation about every tiny aspect of this hobby...

[tbone321]

If you think that this is an easy peezy hobby then you are sadly mistaken.  There is also no "one way" to do just about any of it so if you are looking for a step by step A, B, C guide to doing things, you are probably not going to find one.  Some people do put out videos on how to do things and it is worth looking at them but just because they do it one way, doesn't make it the only way or the right way for you and your display.  I have been in this hobby foe more years than I care to count and where I can configure most controllers manually with my eyes closed, when it comes to xLights, I feel like a 5 year old trying to master brain surgery.  But I am getting better at using it and who knows, in the next 20 years or so I may actually get good at using it.  The point is that is is not a simple hobby and has a bit of a learning curve but you have the primary advantage of time since you are getting started so early in the year with it.  I would first look into xLights setup and play with the setup tools and get your house image loaded and begin drawing your light strings on your house since that will be the first step to any sequencing, including copying other sequences to your display.

[netfan]

1. If I EVER indicated I thought this was easy-peasy, it was not my intention
2. I knew there was a steep learning curve, that's fine
3. If there is a better or more friendly way to learn than xLights, point me.
4. I don't care about step 1,2,3 but I DO care about someone explaining things, rather than telling me to click on a menu that doesn't exist in the CURRENT version of the software I am using.  My frustration is that, out there in YouTube land, A LOT of stuff is available from people who know SO MUCH but don't know how to teach.  If I tell a child to say "one, two, three", they will say it back to me at a VERY early age.  It doesn't mean they can count.
5. I've learned an absolute TON this past week, and while I wish I could move faster, I'm still quite happy with the fact that I'm off square one and moving, albeit slowly, forward.
6. What is the "zoom room"

[rayster]

Zoom Room is using a product called Zoom Conference bridge, It is used a lot in Education, teachers and students can inter act with each other like show there screen and can even give control of there computer remotely. So instead of doing snap shots of your screen they can see it live. 

For xlights just take time to play with it. Throw some light on the floor next to a controller and see what happens, just try and make the whole string different colors in the sequence. 

Most of us are not teachers and even the teachers have had to learn a different way to teach with Covid. 

I take lots of walks to get away from the project if you spend to much time looking at it you get more confused then you may want to trash all you work.
This year my matrix caught on fire just after the season lost about half of it now I have to remember to shut the power off to my pixels after the show , just one more part of trying to make people happy.

Ray

[Poporacer]

I DO care about someone explaining things, rather than telling me to click on a menu that doesn't exist in the CURRENT version of the software I am using

that is one of the drawbacks with a software program that is constantly improving and updating.

If there is a better or more friendly way to learn than xLights, point me.

If you watch videos that are more than 6 months old, just remember that something might have changed, iand that there might be a different way of doing it now.

What is the "zoom room"

That is probably the best resource available. You really should hang out in there, listen and learn, and if you have questions, raise your hand....

[K-State Fan]

It can be confusing with all the changes/improvement that are made but what a powerful program. The basics have been the same for awhile. The xLights manual has a quick start guide that is a good place to start.