Bill's 2009 Adventure

[wbuehler]

29 December 2008

I see that the original journey has over 11,000 views. I had fun taking all the pics and posting comments as I went so I have decided to try again. That is unless this thread should get vaporized by the mighty forum gods.

So here is to another year of posts that may be useful, funny, sad, dumb, misspelled, shocking...etc..

Bill

[ppohlman]

And started a little early too. ;)

[wbuehler]

Yea

But it's never to early to plan a lighting display. :D

Bill

[wbuehler]

29 December 2008

Looking forward to the CDI LED group buy. One of my plans include doing another 6 foot tree just like I had this year only do the second one using LED's. One tree will be in the same spot as 2008 and still be made of normal Mini's and the new tree will have the same setup but will be on the other side of the yard and be made of LED's.

[Trip]

I think this thread can be moved out of the beginning subforum, Bill. I think you are far from a noob now. :lol:

[WWNF911]

No question Trip although it is a new beginning. Right Bill? ;)




Sorry,... couldn't resist.

[wbuehler]

No question Trip although it is a new beginning. Right Bill? ;)




Sorry,... couldn't resist.

Correct :D

[rlilly]

Bill,
You wouldn't happen to have a neighbor named 'Ted' that wants in on the action, do you? :p

[wbuehler]

Maybe

The people in my neighborhood don't talk to often.

Bill

[davetv102]

Bill,
You wouldn't happen to have a neighbor named 'Ted' that wants in on the action, do you?

They do have a most excellent band, you can catch them at Bill's or some of the local spots. Just ask for "WILD STALLIONS".:p

David

[Trip]

they do have a most excellent band, you can catch them at bill's or some of the local spots. Just ask for "wild stallions".:p

david

rufus!

[wbuehler]

01 January 2009

The 2008 display has been taken down and put into storage.
Now it is tome to work on this year.

Bill

[WWNF911]

01 January 2008

It's always hard to break old habits. LOL

[wbuehler]

It's always hard to break old habits. LOL

Awwww Man

Thanks

Bill

[wbuehler]

09 January 2009

Placed an order for some CDI Led's today. :D

Bill

[wbuehler]

17 January 2009

Well I decided to start up a Co-Op as my way of giving back.
The Co-Op start late yesterday and filled in record time.

Bill

[kychristmas]

17 January 2009

Well I decided to start up a Co-Op as my way of giving back.
The Co-Op start late yesterday and filled in record time.

Bill

Where was the Co-Op? I have been watching the Group Buys closely and didn't see anything. What was it for?

Kelly

[wbuehler]

Where was the Co-Op? I have been watching the Group Buys closely and didn't see anything. What was it for?

Kelly

Sorry for the confusion. I am running the Co-Op on another board.
It was for a 16 Channel DMX controller called the Lynx Express.
You can read more about at the following link.

http://diylightanimation.com/index.php?board=5.0


Bill

[wbuehler]

31 January 2009

Nothing says the start of a new display than the arrival of a box of Mouser parts.

http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Mouser_Box.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Out_Of_The_Box.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Parts.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Chips_And_Sockets.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/HeatSinks.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Sockets_And_Such.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Terminal_Blocks.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Terminal_Blocks_2.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Terminal_Blocks_3.jpg

Bill

[pete]

I see everything you recieve is carefully checked and catscanned.

[wbuehler]

I see everything you recieve is carefully checked and catscanned.

Yup

Cataloged :D

[wbuehler]

04 February 2009

2nd Snow Fall Of The Year

http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/snow1.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/snow2.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/snow3.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/snow4.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/snow5.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/snow6.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/snow7.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/snow8.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/snow9.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/snow10.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/snow11.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/snow12.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/snow13.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/snow14.jpg

Bill

[Wayne J]

It was cool last night! The drive to work this morning was a bit hairy though. A lot of black ice.

[wbuehler]

It was cool last night! The drive to work this morning was a bit hairy though. A lot of black ice.

Oh Yea

Bill

[wbuehler]

27 February 2009

Well it has been a while since I posted an update so here it goes.

It's been busy these last couple of months. With help we were able to finish a dual co-op of 169 kits for the Lynx Express board. Also I have been testing a new technology that has been built into the LE controller. LNT or Light Normalization Technology. This new feature will allow light strings of different makes and types to dim at the same rate. Below is a beta video of it running.

Bill

VTzovZeV--g

[wbuehler]

28 February 2009

Well I was at Lowes today and decided I would check out the electrical isle.
I found they had the 6 foot white cords on clearance and I had a $10.00 off $50.00 Lowes coupon with me :)
So you know what that means. :) I only found 32 at first but after digging around I found 34 more hidding on the back of the shelf.

http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Got_Some_Cords.jpg

Bill

[wbuehler]

02 March 2009

Well 3rd snow of the year

http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/1.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/2.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/3.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/4.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/5.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/6.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/7.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/8.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/9.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/10.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/11.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/12.jpg

Bill

[kychristmas]

So, does a snow like that that Parallize NC?

[wbuehler]

So, does a snow like that that Parallize NC?


Yup

Most businesses and schools started to close last night just as the snow started.

Bill

[wbuehler]

24 March 2009 Hey all sorry for the lack of posts.

Here are some pics of a version 3 LE. I had some Red anodized heat sinks arrive late last week. As soon as I can get them installed I'll take some more pictures. You may not be able to see the new additions to version 3 but there are power indicator LED's for 3v and 5V, a 2nd powered DMX out and on board diagnostics that run tests and use the LED's to display the testing outputs.

http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Heatsinks_1.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Heatsinks_2.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/LE_PCB_V3_1.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/LE_PCB_V3_2.jpg

Bill

[wbuehler]

Hey All

[wbuehler]

May 01 2009

Hello All

I have had a couple of PM requests to post some of the 15,000 pictures that we took while on vacation.
Below are some pictures of the Keukenhof in Holland. This is by far the biggest group of flowers that exist anywhere. We spent two days here and still did not cover it all.

http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Flower1.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Flower2.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Flower3.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Flower4.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Flower5.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Flower6.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Flower7.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Flower8.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Flower9.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Flower10.jpg

Bill

[WWNF911]

I know what you mean. I have a similar set of pictures. Looks like you were fortunate in that you had some decent weather. When the wife and I went a few years back in March they were already having April showers. :) The park was still amazing and tempts you to buy some bulbs when out and about shopping for souveniers. We opted not to buy though as we didn't want to find out how difficult it may be to get through customs.

[wbuehler]

02 May 2009

I have my first set of wireless beta boards up and running.

http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/LERX.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/LERXBottom.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Transmitter.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Transmitter_With_Cap.jpg

Video of the wireless in use

yDhc6Mzxnwc

Bill

[wbuehler]

03 May 2009

Got some more wireless receivers built today and more testing done.

88dIiPRXE7Q
KuMUV0K-f1g

Bill

[wbuehler]

23 May 2009

I decided to see if I could get one of the OptiLED devices I was sent earlier this year up and running.
This is a RGB LED DMX device. The main problem is that it looks like the company no longer exists and the device uses special connectors for the power and DMX input.
Since the company no longer exists getting the actual connectors for power and DMX would be difficult.
Well with a #10 security torx driver, a soldering iron, and some replacement cable it is up and running.

http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/OptiLed.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/T10_Security_Torx_Driver.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/PCB_Removed.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/PCB_Removed_2.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/DMX_Connector_Wires.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Special_Connectors.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Special_Wires_Removed.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Assembled_New_Wires.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing1.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing2.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing3.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing4.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing5.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing6.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing7.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing8.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing9.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing10.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing11.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing12.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing13.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing14.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing15.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing16.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing17.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing18.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Testing19.jpg

[WWNF911]

Looks quite small bill. How's the coverage and does it dim well?

Good Job!

Leon

[wbuehler]

Looks quite small bill. How's the coverage and does it dim well?

Good Job!

Leon


Yea

The coverage area could be better. An MR16 has better coverage but they are cool because they are they own controller.

Bill

[wbuehler]

25 May 2009

I decided to try some SMD soldering today. After talking with others and reading a lot on line I decided on ZEPH Paste.
There website is here http://www.zeph.com.

I read the article on the re-flow skillet and decided to try a reflow griddle. I have to say that the paste and the griddle worked quite well.
Yes it could have been placed a bit better but I do not think that it is bad for a first attempt.

To measure the temperature of the griddle I used a infra-red gun type device. I got mine at Sears and as you will see by the pictures the better deal was to get the kit that came with the temperature device, Meter, and 200 Amp external sensor.

I found the zephpaste and flux to work quite well and the ower of the company to be great. He took time out of his day to answer several of my questions directly.

The device that I tried this with is designed to be soldered with a normal iron. The pads are big enough to use a normal iron just fine.
But I figured I would give it a try and it gave me the excuse to jump into this method.

http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Zeph_Paste_shipped_to_me.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Zeph_Paste_Accessories.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Sears_Kit.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Re_Flow_Griddle.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Re_Flow_Griddle_2.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/RF_Amp.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/RF_Amp_With_PCB.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/RF_Mounted.jpg

Thanks to all that I bothered with questions before I started.

Bill

[wbuehler]

27 May 2009

WOOOHOOOO

Got my CDI order in today. They look great.

Here is a quick test video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZoJ1vgN8hc

Bill

[wbuehler]

17 June 2009

Been a bit of a dry spell with posting. So here it goes. Attended my first ever mini here in NC it was a very nice event. Had the chance to finally put a faces to a names. Saw a lot of cool display ideals and had the chance to also give a presentation. Since I did not get rotten tomato's thrown at me I can only guess that it went well.

My plans for a 2009 display are still going. Currently looking at some arch and other ideals. Also looking at other mini dates to see if I can squeeze some more in.

Bill

[wbuehler]

July 22 2009

Here are some pics of the TN Mini.
If you find a pic that you would like the full size of PM me the file name and I will see about getting it to you.

Bill

[wbuehler]

30 August 2009

Hello All

Now that I have my last Co-Op out the door I can now get to building items for the show.

Here is a pic of my first version 4 LE.

One down 9 more to go.

Bill

[wbuehler]

13 September 2009

Well still working on equipment for the show.
Got 10 LE's done for the show this year. Working on Wireless Receivers and holders for the MR16's.
Thanks to BL for the link to these cool holders. They need a little modification but work great.

http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/MR16_Mod.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/MR16_Mod_2.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/MR16_Remove_Old_Mount.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/MR16_In_Socket.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/MR16_In_Socket_2.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/MR16_Front_Lens.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/MR16_Side.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Complete_MR16.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Complete_MR16_Front.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Complete_MR16_Front_2.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Complete_MR_16_Side.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/LE_Receivers.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Overview_Completed.jpg
(http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Overview_Completed.jpg)

[Macrosill]

None of the links are working

[wbuehler]

Try them now just got done fixing them.

Bill

[Macrosill]

Working now. Missed the images sub folder, it will do it every time.

[wbuehler]

You got it.

Bill

[budude]

Pretty cool Bill! - it will be interesting to see how the wireless works out with all those units during the show! I've got two sets of Tx and Rx modules myself from RJ's Co-Op but I'm not sure I'll get around to building them this year.

[wbuehler]

Pretty cool Bill! - it will be interesting to see how the wireless works out with all those units during the show! I've got two sets of Tx and Rx modules myself from RJ's Co-Op but I'm not sure I'll get around to building them this year.

I'm looking forward to it. Should be pretty cool.

Bill

[wbuehler]

Still working on the display.

Worked on the window frames and resistor mounts for the MR16. I wanted the resistors to be mounted so they would have support. I cut small rectangles from a piece of perf board from Radio Shack and used it to secure the resistor and the wires to. After that a little bit of heat shrink to cover it. On the Window frames I planned on having 3 strings of C9 lights around each window so instead of mounting them around the windows I mounted them to a frame to make the install easier.

I like the big bulbs. We used them all the time when I was a kid. Each window will have 72 C9 bulbs around it. I removed one bulb and the female plug end from each string. I wanted an even number of bulbs and I was not going to plug any thing into the strings.

Still have work to do for the MR16's and window frames but it's getting there.

http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/PCB_Piece.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Resistor_1.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Resistor_2.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Resistor_3.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Resistor_4.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Window_Frames.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Sockets_Attached.jpg
http://images.net-zer.com/images/diyc/2009/Sockets_Attached_2.jpg


Bill

[wbuehler]

12 October 2009

Still working on display items. I put up my Halloween display last weekend.

l8RZuly_X5s

Small video on how I remove the extra mounting studs in the CG-1500 case.

vXOqm7zQpQw

Took a good part of the day but got 10 controllers in there cases, corded, and got the wireless modules attached. After cutting, stripping, and tinning all those extension cords, talk about sour fingers.

Bill

[wbuehler]

Started to put some of the display up today. The three support posts for the 6 foot trees have been setup.
The cables markers were done earlier this week, so I wanted to get stared while the ground was soft from the rain and before the same rain washed away the cable marking paint.

Bill

[Trip]

July 22 2009

Here are some pics of the TN Mini.

Bill

Awww there was a TN mini and I missed it. Damn, I need to check in more. I just get aggravated posting here in summer months, always good to get back to Blinky/Flashy time of year.

[wbuehler]

11-14 Thru 11-15 Got a little more of the display elements out in the yard. Thanks to the family and the weather.

Bill

[wbuehler]

Working on items, getting ready for deploy.

Bill

[wbuehler]

More Pics

[budude]

Working on items, getting ready for deploy.

Bill

Those wireless SSR4s are just sweet! Great packaging there!

Are those toilet bowl flanges for the globe bases?

[wbuehler]

Yes they are flanges

[wbuehler]

Light show has been active for about a week now. So far everything is running great. Here are some pics and videos of this years setup. Thanks for all you have helped.

Bill

dfwnFWmer_0
3tEvf5rzV3E

[wbuehler]

OK

Here are two videos. Sorry about the quality doing the best I can with a point and shoot that also does Video.

Rudolph_2009
xhcZ--TA2Z4

White_Christmas_2009
HYmbEv2_LvU

Bill

[budude]

Nice Bill - the net lights on the shrubs give a nice river effect in the chases. Good Job!

[wbuehler]

Nice Bill - the net lights on the shrubs give a nice river effect in the chases. Good Job!

Thanks

I will get the other videos up as soon as I can.

Bill

[wbuehler]

OK, got 4 more videoed tonight. My normal video spot on the neighbors walkway was giving my FM problems, so I had to move.
This was the best I could get as far as a balance to make things visible, get as much in the shot, and make the audio heard.
A camcorder with good low level light ability will be on the wish list for 2010.

Jingle Bell Rock

qkfwDKF48OA

Let It Snow

nSsoCUNGgMM

Frosty The Snow Man

-1vXQJ6_8R4

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

KUdfLgGzULo

Bill

[wbuehler]

Hello All

It was another good year. Added a few elements and did not receive any complaints, so I can only assume that the display was liked by all visors local and remote.

Thanks to all for the support, help and ideals.

At the close of my first year I made a small list of things to pass on to others who might be starting in this hobby for the 1st year. I would like to repeat some of those items.

1. Read, Read, Read, and Read some more.
2. Never be afraid to ask a question.
3. Develop a game plan.
4. Use that plan to decided what supplies you will need.
5. Get in on Co-Ops when you can to help save costs
6. If you can stick to your plan, last minute changes to a show, sounds nice on paper but can lead to delays and more increased costs.
7. If you use controllers that have Pic's in them, purchase a Pic programmer. A Pic programmer is worth it's weight in gold.
8. If possible try and put some of your show elements out earlier to help speed up setup time.
9. Ask a friend to help if needed.
10. Do Not Forgot that you will need power cords. This item can easily become the most costly part of your display.

11. Above all have fun.

Bill