Random flickering of lights

[justaddmorelights]

I am running FPP 7.2, have 4 controllers, 3 of which are F16V3 and one Alphapix16. All controllers are connected to the Pi via a 6 channel switch. The issue I am having is random flickering of pixels on 2 outputs on the Alphapix controller. This issue arose last year, however I just let it be since all lights work as desired during sequences. No power or ground issues are present. I have swapped data cables with no change. I have isolated it down to the fact it only happens when FPP is connected to the switch. If I disconnect the Pi, the flickering stops immediately. Ideas? should I update FPP to the latest level?

[JonD]

7.2 is quite old and not supported.  You should upgrade to newer version, but I would install brand new.  It would be better to start fresh.  I would backup the existing config, install a brand new SD card, set the prior one to the side for backup, restore the config from the backup onto new image.  You can always just pop-in your old SD card if you need to.  I have not played with latest version, but think you can still restore a 7.2 config file to it.  If not, someone will correct me pretty quickly.  I am not sure upgrading will resolve you issues, but never a good idea to let FPP get too far behind.  If it fixes your issues great, if not you will be at a supported version. 

How many lights on these ports?  Can you describe more about the lights that are plugged into the ports?  Power issues can cause flickering.  How do you know they quit flickering when you unplug the FPP?  Are you testing with xLights, using a test feature?  Running xLights AND FPP can cause flickering.  xLights is known not to release resources after outputing to the lights directly.  Make sure you always power cycle everything when going from one to the other, and xLights is not trying to output at the same time.  Sometimes f-amps will help flicking.

[allknowing2012]

This might be double data ... if you connect to a flat network (ie fpp to the switch) - try input/output, inputs .. and uncheck the input

[Poporacer]

Do you happen to have the Always transmit Channel Data enabled?

[justaddmorelights]

Do you happen to have the Always transmit Channel Data enabled?

Yes it is enabled

[justaddmorelights]

This might be double data ... if you connect to a flat network (ie fpp to the switch) - try input/output, inputs .. and uncheck the input

What do you mean by flat network? The switch is only connected to controllers and FPP/Pi. Then the Pi is wifi to the house network. Under FPP settings I have the following under input/output...

You cannot view this attachment.

[justaddmorelights]

How many lights on these ports?  Can you describe more about the lights that are plugged into the ports?  Power issues can cause flickering.  How do you know they quit flickering when you unplug the FPP?  Are you testing with xLights, using a test feature?  Running xLights AND FPP can cause flickering.  xLights is known not to release resources after outputing to the lights directly.  Make sure you always power cycle everything when going from one to the other, and xLights is not trying to output at the same time.  Sometimes f-amps will help flicking.

The ports that are affected have 300 bullet pixels on them. I have power injection as well. They flicker when no sequence is playing. Work fine when sequence is playing. I can tell they quit flickering because they stop when its unplugged and then start flickering when plugged back in. I will try and upload a short video. I also posted this to the Xlights support group.You cannot view this attachment.

[bigwavedave]

Could be a ground issue:

[Poporacer]

Yes it is enabled

Is there a reason that you enabled that?
Well, that can cause that! That setting is used when you have older controllers that will revert to a test pattern if they don't receive data in a certain time frame. Hover over the question mark for mor einfo