I also integrated an eight-port Ethernet switch into the controller, just as a convenience. The Arduino, network boards, and GECE strings are powered from a dedicated 5V power supply. Therefore two Ethernet cables are needed to control the lights. There are two network boards, one board connected to each Arduino. My particular controller uses two Arduino microcontrollers, allowing 16 strings of GECE lights to be controlled (eight strings per controller). The Arduino then changes the GECE lights that are connected to it. These DMX commands originate from xLights or Falcon Player, travel through Ethernet, then enter the Arduino through it's network board. An network board is connected to the Arduino, allowing it to communicate on an Ethernet network.Ī program is installed on the Arduino (in Arduino lingo, a "sketch") that allows the Arduino to listen for DMX commands coming from xLights on a laptop computer (or from Falcon Player running on a Raspberry Pi). One Arduino can control up to eight GECE strings of 50-bulbs each. The brain of the GECE controller is an Arduino microcontroller. In my particular configuration, I use two Arduinos to control 16 strings.
Each Arduino can drive up to eight strings of 50-bulb GECE lights. While there are commercial controllers available that allow GECE lights to work with xLights, it is possible to use a low-cost Arduino to control the GECE strings. Color Effects lights to work with xLights! The trick is removing the control box / power supply at the base of each string, then connecting the string to a custom controller. stopped producing the iTwinkle line and reverted back to the "Color Effects" lights.
#Itwinkle wifi app download Bluetooth
The iTwinkle lights were bluetooth enabled, allowing a smartphone app to change the present animations. changed the names of these lights to "iTwinkle" which has nothing to do with the name of this website. Each bulb could be a different color using a wireless remote with preset animations. released a line of Christmas lights under the the "Color Effects" name.