Falcon F16V3 Pixel Controller

[@kevinratynski3343]

This is my third time watching this in 2 yrs. Fantastic video explaining everything perfectly.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Glad it helps.

[@troyavidano2524]

This is one of the most helpful videos I have come across in my search to understand what it takes to get into Christmas lighting.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! I'm glad it helped!

[@markkozik7963]

Just received my first board and this was awesome! Thanks for the time and effort in putting this together!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks Mark! Enjoy the new controller! :)

[@kerstlichtshow4822]

Nice video! Gives a quick overview of what the F16v3 can do! Just got mine delivered from UK based reseller

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Can you post who that reseller is? There may be others looking for one in the UK.

[@andrewsauceda5065]

Great video as always. Making the switch next year to rgbs. And watching your channel makes me confident I can do it. Keep up the good work! Made me a permanent subscriber

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Be sure to check out the forums and or Facebook groups I have linked in the descriptions. They are a valuable resource and have many good folks to provide help when you have questions - and you WILL have questions. lol Good luck with your journey!

[@coscontv]

AlphaPix user here and I think I have about enough. Past two years I have been fighting with five large trees in front of my house that are 150FT apart from end to end. Time to try Falcon. Great video TY. Tom Chapman

[@CanispaterChristmas]

LOL! Well, far be it from me to talk you out of that, but what problem are you having?

[@racheldandrea5314]

Great Video - Enjoy all your stuff. Just bought my first falcon cause of you.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Be sure to tell David! LOL! They are fantastic controllers! Tag #canispaterchristmas on Instagram once you're set up. Love to see the display! Have fun!

[@robdaugherty2010]

Got my F16V3 today. Can’t wait to get my pixels!!!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Cool!

[@goofy2be1]

Nice job on this video. Very informative. And very professional. Have a couple V2’s. Got my first V3 today.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

+jeremy jackson Thanks! Awesome! Quite a difference from the V2 huh? I was totally blown away once I gave it a closer look. I'm looking forward to upgrading the firmware to turn some of the dormant hardware on.

[@carlosbarreto1213]

awesome video just getting ready to purchase a FV3 for next years displays gonna need lots of help. Thanks for a great start.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Awesome and welcome to the hobby! Be sure to checkout the forums and Facebook group links. They are a wealth of information and have many folks to help you through it.

[@Alan_Hans__]

Beautifully produced video. Just the sort of thing I'm looking for for my blinky bits.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

👍

[@lauramcdougal3952]

Jeff, Can I run a differential receiver from a BBB with octoscrolla? I want to add some pixels to a P5 sign. Thanks

[@CanispaterChristmas]

No. That's why I used a 6804.

[@trapp88]

I agree with Alan H; "Beautifully produced video." If this (video production) is not part of your day job, maybe it could become a lucrative hobby. For my first attempt at blinkly-blinky, I hope to get a few Pixels hooked up and running with another one of David's fine products....the Falcon PiHat.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Hey Pete. I'm an iOS Software Engineer during the day. Budding filmmaker by night. Always loved making movies, but haven't had adequate editing tools until recently. I equate video editing to sequencing lights. Just the right amount of fiddling needed to keep me happy. LOL!

[@nickangiuli2725]

Will you be coming out with a new video on the Falcon F16v4?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Yes. I'm expecting to get one any day now.

[@DragonHeir8585]

Good video. Very informative and educational.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks!

[@disparky]

I bought this board along with the expansion boards. I may replace my E1.31 bridge setup with it in the future when the stand-alone and audio features are added. Hopefully this year?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

👍

[@Collinsfamilylights]

I just got mine last week they have switches now instead of the pin selectors for voltage and power selection

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Cool! Thanks!

[@dashcamil]

Great video! Very informative! Documentation for this stuff is hard to find!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Documentation for the controller or how it all fits together? There is a lot of documentation for the controller itself at www.pixelcontroller.com/store/index.php?id_product=48&controller=product and then there is a great getting started guide on auschristmaslighting.com for general pixel-related stuff.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Then of course, my entire channel is a veritable treasure-trove of valuable information! :)

[@dashcamil]

I guess more starting out from scratch. I've seen the crazy light shows and started to go down the rabbit hole. It's not easily google-able unless you know the specific model(s). I went to doityourselfchristmas.com to find the model names for boards, looked up the board they had on their site, but it was discontinued, found this one-- found this video. I guess the community is growing, but man is it tough to just "find" this stuff uding general terms.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Ah! OK. Yes, totally understand. It's a bit of a learning curve. LOR was the big gorilla in the space, but they were mainly AC-based. There were competitors, but they were king. As pixels gained favor, other boards started showing up. SanDevices got big and is a popular board. The Falcon line came out and is what I consider the Cadillac of boards - really solid engineering and support and I like the direction their headed. Many people use them so there's plenty of help online. Falcon controllers, MeanWell power supplies and xLights sequencing software works for me. I'm now an exclusively Mac user so needed something that would run on a Mac. If you're a developer, the source is available online as is FPP for the Pi. In the software world, I'm a believer in more eyes on the code is better.

[@dashcamil]

You have saved me TONS of time by typing out the names of the components you have. Seriously. I honestly started with LightShow-Pi this year, but am looking to take it to the next level for this upcoming year. Is there a forum/group/subreddit you follow for this stuff? or is it really that scattered? LightshowPi has a google group that is pretty active, and pretty helpful. I have so many questions about what LEDs to get, pros,cons... etc..

[@jonathandeplanche5964]

Very nicely done!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

👍

[@adamrowe6625]

So I got my f16v3 the other day in the mail and I like the board it works great, however the power for the left and right sides of the board have to be the same voltage, the two jumpers are gone and were replaced with one switch. Still trying to figure out the differental receivers.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Not sure what you mean. Two power connectors. The left side powers ports 1-8 and the right powers 9-16 plus the board electronics. If you're running the same voltage on both, just run 2 pairs from the power supply, one to each side. The differential receivers may be the new ones. Check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6qqoGpsg6-SmK8

[@adamrowe6625]

@@CanispaterChristmas on your board you have two jumpers in the middle of the board to switch power from 5volts to 12 volts so you can power ports 1-8 with 5volts and then you can power ports 9-16 with 12 volts if you wanted...however on mine the jumpers have been replaced with a single slider switch so all the ports have to use the same voltage.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@adamrowe6625 That doesn't sound right. My board has 2 jumpers, but that only depends on what you have coming into V2 as it sets the voltage for the electronics on the board depending on input voltage. It has nothing to do with what you have on V1. Do you have both voltages or just getting familiar with the board? I know things change from time to time, but you may need to reach out to David if he's updated something I'm unaware of. His info is at the bottom of his website.

[@adamrowe6625]

@@CanispaterChristmas I sent him a email to ask why the change, I can show you. Pic if you have a place I can send it so you can see.

[@javierserena6595]

Hi! Really good video! I've just bought a F16V3 and I'm trying to use it with Madmapper. But I can't see the controller as DMX output device in Madmapper preferences. Any suggestion?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! I’m not familiar with Madmapper, but assume it has to do with the connection to your PC somehow. Do you have a cable from the DMX output to your computer?

[@lucianopazona9976]

Use artrnet!

[@JustForFun-ho3db]

Awesome video! My v3 will be here Monday. Question you said the board needs 12v to power correctly I’m running 5v pixels if I switch the jumper to external power how many amps for the 12v power supply is needed? Can I use a wall wart? Secondly I have two 5v 60amp power supplies one for V1 one for V2 what size fuse should I use before connecting to the board? Or should I just use one supply feed both inputs if so what size fuses? Thanks for the help I don’t want to fry the board on the first day. :) I only dove into this because of all the videos you’ve posted and I’m ready to switch to pixels. I’ve been running 110v standard leds for my shows last couple years. Xlights will be a challenge to learn I’m used to vixen. But I figured out how to build all my current controllers from aurduino a and relays so I’m sure I can figure this out with time and help.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks and Welcome! You don't need a fuse between the power supply and the board (it has the fuses). As for running it off 5V, I'd just try V2 first, but if you notice the controller resetting unexpectedly, it may be the voltage on V2 is dropping due to load on the PS and an external wall wort can be connected to the external power connector. I wouldn't start with one though.

[@JustForFun-ho3db]

CanispaterChristmas ok thank you! Keeping my fingers crossed!

[@joeskolengaden2641]

can you do a video on how to update the firmware for the f16v3 And explain the improvement and additional features being added

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Joe, I haven't updated yet. David said a new update process was coming, but I haven't seen it. I believe it currently requires a Windows PC which I don't have. As I understand it, the main improvement is the WiFi chip is turned on and it can function as a Falcon Player remote. As soon as I update, I will do a video, but I don't have a timeframe just yet.

[@joeskolengaden2641]

@@CanispaterChristmasI think the new version is available on the product page and the update could be done in two ways via USB and via the network The network method works with both mac and windows. The USB method works only with windows. www.pixelcontroller.com/store/index.php?id_product=48&controller=product As per the above link the latest available version of firmware is 2.01

[@CanispaterChristmas]

There is a video up there for updating the older controllers with a java tool, but the only updater I see for the F16V3 is the Windows tool.

[@kentintexas5928]

I've used your videos to get my first set of lights up and really appreciate the information your presenting. Really straight forward and enough details to get things setup correctly. I setup my Raspberry Pi with FPP from your other videos and have the Falcon F16v3 with one F16v3 Expansion Board. How would I expand beyond 48 ports and still only have one FPP? How do really large shows expand their setup?

[@kentintexas5928]

I just remembered the ethernet out port that can be used for daisy chaining controllers. However, your comments to handle a large show will be very appreciated.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

You're on the right track - multiple controllers.

[@lightsonmatfield4031]

Wow the best explanation ever great video I subscribed👍👍

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Welcome to the channel!

[@royalcreations]

Jeff, Can you do a “step by step” video showing how to download x-light programs to this controller to control a 16ch “Mega Pixel tree” please. Thx

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I use this controller as a data converter (E1.31 to SPI). I'll have to check to see if the FPP Remote functionality has been built into the firmware, but I haven't used it if it is. Generally, we use players (Pi/BBB/PC) to schedule and play the xLights output files (FSEQ) over the network.

[@royalcreations]

Canispater Christmas aka Jeff. I just bought a “Pi and a falcon V16 controller” , but can’t find any decent step by step instructional videos online how to set it up. Appreciate any help. Thanks. Roy

[@CanispaterChristmas]

OK. I suggest watching Keith's xLights training video (in my beginner playlist). Actually, go through that entire playlist if you haven't already. What you want to do is set up xLights so that it can program the F16 & Pi for you. So much easier than trying to do it manually.

[@hilianoisabella]

Great great video. Awesome work

[@CanispaterChristmas]

👍

[@MrSeanmeighan]

The wifi module mentioned at 5:07 is supported with the latest firmware. I have used this board to act as a FPP slave. No rpi is needed. One other item is to get an antenna to raise the signal strnegth of the wifi. Her eis the antenna i use: www.amazon.com/WIFI-10-dBi-2-4GHz-Antenna/dp/B000SEQGT2 And here is the cable you need: www.amazon.com/U-FL-RP-SMA-Pigtail-Antenna-Cable/dp/B005UWD0EG/ref=pd_bxgy_147_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=87J10T239JCA3JX9ES32 This antenna raises a 75dbm signal up to 55dbm, a 100x improvement in signal.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks Sean! I'll have to try that out. And thanks for the awesome video on xLights.

[@BHensley]

Awesome, been waiting for the wifi. But i've been worried the signal strength won't be good enough. Glad to hear you've had success adding a good antenna. Buying!

[@georgewolanin6078]

This post is 5 years old, and I am wondering which version of the firmware supports the WiFi module? I have v2.59.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Check the network tab in the web interface.

[@billsimpkins35]

I am a beginner. Where do I begin? Is there a 101 beginners class I can take?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Go through my beginner playlist. Not all of the videos are mine, but it should give you a good overview of everything involved. Plan for next year as you'll have trouble getting everything you need for this year. It's a bit of a learning curve, but the we can usually walk people through it.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Yes, take @McCathern Family Lights advice - very wise.

[@SMALLTECH]

GREAT JOB THIS VIDEO !!! SUPER !!!!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

👍

[@klreeve123]

This video talks about some of the hardware on the V3 being supported in future firmware releases. Have any of those happened since the release of this video?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

If you have a Windows PC yes.

[@Kerflop1]

Great video... I went to the Falcon website, but I don't see the white version of the F16V3, just the red. Is there a difference? Thanks....

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Good question. I've got an email to David asking if he did another run. I haven't seen anything about it on the forums, but it's possible that the red boards are just the production run of the same thing that came out in the group buy. I'll respond again once I hear back from David.

[@paulreinhardt6052]

Great video as always Jeff! Thanks! I just received my v3 which I bought because of this video. Question: you mention the SD card can be used for stand-alone mode in future firmware versions. Would that allow me to skip the Pi setup and run everything in my show from here - including sequencing, audio output - plugging my fm transmitter to the audio out of this board?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

My understanding is that the firmware update can turn it into an FPP Remote, but not a Master. You still need a Master. I haven't tried it.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Oh and Thanks! Trying too hard to answer the question! :)

[@ryanhanlon9984]

Adding this to my show this year very helpful thank you! One question can I just plug my soundblaster into the F16 usb now? Im not getting any sound and don’t see the soundblaster option in the FPP drop down when I plug it into the falcon?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

To my knowledge, that isn't possible. David would know if he has built that into the firmware or if he has plans to. My understanding is that the F16 can function as an FPP Remote meaning it can sync with an FPP Master and read the data from an SD card and send it out to the lights. The FPP Master is where you want to get the audio as it would sound strange if you pulled it off a remote that speeds up or slows down based on the synchronization with the master.

[@diydaddoes9710]

Another great video. I have a question as usual but how do you determine how many pixels can be run off one port. I understand that power injections will be needed for longer runs but does data start to drop off too? Or is just a matter of trial and error?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! The F16V3 is 1024 per port, but if you add expansion boards, 1024 is shared among the main board and the expansion board and there is a slider to determine the allocation.

[@li2buenafe]

Yup... it was very useful.. Better to use one brand to all controller.. tenx CCJ..

[@CanispaterChristmas]

👍

[@dafttone]

How do you power this? DC? Where do you get DC power from

[@CanispaterChristmas]

AC to DC power supply. Most use the MeanWell supplies because they are reliable. You can use the cheaper ones, but have some extras on hand just in case.

[@alex-j-cole]

Hey Jeff, thanks for all the great videos! Question for you, does the falcon F16V3 and the expansion boards share a common ground? I’m planning to do 1 f16v3 with 2 expansion boards and 3 power supplies, one supply per board. Do I need to wire power supplies together or will the boards link together for common ground? Thanks!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

You shouldn't need to worry about it. Ground is provided through the ribbon cable for the data line. As long as you only power pixels off one board, it will be fine. If you plan on using power injection from one board to another, you may want to rethink that. 😂

[@alex-j-cole]

@@CanispaterChristmas thanks! My plan is one string of 80 pixels per output, 48 strings total, zero power injection. All power will be delivered from the board and two expansions.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

That's pretty close to the edge for 100% white for typical pixels. You may want to drop the brightness a little to give yourself some headroom. You'll want to run some experiments, but sounds like a good plan depending on the power supplies you will be using.

[@alex-j-cole]

@@CanispaterChristmas yeah I totally agree! 100% brightness is out of the question, I was thinking somewhere around 20% brightness. The power supplies I have are 3 meanwell LRS 350.

[@redghostoutdoors2359]

I finally received my ready to run falcon F16V3. I plugged it up and hooked it to the the computer. Everything seems to come on and work. However I did not seem to get a falcon screen with channels and what not like you did. I'm sorry but could you point me in the right direction. Do I need a falcon pie player to run lights. I was hoping buying the ready to run controller meant what the title implied. I plan on printing of the manual tomorrow at work. It come with no manual what so ever. sorry to be a nuisance.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

No worries. When the controller comes on, the screen should show the logo then settle on the IP address it received via DHCP. Type that IP address into a browser (assuming computer and controller are on the same network). You should see the config pages. You don't have to have FPP to run the lights. xLights has an output to lights function or you can use xSchedule (part of the xLights download) to play your sequences from your computer. The controller also has several test modes just to get the lights to turn on.

[@Mobil351]

Hello, I am your basic no nothing computer person. That being said watching your videos has answered a lot of questions about led operation and systems. I am going to try working with leds this year and try to build a Xmas show. I’m hoping you can prove some guidance here. What in your opinion is the best and easiest software to run a show, and where would get it, and will that software operate a matrix, and are there places you can get pre packaged sequences, until I can make my own. Thanks, MG PS you do a great job

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks and welcome to the hobby! Go through this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLFyrAfJ-kKd4ZfPdXWIt8v_bav61mW_KW It may answer most of those questions. You might consider buying a matrix kit from some place like DIYLEDExpress (where I got mine and I have several videos about that build in kzbin.info/aero/PLFyrAfJ-kKd73_nPCrfQAiAFBrOEUQT80). Definitely join the forums I have posted in the descriptions - plenty of great people to help and answer your questions (most likely better and faster than I could). Also, those forum sites have a vendor section where you can source sequences for sale. Good luck and keep me posted on your progress!

[@nicolasrv1991]

Hi Thanks so much for your videos, it has been very usefull for my business in Colombia. I have been trying to get a couple falcon for months but still out of stock. It will be very valuable if you make a review like this to other alternatives, like the HinksPix controller. There is no much information about other controllers with similar specifications, so maybe you can help us. :)

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I'm happy to hear the videos help! I only use Falcons which is why I only have Falcon videos. I think the supply issues are hard on everyone and he's been getting some randomly. I know that isn't too helpful, but it's what we have right now.

[@giannibarin2278]

Fantastic controller. Is it possible to buy the falcon f16v3 in europe?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I don't know for sure. Contact David Pitts directly (bottom of the page on his website). I know he's been burned by international transactions before, but may have something set up by now.

[@giannibarin2278]

Thanks for your advice.

[@stephenkamin1345]

Any Idea where I can get, or what the name of the plugs are on the output ports?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

They are 3.5mm Phoenix Contact, pluggable terminal blocks or euro-connectors. Dave sells them in 8-packs on pixelcontroller.com for 4USD, but most large electronics stores will have them as well.

[@matthewclark1205]

What Software do you use to setup your shows on the falcon F16V3?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I use xLights to create the sequences and Falcon Player to play them.

[@eherpin]

Need help, I want to power half of the board with 5v and the other half with 12v. How to a set it up..???

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Power V2 with 12V. V1 with 5V. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5SkiayZjLOGrq8

[@juanbolivar35]

how can you do to put the audio in a jack port?, thanks

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Not sure I understand. Are you asking about audio output on the F16? If so, you may need to talk to David as I don't run the F16 as an FPP remote. His contact info is at the bottom of the pixelcontroller.com web page.

[@systemguru1]

does the F4v3 support LOR or just the F16v3?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

F4 supports it according to the manual. I don’t have experience with it.

[@Prince_Quick]

Can I place 2 differential expansion boards in same f16v3...???

[@CanispaterChristmas]

If they are the chainable type, yes. Keep in mind that they will steal up to 4 ports from the main section at the bottom. What are you trying to do?

[@Prince_Quick]

@@CanispaterChristmas thanks for your reply...👍

[@Prince_Quick]

Can i ask one more question...???

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@Prince_Quick What are you trying to do?

[@Prince_Quick]

@@CanispaterChristmas I am new in this hobby so i trying to learn more about this

[@georgewolanin6078]

I have a question about the differential expansion board. When it is stated that the port SHARES the total pixels, meaning 1024 total pixels per port does this mean the following: If PORT 1 utilizes 600 pixels and PORT 2 utilizes 552 pixels. Does this mean that if I get ONE differential expansion board and FOUR Smart Receivers PORT 1 will allow me to only connect 424 pixels and PORT 2 will allow me to only connect 472 pixels as well as PORT 3 and PORT 4 on the first Smart Receiver board? I have 2 matrices running on F16V3 ports 1, 2, 3 & 4. 1st matrix uses Ports 1&2 2nd matrix uses Ports 3&4 Is the above the way that the ports will work

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Things have changed a little in the last year or so and I'm not sure if the V4 firmware has been back-ported to the V3 - you may need to experiment a little. There is/was a slider in the upper right-hand corner of the (Output -> Pixels [may have changed a little]) web interface to apportion 1024 pixels. So port 1 on the main board shares 1,024 with the expansion card(s) and the slider tells who gets what). Let's say you split it in half. 512 for the main board and 512 for the expansion. Any differential receiver chains will share 512 on each port so all port #1s in the chain share 512, all port #2s in the chain share 512 and so on. At least that's how I understood things and have been using it. I only have one 1,024-pixel matrix and I split it into two ports so I could bump the frame rate to 40fps. In your case, if you set the slider to 512, it means all the main board ports get 512 and your setup (if I understand it correctly) should work.

[@lisadwhitworth]

Good job!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

🙏

[@rickwolfe2789]

Hi Jeff - I've spent about 5+ hours watching your videos and we are now old friends (well, I guess it is a one way friendship 😊). I have ordered a F16V4 and since you did a great job of explaining the F16V3 thought maybe you could do one on the V4 with all the updates. I know Keith Westley & David did one buutttt..., I think you might do a better job - just saying.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Haha. Thanks! Yeah, I am working on a V4 video (or series of them).

[@loluracing]

What I don't understand is the power supply. 32A total per side and a 5A fuse per output and 1024 pixels. Correct? At an average of .3w/LED on a WS2812B, to utilize 1024 pixels on a output your talking around 300w@5v=60A per output. So do you have to power these externally? What's the point in powering strings/strips through to board at all? Or don't you?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Most people use short strings or reduce brightness to get longer strings while staying under 5 amps. The "trick" is called "power injection" where you add power to the string at one or more points along the string to bring the power going through the controller below 5 amps. The 5-amp fuses protect the traces on the board, but [the board] is also capable of sending enough data for 1,024 pixels from each port. Expansion boards are available that break the 1,024 up into smaller segments giving you more ports for smaller strings. Here's a playlist of power injection videos I've done if you're interested (kzbin.info/aero/PLFyrAfJ-kKd7WfE9H5uho5KHZFGKGn7iY). It really only makes sense if you have a large concentration of pixels in a relatively small space. It is also a bit of an art form and not recommended for new people since there is plenty of other stuff to learn.

[@loluracing]

@@CanispaterChristmas CanispaterChristmas I understand the power injection and I am an electrician by trade. I just don't understand why you would run any power through the board. I'm looking at a project to light a clock tower at my campus. There will be over 200 meters of 60pixel/meter LED strips for a total of over 12,000 nodes/LEDs over several power supplies. I am assuming I can I just bypass the boards power supply and just use the boards ports for the data?

[@loluracing]

great informative video by the way. Also the link to the injection video didnt work for me.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Hmm. That's a playlist of videos. If it doesn't work, look for the playlists tab on the channel.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Awesome! People come into the hobby with varying levels of expertise so I try to keep it as simple as possible. Yeah, that's a little bit of what I'd call "special use case" so you may want to do it differently. Yes, you can bypass power distribution on the board, but bring data and GND out of the ports or you may get flickering pixels. At least a good common between the power supply(s) and the negative side of the controller and the pixels. If distance between the controller and first pixel is more than about 25-feet (actual distance depends on just about everything), you may want to use in-line F-Amps.

[@leeaxe3936]

What controller do you use to test props?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Whatever is on the bench at the time. LOL! F16V3 or F48.

[@MarkWRoberts]

You told me to message you here instead of email, so... now I have my Falcon F16V3 Controller, MacBook Pro Im running xLight's I have 1 string of pixels connected, rather than searching ALL of your video's again... do you explain how to create just the simple sequence to test new pixels... you know where they just run through Red, Green, Blue, White in that slow cross-fade? I know Ive seen the video, because that where you mention when you get a new order from Ray, you like to test everything to make sure it's all good. Ok, I want to do the same thing... How Please ???

[@CanispaterChristmas]

You can just put the controller in test mode and it will light up the lights. It’s called color wash. You can either hold down the test button for about 3 seconds or turn it on via a web browser.

[@MarkWRoberts]

ok, hooked up some pixels and ran the test button, on ALL strings, about half don't light up? Puzzled...@@CanispaterChristmas

[@CanispaterChristmas]

You may have to change the outputs. I think default is 50 per string.

[@MarkWRoberts]

That's what I was thinking...@@CanispaterChristmas

[@johnrusch2903]

I have watched your videos and love them, thank you so much for the information. I am looking to start a display using both pixels and old style 120 voltage lights. I am planning on getting a F48 Differential Controller and receivers due to the size of the yard. can xlights be used to control relays for the old style AC lights. I had planned on using Arduino but after watching your videos I see that will limit what I can do in my display. do you have a forum that you would recommend for a beginner? thank you for your time

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Really all of the forums or all of the FB groups or both are great. If you have specific questions regarding xLights, then the xLights forum (nutcracker) or the xLights support group. To answer your question, yes, xLights supports AC lights. There are videos out there talking about that (I've seen them), but I don't recall where I saw them - possibly GilRock's or Clyde's channel. There is AC in most of the forums, especially Planet Christmas which I see is not on my list (planetchristmas.com). Welcome to the hobby!

[@lucianopazona9976]

Hey!! thank you so much for the videos! I have a question, I have 2 missing Fuses: that means that channel will not work again??? Please help on this one.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I believe they are just 5-amp ATM fuses. You may find them at an automobile parts store. Here's an Amazon link: amzn.to/2qJzORu

[@lucianopazona9976]

@@CanispaterChristmas thank You! I am figuring out what s the problem. I have a 5V 40a powering V1 and V2 and a 5meters ws2812b in one channel, the best un this case is Power injection? If the fuses don t work Power injection is posible, data pin still work? Thanks!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Data pin still has data. Be sure to use a fuse for power injection. :)

[@lucianopazona9976]

@@CanispaterChristmas so i need to repair or replace the fuses for Power injection? Last question, is there a problem if I use a 40a in V1? Ir this 40a in external Power?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Fuse any power for safety. No matter how big on input. Board fuses protect the board.

[@jonathanbutton1]

Does the Falcon controller support RGB W or RGBWW lights?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Maybe. There is a list of supported pixel chips on the web site at pixelcontroller.com. Do your pixels or the ones you're interested in fit that list?

[@jonathanbutton1]

@@CanispaterChristmas I believe they are UCS 1903, which appears to be on the list. Do you know if you can control RGB WW lights in X-Lights software?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Jonathan Button what is special about them? I don’t think xLights cares what lights you have.

[@jonathanbutton1]

CanispaterChristmas , I’m a newbie so I guess my knowledge is low. I actually don’t have the controller yet, or the software but want to make sure it will work before I buy the controller. I need the lights to be a warm white3000K rather then the cool white 6000K normally produced by RGB LEDs. So I just want to make sure I can achieve the warm white color via the controller and software.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@jonathanbutton1 Hmm. Send Keith Westley a note. He's one of the xLights devs and will know for sure.

[@adamrowe6625]

I ordered a falcon f16v3 board and I am curious if it comes with the plastic plugs for the wires to plug onto the board or do I need to purchase them separately?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

They come with it.

[@adamrowe6625]

@@CanispaterChristmas I thought so just wanted to be sure..tyvm

[@SimonGoldberger]

How do I find out which version of the pixels I have ? I have WS2811s and now I'm worried I have dumb ones rather than addressable

[@CanispaterChristmas]

How many wires do they have and how are they marked. If t hey have 3 wires and have DI or DO for data, they are smart. If there are 4 wires and no data lines, might be dumb. Why do you think they might be dumb?

[@SimonGoldberger]

@@CanispaterChristmas thanks Jeff, they have three a white a green and a red one and they have an arrow in so I think they are smart thankyou.

[@08Budweiser]

So if one connection can do 1024 pixels, how many can I do 12v without power injection? I want to build tree 17ft approximately, around 204 pixels on 1" center spacing per branch. So hoping can zig zag at least 2 branches per connection without power injection. Also, what is max cable length typically from controller to string?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Many factors determine how many. Brightness is probably the biggest factor (I run mine at 30% brightness). At 100%, you're typically looking at 80-100. I run strings of 300 on my tree at 30% only injecting at the end. How far also depends on the pixels. You can usually go at least 20-feet sometimes longer. There are way to increase the distance. If you need to go much further though, you may need to look into using differential receivers. They can go 328 feet. Check out my beginner playlist if you haven't already (kzbin.info/aero/PLFyrAfJ-kKd4ZfPdXWIt8v_bav61mW_KW).

[@boydbros.3659]

WHEN is the WiFi coming?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I thought he had a firmware update that turned that on already. Last I checked, the update only worked on PCs so I haven't updated yet.

[@Emtarnold67]

Thank you so much. I am waiting for my falcon v3. I have 3 ren 24ss and 2 arduino 16's, pixels are going to be new this year, quick question can I run the Ren's off of the falcon? I will be using a single network cable from laptop running vixen 3, to falcon then to Ren's ? I hope so as I only have 1 cat 6 from my desk to the outside and I'm already short on time and will never have time to figure out wireless thanks again for a great video

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks Frank! I believe so. The DMX output on the should be able to drive the Renard boards, but totally out of my wheelhouse here. You might try googling or ask over on the Falcon forum. Surely someone over there has the experience needed to assist.

[@ericpeterson4895]

If this does not support dumb pixels what is the best option for running a combination of both dumb and smart pixels

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@ericpeterson4895 I did a video on the board from Hanson Electronics (kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpScmIKOnLBqZ5o&lc=UgwehM_DZEr0Va2GQ-R4AaABAg). It uses SPI data to drive the dumb pixels so should work with any board that outputs to RGB pixels.

[@joeskolengaden2641]

can you update the things on the firmware

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I haven't tried it yet because the update is for Windows only, but I'm told it is a stable update.

[@joeskolengaden2641]

CanispaterChristmas can you help me to get some controllers to INDIA. Which is the best options in setting up good shows.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Which controller do you like? How many pixels are you planning to start with?

[@joeskolengaden2641]

falcon controllers. the f16v3 and its peripheral devices too. I will be controlling 5000 pixels in the beginning but may increase to over 10000 pixel within a year

[@CanispaterChristmas]

International shipping is a little tricky from what I understand. I do know that David will ship controllers internationally if you wire him the money or use Paypal Friends and Family. You can get pixels directly from the manufacturer in China. I've always ordered from Ray. What peripheral devices do you mean? That sounds like a nice show you're planning! :)

[@fijinelsonq]

Are these compatible with Light o Rama controllers? Mostly I was interested in the 4-String Differential Receiver Board they sell. Would like to add it to my PixCon16 board.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

The differential receiver is a range extender designed to be used with a differential transmitter (F16, F48 or F16 differential expansion board). You can send data to LOR controllers from the DMX outputs on an F16 or F48. So run pixels off the F16/48 and chain the LOR controllers off the F16/48. He does have an F4 controller, but the value proposition is an F16V3.

[@fijinelsonq]

@@CanispaterChristmas I wanted to use the differential receiver with the LOR PixCon16 since it outputs to a dmx device. I don't have any of the falcon controllers and was only interested in adding the receiver because it is so cheap and would be closer to some other props. But information is very limited so not sure they are compatible. I believe they are though. This device. www.pixelcontroller.com/store/index.php?id_product=45&controller=product

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I understand, but that board is no good by itself. It has to be used with a Falcon controller.

[@ovsims]

the V3 has three dmx ports. can I use two ports to run 2 differential receivers?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I believe the answer is "kinda." DMX1 has all four serial ports so it can support a full differential receiver. DMX2 supports serial port 2 only and DMX3 supports serial port 3 only. To run two full receivers, you would need the DMX expansion card. If you only need 1 port on the differential receiver, I believe 2 or 3 would support that, but not all four ports. At least that's my understanding. David would be the person to ask for 100% accuracy. His contact info is on the pixelcontroller.com web page at the bottom.

[@camaroryder]

When using the F16v3, if I want to use the 4-string differential receiver board, I will need a differential expansion board to go with it, correct? Also, random question. From the F16v3, How far can the pixels be from them(estimated of course). I have a smaller front yard and don't need to go more than 30 or 40ft if placed in the center of the yard.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

By default, the F16V3 can support 1 DR board from the first DMX output port, but it takes away 4 pixel ports to do that. Diff expansion is needed if you use all the pixel output ports or need more DRs. As for the random question, pretty much everything affects that. I can do 20-feet reliably, but might have to get creative after that. Standard pixel wiring isn't great for data at longer distances. I have used a strand of Ethernet cable for extending distance, but you have to bring power along too (a custom cable: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGGueot6h9CGec0). You don't want to run power through Ethernet cable since there isn't enough copper to carry the load.

[@camaroryder]

@@CanispaterChristmas Awesome! I really appreciate the fast reply. I've been watching every video you've had so far involving Pixels. LOVE the videos. Next year, I'm going to attempt to put together a really nice show. Hopefully, I won't bug you too much during this journey. As far as the link you provided, it isn't working for some reason.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Also check into the xLights Zoom room (see xlights.org) and listen to the troubleshooting going on. Might be helpful.

[@wkm001]

Whatever David paid for this video, he got a deal. :-)

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Haha. Thanks!

[@jinvents8448]

@@CanispaterChristmas Hi, do you know if there is an updated manual for the f16v3? The current manual has up to firmware 2.0 and it seems from your videos, that a lot more features that the manual says are to come have been implemented. I am completely new to this type system, and trying to learn as much before I dive in. Thank you, J

[@dougwotherspoonjr1559]

If I daisy chain a second F16V3, how far can I go. As it stands right now I am looking at no more than 60 feet and that may be estimating long.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

That is just standard ethernet cabling so 100 meters or 328 feet.

[@DavidGarate55]

So you can daisy chain another F16V3 (as shown) from the shielded ports (ETH0 or ETH1) but not a 4-String Differential Receiver Board? Are they different protocols?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Correct. The shielded ports are Ethernet. The DMX ports are serial. Cables are the same. The differential receiver can only be run off DMX port #1 (if you want all 4 ports). DMX 2 & 3 only support one port.

[@DavidGarate55]

@@CanispaterChristmas thanks Jeff. So if I want more than one expansion controller I need a differential receiver then out to the expansion boards?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Well, a differential receiver only extends the range of up to 4 pixel output ports. An F16V3 expansion card adds 16 pixel output ports and a differential expansion card adds 4 differential output ports (16 pixel output ports if you use 4 differential receivers). You can't use a differential receiver to run an expansion board - expansion boards only connect to the F16V3. The F16V3 supports up to 2 expansion boards. The terminology is a little confusing. :)

[@SimonGoldberger]

Hi Jeff I've got my v1.03 version of this board and powered it with 5v on the V1 connector, the first 8 fuses light up green. but my LED screen is not coming on, is there anything I need to do other than set the jumper to 5v to make this work ? any ideas ?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

The board electronics are powered from V2 so you need power to both sides.

[@SimonGoldberger]

@@CanispaterChristmas ahh I see thanks

[@MattTube]

Sold

[@MattTube]

Just purchased one. I'm guessing you think this is better then the e682? Did I hear correctly that each universe can run 1200 pixels? So each connector can run 1200 pixels?

[@MattTube]

Wanting each connection to run a stand of these: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CNL6O2Q/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@CanispaterChristmas]

You may be confusing channel output with the E1.31 protocol. A Universe is 512 channels. A smart RGB pixel uses 3 channels. You can run 170 pixels per universe with 2 channels left over. RGB pixel controllers support X number of pixels per output. 100 pixels at 100% brightness, all white will consume roughly 6 amps at 12V, exceeding most of the current-handling capability of the traces on the boards (so they're usually protected by 5-amp fuses). Even though a controller may be able to support 1024 pixels per output (or whatever), you can't run all of the pixel power through the board. You will need to inject power at one or more points along the string to keep them fed properly and keep the current through the board at an acceptable level. I have and use both brands of boards in my display. For the last couple of years, my purchases have been Falcons. Does that answer the question adequately and diplomatically? lol

[@CanispaterChristmas]

If you use the full 5m, you will probably need to connect power to both ends of the strip unless you run them at a lower brightness level. Check out my video on power injection (kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKexamSOea1ljJI).

[@MattTube]

Thanks for your help! Got it figured out and will also make videos to help others through the process. Here is the first video I mad and my progress. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5SVkIV-jr9lipY I now have the falcon f16v3 up and going!

[@mrteausaable]

Have you tested PixLite 16 MKII controller? What do you think compare to Falcon? I not sure which one to get. I want to be able to use with Raspberry and PC software.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I don't have any experience with the PixLite controller, but it looks like it accepts E1.31 so I'd say probably. You might want to contact them to be sure. Otherwise, the Falcons are excellent boards. I know there is a firmware update available for PC users that enables some of the dormant hardware on the board, but I haven't updated mine yet because I'm on a Mac. The Mac version is coming soon tho.

[@oliveogo4202]

Hello can you order the map from France thank you

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I don't know. Contact David. www.pixelcontroller.com/store/index.php Email is at the bottom of the page.

[@ericguyah]

I have an LOR controller will I need this to run pixel lights though LOR controller? What will I need in addition to run pixel through LOR controller? Thanks

[@CanispaterChristmas]

LOR does have pixels, but I don't know anything about them. You could use this and xLights (free software download), import your LOR sequences into xLights and run your LOR controller and the pixels off the Falcon.

[@ericguyah]

@@CanispaterChristmas thanks I'm gonna try

[@powerpartssuppliers]

price pls

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I don't sell them, just showing it off. Check www.pixelcontroller.com for more information.

[@kentintexas5928]

How do you maintain polarity when using to 30A power supplies to the F16v3? Not all of my pixels are lighting up when running my xLights sequence. Could polarity be the issue?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Do they all work when you run the controller in test mode?

[@kentintexas5928]

@@CanispaterChristmas Yes. Test mode from the F16v3 and using FPP both work. I think the problem is with my setup in xLights. Because of the load of my lights, I'm using inputs 1-4 & 9-11 on the F16v3 and can't figure out how to set the controller on the models correctly in xLights to ignore the unused inputs. Thank you for the quick reply!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

OK. Make sure you've set up xLights according to Keith's video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqXInoGsg8umg9k

[@kentintexas5928]

@@CanispaterChristmas I figured it out and am SO excited!!! I had to deactivate the channels I was not using in the F16v3 in the setup tab in xLights and updated the Falcon Player and the F16v3 from xLights. Used a different Keith video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJfEqWiIgJh5jas), but had to figure out the deactivate by trial and a lot of errors. Learned a lot through the process! Now I can expand and be totally ready for Christmas 2020! Love your videos!

[@kentintexas5928]

@@CanispaterChristmas By the way, I used your Raspberry Pi and Falcon Player video series for my setup using a Pi4 Model B. It's beautiful!

[@mrmark501]

Jeff,If it wouldn't be too much trouble, could you post a picture of your differential receiver box and tell us what it controls? I'm trying to figure out if 1 power supply will do what I want. I know it depends on what I'm driving, but if I need 2, I'll add a distro board for power injection.Thanks

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Current, I’m only driving two strings with it so one power supply. One string is running at 30% and the other is 100% with power injection. Not sure how to post a pic on KZbin.

[@mrmark501]

Thanks. I thought you could copy and paste a picture and it would show up in the replies. I was thinking of using a remote to control my roof lights and garage doors and windows and another to control yard perimeter and floods. I'm also building some snowflakes out of frames I bought at Hobby lobby after Christmas. Hoping to copy someones existing model for pixel placement. I'm also thinking of making a couple of wreaths for the center of my gable ends. Lots of small stuff in remote locations, but I want to run off of one controller if I can. Your videos have been most helpful.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Sounds like you’ll be busy a while! lol

[@mrmark501]

How many pixels on each of your 2 strings? Just curious.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

120 & 175. 120 is power injected.

[@chrispospisil7180]

d can this board take the place of a pi or do I still need one to get my show going I am just starting my journey and don't make much money the board would save me some money if I don't have to buy a pi and the falcon too can you help??

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Well, it can take the place of a slave Pi, but you will still need either a Master Pi or a computer to run your show. If you run from a computer, I'm not sure slave functionality would be useful as FPP wouldn't be in the picture so there would be no timing packets for the slave. I haven't updated my firmware to take advantage of the slave functionality so for me, it's just an awesome controller! :)

[@chrispospisil7180]

how do I link it too a way to use my plug in lights for the show

[@CanispaterChristmas]

You will need an AC controller like LOR or Renard to plug the AC lights into. The Falcon can output DMX to those controllers as well as run the pixels.

[@chrispospisil7180]

Thanks I did call falcon the guy there is just as helpful as you have been thanks for all the help

[@ovsims]

just for clarification. the 1024 pixels per output. does each smart pixel count as 3 pixels RGB or do they count as 1. I've been watching a lot of different videos on these things and kinda got confused.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

1,024 pixels = 3,072 channels. One for red, one for blue and one for green. This supports 1,024 pixels per output, but you'll need power injection for that many as the fuses are max 5amps.

[@Kev7274]

Has anybody used the Serial Ports for Renard controllers? For some reason,I'm not getting any activity no matter what I do.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I don’t have any. You might check on the forums or Facebook groups. Chances are that someone there has.

[@Kev7274]

It was a faulty crossover cable. Everything works fine now.

[@Emtarnold67]

@@Kev7274 I am waiting for my falcon v3. I have 3 ren 24ss and 2 arduino 16's, pixels are going to be new this year, quick question can I run the Ren's off of the falcon? I will be using a single network cable from laptop running vixen 3, to falcon then to Ren's ?

[@Kev7274]

Hey Frank. Yes,you can run the Renard SS24 off the Serial port of the Falcon. I only use one though. Output one of the Falcon has all 4 of the pairs used for the different outputs (especially a 4 output remote). Connect the Renard to output port 2 or 3, which have a single pair. They also have a ground, if your devices need it. I was using output #1 and nothing was happening,used output #2 and it started working. I use a Falcon Player for my show,but I do use my desktop for testing purposes. I have a network cable to the Falcon and then a network cable from output #2 serial port feeding the SS24. Hope this helps.

[@user-jt3nf7in5w]

Any of these “firmware features” ever come to life?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

WiFi at least, but I'm not sure what else since I haven't upgraded any of mine yet. See www.pixelcontroller.com/store/index.php?id_product=48&controller=product for the latest release. If you have time, want to help find issues and don't mind occasionally bricking your board, the firmware is under active development at github.com/dpitts/f16v3_issues/tree/master/f16v3. I would caution, that is for advanced users tho.

[@juanbolivar35]

ohh too bad, I was going to but one and they are out of stock

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Hmm. I know he said he was low on inventory, but you might send him an email and ask when he will have more. I believe he was expecting some to come in soon.

[@KiwiPhil.]

so many things " will be supported in future versions of firmware" that never happened lol

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Some did. Some didn't. Things change. 😂

[@lmjhalloween]

150th comment!!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

😂

[@TheJaztram]

Question...... can I add a second expansion board to my f16v3 but run one of them at 12 volt and the other at 5v. My f16v3 will also be at 12volt.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Both the F16V3 and the 16-port expansion board have 2 power connectors (one for 8 ports). You can run 5V on one side and 12V on the other. Just make sure you don't plug your 5V strings into 12V. :(

[@TheJaztram]

thanks