MikeSD Posted December 5, 2014 Share Posted December 5, 2014 I've been searching for a nice display on youtube, that seems to be using minimal hardware. Does anyone know of a nice holiday display (any holiday) using only the S3 software and a single 16 channel controller? I'm just curious what's possible, using minimal hardware. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max-Paul Posted December 6, 2014 Share Posted December 6, 2014 Ya your right, not going to control much with just 16 channels. So build a static display and then select 16 elements of your display that would look good flashing to the music. Your display will have something that the guy around the corner does not. And if you had fun, think of buying another controller and add more element from the static display next year. Or add more elements for the new controller. We all cant just jump in with both feet and hundreds of channels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeSD Posted December 6, 2014 Author Share Posted December 6, 2014 That's kind of what I thought I'd do. I did find a good example of what can be done with a single 16 channel controller. So I'll try something simple. We already have a static display setup. All we need to do is plug the lights into the controller, in some sort of grouping, and give it a whirl. I got my ST-SP-16 today. It has the commercial controller. Very substantial. I have already made up a shopping list of other RGB stuff I want to buy next. I'm a little worried this might get addictive. Tomorrow is install and test day. Gotta make sure this works first and gets configured. I assume it has the latest firmware but who knows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dgrant Posted December 6, 2014 Share Posted December 6, 2014 I hope you realize that you have to create or purchase the sequences to run. Having the hardware to run it is one thing but commanding it is another and it takes time to sequence a song. It is not plug and play Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Simmons Posted December 6, 2014 Share Posted December 6, 2014 (edited) From the perspective of someone who most definitely doesn't believe in minimal hardware, it's incredibly difficult to do anything more than flashing stuff on and off when you're working with 16 channels. Not impossible, to be sure, but far, far more difficult than you might think. I've been watching videos for 8 years and can count on one hand the number of outstanding 16-channel displays I've seen in that time. Your own post says you've "been searching" and apparently you couldn't find one either since you asked for help locating a display that fits your criteria. That, in itself, should tell you something. Good luck. Maybe you'll be one of those few who create something that transcends the limitations you're self-imposing. I'm rooting for you. Keep us posted. Edited December 7, 2014 by George Simmons Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jtomason Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 I would suggest getting several of the same item - say the $3 candy canes at WalMart - and animating them. I have 14 in the yard this year, and you can do nice wipes/fades with them. With the channels you have left, you can connect some of the other suitable elements that you have. I would recommend something bright to have the most impact - so floodlights or a long run of icicles, for example. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B.Y.R.G. Posted December 12, 2014 Share Posted December 12, 2014 (edited) 16 Channel display - 4 colors x 4 levels https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=02Vhb8X82Gs Edited December 12, 2014 by B.Y.R.G. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan24438 Posted December 13, 2014 Share Posted December 13, 2014 This was my first year and I started with a single 16 channel controller and added a 24 channel controller for my rgb floods. I don't use my floods to their full potential (really use them as a background for each of my sequences). I am glad i did not try and bite off more than i could chew for my first year. With that being said I will be expanding my channel count this coming year. Like it was said, 16 channels is very limiting but is a good place to start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiplorenzo Posted December 18, 2014 Share Posted December 18, 2014 (edited) I also have a 16 channel Display (Last year) that is video'd... as long as there isn't a 2014 in the title, its last year. https://www.vimeo.com/kiplorenzo Edited December 18, 2014 by kiplorenzo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BryanZ Posted December 19, 2014 Share Posted December 19, 2014 I started out with 16 my first year. 9 channels for mini-trees, 5 channels for icicle lights, one for bay window lighted wreath lights and one more for the bushes. Simple but nice, IMO. Do whatever way looks best to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marsh28 Posted December 19, 2014 Share Posted December 19, 2014 You can do something pretty cool with minimal channels for Halloween. I only had 32 channels my first year and I think it looked great.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zajYMfa3r4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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