MY computer controlled XMAS Lights

EA2BA · 22-12-2008, 10:33 PM

Here are some videos of my XMAS lights for 2008 I decided to go computer controlled this year, big effort buy well worth it.

1 Computer
52 Channels
about 4,500 globes
software: www.vixenlights.com

A bit on the buildup is here: Jasons Build UP

Decorations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7iv-46fjU4
Rudolf: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLJttBjKNdE
FeedTheWorld: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_NN-yj1-Cw
Frosty: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1G13L5l4VA
Santa Goes Clubbing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2o0mpdv-yk

Hope you all enjoy.

**Peuty** · 22-12-2008, 10:46 PM

Very cool mate. Well done.

**GasoLane** · 22-12-2008, 10:54 PM

Not quite up to Carson Williams "Wizards Of Winter", but he spent USD$20,000 on his house!

But bloody good nevertheless, Well done

b2tf · 22-12-2008, 10:55 PM

EA2BA · 22-12-2008, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasOLane

Not quite up to Carson Williams "Wizards Of Winter", but he spent USD$20,000 on his house!

But bloody good nevertheless, Well done

Its my first year, already plans for 128 channels next year with dimming (currently only have on/off) should have I hope about 14,000 lights

:

**GasoLane** · 22-12-2008, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b2tf

Gottit in one Aust.... Every Christmas I think of Chevy Chase and Christmas vacation

**Peuty** · 22-12-2008, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GasOLane

Not quite up to Carson Williams "Wizards Of Winter", but he spent USD$20,000 on his house!

Now that is an incredible piece of xmas!

For those that haven't seen it. Not to take anything away from yours Jason.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=IMebLG8WtrY

EA2BA · 22-12-2008, 11:08 PM

I do have Wizards in Winter, I just didnt video it, but that guy was the first to do controlled lights and the inspiration of many around the world (that includes me), but he used prgrammed relays and thats why it cost so much, these days you can setup for cheap.

XR8GRL · 22-12-2008, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b2tf

:

This thread reminds me of the episode of The Big Bang Theory, where they controlled their lights, stereo and electronics from the computer.

Daymoe · 22-12-2008, 11:19 PM

Wow thats awesome, how much did it cost you if you don't mind me asking?

EA2BA · 22-12-2008, 11:32 PM

Buying all the lights on special last year for this year plus the elctronics I would say easily under $1,000 and worth it.

Daymoe · 23-12-2008, 01:26 AM

Thats awesome, do you leave the lights up all year?

JADED6 · 23-12-2008, 05:42 AM

Well done.
We have a few houses in our suburb that do the full on displays.
Was surprised to see them selling hot popcorn from a full sized cinema style cart, fairy floss and snow cones etc.
Seems to bring a lot of joy to people which is great. Shame the vandals get to some peoples displays.

EA2BA · 23-12-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daymoe

Thats awesome, do you leave the lights up all year?

Nope. it will all come down, get packed up and wait till next year, so till then I will build more stuff and plan more lights.

Fordfan4u · 23-12-2008, 11:32 AM

http://www.malgusto.com/videossd/200...d-el-paso.html

BlackLS · 23-12-2008, 11:41 AM

What computer hardware and software are you using?

EA2BA · 23-12-2008, 11:45 AM

the software is from www.vixenlights.com and its FREE

the computer hardware you build yourself, I am using a grinch board, but others can be bought, find more here http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/index.php

I am just using an old dual xeon computer with 1gb of ram and windows 2000 pro to run my lights display, works fine and does the job easy. The only restriction on the computer I could use was I needed a printer port.

bob^ · 23-12-2008, 11:52 AM

So how do you untangle all the lights, or store them for that matter to minimise it?

sgt_doofey · 23-12-2008, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob^

So how do you untangle all the lights, or store them for that matter to minimise it?

Wrap them around a piece of cardboard. Will save you hours.

EA2BA · 23-12-2008, 04:45 PM

I have reels that you get household electrical wire on, will wrap them around those so will stay straight, but as I will re-do/change at least 90% of the display for next year doesnt matter too much.

xr8chick · 23-12-2008, 06:42 PM

I love watching people's christmas lights, especially when they sync with each other or music.

This guy is from Perth, does it every year and raises money for Princess Margret Hospital.

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=y2cXrS0Xysw

hannem · 23-12-2008, 07:44 PM

Good work Jason, looks like a good setup.

A house not too many suburbs away has a very nice outfit that is timed to music, to listen to that music you tune in to 88.1 FM.

It is a very good setup and we went down the other night when it was a bit rainy and reckon we sat there for a good 15 minutes in the car listening and did not see any other people or even cars coming down the street. We had it all to ourselves so to speak.

I wonder if you have to get a license to broadcast on the FM band and does it cost a bomb? A few streets away the music was starting to deteriorate so not a powerful signal but good and strong out front of the house.

**Peuty** · 23-12-2008, 07:55 PM

I don't think you need one if is isn't for commercial use.

XR6_190 · 23-12-2008, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hannem

Good work Jason, looks like a good setup.

A house not too many suburbs away has a very nice outfit that is timed to music, to listen to that music you tune in to 88.1 FM.

It is a very good setup and we went down the other night when it was a bit rainy and reckon we sat there for a good 15 minutes in the car listening and did not see any other people or even cars coming down the street. We had it all to ourselves so to speak.

I wonder if you have to get a license to broadcast on the FM band and does it cost a bomb? A few streets away the music was starting to deteriorate so not a powerful signal but good and strong out front of the house.

Where abouts is this do you know? I would love to be able to see it

hannem · 23-12-2008, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR6_190

Where abouts is this do you know? I would love to be able to see it

Vincent street (17 I think) in Deer Park. I see you are from Melton, fang down Ballarat Rd and turn right in Station Rd. Pretty easy to get to.

My wife seems to think that it may not be 88.1, (I am probably wrong) doesn't matter as it is shown on a message board on the front of the house

Hmmmm, I tried to put up the whereis map but it would not work. Bugger

Oh well you will have to do it yourself.

EA2BA · 24-12-2008, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peuty

I don't think you need one if is isn't for commercial use.

Those of us who do it, figure if we are not on the same frequency as a radio station in the area and you don't broadcast too far then its all good, I am using 107.7FM for my dislpay it broadcasts a good block and only cost me $22 to setup.

Martyvan · 24-12-2008, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EA2BA

Those of us who do it, figure if we are not on the same frequency as a radio station in the area and you don't broadcast too far then its all good, I am using 107.7FM for my dislpay it broadcasts a good block and only cost me $22 to setup.

If you used that frequency in brisbane, you might be in a bit of trouble... same as JJJ

Well done on the lights though.... some serious inspiration here for me

BlackLS · 24-12-2008, 10:19 AM

3.5mm "Ipod" to FM converter should give you ok results.