Falcon PiCap Setup and Test

[@jmccl9734]

This was really good, and useful for me setting up the Falcon for the first time - thanks for creating this and posting it!

[@sldkfj203948]

What is the purple ethernet cable connected to? Raspberry pi -> what? your modem? Or is it connected directly to the computer you're using to access the web browser? Can't the PiCap operate wirelessly?

[@virginiabob]

If possible, can you post a link to all the products used?

[@MattTube]

Can you send data directly from xLights?

[@marksnyder1296]

Matt-Tube no reply yet?

[@lightsonmatfield4031]

Yes. If your talking about live data you set fpp to bridge mode

[@jasonlipavsky7371]

Gotta link for the 3d printed case you found?

[@ericg2000]

Nice video... so the next step would be open xLights create the sequence, move the .fseq file to the pi then schedule it?

[@listentoourlights]

So you would open xlights then import the sequence into your layout where you get to choose how things map out. Then you render it, and drop the .fseq and .mp3 on your show computer (Pi, xschedule, BB, etc.) and Bob's your uncle.

[@funfun669]

is it possible to link multiple falcon piCaps together?

[@markzvo]

@listentoourlights How do we set up and utilize the DMX output?

[@imtack91]

i have no option for 2811 with latest firmware

[@B33SON1]

Personally, I liked the design and cost of the Pi Hat. it was half the price and did enough to be really useful. the whole point was to create a low cost node which it did really well.

[@abgarza911]

Can you show how to set RTC on FPP settings?

[@thirug5650]

What is the refresh rate based on the no of pixels 40 fps / 20 fps ..

[@slim00209]

I have watched a ton of videos on different pixels and controllers. This video is the first that I have noticed with a fuse between the controller and power supply. I understand that this is recommended, however I am confused on the size of the fuse. If I have a 30 amp power supply, should I have a 30 amp fuse or per the 80% rule, 24 amps? Hope this makes sense and thank you for all of the helpful videos.

[@Top40MashUpz]

of most of the fuses coming from pixelcontroller.com, they all use 5amp fuse, between the controller and the euro plug outputs. just keep your fuse between 10 and 25 if you are running 50-80% brightness(brightness on string controller properties in xlights is doable but not sure if the picap will also do it for you as configured, someone answer this for me.)

[@JstPlaneNutz]

Thanks for the video. Couple questions. What gauge of wire are you using for power? I would like a case that fits the Pi with the PiCap if you have more information on that and what's the battery for, do I need it? Mine didn't come with the battery.

[@listentoourlights]

I'm using 18 AWG for all of my power injection. I use pre-manufactured cables from US vendors with xconnect connectors. You can make them yourself (and I've done so in the past). Depends on what your constraint is time vs. money.

[@andrewm1967]

where do i get the pi hat from ?

[@acrixiacelestia7689]

@listentoourlights hi sir i have a question about the compatibility of picap. Can i use the older version of raspberry pi (e.g. Raspberry Pi 3 B) instead the newer ver. The "Pi3 B+" ? I have Pi 3 B lying around, and i wish i can use it.

[@listentoourlights]

I think so. Check the spec sheet for the picap to be sure.

[@epoweredrc]

Hi John, I would like to ask can you add extensions to the lights between the Picap and the light strands themselves? if so how long? I have ran a show for last few years using Vixen and using LOR 16 channel boxes but i would really like to add some RGBs to my roof line this year, cause my muliti lights for the house keep going out on me, i think the RGBs on the house would look really good but trying to figure out how i can add these. i also currently use a Rasberry pi to run my show. But it is normally sitting in my room right next to my PC close to the window where i run the Ethernet cord outside about 100 foot to my first LOR box. the lights would be as set up now about 20 feet from the box where i would start them on the house. Thank you for any info.

[@listentoourlights]

You can and it really varies depending on the voltage, number of lights, brightness settings, gauge of the wire, etc. In general I try to stick to 20' but you will want to test it out. There are solutions to getting longer runs like famps to repeat the signal and power injection.

[@dadstechtoys8345]

I noticed that the connector for the pixels is only 3 wire. Aren't the pixel lights 4 wire connectors?

[@listentoourlights]

WS2811 are 3 wire. V+, V-, and Data.

[@phatadam123]

Could I get the link to the 3d printer case?

[@phatadam123]

Hi any love?

[@xeazlouro]

What's the brand of the screwdriver you're using?

[@Top40MashUpz]

Pretty sure it's all over amazon if you look at the right places, a.co/d/6FaGaJ2 but there's a Swatom or Big Clive that you can purchase if you want to be specific.

[@ljmike1204]

i would love 3 with 6 pixel strings oh the cool things i can do to my bedroom

[@tonyclixby]

I installed a battery in mine so I can schedule my show but I can’t work out how to set the clock

[@lex.alzate]

what's the power supply you are using? 5v60a?

[@Top40MashUpz]

He's using 12 volts, so generally 29 amp PSU, and looks like the full sized meanwell style PSU. He did say afterall, when connecting the pixel leads that he shows around 10:30, 12v.

[@listentoourlights]

12v 29-30 amp

[@MrRgarcia112]

What if the lights don't turn on when I test them out? Do we need to program the Picap so the pi knows it's there?

[@chriso2072]

check connections. data only runs one direction

[@johnprice3447]

Can a program such as vixen be used to program this?

[@shannoncole6425]

I'm new to this, but my understanding is you export the vixen sequence and import it into the Pi. The Pi is running a Falcon to run it.

[@Newtron2000]

chanel 1 has 48 and chanel 2 has the 25 pixels

[@SwapnilBhartiya]

Apologies in advance but your set-up leaves us with MORE questions than telling us about the set-up.

[@michaelrobinson5509]

how do you sequence with a pi cap I'm using xlights

[@Top40MashUpz]

falcon player on the fppp uses fseq files, so basically you are on the right track by using xlights.

[@6-Iron]

You've got a massive 12 volt power supply hooked up to it and you still have to figure out how to get 5v to the Pi? For the love of God why? Why doesn't the hat power the whole thing?

[@mcmusicusa]

The PiCap can actually power the Pi. I'm currently powering my PiZero from the PiCap running off one 12V supply. The PiCap has a 5V regulator that it uses to send to the Pi. (The video seems to say you can only power from the Pi to PiCap, but you can do either.)

[@mikesdav]

@@mcmusicusa This is what I was wondering, didn't want to kill another raspberry pi haha.

[@imtack91]

an expansion card for more than 2outputs would be great

[@JasonJohnson]

A PiCapCap if you will...

[@bprigg]

SO the Pi was fully functional with Falcon Player before you install the PiCAP?? Can't the power ( 12V ) going to the PiCAP also runt he Ras Pi ??

[@Trevor_Green]

Sorry, did you say an /8 subnet? SMH

[@funfun669]

Can you do a "step by step" video how to download x-lights please.

[@cameron3395]

It just skips the power supply and how it's installed.

[@ski69bum]

Says he uses a 12V power supply. Its just 2 wires coming off the power supply.

[@xxrobxx25]

Derrick Hilton what gauge do you think ?? 14 ??

[@Trevor_Green]

8 bit netmask ಠ_ಠ