If you really want to put smiles on faces then audience participation is the way to go! The Baldrick Input 8 is an easy to use method to add buttons to either a standalone self prop or to drive FPP for full show control !
Category: Uncategorized
Repairing Pixel Strings
What happens when a pixel in a string goes wrong ?
In this video we demonstrate the replacement of failed pixels on a string used on my house.
We show a connectiivty oddity, prove a failed pixel and why we would often cut that pixel & the one prior to it & then we spilce a couple of new pixels in using some solder seals to complete the task.
Tools of the Trade: The Multimeter
In this first video in a new mini-series, we look at some of the tools a Newbie to the hobby will find useful.
The humble multimeter is a vital addition to the toolbox and can help in a multitude of ways as we find out.
xLights Advanced Moving Heads
This week we take a look at the Moving Heads Advanced models & effect in xlights.
We run through adding a new Baldrick DMX controller, adding two different moving heads & the differences in their setup and then we get them running together in a short sequence to finish.
Setting up a DMX Moving Head via a Falcon F16v4 and using xLights 2025_08
This week we’re looking at how to configure a DMX moving head fixture in xLights & drive it via the DMX port on a Falcon F16 v4. We run through the wiring, configure the model – push the configuration to the F16 and finish up with some basic tests to confirm the fixture does what we are expecting. We also introduce our new website: https://gregmacaree.com which gives an overview of the channel, a handy video archive and there will be new content there soon! Finally, we also introduce our new Patreon offering, for a small subscription you can support the channel and get some exclusive perks too!
Wiring your first Pixel Controller, Pixels & Power Supply
In this video we run through the basic wiring of a set of pixels, a Baldrick controller and a Meanwell RSP-320-12 12v Power Supply. We hook them all up detailing what we’re doing and why and run a test mode on the pixels at the end of the video.
This video has not been sponsored, but iLightThat did supply the Baldrick board at no cost and I do not have to return it.
Baldrick Boards & Power Supplies available from:
Austraila:
Hanson Electronics: https://www.hansonelectronics.com.au/
Europe:
Pro Pixeler: https://propixeler.nl/
USA:
Gilbert Engineering USA: https://gilbertengineeringusa.com/
Wired Watts: https://www.wiredwatts.com/
UK:
Build A Light Show: https://buildalightshow.com/
Affiliate Links to products used (I do get a small return from products purchased using these links):
Amazon.com (USA)
Workpro Style Scissors: https://amzn.to/42IgyUh
10 AWG Teflon Wire: https://amzn.to/4hRUwmr
IEC Mains Cable (Various Lengths): https://amzn.to/3WScSvo
Amazon.co.uk (UK)
WorkPro Scissors: https://amzn.to/4aRvZLL
10AWG Teflon Wire: https://amzn.to/4jSUJaw
Pro-Elec IEC Cable (2m): https://amzn.to/40XWg6S
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction
0:52 Connecting Pixels to Controller
5:13 Wiring Phoenix Connector
10:52 Connecting Controller to Power Supply
14:26 Forks & Ferrules
20:12 Power Supply to Mains (110v or 220v)
24:04 LRS-350 Input Voltage Switch
24:24 Review Connections before plugging in!
25:10 Ethernet Connection
27:05 Plugging In
28:10 PC Connecting to Baldrick
29:30 Setup Output
30:27 Start Tests!
31:06 Reset Config & Retest!
32:00 Review what’s been covered in the video
35:00 Wrap-Up!
Pixel Lighting – what do I need to get started ?
In this video we cover the basic hardware needed to get your lights working,
A quick overview of Pixels, Controllers & Power Supplies.
Help the channel by buying as a Coffee! https://ko-fi.com/gregmacaree
0:00 Introduction
01:08 Thank You!
02:33 Pixels
06:24 Controllers
11:28 Power Supplies
14:40 What else is needed
16:40 Props
20:08 Conclusion
Useful Stores to get you started:
UK
https://buildalightshow.com/
US
https://gilbertengineeringusa.com/
https://www.wiredwatts.com/
https://wallyslights.com/
AUS
https://www.hansonelectronics.com.au/
Want your store to be in this list, or have a product/service you’d like featured?
email: info@gregmacaree.com
Baldrick Switchy – Overview, xLights Setup & Demo
Here we run through the Baldrick Switchy relay board & demo its config, setup with xLights and demonstrate a running sequence with actions on the relay board.
Baldrick products are available now from the following resellers
UK: https://buildalightshow.com/
Australia: https://buildalightshow.com/
Netherlands: https://propixeler.nl/
USA: https://gilbertengineeringusa.com/ or https://www.wiredwatts.com/
To contact Greg, please email info@gregmacaree.com
Don’t forget to like, share & subscribe!
0:00 Welcome
0:22 Board Overview
3:55 Connecting Devices
6:25 Device Initial Setup / Firmware Download
8:05 Interface Overview / Setup
13:10 xLights Device Setup
14:40 xLights Layout
17:58 xLights Sequence Setup
20:15 Test Sequence
22:25 Review & Conclusion
4 Wire Pixels – Are they worth it ?
This week we look at 4 wire pixels, explain how they work & demonstrate fail over.
As they are native 12v we also look at the power consumption vs regular 12v WS2811 3wire resistor pixels.
0:00 Introduction
0:42 How does a Traditional WS2811 3 Wire Pixel Work ?
3:20 3 Wire Pixel Failure Demo
4:40 How does a 4 Wire GS8208 Pixel Work ?
10:15 4 Wire Pixel Failure Demo
12:08 Review of Resilience
12:35 Native 12v Power Consumption vs 12v WS2811 Resistor Pixels
16:00 Conclusion
Pixel Wars 2025!
Which Bullet pixels are optimal for 2025!
We review the new 24v Pixels and put them up against 5v, 12v 4 Wire, 12v Resistor & 12v Regulators to see which ones perform the best for luminance, power consumption & heat!