How to animate your Christmas lights using an 8-channel cont

[Anarchtica]

I just posted an article on my website (http://www.ksoChristmasLights.com) on how to animate your Christmas lights using an 8-channel controller. The article is written for those that are new to the hobby and are trying to find a place to start.

Article is here (http://www.ksochristmaslights.com/how_to/index.html#article4)

[datmafia]

Thanks for this post! It gives a complete newbie like me a Very clear explanation on how the hardware can be connected to the Controller. This has saved many tedious questions I had (I try and read and research as much as I can before asking for assistance.) At least for the purpose of basic understanding and low end setup this is a pretty good how-to guide. After reading this I now understand why you have the newbies start with a simple 8 channel controller. It's quite an undertaking. All fuel for my own fire. Time to save for all the supplies needed. For like $200.00 USD or less you should be able to obtain EVERYTHING you need (providing you have a RadioShack near you).
Thank You
DATmafia

[Anarchtica]

Thanks for this post! It gives a complete newbie like me a Very clear explanation on how the hardware can be connected to the Controller. This has saved many tedious questions I had (I try and read and research as much as I can before asking for assistance.) At least for the purpose of basic understanding and low end setup this is a pretty good how-to guide. After reading this I now understand why you have the newbies start with a simple 8 channel controller. It's quite an undertaking. All fuel for my own fire. Time to save for all the supplies needed. For like $200.00 USD or less you should be able to obtain EVERYTHING you need (providing you have a RadioShack near you).
Thank You
DATmafia

Thank you DAT, it makes me feel good to know people are gaining some real knowledge and confidence from my how-to's.

[TERBObob]

All I can say is
WOW !

MANY < MANY <MANY thanks for that webpage .
Now only was I totally lost in LA LA land .... but , almost ready to give up on wanting to make my display PC controlled .
Thanks to you , and to WALDEN for giving me the link to your page ....
Now , granted , I am only starting with a simple 8 channel , BUT , the GOOD news is , that my oreder is in , and now , while waiting for it to arrive ... I have already programmed a song to VIXEN ... ( well , got half of it done anyway - LOL )

Its the theme song from Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation , called HOLIDAY ROAD .
Again ... MANY , MANY thanks .

[Walden]

Cool, I helped some1. Makes me get that warm fuzzy feeling inside lol

[Anarchtica]

All I can say is
WOW !

MANY < MANY <MANY thanks for that webpage .

You are welcome :D

[ben]

All I can say is
WOW !

MANY < MANY <MANY thanks for that webpage .
Now only was I totally lost in LA LA land .... but , almost ready to give up on wanting to make my display PC controlled .
Thanks to you , and to WALDEN for giving me the link to your page ....
Now , granted , I am only starting with a simple 8 channel , BUT , the GOOD news is , that my oreder is in , and now , while waiting for it to arrive ... I have already programmed a song to VIXEN ... ( well , got half of it done anyway - LOL )

Its the theme song from Chevy Chase's Christmas Vacation , called HOLIDAY ROAD .
Again ... MANY , MANY thanks .

But you will have 24 channels (if not more!!) for next year ;)

Ben

[ikabod]

Thanks a million for sharing this valuable information. It helps a lot a newbie like me where to get started with this hobby. That webpage is very detailed. great share.

[aszelinski]

I am totally new to this and I found your website by chance. I can't wait to give this a try next year!!!

[Josh]

aszelinski, you may want to look into other options. With a year to plan, there is alot out there in the DIY community. Even if you want a basic setup... i would def. use SSR's and not mechanical relays. There is some information on both in the Wiki

[Walden]

aszelinski, you may want to look into other options. With a year to plan, there is alot out there in the DIY community. Even if you want a basic setup... i would def. use SSR's and not mechanical relays. There is some information on both in the Wiki

Agreed, you would like you display much more if it was expandable, not that im not saying its not ok to use the 8 channel controller. But its also a better investment if you can expand.

[aszelinski]

Thanks for your input...
After posting I did look around and found another controller that peaked my interest... The Grinch...
I have no electrical background so this will be a fun learning experience. :lol:
I defiantly can't wait now...

Thanks again for the input

[Josh]

you can still go small, but the big thing is use SSR's.. this year and last i have ran a 12 channel basic setup, i use no controller, just a parallel cable, and some relays.
Pm me, or if you have aim mine is in my profile and i can give you more specs, pics on my setup

[Anarchtica]

The 8-channel controller is definitely great for getting something setup quickly and easily in a time crunch.

If you have a year to plan though, I would definitely go the SSR route.

[RocketRick]

One quick change that you should probably make to your 8-channel setup (for safety reasons): instead of cutting the white wires in your power strips, cut the black ones.

In standard US electrical wiring, the black wires are the "hot" side of the circuit, and the white wires are the "neutral" side, which is bonded to ground back at the fuse box. You should always switch the hot (aka black wire) side of the circuit. Otherwise, even when the lights are "off", there is a potential "return path" from the hot side of your lights to ground through you if you happen to be grounded by damp shoes due to wet grass, etc..

Of course, prudence dictates that you unplug everything before touching it, anyways. But, still -- you should ALWAYS SWITCH THE HOT SIDE, NOT THE NEUTRAL.

- Rick