The show begins tomorrow.

This week has been major crunch time for getting the show completed and ready to switch on Thanksgiving evening. While I'm writing this entry, I'm finishing up the video rendering on another computer. Things are coming together for a successful launch; however at the beginning of this week I encountered a very rough set back. One of the hard drives that make up the RAID-0 stripe set on my video editing computer failed. So, video editing was interrupted for a full day while I had to troubleshoot that problem and finally re-stripe the good hard drives and reload data from the backup. The good news is everything is now back in good working order and I was able to finally continue with the video editing.

I also discovered that the Light-O-Rama DC-MP3 Director inserts a small amount of time between each sequence it plays, so keeping the video in sync with the lights was not the easiest thing to accomplish; so much so that I had to slightly alter my approach to synchronization.

I use a NewTek VT3 Video Toaster to run the video with the lights. (Yes, I know that Light-O-Rama will handle playing a video file as its audio source.) ...I always have to make things more complex - ONE video wasn't enough. I wanted TWO separate videos to run simultaneously, both synchronized to the lights and music. A special interface was built for Light-O-Rama to "talk" to the Video Toaster. Really, it was a no-brainer... The Toaster could accept a GPI trigger to signal a transition. The interface is simply a relay. When power is supplied to the Light-O-Rama channel assigned to the Toaster, the relay trips closing the contacts for the GPI trigger. But a small amount of programming and careful setup was necessary to get an automated process to work correctly. Considering that I have the SX-8, not the SX-84 means that the only video output is PGM out. So how did I manage two separate video out content? ...there are ways! My Toaster setup includes dual monitor configuration with an NVidia MX440. I set up my second monitor as a full-screen Preview Monitor. The key is that I have a VGA to NTSC video encoder hooked up to that output. So I project Preview content in one of my windows and Program content in the other window.

Now the challenge of getting two videos to start simultaneously and place one of them on the Program Bus and the other on the Preview Bus. The trick is a little bit of programming in ToasterScript combined with a plan of execution in the switcher setup. I openned 12 DDRs and put them on the switcher inputs 1 thru 12. The content of DDR1 is for Preview. the content of DDR2 is for Program. However, the only way to auto-start a DDR with Cue-In is to transition it to Program. DDR1 is put on Preview and transitioned to Program with a simultaneous transition of DDR2 on DSK. Immediately following the transition, I place DDR1 on the Preview Bus. DDR3 is set up with Black, so at the end of the sequence, the Toaster is signalled again and it places DDR3 on both Preview and Program. I broke up the video into 4 segments to help with the synchronization; that's why I set up 12 DDRs. Through ToasterScript programming, I was able to "walk-thru" the DDRs at the appropriate occasions.

Only 10 more days

Things have gotten so busy I've not really had a good opportunity to post updates lately. The nativity is the only element still under construction. All the mini trees are done, the arches are done, the faux poles are done, the stars are done, the sign is done. All light controllers have been built. All lights (except for the nativity) have been put up outside and powered by the light controllers. The spider box is in place and cabled up supplying power to the controllers. The transmitters are in place and working. A number of test-runs have been performed (and will continue until fully ready for Thanksgiving evening.) One of two video projectors have been set up. It turns out there is a very small lag between songs as the DC-MP3 unit performs the sequences. Normally, you wouldn't be aware of it; but when synchronizing video in the show, it becomes apparent after a few songs. So I'll have to account for that during my video editing.

Preparations continue

Lights have now been clipped onto the Bethlehem star and the Mega Tree-Topper star. During the clipping I discovered that one of the LEDs was missing both the light-body and lens. The LED with it's bare wires was simply soldered in the line, looking rather goofy without the molded plastic body and lens. At this point in my clipping process, I had to find a way to make it work for me. Just a week earlier, I had purchased a small pack of heat-shrink tubing for another piece of the Christmas project. So, with electrical tape, the heat-shrink tubing, and a little finesse, I created my own light-body which could then be clipped to the star frame and secured in place with a zip tie. I doubt anyone without knowledge of the missing lens would notice. For those that read this blog, this can be a fun challenge for you to find this unique LED when you come to see the show.

My brother, Miles helped me wrap a couple more Mini Trees. Only two left to go now.

My daughter, Hannah helped me wrap the last of the arches. Blue now joins red and green. I also found a picture I took of D.O.G. "helping" me with the red arch.

If things weren't in high gear before, they certainly are now!

I figured it was time to post another update. Things are very busy now (as if they weren't before??)! This post should catch everybody up to where things stand at this point.

Several weeks ago, I ordered some book from Barnes & Noble on behalf of my brother who lives in the boonies. When that package arrived, there was an advertising flier included for ordering printed material from Vistaprint. Deep discounts and Free offers caught my attention, so I ordered 500 business cards to promote our light display. Since that time, I've received a limited time promotional offer from them for several free products. So, I'm working at deciding exactly what I want.

As I mentioned in my previous post, the LED lights arrived from LED Holiday Lighting. To save on shipping costs, William and I and one other person formed a group shipment delivered to one address. In the end, LED Holiday Lighting wound up making a number of mistakes. They shipped the other guy's lights separately to his own address; Wrong amounts were charged to credit cards; Some light strings were mis-picked (wrong item shipped); And some strings were missing entirely from the shipment. Then we found out that Travis (of LED Holiday Lighting) was diagnosed having H1N1 (Swine) Flu. I am pleased to announce that the credit card charges have all been corrected and a shipment is scheduled to arrive Tuesday having the corrections to the orders.

I've sorted and labeled all the lights I've received so far, identifying the string count and the string's purpose within the display.

On facebook, I have commented on several occasions my progress on building extension cords, wrapping arches and mini trees, eating peach pie, etc. Here are a few pictures of some of the finished items. All of the extension cords are done. I have one more arch (the blue one) yet to wrap. I have four more mini trees to wrap, and the peach pie was delicious!

I started work on building the Nativity scene. 3/4" ACX Plywood is Expensive! But it is all worth it! Last night I transfered the pattern to the plywood with black graphite transfer paper and cut out the overall shapes. There's still a lot more work to do on them: more cuts to make, 420 holes to drill, lots of sanding, painting and attaching lights!

I bought the parts, and William wired up a GPI trigger interface for me. This device will trigger the synchronized start of the video elements in the show.

The light sequencing... oh, the light sequencing. At the start of this project, I chose 18 songs for the light show and declared that I was either crazy or extremely ambitious. I am sticking to that statement! I have 3 and a half more songs to program light sequencing.

Like I said, if things weren't in high gear before, they certainly are now!

The lights are here

The LED lights from LED Holiday Lighting have arrived. There were a couple of mix-ups but I expect all will be resolved quickly. I'm now testing each string and labeling each for their intended purposes. I've got 5 boxes, close to 20 lbs each -- so I'll be busy for a little while...

Painting Metal

The Bethlehem star and the 5 pole grids are now white. The tree-topper star and mini-trees are now green.

The LED lights from LED Holiday Lighting supposedly have been shipped and should be arriving soon. There will be lots of clipping and wrapping soon to come!

I've continued building extension cords during television time.

Business cards have been made to coordinate with TheLightsOnTownley.com website promoting the address and dates the show will be running. September is NOT too soon to begin handing them out!

Less than 90 days to go

We're now "on base, ready to turn final approach"!

Saturday night I finished the light sequencing for "A Mad Russian's Christmas" by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. That places me at 11 songs completed and 7 yet to go. Sequencing is where I'm feeling the most pressure at the moment for getting things finished.

Also over the weekend, I built 32 extension cords from SPT-2 wire and vampire ends. I have 81 more to construct. When the project is complete, I will have slightly more than 1/2 mile of extension cords.

I've received word from LED Holiday Lighting that my order of LED lights should be shipped/delivered within the next couple weeks. Then I'll be wrapping the arches and clipping light strings to my Stars, Poles, etc.

The end is within sight and approaching quickly!

Director and FM Transmitter

Today I mounted the DC-MP3 Director and the EDM Design FM Transmitter into a controller enclosure. Even though the box has a ton of mounting holes all over it, the combination of these two items in the one box forced me to slightly angle the Director to get them both to fit decently. Overall, I'm quite pleased with it! I'm running out of time this afternoon, so a full-scale test will have to come later.

Building stuff continues

With only 110 days until the lights are switched on, it is time to shift into high gear to complete the project. Light-O-Rama had their July sale. I have received the DC-MP3 Director and an enclosure to mount it in. I still have two more controllers to build but they only take me a day each to build.

The LED lights should be delivered mid-to-late August. I'm getting anxious for them to arrive!

Last weekend, William Morris helped me finish up the welding work I needed done. The Mega-tree Star Topper now has mounting hardware to attach it to the top of my basketball hoop pole with hooks around it for stringing the Mega-tree lights.

The 4th light pole now has a detachable cross beam which secures with 4 bolts.

The tomato cages have their tops welded together to make them into mini-trees.

I purchased 6 10ft sticks of 3/4" PVC pipe for the Arches. Cut three of them to 6ft and the other three to 9-1/2ft. They assemble with T joints. I secured the 6ft base of each one with PVC Pipe Cement and painted them Hunter Green. The 9-1/2ft pieces will remain "loose" to make wrapping lights simpler.

Three controllers ready

Today I built the third of five LOR controllers. I also upgraded the LOR software to version 2.3.6 Advanced.

From July 6th through July 20th, Light-O-Rama is having their Summer Sale. I will be ordering the DC-MP3 Director during this time-frame. As an extra incentive, LOR is offering a "Try For Free" promotion in which certain orders picked at random will be provided completely free including shipping. Last year, there were 36 winners. All orders that are not picked will get an extra 2% discount off the price. The number of orders to be provided free of charge will depend on the value of each order picked. LOR is giving away a minimum of $20,000 worth of merchandise, up to $2,500.00 per order. But that's not all - There will also be four people that will receive a new Dell PC, worth a minimum of $700.00 each. I hope I win! But either way, the sale price plus an extra 2% discount simply for entering the contest is worthwhile!

UPDATE: I was not selected as a "Try For Free" winner... oh well - I still got the extra 2% discount beyond the sale prices!

Power is ready

Between Monday and today, my father-in-law, Leonard helped me acquire materials and install the RV outlet which will supply power to the Spider box. It took two trips to Home Depot, but we got what we needed. We routed the power out of my electric service panel inside conduit through the storage room on the East end of the house to the carport. The total length is 24 feet. It would have been nice if the price of copper was lower, but I'm glad this part of the project is complete.

Of course I hooked up the Spider box! This was the first time I have applied power to it, and I'm happy to say that it is fully functional and works correctly. Considering what all this is for, I decided to initiate the system with a string of Christmas lights to test each of the Spider box's circuits.

Also this week, I received three rolls of SPT2 wire and vampire plugs & receptacles from ChristmasLightShow.com for making my own custom length extension cord "bundles" for multi-channel items.

Almost half way there (time-wise)

Only 175 days and 21 hours until the lights are turned on. That means my New Year's resolution is 154 days old! ...so big picture - How am I doing?

When I started The Lights On Townley blog, I wrote out an eight step plan to put this all together:

#1 - Watch for sales throughout the year! Big Christmas light displays = big expense. Part of the planning means knowing the associated costs. Remember LED strings initially cost more than conventional strings, but the operating costs are only 10% of conventional.

I'm watching! I found LED Holiday Lighting as my LED supplier. The lights were ordered during their Pre-Sale event providing a significant price discount. There are several other elements necessary for putting together such a display. 1. Power source - 50Amp RV outlet (I know it is way overkill for LEDs, but it becomes a nice addition to the house!). Measurements have been taken to determine lengths of cable and conduit. 2. Power distribution - Multi-outlet "Spider Box" typically used at construction sites. Found a great deal on it via Craig's List. 3. LOR Controllers. I purchased five, most of them during their "Super Secret Sale" in February. During their Summer sale, I will purchase the DC MP3 Director unit. 4. Extension cords. I'm watching for any sales. Unfortunately the price of copper is rather high right now. Overall, I'm on track!

#2 - Design the show. I've already nailed down the basics. My goal is roughly 5,000 lights (mostly LED if possible) controlled by 48 channels of Light-O-Rama set to several Christmas music selections.

The design is complete. I doubled the number of lights and increased the number of LOR channels to 80. All music selections have been chosen. Overall, I'm on track!

#3 - Purchase and build light controllers, FM transmitter, and various items used in and for the show.

Five LOR controllers have been purchased and two of them have been assembled. The FM transmitter has been purchased and built. An AM transmitter was given to me. 200 feet of 1/4" round steel has been purchased and welded into a Bethlehem Star, a Mega-Tree Topper Star, and five "RGB Poles". These items still need to be painted and mounting hardware attached. I have charts for building an illuminated Nativity scene. My father-in-law will be helping me with the wood-working. Overall, I'm on track!

#4 - Program the light sequences to music.

I have completed sequencing for seven music selections. There are a total of 18 songs planned for the show. Overall, I feel slightly behind schedule, but I should be able to easily catch up to where I want to be.

#5 - Edit video elements for coordinated use in the show. (That's all I'm saying on this subject for now - wait and see!)

I'm deliberately not saying much related to the video elements. I will say though, overall, I'm on track!

#6 - Acquire a temporary power distribution unit such as a CEP 6506-GU, power connection cable, and install a plug-in receptacle for it at my breaker box.

I got one - or something VERY CLOSE to it! Personally, I think what I got is even better! Only thing lacking is the installation of the RV receptacle. Overall, I'm on track!

#7 - Set everything up in time to throw the switch after Thanksgiving.

I still have 175 days -- We'll cross that bridge when we get there!

#8 - Plan for 2010.

I'm already thinking ahead for next years additions - but at this point they are still only ideas.

Metal working

Yesterday I picked up 200' of 1/4" round steel from Industrial Metal Supply. Today William Morris helped me with the welding.

This past week, I have been finalizing the designs of the Bethlehem star, tree topper star, and "the poles". The most challenging was calculating the size of the Bethlehem star. About halfway through my calculations, I figured there MUST be a faster way that wasn't so brain consuming... and I found it. (Gotta love the Internet!) The Triangle Calculator worked wonders to speed up the process and help preserve my sanity!

The tree topper star design was a bit simpler considering all segments were equal lengths. Its build time was roughly equal to that of the Bethlehem star. There is still one thing yet to finish for the build of the tree topper star. The base needs a short segment of 3/4" pipe attached to a metal junction box with coat hooks around its perimeter.

Finally, "the poles" were very easy. They are simply 3 parallel rods "capped" at the top and bottom.

Next step will be to primer and paint them all, followed by attachment of the lights.

By the way - There are now 6 songs that have the light sequencing completed.

Achieving a desired appearance

I recently saw this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sGmCox-toU showing a comparison of leaping arches. One standard arch, the other sheathed in white vinyl vent hose. I preferred the standard arch, however the idea got me to thinking about my poles. I wanted to have an RGB look without the expense of true RGB LEDs. The unfortunate thing is that no matter how closely you can physically place a red led, green led and blue led next to each other they will still look like red, green and blue points of light. From the opposite side of the street they might begin to appear to blend together but you'd have to be several houses away for them to totally blend together - and that's certainly not what I'm going for...

Tonight I experimented with a small section of white vinyl vent hose on my own. Like a dummy, I didn't take pictures until I achieved the look I was going for. So, to describe what I did: My first attempt was to wrap red, green and blue led strings around a broom handle (since I didn't have any PVC handy); stick that inside the vent hose; and light it up. It looked stupid. There were "hot spot" points of red, green and blue since the leds where pointing every which way and were uncontrollably close to or touching the inside of the hose. Next, I re-wrapped the broom handle, but this time kept the leds pointing in the same direction, securing them in place by wrapping the wires over the leds as I went. This helped eliminate the bright points of red, green and blue light; however the sheer randomness of the wrapping ended up creating clump patterns of color which still defeated the blending effect of the red, green and blue.

Finally, I used my new 1/4" clips and attached the leds to three plastic coat hangers and clipped the coat hangers together in a similar fashion to my original plan using 1/4" steel as a framework for my poles. Next I cut the vent hose lengthwise so I could wrap it around the lights since there's no way the hangers would fit inside the vent hose. This proved to be a blessing in disguise as well. I was able to affix the vent hose providing a maximum distance between the lights and the inside wall of the vent hose which is necessary to achieve good diffusion of light. Overall, I like the effect!

In addition to pictures, I have included a video below which demonstrates a test. It starts with all lights off, fades all lights on then off again; then fades up red and fade-cycles through the color spectrum.

Thank you William for letting me borrow a string of blue leds since my blues won't be arriving until LED Holiday Lighting ships the 2009 pre-order!

The bells are nearly finished

I have attached the 100 Green and 100 White LED lights to the wire frame bells. The three berries in the middle will have to wait until I receive my order of LEDs from LED Holiday Lighting. When they arrive, I'll attach a 35-count string of 5mm Red LEDs to complete it.

Light Clips

The 1/4" light clips for attaching lights to various wire frames arrived today. These light clips were ordered from Betty's Christmas House. $22.95 per bag of 1000.

Not a whole lot else has been going on. I've done a little bit more sequencing but we're still at four songs fully completed.

Bells will be ringing...

Membership has its privileges! Today I received a "Double Bells with Holly" wire frame from Suprtec Novelties (www.Christmas-LEDs.com). I got a 30% discount on my order for being a member of Planet Christmas (www.PlanetChristmas.com). It stores folded in half. A threaded bolt in the middle secures it unfolded. 1/4" light clips will be used to attach Green, Red, and White LED strings to the frame. I still need to order the clips, but I've found that Betty's Christmas House (www.BettysChristmasHouse.com) has them for a very good price. They carry both 1/4" clips and 3/16" clips.

Phoenix March Meet Up

Last night a Phoenix area Meet Up was held at the home of William and Kim Morris (www.twodoglights.com). I got to meet Frank and his wife Christine Kostyun (www.ahwatukeeholidays.com) and Larry Johnson. William had set up a few elements of his show in the back yard along with some new strobes he is adding to his show this year. He had the LED flood lights and countdown clock from Craig operational. Both Craig and Frank have a few really cool things in the works that will be made available to the public later this year.



Thank you William and Kim for openning your home for the Meet Up. Thank you Kim for the delicious lasagna & salad! (If you weren't there, you missed out!)

More controllers and transmitters

The last couple weeks have been busy with things like work, taxes, technical directing at CCV, and setting up an IBM iSeries (AS/400) recently added to my computer collection. However that does not mean the Christmas lights project came to a stand-still; far from it! I have completed 4 music sequences now so far. The four Light-O-Rama CTB16PC controller kits I ordered from their "Secret Sale" arrived. The FM transmitter kit from EDM Design also arrived this week. I also had the pleasure of meeting Craig in Tucson who is building LED flood lights controllable via Light-O-Rama to produce any desired color. These are the flood lights that William Morris has been testing.

Tonight I built the EDM Design FM-TX-LCD kit. What they consider a kit is hilarious; yet fantastic! The kit required me to press the processor chip into its socket, solder the power connector to the corner of the circuit board, and mount the board inside a supplied metal case. After only a couple minor adjustments, I was on the air. I set the transmit power to 1mW (lowest power setting) for testing. The supplied wire test antenna was laid out horizontally across the table for simplicity. I got in the van and was able to hear the broadcast up to three houses away in either direction. It will work perfectly well when it is moved outside and the antenna is vertically oriented.