Arduino Controller for Vixen Christmas Lights

[@annettepotter5933]

Just wondering what you used to hold the small wires in on the arduino, husband made one of these systems, but the small wires are not staying in, I see you used something to hold them in. TIA

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

Hot Glue

[@DJMovit]

Can Vixen play multiple sequences? Like, say I want 6 songs before it repeats or do you have to make one big sequence? Thanks

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

so in the show builder you set the sequences you want to use, under the tab startup, they only play once, and the same for the end tab. the middle tab sequence you put in the sequences you want to keep repeating. ill make a short video on it this week for you and post it on the channel.

[@DJMovit]

@@TheCanadianDailyofficial Cool! That would be great! Greatly appreciate it!

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

I made video for you its up. check it out, hopefully it answers your questions.

[@DJMovit]

@@TheCanadianDailyofficial thank you, when I get home tonight I'll check it out. I greatly appreciate your help.

[@rhtservicesllc]

What size screws did you use to connect the relay board to the wooden board?

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

maybe #6 5/8" long, dont know can't check I took it apart and rebuilt it elsewhere in another case.

[@terrilane4930]

How would you hook up fm transmitter

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

you dont on this controller, you use your computer audio output and run a cable between that and the transmitter.

[@Penfold8]

Only bad thing about this is that there is no dimming capabilities with these type of relays. If they are, how are you generating the zero cross signal?

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

I never use dimming, just on and off, but they did work for me when i tried dimming, I use Vixen Christmas Light controller it does all the work. how it does it, I don't know.

[@TechWithAndrew]

Is this better than xLights? I'm trying to make a neighborhood light show. I'm new to this stuff but really into tech so if you can give any tips that would be amazing.

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

I have not used xlights so i cannot compare, once you get the hang of vixen it works great. im using it this coming year also with DMX that is built in. makes so easy. just building and setting up is the hard part.

[@whopperlover1772]

How’s your show this year?

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

I have not done anything this year due to covid ive been so busy changed over to new laptop and lost all my sequences, as they would not update to new version, so I have shelved the lights for this year. I have been working on a single display item that is 16 channels alone but like I said been busy helping others out at this time.

[@semindemedia]

What code do You use in the Arduino for Vixen 48 channels?

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

here is the code ! www.dropbox.com/s/ry2yxnpcclmoqm2/vixen%20mega%202560%20code%20.docx?dl=0

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

I am running a new code in the arduino this year, so even if the arduino is plugged into PC and Vixen is NOT running, then the arduino randomly turns on/off relays for the lights. so it is kind of animated, but not to music. still 48 channels.

[@coreybradley9310]

@@TheCanadianDailyofficial would you be willing to share the new code?

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

@@coreybradley9310 yes of course. ill have to look for it tommrow.

[@mbe4639]

@@TheCanadianDailyofficial nice Work! Do you have a wiring schematic? Where will you post your new code?

[@whopperlover1772]

Any ideas on what to do if you can’t have a computer plugged in?

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

you need one of some type, pc, laptop, it does not run by itself.

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

I am running a new code in the arduino this year, so even if the arduino is plugged into PC and Vixen is NOT running, then the arduino randomly turns on/off relays for the lights. so it is kind of animated, but not to music.

[@whopperlover1772]

TheCanadianDaily I see! I’m actually using a raspberry pi AND an arduino. The raspberry pi will hold my sequences!

[@josephkielkowski6512]

Can you just load a mp3 file /CD music to play on the vixen3?

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

mp3 file, and then it syncs with the channels to the arduino and relays. but not by itself. the mp3 file is in the vixen 3 sequence

[@Manuel-bg4uw]

Thanks so much wix you show vixen conect to arduino same port usb

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

not sure what you mean or asking.

[@josephkielkowski6512]

What pins did you use on the Arduino?

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

pins 3 onward, go to Dee Higginbotham channel he has the full tutorial on it.. link is listed above in description.

[@DanielKrennonline]

Great except for waterproof tote..lol

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

I had it all in a garbage bag set just outside in an alcove so it never got rain or snow on it at all.