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!
Category: Uncategorized
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!
FPP 8.5 Pi5 SoundBlaster Setup
In this FPP Short, we hoock up a SoundBlaster Play!3 USB Sound Card to a Raspberry Pi5 to get audio out. (The Pi5 doesn’t have a 3.5mm Audio Jack).
We then configure it in FPP 8.5
Setting up your first controller in xLights
In this video we install xLights, add our first controller & pixels and get them running in a short demo sequence.
Which Raspberry Pi is best for an FPP Controller in 2025 ?
In this video we compare 11 Raspberry Pi’s, from the very first to the very latest to work out which is the best for FPP in 2025.
In conclusion, we identify the best starter, best overall and best in class.
Setting up your first Coro Prop in xLights
In this newbies video we setup a Coro prop from a commercial vendor, we setup xLights, check out the wiring diagram, push the pixels & then demonstrate it connected to our Baldrick controller.