Part 3: How to build a Pixel Matrix/Pixel Grid for an outdoor Christmas light show

[@johnlaw1952]

Mr. Johnson I enjoyed your Christmas light show on Light Fight. I am glad you have posted these videos. I have just tried to build my first mega tree. I have found that it is a little harder than I thought it would be. I wished that I had seen your video before I started. You are a master at pixels. I hope to do more in the wiring and controllers and sequences. I love how you explained and demonstrated how you built your displays. Remember we novices are very interested in every step of the learning curve. Keep on teaching us.

[@shamanstarcircus]

I was really amazed with this grid when I saw your light show and am so surprised at how simple it was to make. You are really great at explaining how you make things and your process is so impressive and precise. Thanks for these videos. I am so inspired! :)

[@mustardseed308]

Thank U, I have learned so much from you. U gave me ideas & tips that I could have never thought of myself, i.e. using a jig for drilling holes evenly. As a mom I've always loved decorating for Xmas but wanted to learn how to do these different amazing displays. Ur a great teacher which shows in ur kid's abilities too. Thx again.

[@ckgames7184]

love what you do. can't wait to start working on my own elements for my own pixel display. until then we'll be happy with our incandescent family display. Keep up the good work and continue to give us little guys inspiration with your videos. Happy Holidays from mine to yours.

[@wshnlc]

Love your how to videos! Thank you! Im not sure however if I'm more impressed with your techniques or with your garage!

[@carltoncabral7561]

Mr.Johnson thank you for the video tutorial on the MATRIX. This was once awesome tutorial.

[@JJ_ExMachina]

Awesome video and build. I am currently in the market to "build" my own dancing light scene for my house. I just started looking and found that the "kits" that are available are out right crazy overpriced. Almost a grand to do what you just did there in this video for a fraction of the price. Yes there is some labor involved, but the kits are not fully assembled either and still require a fair amount of work to finish them. Thank you for these DIY videos on building the light displays and all the hard work and effort you have gone through to produce these videos.

[@bmacy68]

Sir, A huge THANK YOU! for creating these videos.

[@smartalec_christmas]

Exellent, Well done, Vixen 3 does it again.. (gotta love it)

[@JRMcDowell]

Thank you for sharing your creativity. I so want to try this myself, and you have helped inspire me to try.

[@IJustWant2Win]

AWESOME! I think I found my retirement hobby!

[@starfuel1]

Drilling the 1/2" holes using a step drill. The drilling jig only works if there is a beginning hole in each piece of pipe. How did you establish the very first hole in each pipe?

[@LivingLightShows]

starfuel1 The first hole on each piece of pipe is drilled manually, than every other hole uses the peg on the jig to line it up. Then at the end, the jig is used to cut the ends so they are flush. I think it explains this in the video...

[@starfuel1]

Matt Johnson I guess I missed that. When you were showing how the jig worked, I noticed the pipe you used already had a hole in it and everything lined up perfectly in the end and I thought if the first hole is off a little, how can it all line up? I understand now that it is a fool proof method you have designed. Great video, Great engineer, thanks for explaining it to me.

[@abdultairu]

How did you drilled the first hole? Did you use a different jig for that?

[@mikeharo2568]

Matt, I couldn't find anywhere that you listed what size PVC pipes you were using. Can you let me know? Also, what size hole were you using for the standard 12mm bullet pixels? In you video it looked like you were using the same size holes on both sides, does that actually work? I was thinking the pixel would all through the front hole. I'm trying to get ideas to replace some current PVC window frames that I just had RGB dumb light strips attached to them but I want to replace them with pixels so your idea I think would work for me also.

[@chrishall3519]

I've been trying to drill these holes with a jig for this for nearly 2 weeks now. I have a drill press and everything seems to be inlined when I go to drill the holes. when I drill a few holes I look down the pipe and it's slanted always. any help please would be greatly appreciated. just can't figure out what is causing this to happen to these pipes. could it happen if the pvc pipes r warped to begin with from. sitting outside?

[@tonyclixby]

Excellent. Thank you. I am on a budget. Any idea how many pixels total I would need to make a viable matrix please? I am new to all this but may use your pipe idea to line my roof/gutter.

[@jimhamilton8285]

Hi Matt, great video. I am just getting into this. I'm piecing together what I need based on your videos hardware wise. Question though, wiring the string of pixels do you wire each row together then splice vertically and end up with one connection that goes to the controller? Or do you have to stop at so many pixels then hook them to the controller and pick up from there to another output? Having trouble on the hook up of pixels to the e682. Can it support up to a certain amount of pixels? Or can your example of a matrix be all wired together parallel then to the controller with one connection? Thanks for your work!

[@robertocgomezdelacruz]

hello Matt I really like York videos I'm a Dj so you give me a great ideas for building a background pixel video curtain for my dj thanks for sharing your work and knowledge I really appreciate

[@joshheller4961]

where do you buy the controllers i cant find them with google and what type of power supply are you using thanks

[@lowones]

Matt, Can you tell me the part # or model of the bullet pixel you use to properly fit the 1" PVC pipe?

[@ChrisS-id2gk]

Joshua, yes he is using DMX..by name he is using a Sandevice E682 controller. Yes LOR will control it if you configure your sequence to use it. Msg me if you have questions..

[@ianwilkinson7200]

Great Video series, very helpful, any chance you could do a tutorial on the programming using Vixen, thanks

[@musicmaneman38]

Can you explain the zig zag paternity and how you connect to each universe?

[@aaronswank]

This is awesome! I was wondering how did you add the videos to the matrix once finished? Were they pre made images or did you create those? And what program did you use for your sequencing? Great video! Gonna use some of this for my pixel tree this year1

[@LivingLightShows]

+Aaron Swank I created the animations on the matrix in photoshop using animated gifs and then imported them into the sequence using the Nutcracker effect in Vixen 3

[@bluefalcon1952]

I might just do this first, hopefully soon.

[@ipscone]

I'm curious how you sequence the text on your pixel matrix. What software do you use for the matrix? Is it just tediously hard programmed or are there simplified effects for text?

[@markzvo]

+ipscone Vixen 3 has all that built in - not tedious

[@TismSpicey]

check out the falcon pi player. just go to the falcon Christmas forums and start reading the FAQ. it's a lot to take in but you'll learn so much.

[@barrfootskier]

sweet thanks for your videos very knowledgeable

[@donnythedingo]

I so wish I could afford to make one. Does size matter at all? Maybe I can start small.

[@fishking107]

Hi Matt, are the holes 2" on center or 2" between. Thanks

[@LivingLightShows]

+fishking107 2" on center.

[@bikr]

Hey Matt! Amazing work. I just built a 3" on center grid 25x24 and I'm curious. How do you setup your graphics to ensure they display and/or work properly? Example , your bell graphic. What was the resolution of the final JPG you used for that graphic etc? Do you edit them to match your grid resolution exactly or just make a square image and load it up ?

[@imlon2]

When the matrix is running does it light the room up behind it? I would like to do 2 matrixs but one is my young child's room that I would hate to be flashing all crazy while she is trying to go to sleep.

[@chrishall3519]

does this pixel matrix only use one e682 circuit board or how many just for the screen? I have 2 boards right now just wondering if I need more or if everything runs off of one for just this screen. thanks

[@CoryDorningMaker]

Would schedule 40 pvc work?

[@LynAskinFamily]

Awesome Matt. Can't wait to see your show on TV next week. I do have a question I hope you can answer. . . How did you determine the number of pixels you used in your grid? I'd like to make a couple for next year, but the windows they would go in would be a bit bigger than your application. Is there a certain pixel density/distance calculator somewhere? I'm trying to determine the spacing and how many pixels i'll need. Thanks in advance!

[@LivingLightShows]

Lyn Askin There is no density calculator, I used 2" spacing which works well from about 50' viewing distance with 1/2" bullet pixels. If you use pixel strips they have spacing of 1.33" but the pixel light is smaller. Unfortunately this is not a mature enough hobby/technology to have resources beyond guess and check to determine what works best in your application. Someday maybe someone will make a calculator, you would enter the pixel size, what you want to display (text, graphics, patterns, etc.), viewing distance, etc. and it would pop out the optimal spacing :-)

[@LivingLightShows]

Lyn Askin As for your question on the number of pixels, that was determined by what fit best in the window frame.

[@LynAskin]

Matt Johnson Perfect. Thanks Matt. I'm sure it'll be a little trial and error, but I'll figure out what works best. Thanks again, and I appreciate your response.

[@CoryDorningMaker]

Would you recommend using WS2813 or WS2818 pixels now, so one bad node doesn't affect other nodes?

[@joshuacleveland3136]

First off I would like to say that from the videos I have watched of your displays, you do amazing work. I have not got into the pixel lights just yet due to the cost. The way pixels have been explained to me is there are strands that can be all the same color at the same time are called dumb RGB and strands that give control over the color on every single pixel known as smart RGB. How do you know what you are buying because I have followed the links you have given to Ray Wu's website and they are not labeled that way. Also as a second part question are you using a DMX network or LOR because I am rather new to this stuff and I am currently running only 64 channels on an LOR network and I was wondering what I need to make pixels work with what I already have.

[@digital8oh8]

Your show is really awesome!!! I like how clean everything is,,from your shop to the installation for your show. I have a question about the pixels on your shutters. Did you install the lights on a second set of shutters to be installed for the show?

[@LivingLightShows]

digital8oh8 Yes, it is a second set of shutters.

[@digital8oh8]

WOW!! That is such a great idea. I watched the video a few times after I noticed the shutters were different. Thanks for confirming. Keep up the great work!

[@GeneBergerMN]

Hello Matt, can you tell me how many Pixels in each of your strings? When I search for "DC12V 12mm WS2811 led smart pixel node" on aliexpress, or alibaba I see the strings come in 50pcs, and 100pcs most of the time. Which ones did you buy?

[@myozone]

+Gene Berger I wondered the same thing, Matt says he uses 6 strings so each must be 170 LEDS(pixels) per string I assume. With 170 at 50mA each that would be 8.5 amps so more than the 5 amp maximum out current of the e682 - he must use power injection ?, Maybe a replay from Matt might clarify the situation.

[@GeneBergerMN]

myozone I agree, Matt? I am almost 100% for sure using power injection.

[@junaidmasih7644]

will you upload how you use software video?

[@markmitchell1742]

Matt, are you using 3/4" or 1" PVC?

[@Napoleonlova]

Where did you learn to do all this? Your displays are just outstanding

[@Jowry]

How long would you say it took you to complete this grid/matrix in total?

[@Napoleonlova]

How many pixels did you use and how much would that cost?

[@KevinWu787]

Hi Matt, Just a few questions... Did you buy the material for the jigs at Home Depot and I was wondering how you attached the pieces for the jig together. Thanks

[@LivingLightShows]

Kevin Wu They are just pieces of MDF that I cut and glued/nailed together.

[@JoeSpaulding]

Matt, I love the design. I was going to use peg board and just drill the holes bigger. I like this idea better. By the way, how big of holes did you drill for the bullet pixels. We have the same ones from Ray.Thanks Joe

[@LivingLightShows]

I used 1/2" holes. I also used a step drill bit which worked better than a regular bit, especially for thin walled PVC

[@ramonrios2535]

Hi Matt I have a Q ? for the matrix you are using vixen 3 software only correct ? or is there some other software to run the text ?

[@zacksimon731]

Hey Matt! I love your home setup. How did you program the lights though?

[@ipwizard08]

Matt, Awesome videos! Could you do a video on how you setup your sequences in Vixen 3? I'm interested in how you control the matrix's with the software. I have seen how people program sequences, but I haven't found anyone doing a matrix with the software.

[@rickryan2007]

Great videos Matt. Do you use more than one SanDevices e682 Pixel Controllers to run your show, and if so, how many do you use? Rick

[@LivingLightShows]

Yes, I use 6 of them. I will be posting my entire show for 2014 in the upcoming weeks. I could get away with less than 6 if I used external power injection but I have chosen to just use more controllers and less outputs once I max out the two on-board power connections supply capacity (each Power supply supports 29A)

[@rickryan2007]

Yep, I just watched it - very informative. Looks like a very clean, well designed layout. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@kamachris]

This is pretty fantastic Matt, what software did you use to control all this and program your light show? and did you need more than one of the E682's? 6 universes of DMX is a lot but I can see how that would get used up pretty quick.

[@LivingLightShows]

kamachris I used 6 e682's for my entire light show. You could run 2 matrixes off one e682 but it would require external power injection. The software I use is Vixen 3.

[@kamachris]

Matt Johnson Sweet thanks for the info.

[@adriankucinski238]

Where can I buy such a net?

[@KevinWu787]

Hey Matt, A few more questions if you don't mind.(I really am getting into this) I just wanted to confirm with you if these pixels were the one you purchased. www.aliexpress.com/store/product/100pcs-DC12V-12mm-WS2811-led-smart-pixel-node-with-all-black-wire-20AWG-IP68-rated/701799_1932863171.html #1 Are the pixels you purchased all connected together when they came? I noticed when doing the math, that you need to purchase 11 sets of 100 pixels since the total amount of pixels is 1020, which I believe gives you 80 left over. I'm a bit confused on that part on what you do with the remaining pixels. #2 How much light controllers do you suggest to buy just for one light matrix? #3 If I wanted to run the show directly to a computer, how would you do that? #4 Can the show be powered directly from computer or does it need an additional external power source? #5 How much cans of spray paint did you use for the total 30 rows? #6 For the spacers, which screw size did you select? 1/4", No 6, No 8, or No.10? Thanks again!

[@musicmaneman38]

You can get them much cheaper. Keep looking. Www.diyledexpress.com has everything you need cheaper. The E682 kit can be found at www.sandevices.com $109.00 + $9.0 shipping.

[@bship810]

+Kevin Wu I can only assume he makes the string lengths he needs. each string he uses is 170 pixels, so he must splice what he needs together and keeps the remaining 80 as spares

[@JamesLa86]

i want your garage lol

[@ChrisS-id2gk]

Can you please link me the pixels you used? I don't see any from Ray with 170.. they're 100 per string. Are you splicing? Thanks!

[@LivingLightShows]

Chris S They are the ones that come in a string of 100. I cut and solder the strings to the length I need. They are the 12v WS2811 Pixel Nodes.

[@ChrisS-id2gk]

Ah.. Ok Matt. Did the colors on your facia happen because you have the Pixels over them and they reflect the colors?? Very cool effect!

[@LivingLightShows]

Chris S Yes, they are just reflecting

[@victoralexanderporubsky1066]

Thank you

[@wdogman101]

Couldn't you have just used a pegboard?

[@Jack4Sam]

My gosh, I wish I had a husband like you. Dubstep and Christmas lights are on the top of my list of favourite things. Not that I would have the tools or tech knowledge to set something like this up, but I was wondering what the approximate cost is of building a matrix panel of this size?

[@VILLEDALALO]

which it is the measure of the holes

[@PANKAJKUMAR-kx3sr]

Nice

[@JTSOmusic]

love the video's !! but if i was you i would turn down the volume on your mic ( its overloaded ) not a huge problem but its kinda irritating :D keep doing the vids.

[@Measuray]

Will I can only make one of these. That would be the leaping arch. The rest is too time consuming. If anyone comes up w/an easier method, let a woman know.

[@fluteplayerify]

This wouldn't look as good but you could probably get away with a wood slab the size you want the matrix to be, get waterproof addressable LEDs that come in strips instead of nodes, and just glue them on at an even spacing. The led strips already come in lengths of 30 or 50 LEDs so all you would have to do after that is wire them together. The downside is you will not be able to see out the window, but i suppose you could put it on a blank space of wall.

[@BG-dw4gj]

gosh i cn't sand such a messy garage!!! :dry sarcasm: