xModel Tools - Pixel Mapper 1.1.0

Free Download xModel Tools - Pixel Mapper APK for Android Phones and Tablets. It helps users automatically map addressable LED pixels with their phone camera and create layouts they can import into xLights.

Overview of xModel Tools - Pixel Mapper APK for Android

This practical utility is designed for people who work with Christmas light displays, LED props, matrices, megatrees, and other custom pixel arrangements. Instead of manually clicking and positioning hundreds of pixels in xLights, the app uses your Android phone camera to automatically detect illuminated pixels. It can identify WS2811, WS2812, and compatible LEDs and turn their positions into a clean 2D model.

The app communicates with compatible pixel controllers through DDP or sACN/E1.31 protocols. Users can enter the controller IP address and pixel count, choose a scanning method, review the detected layout, correct individual points, and export the finished design as an xLights-compatible .xmodel file. This makes it especially useful for irregular LED layouts that would otherwise require considerable manual work.

Features of the App

• Automatic Pixel Mapping: The app uses your phone camera and computer vision to automatically find illuminated pixels. This saves users from placing every LED manually when creating a custom xLights model.
• Fast Base-3 Scanning: The Fast scanning mode lights multiple pixels in specially generated color patterns. Each pixel can be identified from only a few captured frames, making it suitable for models with hundreds of LEDs.
• Sequential Scan Mode: For users who prefer a simpler detection method, Sequential mode lights one pixel at a time. The app searches for the active bright point and records its position. It is slower than Fast mode but provides a straightforward scanning process.
• Checksum Protection: The Fast scanning system uses checksum information to help detect incorrect readings. It can reject pixels it can't identify reliably instead of placing them in the wrong position.
• Ambient Light Reduction: The app captures a black reference frame before scanning. This reduces the effect of existing lights, reflections, and bright objects that could otherwise interfere with pixel detection.
• Layout Review and Editing: After scanning, users can review the detected pixel layout directly over the captured photo. Users can remove incorrect points, move them, or place them manually to improve the final model.
• Individual Pixel Re-Scanning: If one or more LEDs aren't detected correctly, users don't need to repeat the entire process. Users can rescan individual pixels to fix problem areas more efficiently.
• Zoom and Pan Controls: The review screen supports zooming and panning, making it easier to inspect dense pixel layouts. Users can fine-tune node positions even when LEDs are located close together.
• DP and sACN/E1.31 Support: The app works with common lighting network protocols including DDP and sACN/E1.31. This means it can communicate with many controllers already used with xLights and FPP setups.
• xLights Model Export: Once the mapping process is complete, users can export the layout as a standard .xmodel file. You can then import the generated model into compatible versions of xLights for further configuration and sequencing.

How Pixel Mapping Works

The process begins by entering the IP address of the LED controller and the total number of pixels. Connect the phone to the same network as the controller so the app can send lighting commands.

Users then choose either Fast or Sequential scanning. The app lights the LEDs according to the selected method while the camera records their positions. For better detection, scan in a dim environment where the LEDs are clearly visible.

After the scan is complete, the tool displays the detected points over the captured image. Users can inspect the results, remove inaccurate detections, move nodes, manually add points, or scan individual pixels again before exporting the finished model.

Useful for Different LED Displays

The tool can help with many types of addressable LED projects. Christmas decorations, custom props, wall matrices, megatrees, signs, irregular shapes, and other complex layouts can all be difficult to map manually.

By capturing the physical location of LEDs from a single camera angle, the app creates a clean 2D representation you can use in xLights. This reduces repetitive work and makes large pixel projects easier to prepare.

System Requirements

• Android 7.0+

Conclusion

xModel Tools - Pixel Mapper provides a convenient way to create xLights pixel layouts without manually positioning every LED. Its camera-based detection, Fast and Sequential scanning modes, editing controls, checksum protection, and .xmodel export support make the mapping process much easier.

It is especially useful for users working with large or irregular WS2811, WS2812, and compatible LED installations connected through DDP or sACN/E1.31 controllers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is it used for?
A: It is used to automatically detect the physical positions of addressable LED pixels and create an xLights-compatible custom model.

Q: Which LED pixels can the app work with?
A: It is designed for WS2811, WS2812, and other compatible addressable LED pixels connected to a supported controller.

Q: Which network protocols are supported?
A: The app supports DDP and sACN/E1.31 for communicating with compatible pixel controllers.

Q: What is the difference between Fast and Sequential scanning?
A: Fast mode identifies many pixels through encoded color patterns using only a few frames. Sequential mode lights one pixel at a time and detects its position individually.

Q: Can incorrect pixel positions be corrected manually?
A: Yes. Users can remove bad points, move nodes, manually place pixels, and re-scan individual LEDs from the review screen.

Q: Does the app export files for xLights?
A: Yes. You can export finished layouts as standard .xmodel files that you can import into xLights.

Q: Does the phone need to be connected to the same network as the controller?
A: Yes. The Android device and compatible Pixel Controller should normally be connected to the same network so lighting commands can be transmitted properly.

Q: Is the app officially connected with the xLights project?
A: No. It is an independent utility and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the xLights project.