Mega tree opinions need

[profgoop]

Hello all! its crunch time and I've decided to add a few channels to the mega tree.... My set up last year was just an 8 channel tree all one color. This year I have decided to add 16 channels to the tree but am now torn between two options. I thought I had it all figured out right; just add the 2 new colors to the tree, 8 channels each. Well, I am now thinking maybe just keeping it all one color but having much nicer chase sequences. What is your opinion:

- 3 colors, 8 channels each?

- 1 color, 24 channels for better chase sequences?

Thanks!!
Chris

[Skunberg]

My vote is one color more channels. My megatree is 16 strings and I feel it would look bare with fewer. But that's at 20 ft tall. Shorter could get by with less and taller would need more for the same look.

[mkess]

What about 2 colors 12 channels each? Also How tall are you making your tree? You can make your tree look fuller if you run your strings up and back down the same side and then offset it a couple of inches.

[StandingInAwe85]

I second the 2 color, 12 channel option. I only used 8 channels last year and it looked a bit too "choppy" for my liking. I'm doubling that this year and going with 16 channels around, and adding a second color (so 32 channels total). In my opinion, it's more 'impressive to the viewers' to have a second color than more channels; while at the same time I'd take more channels before adding a third color.

[budude]

I'll third that - I ran 12-channels last year and it turned out pretty good IMO. I did as mkess indicated where the strand went up/down so it fills it out pretty good. I had 3 colors (RGW) but I would agree that 8-channels may not be the way to go.

[XmasInGalt]

I've done with budude has done. I run one channel up one side and down the opposite side. It does help to fill out the tree. Having more than one color really makes a difference. 12 channels per color is a good number especally when you run one channel up and down. My tree has 4 colors of 12 channels each. I don't think I would go any lower than 12 channels per color. I would go higher but the tree is max'd out at 96 strings on it.

[Skunberg]

I've done with budude has done. I run one channel up one side and down the opposite side. It does help to fill out the tree. Having more than one color really makes a difference. 12 channels per color is a good number especally when you run one channel up and down. My tree has 4 colors of 12 channels each. I don't think I would go any lower than 12 channels per color. I would go higher but the tree is max'd out at 96 strings on it.

So will you go to 96 channels next year? 24 channels for each color? Same 96 strings?

[profgoop]

Awesome ideas! I appreciate the input. I think I will try the 2 color 12 channel option and see how it looks, I hadn't even thought of that option... The 8 channel tree was a bit too choppy, I would love some smoother chase sequences.

Thanks guys!

[oldcqr]

I'm going to go with everyone else and say 2x12 or 3x8. If you have a predominantly 3 color display, go 3x8 and then add more channels next year for a 3x12. If you have a 2 color display, go with the 2x12. I have a small section in my mega tree articles about making that decision (http://www.landolights.com/main/content/view/80/39/#decisions). For example, assume you have a 4 color display. You could go with a 26 channel 4 color tree: 2 colors x 12 slices for full control, then a single channel each that would light up the entire tree in the other 2 colors.

IMHO:
12 slices seems to be the sweet spot when it comes to 'normal' sized mega trees ( less than 20-30' or so high). I have a 10' 8 slice tree, and I could see where the extra 4 slices would help. After that, it would be overkill for me.


(edit: ninjaed by the op! :D)