Xlights test mode with F16v4 as FPP

[ARL120384]

Hey all,

I was successful in setting up my F16v4 as a standalone FPP to run my sequence. However, I am unable to get the "send to lights" or test function to work in xlights. Has anyone else had luck with this running in this configuration?

I'm trying to find the right colors for my show, but I have to change everything in XL, then send to the controller every time to re-check when I really just wasn't to run a test and adjust the colors to find the correct mix.

I'm wondering if its because I'm not using a pi, but hoping its something else.

Thanks!

[1pet2_9]

A few questions from me:

1). Are you successful using FPP Connect (the Xlights menu) to upload your sequences? Or do you do something different, like copy in the fseq files using the FPP web page?

2). Have you ever been successful using Output to Lights or Xlights Test? E.g. maybe it worked on your v3.or something?

3). Did you make certain that Test mode on the controller(s) is not running, and you explicitly unchecked "Enable Test" in the FPP web's Display Test menu? The test button and Display Test will preempt Output to Lights.

[ARL120384]

1.) FPP connect is successful, in that it allows me to select a sequence, and upload it without error. However, I end up having to upload the .fseq file manually to the controller. So I think FPP connect may not work like it should when the controller is also the player.

2.) I have never been successful in output to lights or the test function. I have a feeling this is because I'm not using a pi in conjunction with my falcon.

3.) Test mode was not running, the lights and any scheduling were off.

Thanks in advance!

[1pet2_9]

Sounds like FPP Connect is not so successful. And Xlights isn't talking to your controller like it should. When you go in Xlights in the Controllers tab, are you able to select a controller and click the "Open" button, in the lower right? And it brings up your FPP web page?

Assuming it does (and if it doesn't, you're already broken right there...), are you able to click "Upload Output", and get a message something like, "Upload successful"? On the right side, did you set "Vendor" to Falcon and "Model" to F16V4?

[ARL120384]

Yes to both. I can upload output without a problem and the Falcon UI opens. It's like it half works. I know the easy answer is to use the pi.....

[1pet2_9]

I don't have a Falcon brand (although I want one...) so I can't know for sure, but I do see Xlights clearly has "Falcon, F16V4" as a valid, supported controller. And Falcons are designed to take DDP and output that to lights. That is literally what Xlights "Output to Lights" is doing: sending your Falcon DDP. That should work. I think your problem is the software settings.

[ARL120384]

Yeah you could be right. I may try the xlights zoom again and see if anyone over there knows. I think I'm going to add in my pi anyways.

My only concern initially with running a pi and 2 controllers, was the ability to run completely wireless. I can't run ethernet between my controllers so the thought of having the sequence loaded locally on the controllers and using internet for small data packets was appealing, so I'm still hoping I can still accomplish this somehow.

[1pet2_9]

As I understand, Falcons lack a native show player, which is why you need a Pi. But that should have nothing to do with Xlights Output to Lights. Output to Lights is your (test) show player.

[ARL120384]

That part makes sense. But, the v4 can play it’s own locally stored sequences. So if it’s not a show player, what’s playing the show?

I honestly have no idea how most of this works.

[1pet2_9]

That part makes sense. But, the v4 can play it’s own locally stored sequences. So if it’s not a show player, what’s playing the show?

I honestly have no idea how most of this works.

Well okay, it has a show player, but it's not the standard FPP show player. Or at least that's how I understand it. And I think that show player has a harder-to-use interface?