Table of Contents
🎄 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.
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
This page documents the lighting hardware powering the Torres Family Lights show and is updated as the display grows.