Before You Buy
Before You Buy
Our pixel controllers are designed for hobbyists and professionals building xLights-based lighting displays. They are fully assembled, tested, and ready to use — but they are part of a larger ecosystem that benefits from some basic understanding before getting started.
This is a DIY Hobby
While our controllers are plug-and-play from a hardware standpoint, building a successful display involves more than just the controller. This includes sequencing software, pixels, power supplies, cabling, networking, mounting, and show playback configuration.
Required Knowledge
We strongly recommend having a basic understanding of the following before purchasing:
- xLights sequencing software
- How shows are played using Falcon Player (FPP) or xLights Scheduler
- Pixel types, voltages, and power requirements
- Basic networking (Ethernet connections, IP addressing)
Show Playback
Our controllers do not generate sequences on their own. Shows are typically played using a Raspberry Pi running Falcon Player (FPP), which allows your display to run standalone without a computer.
Some users choose to run shows directly from xLights Scheduler on a PC, but in that case the computer must remain on while the show is running.
What We Support
We are happy to assist with:
- Hardware questions related to our controllers
- Basic configuration guidance
- Product compatibility questions
If you’re unsure which controller fits your display plan, feel free to contact us with your approximate pixel counts, voltages, and prop list.
What We Don’t Provide
We do not provide:
- One-on-one xLights training
- Custom sequencing or show design
- Full system design or end-to-end troubleshooting
Highly Recommended Learning Resources
Before purchasing hardware, we strongly encourage reviewing these resources:
- xLights.org
- xLights Official Facebook Group
- Greg Macaree’s xLights Beginner Series:
https://www.youtube.com/@gregmacaree
Our Goal
Our goal is for every customer to have a successful, enjoyable experience. Spending time learning the basics before purchasing hardware leads to better results, fewer frustrations, and a much more rewarding display.