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.