Apache Lights

I say go for it, like stickybombs said most people will have no idea and it will still look just fine. If you’re really concerned put the mega-tree up against something (house, wall, tree ext.) that way it looks like that's exactly what you wanted to do.

This was my first year with synchronizing lights and I too was very disappointed. I'm running LSP and I really liked the visualizer but it not the same as seeing it in the real world. After the season is over I'm taking back my garage and setting up the lights in there for a more realistic representation. I don't think many or my sequences will make it to next year. (sigh) Ohh well.

This months issue of planet Christmas would be your best place to start.

It's hard to ask for a better reason, or thank you than that. With responses like that, How do you ever stop?

Congratulations on your success. It sounds really nice I hope you post some video. I have to give you credit that's a massive jump from a 6 channel Gemmy. Alot of people who go that big at once can't pull it off and get discouraged, but it sounds like you did it.

Ohh... it works. I just think my way may have been a bit over the top. Your method just looks a lot easier. It's a great idea I just wish I would have thought of it. I searched threads for hours looking for a good system and found very little, so this was my solution. I guess that's why I spend so much time on pc, somebody's always got a better way of doing things. Thanks for sharing, I may use it in the future to divide the palm into sections. P.S. Love the display, I saw it on you tube awhile back when I first started researching. Excellent

You should be proud of your display, It looks good. I used a 6 channel Gemmy for 2 years before I discovered LOR. Everybody starts somewhere and your is a solid show. Nice work.

Excellent display! You have some of the most origional elements I've seen. Even the arches have an different twist to them. I'm going to feel really bad when I "borrow" your designs. Keep up the amazing work.

Well... That sure looks easier and less excessive than my method. [ATTACH=CONFIG]40484[/ATTACH] Where was this post a month ago?

Different controllers have different number of channels, most have 16. You can get as many channels as you want, controller can be daisy chained together. An arch requires 8 channels. You need one channel for every element you want to be able to control separately. The light O rama page is a safe bet for getting started, but there are several others. Check the vendor list on the planet Christmas home page for most of the big sellers.

Your average light strand (and fuses) can handle about 300 lights. I wouldn't push higher than that if they're plugged in end to end. You’re at about 650, I'd break them into two and you should be ok. If you blow fuses you may need to break them up further but a 325 I don't believe you'll have a problem.

That's always the problem with stocking up on lights after Christmas; yea, the price is great but I hope you only need clear or mulit-colored lights. I've put serious thought into hiding lights in the store then coming back for them after Christmas, but it just doesn't seem right. (stupid morals)

Glad to hear you’re getting into the insanity, it sounds like your display is coming around nicely. There is a surprisingly high learning curve with this hobby; I hope you stick through it despite you injuries. I'll be looking forward to hearing more from you.

The start date depends on the size and complexity of your display. The general coconscious for turning the lights on seems to be just around Thanksgiving. But everyone’s different.

Wait until just after Christmas, then buy lights, any lights that catch your interest. You'll be able to plan for next year, and save some money.

It may not be what your looking for, but this is the best I've come up with so far. Sorry for the picture quality. [ATTACH=CONFIG]40091[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]40092[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]40093[/ATTACH]

I've been checking my palms every few hours to be sure their not in the neighbors yard. So far so good.

This may be the funniest problem I've heard on pc so far. Maybe you should just take it as a compliment, they really like your display.

The display looks great. I heard about a LOR user in Mesa on AZ Central, is that you? You'd be supprized how many of us there are in Arizona we're everywhere.

I hate to suggest this but it is pretty late to start programing. You can buy them online at places like http://www.wowlights.com/ or see if someone will give them to you. Converting from one display to another isn't that time consuming, by comparison.

I was using the word "misplaced" to describe my tendency to leave strands everywhere in the house depending on where I was working on them last. I wasn't trying to upset you, just being playful about a problem that I wish I had. Finding a pallet of lights and 5 controllers would make my year.

I agree compressed air is the way to go, but make sure it's dry. Moisture can build in compressor tanks and lines just put it to your hand first. No water and your ok. P.S. I have no idea what dirt daubers are either.

If it's not a problem pm me with your address. I'm in the valley and would love to see the display in person.

"tearing up" It's so beautiful, I love it when a plan comes together.

Yes, check you panel balance, not just the lights but all other loads, and if that doesn't work... Smile when your house dims, your doing it right.