Falcon F16v4 Ready to Run vs DIY

This year when pixel controllers were short and I was needing to replace controllers lost in a lighting storm I jumped at the opportunity to purchase a Falcon F16v4 Ready to Run controller. Normally I assemble my own controllers, but I was short on controllers and didn't know if I'd be able to buy just a board so I took the chance and bought one.
In this video I go through all the elements of the controller build, break down what it would cost to build from parts vs. the cost of buying the ready to run system.

[@edkaempf906]

Good summary, and what a great looking build (very organized and neat inside and outside the box). To be more fair, you need to actually add in the cost of your time to: gather all the components, figure out how each will be used in the box, drill holes, assemble all the components, and then test the build. No one's time is actually free, so someone's time for all the work to DIY would have to be less than $109 to actually save money.

[@dengland]

Thanks John for putting this up with the spreadsheet image.

[@diydaddoes9710]

Thanks that’s some great info. I do prefer to make my own boxes but that cost difference isn’t bad at all.

[@graphguy]

Thanks for this.
Time is money. IF you have time and want to DIY... go for it!
If you have money and not a lot of time.... you know what to do! :)

[@rashmedo]

By the way how did you manage to mount the box to the pole. Did it come with any attachment?

[@michaeljones270]

hey John, im looking to make the jump to make my own show and im ordering a F16v4 to start out. what all can i exspect to be able to run with it? i beleve im going to start small with just some window and roof outlines some of the lines may be a bit long any advice?

[@brandonnelson4164]

The F16v4 is a huge unit capable of running around 32K pixels (give or take, don't remember the exact number). If you are looking at doing many things that are in different places then you can do a couple of things 1) Use differential expansion boards or 2) Use smaller controllers. Something like the dig quad with ESP pixel uploaded.

[@robertjacobson1399]

$100 well worth the time saved for assembly alone, not to mention you didn't include any shipping cost.

[@wsbull78]

is there a meaningful difference between this and the f16v3?

[@listentoourlights]

Mostly in terms of pixels per port and expansion boards.

[@JackiBoomer2]

Hey! What voltage is your PSU?

[@listentoourlights]

12v

[@wallyhirsh1661]

Must add shipping for all the parts. May be a wash with shipping on ready made unit