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 are fed by a fully 12-volt pixel ecosystem to maximize stability, reduce power injection needs, and simplify maintenance.
This section documents the hardware, signal flow, pixel power design, and show configuration for both controllers.
1. Controllers Overview (K32A-B — Identical Setup) Controllers Controller Model Variant Protocol IP Address Universes Pixel Channels K32-Mega-Tree Kulp K32 K32A-B DDP 192.168.60.55 2 27,225 channels K32-Matrix Kulp K32 K32A-B DDP 192.168.60.56 3 21,105 channels Shared Characteristics
32 native pixel outputs per controller
12V pixel power design
Auto Layout: Enabled
Auto Size: Enabled
Vendor: KulpLights
Network: Dedicated lighting VLAN (60.x.x.x)
2. Pixel Hardware Architecture (12V Everywhere) Power Standard
Your entire display runs on 12-volt pixels. This provides:
Longer power runs
Lower voltage drop
Less power injection needed
Better performance at lower brightness (your show runs at ~40%)
Cleaner wiring and easier troubleshooting
Controllers
Both K32 controllers drive 12V pixels exclusively using direct injection from fused outputs.
Power Injection Strategy
Only required on extremely long runs (typically >350 pixels)
Your longest run: 371 pixels on upper roofline icicles
Even at 40% brightness you observe slight pinking at the end — normal for a 12v feed that long
Solution:
Inject at the end of the run, hidden in gutter
Single injection point is enough since show brightness is limited
3. Structure Breakdown
Your display includes the following pixel structures (as exported from xLights):
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
And many combined groups for sequencing.
4. Playlists (FPP)
You currently run 11 playlists in rotation:
Christmas – remote
Christmas1
Christmas2
Christmas3
Christmas4
Halloween
ShowDay1
ShowDay2
ShowDay3
ShowDay4
Sunday
These feed both controllers using DDP for perfect sync.
5. Scheduler Configuration (Daily Show Automation)
Your schedule automates ALL show start/stop logic:
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 days split) Command 11:59 PM Effect Stop Sequence 5:00 AM Winter playlist (early rotation)
You also use:
Immediate vs Hard Stop
Odd/Even day logic
Long-range date windows (2025–2035)
Your show automation is fully hands-off and stable all season.
6. Controller System Info (from FPP About Pages)
K32-Mega-Tree
FPP v8.5.1-24
BeagleBone Black
Kernel: 6.1
Uptime often >12 days
VIN: 12.1V (typical)
Disk: 83% free
K32-Matrix
Same platform
Same firmware branch
Similar uptime, power, and disk usage
Both nodes run clean with no CPU or memory pressure.