HinksPix Setup and Instructional Page Last Updated: 10/02/2020
This page is a place holder for the HinksPix Setup information.
Major Function
Specific Task
Video
Notes
Intro &
Basics
High level overview of how HinksPix, along with SMART receivers integrate with xLights (part 1 of 2)
High level overview of how HinksPix, along with SMART receivers integrate with xLights (part 2 of 2)
Hands on with the Flex Expansion system. Helpful if you are working with bare board and DIY assembly
- Applies only to customers building their own controllers from scratch and not Ready2Run controllers
DIY Build Instructions for Flex Expansion system
- Applies only to customers building their own controllers from scratch and not Ready2Run controllers
Shows AlphaPix Evolution but also applies to HinksPix Pro
What are the differences between the AlphaPix Evolution / Flex and the AlphaPix Classic controllers
How is Long Range Differential and How does it work?
- Applies only for customers using Long Range products. Helps to explain how Long Range works. AlphaPix CPU shown but applies equally to HinksPix controllers.
HinksPix Controller Web Interface Overview
- What each menu option does
Web Status Page Overview
- See live data going into controller to confirm operation - See power, voltage, temperature and other environmental data - See Time (for scheduling shows playing from the controller) - See firmware versions - Buffer status / dropped data
General Network Configuration Overview
- How DHCP IP addressing works - How static / fixed IP addressing works - Configuring WiFi (shortcut to 5:22) / connecting to an access point / disabling WiFi / Why use WiFi - How to configure the controller as a WiFi access point to use a device to connect TO the controller (shortcut to 14:08) - Displaying DNS host name and MAC address (not typically used)
Configuring e1.31 / Artnet / DDP Setup Information
- How to select the incoming data protocol (e1.31, Artnet or DDP) - Selecting between unicast and multicast receiving - Setup universes and channels and assigning them to outputs
Configuring Output Configuration
- Configuring SPI, Long Range (Regular, Smart, AC) and AC boards - Color Order (RGB, BRG, BGR, etc) - Forward or reverse addressing - Null pixels - Brightness - Gama / Color output - Pixel Count - Channel Numbers - DMX 1990 / RS-485 Legacy DMX Output Port Configuration - Output Pixel Timing (used in speical cases with unusal pixel types)
Misc Settings Tab Detailed Drill Down
- FM Transmitter Options - Operating Mode - Master / Slave, Ethernet data (e1.31 / Artnet / DDP) - Time Zone - Bypass firmware updates / Pause Updates
A word about using wireless for sending Ethernet based data to controllers (e.131, artnet, DDP)
Web Page
Specific
How to Configure Color Output Order (RGB, BRG, BGR, etc)
Coming soon
Screen / Button
Specific
Setting Time Configuration on HinksPix
Setting the Operational Mode (Stand Alone Mode, Master Mode (playing from SD card)
How to configure a static IP address on HinksPix
How to use the built-in test mode on the HinksPix for testing pixels
Building DIY
Controllers & Assembly
Networking Overview - Hardware Interfaces (Ethernet / RS-485 / LOR) - Part 1 of 3
Networking Overview - Multiple Protocols / Networks (Mixed LOR and DMX) - Part 2 of 3
Networking Overview - Lighting Protocols e1.31 / sACN / Artnet / DDP - Part 3 of 3
Networking Overview - TCP/IP Protocol (used with e1.31 and Artnet)
Configuring (wiring, computer configuration) and Troubleshooting Ethernet and TCP/IP
Configuring for DHCP / Static TCP/IP Addresses via Web Interface
Configuring for DHCP / Static TCP/IP Addresses via Screen / Buttons on Controller
Sequencing
Software & Applications
Overview of sequencing application methods
Application: xLights - General Output Configuration Setup
Application: Light-o-Rama S5 - General Output Configuration Setup
Application: xLights - 50 pixel by 16 string MegaTree Setup