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Computerized Christmas Light Displays

Think back to when you were a child, everyone remembers that one house every Christmas that was completely decked out with Christmas lights. Every year you couldn’t wait to visit “that” house. For many families it becomes part of their family tradition to visit these extraordinary Christmas Light Display.

As technology has progressed, and computers have become an integral part of our society, would you expect anything less than to see them incorporated into our elaborate Christmas Light Displays? Below is a list of key topics you will want to consider when planning a computerized Christmas Light Display.

1. Plan your display on paper - It is a good idea to draw your display out on paper. Research different elements you would like in your display and arrange them in a diagram. This will give you an idea of the way your display will be viewed by visitors. You also need to map out your extension cords and where all your cords will be ran to avoid any danger or trip hazards.

2. How much power will your display require? - Power is always an issue when creating any large display. By drawing your display out on paper, you will have a good idea of the number of lights your display will require. Read the manufactures label to see how many amps each stand of lights will require. You want to make sure you have enough power and not create a fire hazard or any other dangers by overloading your circuits. It is very important to not overload any extension cords, outlets, or circuit breakers.

3. Where to purchase your lights? - Hands down, the best time to purchase lights is during after Christmas sales. All your large department stores always have lights left over after Christmas. Wake up early on December 26th and head out to find all those bargains. You will be able to purchase your lights at 50% off or cheaper. If that is not a option, those same department stores usually have the cheapest lights. They are not professional grade, but will work for residential display and they are very cost effective.

4. The use of computerized light controllers - You will need a computer and a Christmas light controller. There are several companies that offer pre-assembled circuit boards that will allow you to animate your display. Do your research and find the company you feel will suit your needs the best. Each company also offers software that is compatible with their controllers. All the software products are user friendly and with a little practice you will be efficient in no time.

5. Synchronizing the light show to music - Synchronizing your display in the software application is by far the most time consuming task of all. Each minute of a song will take anywhere from 3 to 10 hours to synchronize correctly. You will also be able to create a animation window in the software that will give you an idea of how your display will appear in real life. There are many different effects you can apply to your display. Such effects as shimmer, fade up, fade down, twinkle, or intensity control are all great effects that add magic of your display.

7. Think outside the box - Be creative with your display. Since the creation of computerized light displays, the effects that are possible are endless. Get creative… One idea I really like it installing more than one color of lights on a tree. Say for example, you install a strand of clear lights, a strand of red lights, and a strand of green lights all on the same tree. With the controller you can control which stand of lights are on at a time. This will allow you to change the colors of every tree in your display. This technique can also be applied to your house, bushes, etc…..

8. Allowing plenty of time to install the display. - Allow yourself plenty of time to install your display. When you create a computerized display, you will greatly increase the number of extension cords you will need. All this requires a great deal of time to install. You want to make sure everything is safe and clean looking. Don’t just throw your lights around. Make sure your lights are installed with clips or the appropriate hanging devices. A sloppy installation job will greatly distract from all the other hard work you have put into your display.

9. Dealing with traffic issues - One thing to consider when creating a computerized display is TRAFFIC… People want to sit and watch your display. If you live on a busy street, you might want to consider how traffic will flow to and from your display. It is a great idea to put a voiceover in between each song reminding visitors to not block neighbors driveways, allow the right of way for neighbors, and turn their headlights off while viewing the display. Also, if traffic becomes a problem, it is a good idea to limit your display to one song. After a person hears a song and it starts to play again, they will usually drive off because they have already heard the song.

Following the tips above, will help guide you to a successful and enjoyable computerized Christmas light display. Remember, don’t get stressed. The display should be fun and you need to enjoy every step along the way to creating your ultimate Christmas light display.

Author: Matthew Hallum
Source: ezinearticles.com

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