Mega tree mini-howto (written by a newbie)

[xmus]

So my mega tree is live. But I'm disappointed in how it looks.

When random stuff is happening, it looks fantastic, but when i try to do a chase, or just a single strand, you can only see about 3/4 of the lights... because lights are missing, hidden, behind other lights or cords in the bundles. So I imagine myself out there, trying to "face" up the lights, that might work, is that what you guys do? Maybe I'm over reacting, but I fear this tree might look really cheesy.... how do you guys get really nice "tight" lines of lights?????

Anyone ever make a mega tree with chaser lights? I'm considering it, but the down side is you only get a red every 12" rather than every 4".... I think they would look a lot cleaner though... less congestion.

[Mudsculpter]

There is a certain "cheese factor" that you have to embrace. Make it fun and those who come to see it will see the hard work and experience the joy you put into it too. Those that don't will just drive away,...

I would work on the most obvious areas on the tree and face out some lights there. Then move on. Tweak it later a little at a time. I'm sure it looks great.

[xmus]

Is there a mega tree how to? I know little, but I know more today than I did last week! Where should it go? Computer Christmas? Is anyone working on one already? I'll give it a few days and then drop one out there, if there isn't one already.

So, i measured my lights, used Pythagoreans theorem, purchased the "correct" length conduit, then the lights stretched... nice... so then the base had to be larger than i planned for, and the lights weren't pulled tight, my bazooka wires were too short, it was a total disaster. So i had this fat bottom, "squat" looking tree, that was SLOPPY.

I took it down tonight, added a 2 foot extension (it is now 12 feet at the tip), added budgie cords to each end of lights, to the stake, used a tape measure to insure uniformity, and it looks MUCH better.

I'll provide some pictures soon.

[xmus]

check this out.... a little random motion blur action (in plain English, this picture was an accident, but isn't it cool).

[xmus]

I used a 10"x10" "tamping" tool from Home Depot as the base. Cast iron, heavy, fits a 1" tube nicely, I drilled and put a bolt through the base to lock the 1" pole in.

[xmus]

The bazooka (painted black now)

[xmus]

Here is a close-up of the bungee method of securing the lights. It makes all the difference, really keeps 'em straight and nice. I used 3 cables to secure the pole, and i hid the cables (after painting them black) behind strings of lights. Looks good from the street.

[xmus]

And here is a picture of how the cables are attached up high, to keep the pole from falling over... It was dark, I brightened it up, hope it is useful. I used 3 cables....

[Michael]

I was wondering about using bungie cords to keep the lights tight. Does this stress the strands, or is it a good idea?

I picked up three 11' trees from Home Depot last year that are all white with an inner and outer ring. I plan on adding 4 strands each of Red, Green, and Blue using the inverted V method. Does anyone have comments on how it might look? Am I on the right track

[xmus]

I was wondering about using bungie cords to keep the lights tight. Does this stress the strands, or is it a good idea?

I picked up three 11' trees from Home Depot last year that are all white with an inner and outer ring. I plan on adding 4 strands each of Red, Green, and Blue using the inverted V method. Does anyone have comments on how it might look? Am I on the right track

I'm my humble newbie opinion, you can adjust the tension on the bungie by putting in extra wraps around the stake when you need a shorter bungie, this primitive method works good, and I do not think I have too much tension on any lines.... if you push the lines, them kinda wobble around, meaning, they aren't pulled tight, but they look straight..... I think it is good.