Just for some more info, here is a short video that gives a summary of the control path for the props and lights (I added a video this year that is controlled using DMXorcist):
Thanks, Pete! Those smart pixels are so handy... so many possibilities! I ran into a limit with the number of channels my version of VSA can support. I am thinking about some variation of a "toxic waste" theme for 2015. Lots of ideas... nothing on paper yet!
I just got my first set of WS2811 pixel strings and a 8ch SD card controller that can support 4,096 pixels.
The software is pretty basic (Led edit 2013). I played around with them for Christmas lighting this year. Pretty neat.
I want to get enough pixels to make a large matrix ( as many pixels as I can afford )
Very cool! Looks like you are planning to build big LED displays, nice! I used the smart pixels as accessories to my static and dynamic props. The fuseboxes, a "shock chair", a "neurological amplifier", and old X-Ray machine, etc. These smart-pixels, along with 10 DMX can lights, really made the lighting in the haunt look professional!
In 2015, I want to add more black lights that I can control by remote-control, but my wife keeps reminding me it is still 2014! haha!