Vixen Plus: The Ultimate Tool For Lighting Sequences

Mr. Waldo Stamm Jr. 06 Jun 2025

Are you looking for a powerful lighting sequencer to enhance your holiday displays? Vixen Plus might just be the perfect solution. With its user-friendly interface and advanced features, it has become a favorite among DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Since its inception in 2006, Vixen has been a leading name in the world of DIY Christmas light sequencing. Originally named after one of Santa's reindeer in the famous poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," Vixen quickly gained popularity for its ease of use and versatility. Over the years, it has evolved into Vixen Plus, offering even more capabilities for users to create stunning light shows.

What is Vixen Plus?

Vixen Plus is an advanced lighting sequencer designed to help users create synchronized light displays. It builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, Vixen, by adding enhanced features and better compatibility with modern hardware. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, Vixen Plus provides the tools you need to bring your creative visions to life.

Why Choose Vixen Plus?

There are several reasons why Vixen Plus stands out in the world of lighting sequencers:

User-friendly interface that simplifies the sequencing process
Compatibility with a wide range of hardware, including FPP ( Falcon Pi Player )
Support for advanced features such as video synchronization
Active community and extensive documentation to assist users

These features make Vixen Plus an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their holiday light displays.

Setting Up Vixen Plus

Getting started with Vixen Plus is relatively straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you set up your first sequence:

Step 1: Adding Elements

In Vixen, you begin by setting up elements. For instance, you can add a 'video' element to synchronize your lights with a video clip. This allows for dynamic and engaging displays that capture the audience's attention.

Step 2: Configuring Controllers

Next, you'll need to set up a 'command controller.' This involves configuring channels to match your hardware setup. For example, you might set up a controller with one channel for 3-pin RGB lights and another for single-color strings.

Step 3: Patching Elements

Once your elements and controllers are configured, it's time to patch them together. For instance, you can patch the video element to controller channel 4, ensuring that the lights respond appropriately to the video's visual cues.

Creating Your First Sequence

With your setup complete, you're ready to create your first sequence. Here's how you can do it:

Create a new Vixen sequence
Associate the sequence with your elements and controllers
Add effects and timing to bring your display to life

Remember, practice makes perfect. Spend some time experimenting with different effects and timings to find what works best for your display.

Integrating FPP with Vixen Plus

For those using FPP (Falcon Pi Player), integrating it with Vixen Plus is a breeze. Assuming your FPP is fully up and running with DNS resolved, you can easily control it from Xlights. If you encounter issues, consult the official FPP wiki for installation and troubleshooting guides.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best tools, issues can arise. Here are some common problems users might face with Vixen Plus and their solutions:

All lights turning on immediately: This could indicate a misconfiguration in your controller settings. Double-check your patching and ensure that each channel is correctly assigned.
Controller not responding: Verify that all connections are secure and that your controller firmware is up to date.

When in doubt, refer to the Vixen Plus documentation or seek help from the active community forums.

Protecting Your Hardware

To ensure the longevity of your Vixen Plus setup, it's essential to protect your hardware. One effective method is to cover the PCB and wire ends with conformal coating. This protective layer shields your components from moisture and dust, ensuring reliable performance year after year.

Vixen Plus vs. Renard

While Vixen Plus remains a top choice for many users, some prefer Renard, a play on the French slang for a male fox. Both systems have their strengths, and the choice often comes down to personal preference and specific project requirements.

Renard controllers, like the SS24, offer robust performance and are favored by those who appreciate their simplicity and reliability. However, Vixen Plus provides more advanced features, making it ideal for complex displays.

Conclusion

Vixen Plus continues to be a powerful tool for creating breathtaking light displays. Its user-friendly interface, advanced features, and compatibility with modern hardware make it a top choice for both beginners and professionals.

We encourage you to try Vixen Plus for your next holiday display. Share your experiences in the comments below and explore other articles on our site for more tips and tricks. Happy sequencing!