I also received my 'D8' a few days ago. I generally subscribe to the "when all else fails, read the instructions." But, the units shipped lacked any definitive setup or 'quick start guide.' So, before seeing your video posted, I gave it a go just as you did, and the results were the same as yours. I will say, though, that there ARE lots of COOL stickers in the box, and the 'gift' of mac and cheese was a unique gesture. I had to chuckle and appreciate your candid responses as I made the same initial "oh, and hmmm's" as I unboxed mine and hooked it up. I found it comforting that even an experienced tech guy like yourself was a bit perplexed by the experience. I didn't feel so bad after all. This new controller is supposed to be as close to plug-and-play as available, but it's obvious the product rollout, and setup instructions need some shaking out. But it is exciting nonetheless! I'll bet you're planning to do a follow-up video after you figure out what steps need to be taken to get this beast set up and running. That would be most helpful. Looking forward to more great videos from you David. Thanks again! 👍😬

I love the video. I’ve been curious about this controller, too. Your video reminded me: generally the only time I drop something is when I’m trying to make a video.

I enjoy your videos and have learned a ton. That said please do a follow up video. This video of the Matos design just sold me on do not buy this product until there is a firmware update. I appreciate the honesty in the video and I know Matos makes very good products, but all I got out of it was do not buy this just yet. Your videos are great and I appreciate you not editing it to sell a product.

Thanks again David... I know you were doing the out of the box video.. and just as I did when i got mine 12/22 . they did/do offer a 30 minute support call that REALLY was helpful. I had 3 D8's and a D4 long range receiver. got them all working great... however.... tech stated... do NOT power inject as it can mess up the controller... the D8 will get conflicting messages from 2 different power supplys. as i found out by doing the dumb thing of PI when i should not have. I had to power down and re-set the controller then it was back up and running .. I do hope they can get a D16 at some point that would be great for the mega tree. Again thanks

Okay, if it's any solace, I reached out to Mattos and got a little help from them. Very prompt response. I missed an obvious sign-in prompt in the initial controller setup. After finding my error, I could log into the controller on my mobile and desktop. Oddly, the mobile app does not provide an 'output' link when you log into the controller link (?). However, when I logged onto the desktop the controller interface 'output' was there as a selection as well, and was easy to configure! I ran test modes on the lights, trying out just 4 ports. NICE. The ethernet jack gland disassembled quite quickly. I used small pliers to pull out the waterproof gasket once the screw cap was off. The bummer is that the ethernet jack of an intact cable will not fit through the barrel of the gland supplied. So, you need to be comfortable assembling Catwire connectors. You just cut the cable connector end off, run the wire through, attach a new jack, and you're good to go. Btw, I'm completely new to configuring a controller, and I just jumped into xLights fully this year. Again, it's not quite exactly plug-and-play. However, I was able to hook it up, power it up, and get the lights to operate. The controller appears thus far to be working as it's supposed to. I'm working on adding it to my xLights config today. Much much easier than I've experienced working with some other controllers thus far. 😉👍

Really enjoying your videos! This is my first year with pixels and Xlights. As soon as these are back in stock I’m going to snag one. In order to scheudle the lights would you connect a Rasberry Pi and run FPP? Still so much to learn! Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Have they addressed power injection for longer runs? or is the solution to add in another box

Thanks for the great video on why not to buy a Google pixel!

Did you ever figure out how to use the Ethernet connection? Do you need a bare cable and then install a connector?

Look like the limiting factor is how many pixel strings you can connect. Largest controller I saw was 8 ports, which is half of a falcon controller.

Did you ever get the Ethernet to fit or do you have to make your own end? I haven’t been able to figure that part out yet.

I'm new to all this. So then I'd use Xlights to run this controller for my light shows?

Im thinking of getting into lights what would you say start up cost would be with a system like this just starting so i can add slowly

Have you been able to add this controller to Xlights? I haven't been able to get it to work and it's been discouraging. Hoping to have more than my roofline running on a pixel tester next year.

i thought the same thing about the boxes. Its ok but what a waste of money. I hope people give them feedback. dont care save us some money and skip the fancy boxes. please do a update on this as you find out. i have this controller sitting here waiting for me to figure it out.

Do the dragon controllers run FPP

Sadly this could of been a 3 minute vid and at the end you still did not get them up and running .

I was confused with the setup lack of in box or online docs, QR code on front points to doc with very limited instructions, most useful of which is the tech support email address. Very disappointed to learn that client WiFi is not supported, must use Ethernet, no storage, no way to change network name, a bit half baked in my opinion. The PSU's and case is reusable, I will try to replace the controller with a K8-B or a K4-PB to get FPP in the same enclosure.

I'm totally bummed out as I ordered this controller with the 2 power supplies on 12-1-22. In fact, it's out for delivery tomorrow, 12-7. As a newbie who has been watching your videos intently, my excitement that you were reviewing the controller I had bought quickly became dread as your review progressed. I feel taken by it being advertised as "the closest to true Plug-N-Play available today!" To learn it's not ready for prime time is disappointing. I'll probably return it unopened. 😞

Looks like they are already sold out.

This was the most confusing video I have ever seen. You were promoting this so hard. Yet I see zero reasons to buy it. If this is this confusing to you then how am I supposed to use it