The lights have gone dark

[tlorek]

We just powered off our lights and completed a successful first year of blinky-flashy. Very melancholy feeling. We're glad for the success we've had in raising money (the final tally will have to wait until tomorrow because it's too darn cold for me to go out and empty the donation box tonight), but sad that it's over. We now have less than 10 months to go before we start putting it all back up again.

When I started, I was somewhat blown away by how components for our display came from the far corners of the globe; boards from the US and Australia, RS-485 adapters and other parts from Asia, RDS module from eastern Europe, transmitter from Africa. A 5 continent project. Amazing.

To Brian and others who maintain this board, to those who have organized group buys, to those who have provided their expertise and insight, you have my thanks. Thanks for a wonderful 2009, and I look forward to a bigger and better 2010.

[RichF]

Congrats on your first year.

[dirknerkle]

Congrats, Tom! I'm so glad your show was a success.

I, too always feel a tinge of sadness when they go dark -- mine shut off after the last show on Jan 1st. And because they're so frozen-in I can't get to them for another couple months. Tonite it's about -20F: darned if I'm goin' out there to even take the ones I can reach off the house.

Here's to another (lifting glass - clink) successful year -- and may 2010 be everything you want it to be!

-dave

[QtrMiMike]

We also just powered off our lights and completed a successful first year of blinky-flashy. I agree it was very sad shutting them off. I still have things frozen in the ground, but was able to get some things put away.

Thanks to everyone who helped me with my seemingly silly questions. It was an awesome 2009, and I look forward to 128 channels for 2010.

Mike
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[Superfreak3]

Tonite it's about -20F

OUCH! And I thought 14F was cold!

I will be taking the lights down when we get the next warmer snap (30s or above), but I'll be experimenting with a few things for next year before then.

Congrats to all those who pulled off your shows!

[zztopmo]

Sorry to turn mine off too. I have been sliding in and out for the past month getting ideas from you guys (and gals). I just pulled off my first time at working my 8 channel show. Looking forward to doing more this year. I hope if I run into problems you all are here to help me. Thanks again. Here is a link to show part of what I did.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ueLA1fr_m4

[kychristmas]

I just sat in my truck on the driveway watching the entire program end-to-end for the first time. As it so-happens, it was the last program run of the year. They went dark while I was parked on the driveway. It is Sad, but it really has been a great first year.

Thanks to all,

Kelly