Sequencing Techniques - Lesson 3: Spiral Megatree

[kychristmas]

Last year, I got a ton of questions about the various techniques used on my Megatree and Arches. While they aren't that different from others, I decided to video some sample sequences that focus on the main techniques I use. The video examples and the Vixen 2.1 sequences will be attached here. I also realize that for those moving to 3.0, these are not as valuable. If I ever figure it out, I may learn to create effects for Vixen 3 and the post those along with the videos.

Other Lessons can be found here:
Chase Techniques (Candy Canes) (http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?19124-Sequencing-Techniques-Lesson-2-Chases-(Candy-Canes)&p=192779#post192779)
Arch Techniques (http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?19120-Sequencing-Techniques-and-Lesson-1-Arches)

On with the lesson...

This example is for Megatree Spirals. Adding Spirals to my Megatree was something I decided to do the first time I saw them. 2011 was the first year that I had spirals functioning. I had sequenced them in 2010, but unfortunately, my attempt to actually get them on the tree was a failure. My have 16 Multicolor strands of lights for my spirals. Although I would have like solid colors, I just didn't see being able to get that done. The effects that I show in here are the ones I use. These I developed completely on my own. They could probably benefit from some better use of dimming, but I was very happy with how they looked. The "Inverted Helix" is something I sorta borrowed from a technique that Holdman used on vertical strand of his Megatree. When I ran my test, it just blew me and my son away. I could believe how great the effect was. Another great feature is the Helix Twist (Can also do Spiral) The twist effect is essentially switching the direction of the turn, but it's done slowly so it's not a sharp switch in direction. It's a great effect for songs that rise and fall or have distinct transitions.


http://vimeo.com/34933939


The attached zip file contains a Vixen 2.1 sequence with my profile flattened into it. I've tried to keep it small, but it's still a 900K sequence. Eventually I will try to upload each technique as a seperate Vixen Routine files. The techniques in the video match the order in the sequence. The names are mostly my own names.

[jamesvh724]

I have a megatree and want to add a spiral around it. How do I get started with that?

Also, what program do I need to open your vixen sequence.

Thanks.

James

[kychristmas]

I have a megatree and want to add a spiral around it. How do I get started with that?

Also, what program do I need to open your vixen sequence.

Thanks.

James

There are lot's of Spiral Megatree threads. Just do a search. No sense in recreating anything.

I used Vixen 2.1. That's all you should need.

[Wayne J]

There are lot's of Spiral Megatree threads. Just do a search. No sense in recreating anything.

I used Vixen 2.1. That's all you should need.
and make sure that Microsoft dot net 2.0 is installed on your machine first. :)

[jamesvh724]

I have been searching for these threads and have really found only 1. The question that I have is that I am looking at using 16 Strands of lights and the question that I have is that do I do 8 starting in the front of the megatree and then do the other 8 starting in the back of the megatree is that how these are done.

Thanks.

James

[cwalkeree]

I have been searching for these threads and have really found only 1. The question that I have is that I am looking at using 16 Strands of lights and the question that I have is that do I do 8 starting in the front of the megatree and then do the other 8 starting in the back of the megatree is that how these are done.

Thanks.

James

Your megatree should be round.. therefore, your light strings should be evenly spaced around the base of your tree.

i.e. let's say the circumference of your tree base is, i dunno, 20 ft or 240 inches. if you have 16 strings, then you would attach a string to your mega tree base every 15 inches.

I have been reading, and most people attach their strings to the tree topper, then just walk the strings around the tree and attempt to keep a somewhat consistent spacing b/t each string.. you could use zip ties to attach the strings to your guy wire or pvc braces (whichever route you go)

[kychristmas]

I have been searching for these threads and have really found only 1. The question that I have is that I am looking at using 16 Strands of lights and the question that I have is that do I do 8 starting in the front of the megatree and then do the other 8 starting in the back of the megatree is that how these are done.

Thanks.

James

Here's one where Lance was asking for pictures. In addition to pictures,there are links to other threads.
http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?18297-Spiraling-Megatree-Pics&highlight=Spiral

I had the same number of Spirals as Verticals, so I used the verticals as guides. It's very hard for me to explain, but I started with one string. It doesn't really matter where or which number it ends up being. I hooked it at the top on one of my 16 hooks. I wrapped it around to where I was satisfied with the "Spiral" I also made sure it ended on the bottom ring at the same place as one of the 16 verticals. I then moved to the next hook to the right and started wrapping it so the spiral was evenly spaced from the previous one. This was probably the most time-consuming one. The string should end on the next vertcial to the right of the previous one. It starts out an inch or two from the previoius one and ends up nearly 18" at the bottom ring. It's easy when you have the verticals as a helper. Now that you have those two as a spacing guide, the rest go much more quickly. Remeber, it doesn't have to be perfect. On mine the spacing started changing on me and although I repaired it, it was still a bit off. You couldn't even tell during sequencing. It moves too fast for the viewers to have reference.

My only disapointment was that with the spirals started constricting my vertical strings. Which then made the previous spirls sag and I ended up using a ton of wire-ties to clean up. All-in-all, it was still well worth the effort. Next year I will be adding either Paracord or Steel wire supports. I will not rely on the Verticals to support all the weight.

See if these pieces of information help you understand it.