Alex Snelling

I set up LED screens for a living. Live events, festivals, corporate productions — mostly around the UK, mostly with Novastar control systems driving whatever panels the hire company turned up with.

Why this site exists

When I started, there was no single place to learn this. The manufacturer documentation assumes you already know what a receiving card is. The forum posts assume you were there for the previous three years of context. Everyone on site is too busy to explain, and nobody wants to admit they don’t know what “send by topology” means.

So I wrote it all down — first for myself, then properly. The 19 free tutorials on this site are the result, and the complete guide is the long-form version: 130+ pages, the Excel calculator I actually use for load planning, and the wiring diagrams I wish someone had shown me on day one.

What I write about

• Novastar hardware — MCTRL300, MCTRL660, MCTRL R5, VX400, VX600, VX1000
• NovaLCT and SmartLCT configuration, screen mapping and calibration
• Power distribution, cable sizing, MCB selection and safe power-up
• Data wiring, daisy chains, port limits and fibre extension
• Pixel pitch selection, viewing distance and specifying screens properly
• Diagnosing faults quickly, on site, under time pressure

How to reach me

Email alexsnell11@gmail.com. I read everything and reply to most things within 1 working day.