Build the Ultimate Interactive Mega Tree with the Baldrick17 & Launch Control

If you are planning a mega tree this season, you already know the impact it has on your display. But what if you could easily let your visitors control the show?

Typically, adding interactive buttons to a display requires separate hardware, complex wiring, and extra networking headaches. We wanted to change that. By pairing our Baldrick17 Ready-to-Run Pixel Controller with the Cosmic Launch Control, you get a seamless, all-in-one brain for both your pixels and your interactive triggers.

The Setup: One Controller, Endless Possibilities

The Baldrick17 gives you 17 dedicated pixel outputs alongside 3 programmable Turniput inputs. This makes it the absolute perfect match for a standard Mega Tree setup.

Here is how the system flows:

• Ports 1–16: Drive your Mega Tree strands.
• Port 17: Dedicated to your Tree Topper.
• Turniput Inputs 1–3: Connect directly to your Cosmic Launch Control box via standard xConnect extensions.

How the Wiring Works

For a highly intuitive setup, a 16-strand tree works beautifully here—one strand per port, with your star on port 17.

Want to go bigger? The Baldrick17 handles a 32-strand tree just as easily. You simply run your strands up and back down, letting one port control two strands, while keeping your topper isolated on port 17.

The Interactive Magic

The Cosmic Launch Control is designed specifically for Turniput-enabled controllers. Mounted where your audience can reach it, the three illuminated arcade-style buttons link back to the Baldrick17. Because each button supports "Push" and "Hold" states, a single 3-button station gives you up to 6 programmable actions natively through FPP/xLights.

Crucially, these triggers are not limited to just the Mega Tree. Because the Baldrick17 communicates with your main show network, a single button press can trigger an effect across your entire display, launch a full whole-house musical sequence, or start your nightly show loop. The controller acts as the physical bridge, but your imagination (and xLights) is the only limit.

The Topology:

Network / xLights / FPP
  │
  ▼
Baldrick17 Controller
├── Ports 1–16 → Mega Tree Strands
├── Port 17 → Tree Topper
├── Turniput Input 1 ← Launch Control (Red Button)
├── Turniput Input 2 ← Launch Control (Green Button)
└── Turniput Input 3 ← Launch Control (Blue Button)

Ready to make your display interactive? Check out the Baldrick17 and Cosmic Launch Control in the shop!