Computer Lighting?

[TacoForPaco]

I saw computer lighting on the forums and was wondering exactly what it was and how to do it. Sounds cool. Anyway, any replys would be most appriciated.

[michael myers]

Mostly, its the control of the lights (on/off) with either relays or a processor board (or computer), that in most cases is set to music. The lighting effects on the processor, or computer actually make your lighting turn off or on with different beats in the musical score. This in its most basic form is sycronizing the lights being on or off with the music played. The setup that you saw in the other thread, from what I understand, took years to build up to and takes approx. 3 months to put together each year. If I remember correctly, they said that they have over 5 miles of wiring to control all of their displays, and an FM radio transmittor so that passers by can tune in and listen to the music as the light show is working. On their website, they have a video of the whole show, including the music, all working together.

Walmart actually sells a much simpler form of this for about $100, and from the reviews of it online, I would say that it sounds like something that I, personally, will be looking into!!

There are also a couple of online businesses that build boards specifically for this type of show application. The one that sticks out in my mind is simplecircuitboards.com (http://simplecircuitboards.com).
I have done business with Jeff and he is a great guy to deal with. He's very quick to respond to your emails, ships out products fast, and above all, very honest. He has saved me money on things by giving me "inside info" instead of trying to sell me another board when I was in a pinch. His name was given to me with very high recommendations, and after doing business with him, I now know why.
Hopefully this will be of some sort of help to you

[SantaPaws]

If you want it done for you, you can buy these control boards from other places. Like Animated Lighting or LOR(Lightoramma).

[IGotUbaby]

you can check out computerchristmas.com or hxxp://christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

On a scale from 1 to 10 this is a 8 of hardness... Once you get the swing of it. It is easy... Just takes awhile... You also have to figure out how to solder if you wish to save money...
I personally have 256 channels for my display available... probably only going to use 200 of them this year... but you could easily start off with 8 channels.. the software is Vixen and it is free...

[Frosty]

I need to know where i can get these SSR's? the links in the link dont have them

http://computerchristmas.com/christmas/link-how_to/HowToId-2/A_simple_8_circuit_parallel_box

and i am pretty sure i can build it but i am bright as a piece of sand paper when it comes to the programing part. Can somone do that part for me? I want to start easy with one SSR and one string of lights to get my feet wet. Anybody that would help?

[michael myers]

Radio Shack...They are about $8 a piece, unless you decide to get the plug in socket for them. The catalog number for the relay is 275-218 and the socket number is 275-220.

[Frosty]

how do i hook that one up? has many more connections then the other one.

[michael myers]

There is a schematic on the back of the package, and on the relay itself. I had to use a magnifying glass to see it...kinda sux getting old!!LOL!!!! The eyes ain't what they used to be!

I don't have any of mine right in front of me, or I could tell you how.
All of mine are packed up in my halloween props, and I haven't had a call for one, yet, in my Christmas props. Something tells me, if the wife has anything to do with it, thats gonna change LOL!!!

[Frosty]

would this work?

http://www.electronics123.com/s.nl/it.A/id.1713/.f?sc=8&category=35

[michael myers]

Already prebuilt and tested. Huummmmm, looks like it would do just fine. Says it comes with the controller software as well. Not being able to see what the s/w is, I don't know if you would have the option of using theirs or using Vixen interchangibly. I think that Vixen is a lot more user friendly, but again, I just don't know without seeing what the program that comes with the controller box is.

[Frosty]

I downloaded the software and it sux! no control.....more like a timer for lights on morning lights off at night. Im going to look into if vixen can control it though.

[michael myers]

Below the download button, there is a how-to for Vixen, so you may be able to change it or reconfigure it to work. The more that I think about it, Vixen should do just fine, the s/w is on the computer and as the proggy runs, its just sending on/off signals thru the parallel port to tell the relays when to engage and when to release, thru the microchip on the relay board.

[Frosty]

where did you see the how-to for vixen?

[michael myers]

Use this link, and then scroll down.

http://christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Vixen

[michael myers]

Do you see it?

[Frosty]

yeah and i think that board can be used. Vixen has a plug in for basic parallel 8 channels so it would makes sense that it should work.....Playing with the software now seems easy as LOR software.

[IGotUbaby]

DoItYourselfChristmas.com something is going on with the website just be patient

They sell them... you have to get with them about an order... They wait until there is a big enough order to order the PCB boards or you can sketch your own... pain in the butt.

But this is what you need
1. computer with printer port then
2. Vixen software, this controls dimmers, dmx, and a bunch of other stuff not compatible with LOR how ever
3. Olsen 595,http://christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Olsen_595 this is big board that controls up to 64 channels then with a network cable it connects to
4 . Solid State relay http://christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Solid_State_Relays
This controls 4 channels. 110VAC connects to this and then goes to the lights. You need 16 of these boards with the Olsen 595 if you want to take advantage of all 64 channels... but you can just out get 1 of each to run four channels... but it is a waist...

They do have other methods to run eight channels but I have not looked into them... Now this system is a on and off setup... If you want a dimming system you have to go with the Renard... whole different ball game... uses the different channels to get the dimming... like 4 channels of dimming to control one channel of lights... Looks good, but I personal think it is a waist...

I don't think you will find a cheaper way of doing computer control lights.
I have 4 Olsen 595 and 64 SSR for my display... I solder these together and took me about a month... If I can solder any body can solder... They also have a great Howto solder videos...

If you have any questions feel free to ask...

[Frosty]

I can solder. Where can i get the olsen 595 board? If i understand this i need those other boards to go with the olsen595 also each board is a channel? Does the olsen have to be hooked up to the comp at all times or what?

[Frosty]

Now i am confused.....I dont understand how to hook it up. What goes where?

[Frosty]

ok i understand now But where do i get those ssr boards i would rather buy a kit then have to build it.

[thehoghunter]

There is a video of the GE Lights and Sounds of Christmas plug and play that someone mentioned being sold at walmart. The video is off of www.sears.com (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07192107000P?vName=For%20the%20Home&cName=ChristmasTrees&Decorations&sName=Outdoor%20Decorations%20&%20Figures&psid=YAHOOSSP01&sid=ISx20070515x00001c).

I liked some of it but don't see the point of turning off ALL yours lights at the same time - I keep thinking Santa coming in for a landing at your house and crashing!

[IGotUbaby]

es you have to have a dedicated computer... the
SSR(solid state relay) PCB(printed circuit board)
board has 4 channels.. for some reason
www.doityourselfchristmas.com is having problem
today... You can go on that site... here is the thing
though... They don't have a store where u can buy
these.. they get a order up and then have a company
print the circuit boards and then you have to solder
the components together. I really doubt you could have
this done by christmas...Maybe next year... I order my
set in January.. I waited until they had about 300
boards order so there was a better deal... My order
was just for 68 4 olsens and 64 ssr
I was hoping to see in an email what is going on with the website

[michael myers]

There is a video of the GE Lights and Sounds of Christmas plug and play that someone mentioned being sold at walmart. The video is off of www.sears.com (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_07192107000P?vName=For%20the%20Home&cName=ChristmasTrees&Decorations&sName=Outdoor%20Decorations%20&%20Figures&psid=YAHOOSSP01&sid=ISx20070515x00001c).

I liked some of it but don't see the point of turning off ALL yours lights at the same time - I keep thinking Santa coming in for a landing at your house and crashing!

Those lights that are around the windows in the video, what kind are they? Thats not 3 different single color sets is it?

[gamesmuck]

Also try planetchristmas.com lots of info on computer controlled lights! He has a pretty detailed sight about this. He has been doing this for years!
http://planetchristmas.com/

[TacoForPaco]

Thanks for all your replys! Althogh I do think computer lighting is a bit beyond my reach:(. Thanks a ton anyway!

[Troy]

I bought GE's Sound & Lights of Christmas, i got the delux model off of E-Bay, it has 40 songs and 3 different modes you can control your lights. it also has 6 channels. I'm very impressed with it Cars are stopping constantly, you can't go wrong for the $$..It's not LOR but it's a good start for anyone who wants to get into this.

[michael myers]

I bought GE's Sound & Lights of Christmas, i got the delux model off of E-Bay, it has 40 songs and 3 different modes you can control your lights. it also has 6 channels. I'm very impressed with it Cars are stopping constantly, you can't go wrong for the $$..It's not LOR but it's a good start for anyone who wants to get into this.

I do agree, the controller is very easy to use...the biggest trick for me was to decide which lights that I wanted to leave on constant so that the yard didn't totally black out. Some of my border lighting and walkway lights fit the bill perfectly. It gave a really great contrast!

[hermit4099]

Try www.lightorama.com has complete set kids ready out of the box. I have the mr. christmas I got from JC Penny's. It has 6 channels with 20 songs in its memory. I really like the show it puts on. The draw to it is its interal speaker. Basicly you run 6 cords from the control box to 6 different sets of lights and your ready to put on a show. Easy as 1-2-3.:)

[cruizer]

Just so you guys can see some of the work involves with the DIY animated lightning, here are some pictures of my "bazooka tube." I too am a member of the DIY Christmas Forums, and with the help of those guys there, i was able to make this.

This bazooka tube totals 64 channels, 48 of them are dedicated to my mega-tree.
What you see in the pictures are the Ren-T (a transformer that produces zero cross for the Ren-C) that is on the floor. The Ren-T connects to the Ren-C, which allows me to use dimming vs jsut on/off. The controller board is called a Grinch, which is a way simplified (and much cheaper) version of the 595. Then there are 16 relay boards which each have 4 channel outputs.

This is just one setup, for the tree. I am running a total of 93 channels, so i have other controller boards and relays in other tubes througout my yard, but none of them are all inclusive like this one.

Here we are looking topside with just the network cables and power wires.
http://cruizersworld.com/photos/2007/christmas/bazooka1.JPG


Bottom side, same thing.
http://cruizersworld.com/photos/2007/christmas/bazooka2.JPG


Bottom side with all the channel output plugs attached. Also the aluminum stock you see is a heatsink that is screwed to all the triacs.
http://cruizersworld.com/photos/2007/christmas/bazooka3.JPG


Just a side view
http://cruizersworld.com/photos/2007/christmas/bazooka4.JPG


Topside with all the channel outputs on and the heatsinks.
http://cruizersworld.com/photos/2007/christmas/bazooka5.JPG


Everthing together
http://cruizersworld.com/photos/2007/christmas/bazooka6.JPG

And an end view. I did paint this black, so it wouldn't be seen at night.
http://cruizersworld.com/photos/2007/christmas/bazooka7.JPG

[cruizer]

Oh yes, and programming with vixen lights, about 5 hours per minute of song.

[Frosty]

cruizer that looks great and most intimatdating. I wish i knew what all that was.

[Frosty]

I have a couple of questions about the olsen595 or the grinch first i would think they need power right? how does that hook up? and when assembling the boards does it matter which way the chips go in same goes for the triacs on the ssr boards? And im really confused how the ssr boards are 4 channels when i only see a spot for one connection. I am confused

[cruizer]

Frosty, thanks! I didn't know what any of that was when I started!

Yes, they need a source of +5v of regulated power. You can either get it from a wall wort or bring it in over the cat5 from the computer's ATX power supply.

As for assembly, some of the chips have to go in a certain way, and some of them don't. Generally, if there is a certain way they must go in, there is some sort of designation on the board, or an outlined picture. It's really not as intimidating as it looks.
Don't be afraid to try.

What you have on the SSR board is one RJ45 jack where cat5 connects. On the opposite side of the board, are screw terminals labeled 1-4 and power. You put the power side of all your output plugs in 1-4, and the power side of 120v in in the power one, and connect all your negatives together.

There is a ton of information on dyichristmas.com and computerchristmas.com. Don't be afraid to go there and ask questions! If it wasn't for those guys, I wouldn't have any of this!

[Frosty]

Hmmm so the SSR does have a 120vac input on the boards? i keep reading something about 5 volt for the ssr....I keep seeing one side has 2 screw terminals then the other side has 3 screw terminals. The one with two i hook up 120 volts? then whats the other side with 3 screw terminals i still dont understand that part. Would you mind getting a close up picture of some of the wiring if i can see it i think i will understand it better.

[Frosty]

so this works basically like a house hold switch?

[Frosty]

So all the power from the ssr's go to the power barrier strip then all the negative from the load wire goto the negative barrier strip then the power from the load goto the ssr.....Then just hook a power and negative to the barrier strips and plug in? BTW is that a custom barrier strip or a purchased one?

[CaptnJackSparrow]

You guys were mentioning the GE Light&Sounds Christmas Kit, found a bunch on eBay for abt $100 shipped... Does anyone know, are they hack-able? Can I change/add songs to the list? I know it's pretty comprehensive now but can they be changed?

Thanks,

TJ

[cruizer]

Frosty,
The SSR uses 5v for it's basic operational power. it gets this automatically through the cat5 from the 595 controller. This power source you don't need to worry about because you've taken care of it on the 595. The lights you are using for your display take 120v. So you have to supply them 120 volts. This is the reason for the relay box, to switch that 120 volts on and off when you want it to. Yes, there are 5 screw terminals. 4 for the positive side of the plugs going to the lights you're going to want turned on and off, and one for the power side of the 120v comming in from the power socket. The negatives of all of these will be wired together.

I'm sorry I do not have a picture available at the moment.

[cruizer]

So all the power from the ssr's go to the power barrier strip then all the negative from the load wire goto the negative barrier strip then the power from the load goto the ssr.....Then just hook a power and negative to the barrier strips and plug in? BTW is that a custom barrier strip or a purchased one?

Yes, this is the way this one is set up. Because it's what I needed for this area. My other grinch and Ren-C I am using is in a tube of it's own, and all the SSR boards are in various tubes throughout the yard, bundled as needed. Cat 5 cable runs from the SSR boards to the grinch.

And the barrier strips you can buy at lowes and home depot. They are jsut grounding terminals for breaker boxes, I jsut cut them to fit.

[Frosty]

Does the grinch and olsen come with all the parts or is it just the PCB's?

[Sickie Ickie]

I'm glad that this forumdiscusses the technical aspects of props as well. It's definately what we needed! (Even if I don't understand any of it! LOL )

[CandyCane]

Hehe....you and me both, Sickie :)

[CaptnJackSparrow]

Killing time on an overnite in Ft. Liquiordale I walked into KMart to look at their lights and WOW!! They HAVE the GE Lights & Sounds of Christmas kits!! Only the 20-song version but it's $74.99, 33% off from 99.99.. eBay had a bunch for $80 and $20 to ship, tax on these(in FL) is less than that but I fly back to Phoenix this afternoon, and trying to get it thru Security would be a real bother.. so I'll check my WalMart & KMarts back home... Now, if I can just figure out if they're hackable..

TJ

[cruizer]

Frosty,
Only the PCB's, the DIYchristmas forum has all that info, and the parts lists needed and where to get them from.

[CaptnJackSparrow]

Back in FLL today on another overnite trip, I could not resist, 'walked into the KMart here next to the hotel, grabbed the Light & Sounds kit, dropped it on the counter.. the GE MSRP sticker say $99.99, price came up $71.01 w/tax.. Wahooooo.. now if I can just get it thru Security at the airport.. At this price, if I hack it and fry it I haven't lost too much.. I'll just wait til after Christmas to get another at 50% off.

Looking thru the book, there are 6 circuits to plug into.. I have 3 sets of eves light, 1 row of 24 candy cane sidewalk lights, 1 set of plastic-blown gingerbread men, house & tree, and 1 light set over the doorway.. 20 songs to choose from, the permutations are endless!

Is $40 less than the sets on eBay worth 20 songs? Yeah.. I think so..

TJ

[cruizer]

You know, for that price, or maybe a little more (I'm not positive), you could make yourself 64 channels. No hacking involved. A little solder and knowhow, and you're good to go!

[Blinky]

for those of us that are solder impaired Thanks.I would like to know a little more about how the GE's Sound & Lights of Christmas thing works.. I know its best to go the other way but I need 2 of these things 1 for my yard and 1 for my daughter and I can't go $400.00 ea.so this things would pretty much do the same thing as the LOR's?

[Blinky]

I have been busy looking around on the web and here are some places that carry the G.E. Sound and Light show
Ace Hardware
Albertson's
American Sales
Bed, Bath, & Beyond
Bronner's Christmas Wonderland
CVS Drug Stores
Dillard Department Stores
Do-It Best Home Centers
Duckwall-Alco
Garden Ridge
J.C. Penny
Kmart
Kroger
Long's Drug
Lowe's
Meijer Inc.
Menards
Fred Meyer
Michaels Stores
Osco/Jewel Stores
Pamida
Raley's
Rite Aid Stores
Sears
Shopko Stores
Stein Gardens and Gifts
Super Valu Stores
Target Stores
Toys R' Us
True Value
Walgreens
Wal-Mart Stores

[cruizer]

If you think you are solder impared, then you haven't tried. I never soldered before November. It's so simple it's pathetic. I'm just sying these thigns are a huge waste of money for what you want to do.

OR, if youare that adement about not soldering, you can buy these, fully assembles even. It costs hals of what those things you are looking at, and has two more channels. And again, no hacking involved. This is what I yesed last year, I had two of them for a total of 16 channels. Less than $100.

[Frosty]

I agree soldering is simple. I picked up a soldering iron 10 years ago and went to town like i was a pro it is very easy thing to do there is really no learning curve except DONT BURN YOUR FINGERS!!! :)

[Blinky]

weeell all righty then, I'm willing to try anything one time .. Hope I don't burn the house down,lol. But I don't know what I need to make the one you are talking about Cruizer. and if you and Frosty are willing to walk a old lady through it I will try .. I'm having no luck get the ready made ones now thats for sure..
so what will I need to buy to do this project? and what size solder gun do you use? and i will get the items try to keep the cost to about $100.00 ea Thanks

[Frosty]

first things first i use a el cheapo radio shack 5 dollar iron...What can i say it does the job takes a few minutes to warm up but hey it gets hot and works just fine.

Get some lead free solder and a little bit of wire so you can practice soldering two pieces of wire together and a little bit of flux. " flux is a substance that is to be used to support the process of connecting two metals" I never use flux on boards seems to be no need....but if using two bare pieces of wire will make things easier.

Make sure you have plenty of ventilation and a fan going,be careful and a steady hand and patience.

Trust me if i can solder its easy.

[CaptnJackSparrow]

Huge waste of money.? For what you want to do... have lights sync'ed to music... Does it not work as designed? The basic box has only 6 circuits, your point is? It works, very well. A lot of people are electronically challenged. Myself? no, being an Extra class ham radio op, but I did not have time to build anything. The L&S box works for a LOT of people, and as they were $50 or less, in a LOT more places than your parts, it was, and still is, a better deal. Drive to KMart, buy L&S box, pay $50. Unpack it, stick it in the ground, plug in your lights, turn it on.. Time involved, 20 minutes, tops. One thing I'd put on it, an FM transmitter.. $15, tops..

Your proposal: Buy controller online, wait a week, search for SSR's online, order, wait a week, unpack SSR's, wire sockets to SSR's, solder SSR's. Burn fingers, leave burn mark on table. Sand, leaving distinct lighter patch, vow to re-finish it after the holidays. Download program. Pull hair out trying to program. Realize your computer doesnt HAVE a serial port (parallel port used by printer), buy serial/parallel card, open computer case, no open PCI slots.. Box everything up, stuff in closet, drive to KMart, buy L&S box for $50. Unpack, stick in ground, plug in lights, turn it on. Swear off roll-ur-own lights for good. Close?

Those who pay $400+ for LOR or other boxes deserve what they get, yeah, it's nice, but money can get you anything these days. A L&S box for $50 is $50 well spent.


If you think you are solder impared, then you haven't tried. I never soldered before November. It's so simple it's pathetic. I'm just sying these thigns are a huge waste of money for what you want to do.

OR, if youare that adement about not soldering, you can buy these, fully assembles even. It costs hals of what those things you are looking at, and has two more channels. And again, no hacking involved. This is what I yesed last year, I had two of them for a total of 16 channels. Less than $100.

[cruizer]

skygodtj,
Well yeah, they are money well spent if you buy them, and stick them right into the ground. I may have misunderstood, but people here were talking of trying to hack the boxes to get more songs, channels, etc, out of them. I was mearly stating at the point, it's more likely cheaper to go a different route. I'm not saying it's 100% easy, but neither is hacking a product. I'm mearly stating myu opinion, and offering up, in my eyes, a better solution.

[Frosty]

Skygod The big factor is amount of channels per dollar and control. 6 channels vs 64. Control vs already programmed and i would really like to know where to get a 15 dollar FM transmitter? Have not seen one under 35 bucks.

If Blinky or others do not feel confortable about building this then they should not attempt like blinky said i hope i dont burn my house down which is a big factor plus need to be a little bit electrical inclined. I just assume everyone knows what i do.....But the comment about burning fingers and burning tables thats not the case if your careful and you can buy all the parts online at one time with no waiting period and yes the port is also a big factor. On the laptop i am using now does not have one but the other does. So i guess it boils down to knowledge and budget and how many channels and what kind of music you want. I dont think Cruizer was saying it was junk just its not open for expansion or control.

[CaptnJackSparrow]

Thanks for your thots... after a quick search, I found 4 transmitters under $20.(ok, not $15) and a fifth under your $35http://www.electronickits.com/kit/complete/FM_Transmitters/fmtransmitters.htm

Here's just one out of abt 12 forums I found on the L&S box.. http://planetchristmas.mywowbb.com/forum13/17857-3.html the majority of those here have had the box for a while and for the price(Sears was selling it for $49.99) and what it does, made a lot of people happy. Read thru it and you might be surprised.

You do need to be a lot electrically inclined, not even considering the 120VAC... but ground faults, cold solder joints, hot circuit boxes, you dont use flux in electronic soldering(it's in the core already), a lot of assumptions are being made that could hurt, so if roll-ur-own lighting kits are being pushed then responsibility would need to accompany that. And if you've -never- burned a finger or scorched a table, then you're a better builder than I, and I've been building since Nixon was in office. ;)

The L&S box idea was put out there by others at the front of the thread, I picked up on it because I didnt have the time to roll-ur-own lights, and at $50 or less, for what it does, it kicks the *&#$ outta roll-ur-own. I was a Math major in college, but seems even my reading comprehension skills had picked up on the 'it's junk' slam. Whether or not it's open to hacking, apparently no one here knows, so I've got 11 months to figure it out.

To each his own then..

Have a good New Year.

[CaptnJackSparrow]

Cruizer, you never said what you can buy. fully assembled whats??


OR, if youare that adement about not soldering, you can buy these, fully assembles even. It costs hals of what those things you are looking at, and has two more channels. And again, no hacking involved. This is what I yesed last year, I had two of them for a total of 16 channels. Less than $100.

[Mummy deer-est]

I've been trying to follow along with you fellas, and it is hard for me. Not that I can't learn, but I know nothing of lights, electronics, programming, hacking, and the like.
I do know that I would love to (one day) have a big light display that goes along with a Trans siberian ochestra song. So go to your own cornners and start a how to for the idot in me with a dream. :D
Don't make me whip out the mommy in me and tell you grown men to "play nice"!!
jk, by the way....:)

[CaptnJackSparrow]

yeah but he started it!! I dint do nothin, honest!!

[Mummy deer-est]

lol tj!!
I'm on to you, what with the eyes in the back of my head and all....:D

[CaptnJackSparrow]

hehehehe.. hey, I'm the nice one, jes look at my angelic face! heeeeee's the bad son :D

[CaptnJackSparrow]

Frosty and Cruizer... just so you'll know... yes, I'm doin roll-ur-own for '08, but the L&S box is still a great intro for a lot of people... worth the $$.. cost less than most Christmas trees this year..

Mommmy... whaaaaat ? dint do nuthin... I'm makin nice...

TJ

[Blinky]

LOL Guys I was showing Madame X and Her Kids the you tube video's and Dane said he wants his house to sing for Santa next Year, Just thought I would share his insight

[CaptnJackSparrow]

Ok, bought a DMX Pro dongle last night, put in an order for a Lynx controller(not same as LynxMotion) from RJ on the DIY Christmas board(www.christmasinshirley.com/forum/index.php), I already started playing with Vixen so I'll be reeeeeeally buggin the neighbors next year!! I'm gonna plug my stuff in and watch the block go dark! I'll send the Mr. Christmas box to my brother in Canada, it'll get a wireless FM transmitter first.. I really like it, it's less than half what I just spent on the DMX box, and even less than the Lynx controller. If I can re-time the same real songs as the midi ones in the box using pitch/speed thru GoldWave, and pipe them thru the speaker, it'd be perfect.

'Raided HD today.. got 3000 white minis, 2000 multicolor minis.. have to get more tomorrow..

TJ

[Sickie Ickie]

Wow! Lots of minis!

[Hacksaw45]

This is cool

[Blinky]

good Deal TJ I raided HD too but them only had Red and Blue light left but that is ok because in storage I have found 3 boxes icesickle lights that ere never opened.
Don't MM I cleaning the storage rooms.. oh and i bought a GE lights and sound of Christmas machine..

[Sickie Ickie]

you are going all out, Blinks :)

[CaptnJackSparrow]

Well, I cleaned out the CVS by us, got another 9 boxes of green and 4 blues. They had more white, but I have enuff of them, 'really needed more colored ones... blues, reds.. HD still had abt 40 boxes of white, both reg. and Pro. A LOT of white net lights. I was thinking of getting some(dont have any nets) to wrap the trunk of the single tree in the front yard.

I like the GE Christmas box. Music is cute, and with the transmitter, no one has to actually listen to it over and over. The Deluxe version has 40 songs, to the Standard's 20 songs. I read on another DIY Christmas forum that it can be run with more light strings ( >1440watts) with a bigger fuse, but I dont think I'd try that..

Starting the Pirate ship and Spanish fort construction next month. HD said they start selling tomato cages next month too, so I'll be starting my mini trees right along with the ship and fort..

teege

[Sickie Ickie]

how big is your ship this time?

[CaptnJackSparrow]

For the Big Night? Last years was just the back half, 10'x20' and missing the bow, for this year it'll be the full ship, abt 10'x25', a couple masts, rigging, 6 working fogger cannons and abt 18 talking/singing skellys spread across the yard.. ship, spanish fort being assailed, wench auction, and the jail.. How am I going to top that for '09??? While I'm building all that I have to make abt 16 mini-trees, a mega-tree, program Vixen routines, find more minis.. I need to fit abt a year and a half's work into less than a year!

[Sickie Ickie]

:idea:
.

[CaptnJackSparrow]

Never too early to start.. for the Dark Night, or the Bright Day!

Here's the new link to DoItYourselfLightAnimation.com for lighting controllers:
http://diylightanimation.com/

and DoItYourselfChristmas.com, also for various controllers(was the old ChristmasInShirley link):
http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/index.php

Christmas In Shirley website:
http://www.christmasinshirley.com/

Last year('07) I bought the GE Lights&Sounds Of Christmas box, which worked very very well.

This year I ordered three Lynx dimming controllers and the Entec DMX Pro. Each Lynx has 16 channels that can blink, dim, twinkle, chase, fade in and out (with the DMX Pro) and I'll prob order another for 64 channels for the mini trees, candy canes, house outline, walkways, fence line, bushes, manger, Santa and a MegaTree..

Stop in to the above forums, read abt the different controllers, lights, software..

TJ

[Ryan_Johnson]

I read this whole thread with some interest, as I use LOR (LightoRama) to do ALL of my display, including the musical sequences. A few notes:

1. The "MR Christmas" units sold at Walmart (and many other places) are perfectly acceptable machines. Many of my friends use them and like them a lot. Pros- ease of use, plug it in, no sequencing, and let it go. Bulit in speaker. Cons- People see my display (and others) and then wonder why the unit doesn't do what it wants. It's a very basic controller with six plugs and a maximum amperage of 8amps. To give you a basis for comparison, LOR controllers allow for 8 amps PER CHANNEL and they have 8 to 16 channels per controller.

2. The more "bells and whistles" you want, the higher the cost. Animated Lighting is the priciest option, but it's turn key and ready to go. LOR is the most popular and widely used, and has many different levels of experience required (complete controllers right down to purchasing all the parts and putting it together yourself). Dlight is another controller that was created as a less expensive alternative to LOR. All of these work well. Also, a new controller called Galaxia is being unveiled this year (hopefully at the Texas Workshop). All of these computer control companies work well and if you have any specific questions concerning them, let me know.

3. The thrid option is using SSRs and other devices. This is typically refered to as DIY Christmas. It's (sometimes) a less expensive alternative but does take a higher level of skill as far as electronics, soldering, and just overall smarts about putting stuff together. Many people use Dasher or Vixen to control their homemade boards. Again, a viable option, if you have teh experience to do it.

Any questions about computer animated displays, let me know. If you'd like to see some video of LOR in action you can check out my display from last year: http://www.johnsonschristmascorner.com/Christmas2007.html. There is one of the many songs we did last year. I apologize for the quality of the video but we bought a much better camera for this year!

Ryan