Recommendations needed for channel setup

[Beren97]

I am brand new to LOR and am eager to learn as much as possible. I am planning to purchase the 16 channel starter package soon with plans to expand as I become familiar with the process of sequencing and setting up lights for display.

I have been exploring the Sequence Editor and have added media, practiced using the animator, and have added effects to my "fake" sequence already.

To start out, I plan to purchase a few sequences.

1) How do you "organize" your channels? :shock: Let's assume I start with 16 channels... four zones with four different colors. Will it make a difference with purchased sequences how I organize them (by zone or by color)??? What works best for you?

2) Can I purchase a 32 channel sequence for a 16 channel setup for now, with plans to expand later?

Thanks!

[Guest wbottomley]

To get started... I would download some other users sequences so you can have an idea of how they do it.

I have many links located on my website here: http://www.highcountrylights.com/links/free-sequences/38-free-sequences.html

Or... you can download some of mine here: http://www.highcountrylights.com/remository/Light-O-Rama-Sequences/

[WilliamS]

The channels you setup to how ever your display is arranged. You can do groups like you said 4x4 or even actual Groups in the software to differnt designs. The Sequencer can get scary when your first starting out, I started with 32 channels and couldnt see an end in sight to how these guys with 500+ were doing it.

As for purchasing sequences they can be setup a few ways but organizing the setup is the easiest way to do it. You can copy and paste quickly with premade sequences.

Search for the free ones as there are hundreds. Dont do it to be lazy, do it to see how they laid them out and created the displays they have. I learned a lot just looking at some of the sequences many have shared. A good many came from Wbottomley a member here for a long time, and has forgotten more about this hobby than I currently know. There are many that have websites setup for this hobby, his was the first I found when I was new.

The most important thing to do is enjoy the hobby, no stress required.

[dgrant]

I'm a newbie as well, but make a yard/house plan. Co-locate the controllers to the lights they'll be controlling with in reason. Extension cord requirements are less that way and not a lot of cross-connecting. For example, I'm doing a 32 channel magetree this first year out which will require two controllers. They'll be mounted in the middle of it. Another controller will get used for two 8-channel arches, therefore that controller will be right there. My other controllers, will get mounted nearest the decorations, strings and etc. as close to possible where they'll be used.

[dgrant]

Keeping the channels together in your plan, then you can assign the channels in the same order in the sequencer therefore easier for you to keep track of things while sequencing. Another location for free sequences is www.ultrashows.com Yes, you'll need to load your own hardward setup file to them and then modify as you wish...plus insuring you are using the same audio file they used, if you wish.

[nmonkman]

This should help a little bit.

http://www.xmas.planetmonkman.com/sequencing101.main.html

[james morris]

if the sequence has more channels than you can use just turn off the ones you dont use so when you get another controler you can turn them back on

[Steven]

dgrant wrote:

Co-locate the controllers to the lights they'll be controlling with in reason.

+1