Inflatable Christmas Light Show
Inflatable Christmas Light Show
Hey, I am in AUSTRALIA and want to do a CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW this year, with all the lights synced to music...?
But i am only a beginner what do I have to do to achieve this?
As much detail as possible please, websites for products would also be helpful,
I already have an extensive range of lights with there own multi-function controllers, would I need to purchase new lights so they don't just flash by themselves when they are switched on with the music?
Thanks heaps
BTW i also have inflatables, what do I do with them?
There are three companies (that I know of) that make the equipment and programs to use computer control of your lights.
Animated Lighting makes equipment and is mostly used in commercial applications
Light-O-Rama is probably the largest residential supplier and has more users worldwide including Austrailia.
D-Light is a smaller company that focuses on the Do It Yourselfer (can you solder?).
I use Light-O-Rama because at the time they were the least expensive (I tried to solder a D-Light Unit but realized I could not see the small parts). http://lightorama.com is where you will find the equipment and software.
The first thing you will need to do is determine how many channels you want. A channel is a dedicated circuit that is assigned to a group of lights that you will control. Most new displays start out from 32 - 64 channels. Plan how many you want (channels) and lay out the display on paper. Determine where you are going to put the controllers and make sure you have enough extension cords to go from the controller to the lights.
You will need Cat5 or phone cable to connect your controllers in series.
You will need a converter that will allow your computer to connect to the controllers.
If you want to broadcast on radio, you will need a small transmitter.
--
Your multi function lights will work with the controllers if you turn them on/off. They will do what they are programmed to do when they are turned on. IF you do not want them to do that, you will either have to remove the control box, or disregard the lights.
So yes, you will need more lights.
Regarding your inflatables, they can be integrated into a display and turned on/off with a controller. If you hack into the lights, you can connect them to the controller and fade/flash/twinkle/turn on or off.
I have found that if I put a spot light in front of mine, they look better.
Hope this helps.
-
What to do now?
If you have a bunch of money, plan on coming to the PlanetChristmas Lights Up Symposium in Louisville KY this summer http:www.planetchristmas.com/PLUS2009.htm
where you will meet many others that have a passion for decorating.
Otherwise, decide on the controller you want to use, download their software and begin programming your songs. You can expect to spend about 4 hours per minute of song. So if you have 15 minutes of songs, you can reasonably expect to dedicate a minimum of 50 hours to programming. It could take more.
You can also expect to spend about $1000 US on controllers, transmitters, program, assessories your first year (48 channels).
If you choose LOR, they do offer various degrees of equipment that will range in cost from $150 per unit to $500 per unit. Decide what you want and budget for it.
If you are not in a hurry, they historically offer a summer sale where you will save 10%.
Christmas Lights Display Australia 2009
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