How to make Christmas light show with vixen using arduino and relay.

[@johnmarlett8652]

Thank you. My relays would begin the sequence closed and I could NOT figure out how to reverse this. You're explanation of modifying the code from not-inverted to inverted did the trick! Thanks!

[@highper477]

Great video and very informative. I wouldn’t have even attempted this without watching this video. I am Having trouble after configuring the board and configuring vixen. Everything seems to be working as my relay led’s are turning on in sequence but when I wire a set of working 120v light strips no lights turn on on the light strip. I have changed inverted to not inverted and vice versa. Any help would be appreciated.

[@clickthatmoment3062]

I am glad that my video helped you. Are you using mechanical relay if so than listen for clicking noise if it is making that noise that means it is turning lights on and if it is not making that noise that means relay is not working if you are powering relay directly from arduino try using external power supply sometimes there is not enough power for relays from arduino.

[@highper477]

Thank you! It is mechanical and no I’m not hearing any noise. I’ll try an external power supply and will post my findings. One more question regarding the power to the bread board. In the schematic could you show how the Arduino and bread board are wired? Sorry, I tried to follow the video but I don’t think I did it correctly.Thanks for the help

[@highper477]

I had two things wrong. I had the relay wired to vcc not jvcc and ground. It gave me power but wasn’t actuating the relays. I also disconnected the ground from the relay to the mega and everything started working. Now comes the hard part of getting props made and wired.

[@theonecommenter]

THANK YOU SO MUCH I honestly thought it was gunna be harder then this

[@TheAurel13]

Your explanations are simply perfect. As a newbie worked straightforward! The only thing I think is necessary (in my opinion) is to ad in the programming a pin on/of to all the lights. It could be useful to setup lights or make changes. Just a simple switch on/of to all channels. Thank you!

[@clickthatmoment3062]

aurel andrei yes it can be done by editing the last part of the code.

[@marshy3d983]

Thankyou so much wanted to build this and this video made it so easy workin on a couple of songs thanks

[@derekbowersox3554]

this is a great video. i got everything up and running very easy with 1 8-relay board. i would like to add another 8 relay board like you did but wiring to the breadboard to power the 2 relay board goes to fast for me. Do you have a wiring diagram for Arduino to the bread board then to the 2nd relay board? thank you

[@clickthatmoment3062]

I currently don’t have any wiring diagram. You need to connect relay in series from 1-13 on arduino pin. And connect power wire to them.

[@kyleschatz7570]

I have watched multiple videos and this is by far the best one to follow so thank you. Just one quick question... I hooked up everything the way it says and when I send the text header (~!) all of my relays just keep clicking on and off. What did I do wrong or how can I fix this? thank you in advance

[@clickthatmoment3062]

check weather you have selected correct com port and connect arduino before launching your vixen software.

[@jyddentz]

I have watched a lot of videos on how to do this. You guys made it so plan and simple. Thank you very much. Question...can you hook the relays to wall sockets to power the lights ?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

you can hook lights to wall socket but not relay you will need a 5v power adapter to hook relay to socket.

[@jyddentz]

@@clickthatmoment3062 thank you for your response.

[@306D1]

Thank you! Really good tutorial. I almost gave up! :D

[@clickthatmoment3062]

My pleasure.

[@vikarajeevikal6328]

Hey when I open my vixen software the relay turns on and it doesn't go off and doesn't blink or anything when I play music with sequence can you help me

[@theonecommenter]

so update i have connected everything and put the code in and now i need a windows computer to use vixen thats great with me

[@DJMovit]

So you ran your entire light display off those 8 relays? Quite impressive as I just watched the other video you made.

[@clickthatmoment3062]

I am glad to hear you liked that thanx for watching

[@3dprintlover]

can you link some more products for the boards and wires so i dont order the wrong things and is this water proof or do i need to build a case for it also do you need to use pixel lights

[@clickthatmoment3062]

These are not waterproof and if you are using relays than you will use normal light strings and there is different settings for pixel leds. You can purchase any arduino and relay for this project.

[@3dprintlover]

​@@clickthatmoment3062 what about the wires

[@ProjectShinkai]

I plan on trying this

[@j_dggaming6414]

Same.Do you really need to cut the wire in order to connect it to the relay

[@hounddogproductions]

Hello, I'm having trouble getting my Arduino to revive code from vixen. What its doing is it randomly jumps to relay to relay like a random mode? is there a way to fix it? I have Followed everything exactly but its still not working. Hope you can help!!

[@clickthatmoment3062]

did you type correct header

[@hounddogproductions]

CLICK THAT MOMENT what the correct one?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

SnowFlake Productions16 ~!

[@hounddogproductions]

CLICK THAT MOMENT I did it’s still not working

[@clickthatmoment3062]

@@hounddogproductions dm me on insta

[@ChristopherMorris-qj9kw]

Awesome video! This helped me set up a great show this year. One issue I am having however is my Sequences now for some reason show my alternating effects as empty with no color, and they all have a dashed outline. Even when I try to open a new sequence vixen won't allow me to insert an effect with a solid fill. Any suggestions?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Did you try reloading your software.

[@kurttrocino6274]

I ran into the same problem when I set up each element as blue. When I changed the lights to show as red, white, or green, they showed that color in the timeline and preview

[@mbatchelor1970]

Hey Chris where did you get your supplies i want to do this next year

[@shen747]

Could you please provide me a link to the string lights you used?. Thanks again for this amazing video🙂

[@clickthatmoment3062]

sure = www.amazon.in/KMG-Multi-Colour-Pixel-LED/dp/B09CPVWHJM/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=pixel+lights&qid=1629521303&sr=8-11

[@ColoradoAnimatronics]

Sometime this code works and sometimes it doesnt and starts randomly glitching out. When i plug my Arduino Uno into a charging station it also glitches out randomly. I have edited the code for Arduino Uno and I have edited the invertation. Please help I am building a animatronic. Should I order a Mega?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

C Martin did you plugged arduino after starting vixen if so then .Make sure to plug it before starting vixen. And everything should work fine.

[@ColoradoAnimatronics]

@@clickthatmoment3062 so the problem was i was using solenoid valves with the relay without flyback diodes

[@fjarcella1283]

Going deeper in to the light programing can you change it to do individual lights on the strips say doing a strip of 50 leds that are connected on 1 relay

[@clickthatmoment3062]

No thats not possible you can control pixel lights like that.

[@jonathanmurray2186]

Your code works great. Only thing I've been messing with is how to invert only certain channels. Can it been done?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Jonathan Murray no you cant invert certain channels with this code.

[@colinhabursky9037]

I don’t understand this that much but this may help. Try flipping the one wire on the relay you want to fix

[@omerdixon3612]

do you control it offline or how? I want to set up a schedule so that all the lights are on, then the show starts, then reset

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Its offline you need to connect a laptop or computer to control the lights. There is a schedule option in vixen lights from where you can create schedule for your show.

[@owencamilleri228]

Hello can you use all the digital outputs to connect more than 16 relays?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Owen Camilleri yes just define the number of relay you want to use in the code and you are ready to go

[@petravikasatnas]

Does the computer have to be always connected to arduino?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Yes it is sending data continuously to the arduino to run the show.

[@0707-h4y]

hello, Could you please explain how to connect an Arduino to a speaker for a light show display? thank you

[@clickthatmoment3062]

arduino does not connect directly to the speaker you need to connect speaker to your pc and arduino is used just for controlling lights.

[@joyaljoseph586]

i just followed your instruction..but when i add effect to turn on light as in 8:00 and then when i play the led's not blinking accordingly...instead it just blinks the random effect...why is that??

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Did you connect arduino after starting vixen.

[@hounddogproductions]

@@clickthatmoment3062 im having the same problem!

[@clickthatmoment3062]

SnowFlake Productions16 did put correct header in setting of vixen software

[@hounddogproductions]

CLICK THAT MOMENT ya ~!

[@quinnaio]

Thanks for this good tutorial. I had some issue with my relay turning on right after connecting to vixen. Changing the NOT_INVERTED MODE did not noting. Am I missing something? I got it to work by connecting the normally closed contact(off state) but it will not go on random on and off since Arduino senses output all the time including idle state.

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Flippin Blades as soon as you connect your arduino to computer relay will randomly turn on and off. After you launch vixen software all relay will automatically turn off.

[@quinnaio]

CLICK THAT MOMENT yes it will turn on and off randomly once pc is connected. the problem is when i launch the vixen program, all the relays will turn on instead of turning off. it will still respond to the sequence but in a reverse logic, that is why i have to land my wires to the NC contact(off state).

[@johnbutler7682]

Im having the same issues

[@clickthatmoment3062]

john butler there are three commands of inverted in code you have to change them all.

[@juansanchezserantes894]

If you search on youtube for “FNE Desfile de carrozas en Jujuy”, This is exactly what we use to make those effects

[@woww1993]

i am running it exactly this way this year but next year i want to run it with ethernet trying to figure out how to do it that way

[@clickthatmoment3062]

On ethernet like you want to control arduino with your pc using ethernet wire

[@Marley...]

Thank you for a great video. I'm having an issue. Everything works fine without the light but as soon as I connect the lights to the relay I can only run the show for about 10 minutes and arduino kick me out with timeout erro message. Any idea please. Thank you

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Marvin Baulechong try to reupload the code to arduino if it didn’t work try replacing your arduino.

[@Marley...]

@@clickthatmoment3062 I did, I have to reboot my computer in order to reload if not it won't compile.

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Marvin Baulechong your bootloader is not working fine try to reinstall arduino ide app or buy a new arduino if possible.

[@3dprintlover]

do i just use a fm transmiter for people to listen to

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Yes you need a fm transmitter for the people in cars and put a small speaker for the people on foot.

[@e_cillian93]

Can you show me how you wired the white usb into the green and purple wires for the power on the relay? I keep trying to pause the video on it but its too quick

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Elijah Angulo messege me on insta momentclickthat i will send you image.

[@e_cillian93]

@@clickthatmoment3062 thank you. I just sent you a message

[@juanbolivar35]

I am working on a project like this, but How do you transfer the sequence to Arduino and how to play music from the Arduino?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Juancho Bolivar no sequence is not transferred to arduino it is played on your pc and audio is also played on your pc arduino is just connected to your pc getting continous signal from software.

[@juanbolivar35]

@@clickthatmoment3062 Thanks a lot for your help!

[@KuyaRenren]

Hi, i was wondering with the block diagram. Is it Vixen, connected to arduino and to the circuit? How would arduino dtect vixen? Tnx

[@clickthatmoment3062]

MalipayongHulagway yes its vixen, here vixen detect arduino after uploading code.

[@clickthatmoment3062]

MalipayongHulagway before patching set color handling to rgb.

[@clickthatmoment3062]

MalipayongHulagway are you using pixels or relays, message me on insta i can help you there properly.

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

how do you change the random section so that relays are not random but all on if arduino loses connection.?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

In code under random mode turn both channel to high

[@TheCanadianDailyofficial]

@@clickthatmoment3062 I did that and they only stay all OFF. If I set both digitalwrite lines to HIGH or LOW. they all stay off. any idea?

[@gregoryashcraft9484]

Your tutorial seems really good, but I am running into an issue. After I configure the system and the relays stop randomizing and turn solid (with the Rx light flashing), I program the new sequence using Vixen, but the arduino does not seem to recognize the sequence. The relays just continue to remain solid. Do you know what I am doing wrong?

[@gregoryashcraft9484]

I figured out that you have to opt out of the color configuring on vixen when you create the single item on this version of Vixen because it will automatically prompt you to configure it now.

[@clickthatmoment3062]

@@gregoryashcraft9484 yess u have to set it to single colour than it can patch directly to the controller. I am glad to hear you figure it out. Thanx for watching.

[@tonycheeses]

How do you make it that the relay module is not always open/red on vixen

[@clickthatmoment3062]

By inverting it from arduino code.

[@jonathanhansenius5323]

If you need more 16 relay, for exemple 30 relay are necessary, how add more relay? With new arduino card or extensions or choise 2 card 16 relay Ethernet with a switch? Thank

[@clickthatmoment3062]

jonathan hansenius just connect one more arduino and change its com port in vixen that will work.

[@petravikasatnas]

Do i need 12volt or 5volt relay modules?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

I have used 5v relay you can use whatever you want. But give relay external power do not power them using arduino on board power supply.

[@amvlogeltv8741]

i have issue in vixen, the chart or tables do not display. i exactly do what you did but why can't i see tables for the effects

[@clickthatmoment3062]

It might be problem with your vixen software try reinstalling it.

[@marlonleiva9335]

Can I use this for pixel lighting

[@clickthatmoment3062]

no this code only works with relay there is another video for the pixel lights.

[@boggsiesvlogs2778]

I have a question I am done plugging up my relays to the Arduino but when I plug it into my computer I cant figure out how to open the program to code the Arduino. any advice?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Launch arduino ide and copy the code from discription and paste in it and hit upload.

[@boggsiesvlogs2778]

@@clickthatmoment3062 thank you for your response

[@mysterian8426]

Hi! Do you mind if you could help me setting up a couple solenoid valves to Vixen lights. I just need a little bit of advice, please. Edit: By the way, the code is not working.

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Mysterian yeah u can connect your solenoid valve to relay directly and about code this code is for arduino mega and for arduino uno you have to edit it.

[@mysterian8426]

CLICK THAT MOMENT That’s what I did, but it still didn’t work.

[@magomerlinog]

Is It possible to create a fade effect in Vixen3? Maybe using solid state relays instead yours?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

MagoMerlinog its not possible it is only possible in pixel lights.

[@magomerlinog]

@@clickthatmoment3062 thanks for your answer. And the arduino code will be the same or not? Unfortunatelly i don't know how to code.

[@clickthatmoment3062]

MagoMerlinog code will not same for arduino uno and nano you have to edit it for them.

[@Phantom0507]

I'm experiencing some issues, as soon as i plug in my arduino to my pc. the relays start going on and off at almost random, without my vixen software even playing anything

[@clickthatmoment3062]

They are programmed to do a random sequence. as soon as they will get data from vixen they will become still.

[@Phantom0507]

@@clickthatmoment3062 Yeah, I ended up fixing it. Turns out i just messed up the com selection :)

[@jurgenandreekassens1976]

Moin Tolles Video Wieviele Relais kann so steuern? MfG JAK

[@sawcpancakes8710]

however many you can fit

[@MortenHahn93]

Hello Mr. can I use this code with solid-state relay can't get it to work?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Hahn Solo yes you can use this code with solid state relays

[@MortenHahn93]

Thank you so much love your channel

[@mymetrin]

Hello please help help I'm learning ... I have copied and paste the code but can't load to my mega 2560 keep saying Stray '#' in program I'm I doing something wrong? I'm using 32 relay and using 22 to 53 pins I have changed those number in the code Thankyou

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Juanito Juanito i think you have copied the whole program try copying it after the line “here the program begins” it should work.

[@stevetaylor2943]

How much power do the relays require?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

these relays require 5 volts.

[@sanb3586]

Thanks you give me an idea

[@sanb3586]

Hello can I use Nano and what changes do I have to ?

[@sanb3586]

And how can I add delay for each relay

[@fatzspizzasafari]

When I try and connect my relay pins to the arduino pins nothing signals? Help please! (Its not sending the signals to the Arduino)

[@clickthatmoment3062]

make sure you have connect your relay power wires correctly.

[@fatzspizzasafari]

@@clickthatmoment3062 Got it working now thanks!

[@vikarajeevikal6328]

How can we use different songs should a new code be made for arduino

[@clickthatmoment3062]

To use different songs you need to create new sequences in vixen the code will remain same.

[@vikarajeevikal6328]

@@clickthatmoment3062 thank you for replying

[@ronaldfernandes5697]

Once I save ; and save separately on sd card I want to play directly without openings computer so how to do that pls explain

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Ronald Fernandes with the help of raspberry pi

[@joshuabroek]

What is the best way to connect more boards to it lets say like 10

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Josh Media just connect them to other pin of arduino

[@angelosanchez3824]

How many power will need in uno for 16 channel?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Angelo Sanchez you need to externally power your relay arduino can’t provide that much power to power 16 relay.

[@xxemaninjaxx7254]

What version vixen are you using?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

xXEMANINJAXx vixen 3

[@robinalgenas8113]

Hi. I've followed your video and done exactly the same but can't get the relays started. How do I get what I created in the vixens to Arduino?

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Robin Algenäs did you send header

[@robinalgenas8113]

@@clickthatmoment3062 Hello thanks for the reply I'm new to programming and don't really know what you mean by send header? I have 16 relays. can only post 2-8 and they will be green / red. 1 and 9-16 are transparent and the relay does not pull. 2-8 works perfectly and the relay pulls. what have I done wrong.

[@robinalgenas8113]

@@clickthatmoment3062 or did you mean "Send a text header" ~!

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Robin Algenäs yes

[@robinalgenas8113]

@@clickthatmoment3062 I have done that. But only gets 2-8 to work. When I add "alternating" the relay does not pull on the others. It will only be a transparent box and not a colored one. Think it must be a setting I missed. There will be no good light show with 7 outputs: D

[@shanekinsella7076]

What is your external power supply

[@clickthatmoment3062]

i am using a computer power supply to power them all.

[@shanekinsella7076]

@@clickthatmoment3062 thanks for the fast reply, would you have a picture I could use, I am completely lost when it comes to stuff like this

[@clickthatmoment3062]

@@shanekinsella7076 picture of connections.

[@shanekinsella7076]

@@clickthatmoment3062 sorry I did not get the picture

[@clickthatmoment3062]

@@shanekinsella7076 dm me on insta aur fb.

[@lancevillalobos6568]

How do i connect my christmas lights to power and to the arduino? Knowing my lights is 220volts each

[@clickthatmoment3062]

by using relay you can connect relay dc to arduino and lights ac to ac of relay.

[@lancevillalobos6568]

@@clickthatmoment3062 oh okay, another question. Is the power supply necessary?

[@lancevillalobos6568]

If so, where did you plug the wires after?

[@lancevillalobos6568]

And last question, is the breadboard really necessary as well?

[@jurgenandreekassens1976]

Hallo Das ist ja nicht schlecht aber gibt es das auch auf Deutsch ?

[@ronaldfernandes5697]

Hi there! Wizards. Of winter you did it, , then show the tutorials. To me how u did it. Or. If u hv something else on your mind. But i request u to keep it zoom. And go slow. And d most important. How to save it. The same one can play everyday. And next video. Of your . How to add and save 2 or 3 songs of christmas. I hope i m not boring. You. Thanks

[@KuyaRenren]

u can adjust the setting on youtube to make the video slow

[@adamtsang3233]

Hi, when I use this code, my Arduino RX light just flashes continuously and will not turn on any relays. Please help.

[@clickthatmoment3062]

did you make correct arduino and relay connections.

[@adamtsang3233]

@@clickthatmoment3062 Yes I can control the relays normally via a different Arduino script. When I load Vixen my RX light just continuously flashes and doesn't switch any relays

[@clickthatmoment3062]

@@adamtsang3233 did you send correct header (~!).

[@jovenesrios]

How i Can send correct header?

[@tbmm2]

This isn’t bad but it goes WAY TO FAST when connecting the relays

[@3dprintlover]

what wires do i use

[@clickthatmoment3062]

For normal distance use jumper wires and for long distance use cat6 ethernet wire.

[@KI5QMT]

background music name?

[@ronaldfernandes5697]

Hi you hv not shown. How to save the file after making the sequence.

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Ronald Fernandes go to files and click save as.

[@ronaldfernandes5697]

@@clickthatmoment3062 thanks

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Here is the christmas light show: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6iaanakr6aJnLc

[@nicholasg4315]

My vixen program crashed every time I put in the serial speed and text header pls help!!!!

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Simple Savages try to reinstall your software.

[@nicholasg4315]

I have tried that and also older software versions but nothing seems to work. :(

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Simple Savages try disconnecting arduino and then put serial speed if that doesn’t work then try changing serial speed.

[@nicholasg4315]

IT WORKED!!! Thank you soo much! Amazing tutorial

[@ABIN2210]

Hi, i need this light show vixen sequence file

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Abin Antony that sequence will not work with your show because it depends on how you place lights and how many elements you have.

[@xxemaninjaxx7254]

Can yo make a new tutorial please

[@clickthatmoment3062]

I’ll think of that.

[@pizzabackenmitdenprofis]

NeoPixel Lighshow using Arduino: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGKloHSJetqYebc

[@ronaldfernandes5697]

Hey hi. Where are u

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Ronald Fernandes here only

[@mindbreaking]

PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS STYLE RELAY FOR YOUR SHOW. You need Solid State Relays, the shown style mechanical relay will fail.

[@josenono13]

It does not work well

[@akshayharihar3074]

I think the code is wrong

[@clickthatmoment3062]

Akshay Harihar no its working try it again

[@bhagat3660]

Bhai log laundain nai mehnat ki vi

[@bhagat3660]

Its prbhjot singh

[@magmagth4346]

many thanks for this tutorial , but I search a lot about library (avr/wdt.h ) but I couldn't find it , so can you help me to find it and download it? again many thanks

[@clickthatmoment3062]

you don't need to include these library they are already existed in the arduino ide. you cant find these online.

[@magmagth4346]

@@clickthatmoment3062 Thanks 🙏👍

[@magmagth4346]

@@clickthatmoment3062 It is still in Black font and not turn to red colour,

[@clickthatmoment3062]

@@magmagth4346 it will not turn to red it stays as it is, what specific error you are getting. it is 'A8' was not declare in this scope.