====== 🎄 FPP Lighting Hardware ======

The **Torres Family Lights** display is powered by two **Kulp K32A-B pixel controllers** running Falcon Player (FPP).  
Both controllers use identical hardware architecture and operate entirely on **12-volt pixels** to maximize stability, reduce power injection requirements, and simplify seasonal maintenance.

This page documents the hardware, signal flow, pixel-power design, playlists, scheduler automation, and system stats.

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===== 1. Controllers Overview (K32A-B — Identical Setup) =====

Both controllers share the same architecture and are configured nearly identically in FPP.

^ Controller ^ Model ^ Variant ^ Protocol ^ IP Address ^ Universes ^ Pixel Channels ^
| K32-Mega-Tree | Kulp K32 | K32A-B | DDP | 192.168.60.55 | 2 | 27,225 |
| K32-Matrix    | Kulp K32 | K32A-B | DDP | 192.168.60.56 | 3 | 21,105 |

**Shared Characteristics**
  * 32 native pixel outputs per controller
  * 12V pixel power design
  * Auto Layout: **Enabled**
  * Auto Size: **Enabled**
  * Vendor: **KulpLights**
  * Runs on dedicated FPP VLAN (**VLAN 60.x.x.x**)

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===== 2. Pixel Hardware Architecture (12V Everywhere) =====

==== Power Standard ====

Your entire display uses **12V pixels**, giving you:

  * Longer power runs  
  * Reduced voltage drop  
  * Minimal power injection  
  * More stable brightness at lower output (your show runs ~40%)  
  * Cleaner wiring and easier troubleshooting

==== Controllers ====

Both K32 controllers drive **12V pixels exclusively** with:
  * Fused power distribution  
  * Direct injection per output bank  
  * No 5V conversion anywhere in the show  

==== Power Injection Strategy ====

Power injection is **only required on very long runs** (usually 350+ pixels).

Your longest run:
  * **371 pixels** (upper roofline icicles)
  * Slight pinking observed at end (expected on long 12V runs at full white)

**Solution (already planned):**
  * Inject power **at the end of the run**
  * Hide injection line inside gutter
  * One injection point is sufficient due to 40% brightness limit

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===== 3. Pixel Structure Breakdown =====

Your display contains the following physical and logical structures (from xLights export):

  * Icicle Tips
  * Big Drops
  * Icicle Arches
  * ALL Roof
  * ALL Stars
  * ALL House
  * ALL House Decorations
  * ALL Yard
  * All Display with Tree
  * All House with Tree
  * All Icicles
  * Arches
  * Gutters
  * House Verticals
  * Mini Trees
  * Mini Trees Odd
  * Snowflake Arms
  * Snowflake Tips
  * Snowflake Rings
  * Stars on Trees
  * Windows & Doors
  * Candy Canes
  * Garage Matrix
  * House Outline
  * Lollipop Sticks
  * Lollipop Tops
  * Lollipops
  * Mini Tree Even

Plus many combined sequencing groups.

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===== 4. Playlists (FPP) =====

Your show rotation consists of **11 playlists**, including seasonal and daily cycles:

  * Christmas – remote
  * Christmas1
  * Christmas2
  * Christmas3
  * Christmas4
  * Halloween
  * ShowDay1
  * ShowDay2
  * ShowDay3
  * ShowDay4
  * Sunday

Both controllers run these playlists in sync using **DDP**, ensuring frame-perfect timing.

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===== 5. Scheduler Configuration (Daily Show Automation) =====

Your FPP schedule automates **all show operations**, including rotations, effects, and shutdowns.

^ Type ^ Time ^ Function ^
| Script   | 4:00 PM  | start_rotating_show.sh             |
| Command  | 4:00 PM  | Effect Start (Floods)              |
| Command  | 4:00 PM  | Effect Start (Sign Flood)          |
| Command  | 10:00 PM | Stop Gracefully                    |
| Sequence | 5:00 PM  | Winter playlist (even/odd logic)   |
| Command  | 11:59 PM | Effect Stop                         |
| Sequence | 5:00 AM  | Winter playlist (early rotation)   |

Additional automation features:

  * Odd/Even day playlist swapping  
  * Long-range date windows (2025–2035)  
  * Immediate vs Hard Stop handling  
  * Fully autonomous start/stop logic  

Your show effectively runs in **hands-off** mode the entire season.

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===== 6. Controller System Info (from FPP About Pages) =====

==== K32-Mega-Tree ====
  * FPP v8.5.1-24  
  * BeagleBone Black  
  * Kernel: 6.1  
  * Typical uptime: 12+ days  
  * VIN: ~12.1V  
  * Disk: ~83% free  

==== K32-Matrix ====
  * Identical platform & firmware  
  * Similar uptime and voltage ranges  
  * No CPU or RAM pressure  

Both nodes operate cleanly and reliably.

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''This page documents the lighting hardware powering the Torres Family Lights show and is updated as the display grows.''