How to have two RGB strings on one channel but separate effects

[SkyShepherd]

I'm running a Pixie 16 and setting up arches.  I will be using four channels and four strings of 100 lights.  I want 8 arches with the ability to have each arch on a separate effects line.  I know there is a way, I just can't figure it out.  I know it should amount to one line being port 16 1-150 and another line as port 16 151-300.  I just can't figure out how to make it happen.

Thanks in advance

[dibblejr]

3 minutes ago, SkyShepherd said:

I'm running a Pixie 16 and setting up arches.  I will be using four channels and four strings of 100 lights.  I want 8 arches with the ability to have each arch on a separate effects line.  I know there is a way, I just can't figure it out.  I know it should amount to one line being port 16 1-150 and another line as port 16 151-300.  I just can't figure out how to make it happen.

Thanks in advance

Channel Level Rows and number/ label each node in order and or add ME rows dividing the string.

Your problem will be how to get 2 physical arch props out of a string of 100 nodes unless I am missing something

JR

Edited November 26, 2021 by dibblejr

[k6ccc]

22 minutes ago, SkyShepherd said:

I'm running a Pixie 16 and setting up arches.  I will be using four channels and four strings of 100 lights.

First of all, you are using four outputs or ports on the Pixie controller - NOT four channels.

23 minutes ago, SkyShepherd said:

I want 8 arches with the ability to have each arch on a separate effects line.

When you build your preview, you build 8 arches.  The fact that each pair of arches are on the same port of the controller does not matter in the slightest.  Example, Arch 1 is Unit ID 21, channels 1-150, and Arch 2 is Unit ID 21 channels 151 - 300.  Each arch will show up as a separate prop in the Sequencer.  You will also likely want to make one or more Preview Groups with the eight arches arranged differently for effects that use all eight arches.  For example a vertical stack works very well for effects that run the same on all eight arches, and a horizontal stack works well for effects that will span across all eight arches.

 

[SkyShepherd]

34 minutes ago, dibblejr said:

Channel Level Rows and number/ label each node in order and or add ME rows dividing the string.

Your problem will be how to get 2 physical arch props out of a string of 100 nodes unless I am missing something

JR

The 100 bulbs are actually two strings of 50.  The two arches will need to be close together unless I have enough extensions.

[SkyShepherd]

Thanks k6ccc, I think I knew that last year but had forgotten.  Your help is much appreciated!

[k6ccc]

8 minutes ago, SkyShepherd said:

The 100 bulbs are actually two strings of 50. 

That does not matter.  As far as the software is concerned, it's 100 pixels.  Whether it is one string of 100, or ten strings of ten pixels or anything in between does not make any difference to the software.  You can build a prop or multiple props using that 100 pixels in any way you want.  For example, on my lower eves, on the south side there are 14 pixels, and then about a 2 foot gap and 18 more pixels for the gutter over the front porch for a total of 42 pixels on that physical port of the controller.  They are totally separate as far as the software is concerned.

Just to add another layer of complexity, SOME pixel controllers don't even have to use continuous channel IDs for those pixels.  So my lower eves high row are Universe 42 channels 1 - 129 of which channels 1 - 42 (14 pixels) are on port 5 of the controller with channel 1 starting at the 14th pixel of the physical string and channel 40-42 (logical pixel 14) closest to the controller, and channels 43 - 129 (29 pixels) are on port 7.  The front porch uses Universe 42 channels 301 -354 with the first pixel at the far end of the 42 pixel string.  Did I confuse you enough?  A drawing would help if I totally lost you.

 

[SkyShepherd]

Hi Jim,

I do understand, it was the gentleman above questioning how I would get two arches out of one string.  No, it doesn't really matter, I could make 20 arches out of one string/port which I think is fantastic, allows for lots of creativity.  I just need time to wrap my head around how to do what I want LOL.

I think I follow your description of your set up.

 

Cam

[dibblejr]

1 hour ago, SkyShepherd said:

Hi Jim,

I do understand, it was the gentleman above questioning how I would get two arches out of one string.  No, it doesn't really matter, I could make 20 arches out of one string/port which I think is fantastic, allows for lots of creativity.  I just need time to wrap my head around how to do what I want LOL.

I think I follow your description of your set up.

 

Cam

When you say "string of 100" and not "two strings of 50" you may get an answer like I gave.  Kind of difficult to get 2 arches out of a string of 100 without cutting.

BTW- since this is a pixie16 I would recommend purchased extensions over extensions made from pare or stranded wires. They are problematic in long lengths if made at home. 

Best of luck

JR

[Timothy]

On 11/26/2021 at 2:01 PM, k6ccc said:

That does not matter.  As far as the software is concerned, it's 100 pixels.  Whether it is one string of 100, or ten strings of ten pixels or anything in between does not make any difference to the software.  You can build a prop or multiple props using that 100 pixels in any way you want.  For example, on my lower eves, on the south side there are 14 pixels, and then about a 2 foot gap and 18 more pixels for the gutter over the front porch for a total of 42 pixels on that physical port of the controller.  They are totally separate as far as the software is concerned.

Just to add another layer of complexity, SOME pixel controllers don't even have to use continuous channel IDs for those pixels.  So my lower eves high row are Universe 42 channels 1 - 129 of which channels 1 - 42 (14 pixels) are on port 5 of the controller with channel 1 starting at the 14th pixel of the physical string and channel 40-42 (logical pixel 14) closest to the controller, and channels 43 - 129 (29 pixels) are on port 7.  The front porch uses Universe 42 channels 301 -354 with the first pixel at the far end of the 42 pixel string.  Did I confuse you enough?  A drawing would help if I totally lost you.

 

Wish I'd of known this when deciding on props this year. There's always next year I suppose.