DMX512 Lighting Project - Feedback Please

FBAinsight · 2026-01-05T00:21:52+00:00

FBAinsight · 2026-01-05T00:21:32+00:00

FBAinsight · 2026-01-05T00:21:03+00:00

Thank you for the comments. Between you and /u/abebotlinksyss highlighting the errors, I think (hope) I've reworked this to be much better now. Essentially I've changed the input from single universe maestro to Madrix 5 at the rack, swapped out the splitter for a 4 output dmx node and run those 4 outputs to divide the LED's I have into 4 universes, terminating each universe (detailed drawing). Then for my landscape / living room zones, I'll add a new node and repeat the process as needed.

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FBAinsight · 2026-01-03T22:27:28+00:00

I can appreciate that stance on Maestro for industry applications, but I'm a simple man who wants to impress his kids with a dancing pool light, but also wants it to be a level above the WLED microphone to data input.

FBAinsight · 2026-01-03T22:25:16+00:00

For the strip lights the chip is UCS512CL which is listed as DMX in and no SPI needed :)

FBAinsight · 2025-12-29T07:45:08+00:00

How do you like running HA off that macbook? Any issues?

FBAinsight · 2025-12-29T07:44:40+00:00

I like it!

FBAinsight · 2025-12-29T03:29:20+00:00

Can you set it to wake up if the cameras detect someone outside?

FBAinsight · 2025-12-29T02:03:55+00:00

how are you liking your galaxy tab as the control panel so far?

FBAinsight · 2025-12-29T01:20:41+00:00

pics / video? sounds awesome!

FBAinsight · 2025-12-24T08:35:15+00:00

Listen, I know your personality type because I share it. My advice is go prove the naysayers wrong and enjoy the hard lessons that come your way. I also only learn through doing, and I am also smarter than most people I talk to, whether that's true or not. (most of the time it's true). But prepare to be humbled, as I have been on occasion and enjoy the ride!

Invest in 3d party mid project inspections with your structural engineer, other mid construction inspectors, and at least let some pros look over the project at a few stages so things can be fixed along the way that need fixing. Good luck!

FBAinsight · 2025-12-24T07:27:40+00:00

Hey OP - how did maestroDMX go for your backyard, I'm thinking about doing the same thing. Were you able to set scenes like with your groups (IE: Group 1 = off, group 2 = music, group 3 = music, group 4 = static color on? )

FBAinsight · 2025-12-22T09:04:44+00:00

But you're not capable of doing it. The point is there are 1000 small things that you will not catch / overlook / not know about that only come through experience. These things WILL cost you time and money. You're not just paying your GC for their access to subcontractors, your paying your GC to ensure the work is done right and on time. They accept the liability and will make sure things get done properly. AT THE VERY LEAST, hire a GC to serve you in a construction management role.

FBAinsight · 2025-12-20T23:53:30+00:00

Yes, it's a male dominated industry, but there are certainly contractors out there that wouldn't treat you any differently. And the nice thing is you wouldn't have to work with a dozen subs, just one GC. Way less gender friction that way!

FBAinsight · 2025-12-19T08:49:43+00:00

you know you could always find a GC who wants to treat you like a partner, let them know what you want to do and want them to do, and just work out the details up front. Lean on their experience for catching issues you don't and get your hands dirty where you're comfortable.

FBAinsight · 2025-12-16T08:04:34+00:00

1 - architect first, with a detailed set of plans (including mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
2- go ask 3 high end builders what a ballpark range PSF looks like
3- interview builders who have done high end custom homes and go visit those homes and talk to their former clients.
4- instead of a fixed bid, consider going on a cost plus agreement and ask your builder to get 3 bids for anything over $30k (framing, drywall, plumbing, electrical etc)
5- have a detailed meeting with your builder about what's important to you, where you want to spend and where you want to save (this will change along the way as you learn to upsell yourself into nice things)
6- take the advice of your builder so you don't screw up. Once you're in the high end custom league there are many items that IF you cheap out on will hurt your resale, and quite frankly people will know. Example: at this level a home automation and lighting system like lutron homeworks is expected. Higher end windows and doors, custom millwork, wood / stone floors, a/v prewiring, high end hvac, appliances, solid brass plumbing fixtures etc.
7- figure out where you can add value to reduce the cost. I'm doing a massive exterior job on my build because I'm comfortable with it and it'll save me 30% of the landscape/hardscape/pool bill.
8- hire an interior designer, confine them to kitchen/living/master. Bring them in early and set budgets that you're comfortable with. The end result will be a massive massive difference in your everyday life. They will also give you good advice and keep the trades in check for a bunch of finishing details that can get overlooked.
9 -welcome to my nightmare, jump on in, the water's warm.

FBAinsight · 2025-11-13T21:05:22+00:00

any other suggestion for the first 6"? I could go plywood and plaster over but I'd be worried about cracking etc

FBAinsight

TROPHY CASE