RGB MegaTree 2011 preview videos

[ags0000]

I still have to figure out how to stop my camera from "helping" me by trying to autofocus. Until then, here are links to preview video captures of my MegaTree for 2011.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0UGGwUPvwQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCPcw5Dkkco
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0k-EW3qj_0

This all started almost exactly one year ago when I saw the GECE lights at Costco, and then Darco posted the control protocol. There are literally thousands of hours in the design and build of the complete system over the past year (and it's still not done). There is one controller driving 64 strands of 50 GECE RGB pixels each, and a PC-based application to create the show animation. It isn't sequencing but more like choreography. With under a dozen "effects" available so far my wife has created hours of show animation. The three video links comprise one of her 30-minute shows. The tree is 25' tall and weighs about 500 pounds.

My thanks to the helpful folks on this site. I hope you'll enjoy these.

[SteveMaris]

Great job, amazing.

[Jim Curtis]

Oh great, my first year of blindly flashy and now I see this and have to shift to RGB pixels. GREAT job !!

[lightman]

[QUOTE=ags0000;187163]...

This all started almost exactly one year ago when I saw the GECE lights at Costco, and then Darco posted the control protocol. There are literally thousands of hours in the design and build of the complete system over the past year (and it's still not done). There is one controller driving 64 strands of 50 GECE RGB pixels each, and a PC-based application to create the show animation. It isn't squencing but more like choreography. With under a dozen "effects" available so far my wife has created hours of show animation. The three video links comprise one of her 30-minute shows. The tree is 25' tall and weighs about 500 pounds.

QUOTE]

Outstanding job! Truly shows the potential for smart pixels. I see that you used all GECE pixels. Now that you have completed this fantastic array, would you use them again? Based on what I see... I would!

Secondly, can you elaborate on your set up a little more. Did you use the E680 controller or another? What computer application did you use to "choreograph" the show?

Finally...any daytime photos of your tree?

Truly amazing....
Lightman

[henkvis]

Just great.... that is what our future is about I'm afraid.....

Nice job

[corytcline]

I would like to know how many channels it took to pull that off and more details of the setup.
That was amazing!!
Also how did you do the graphic equalizer effect?

[scootchu]

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Wow!

[budude]

Awesome! Can't wait to see this in person!

[ags0000]

I see that you used all GECE pixels. Now that you have completed this fantastic array, would you use them again?

I think the choice of pixels is very subjective, a matter of personal taste. However, for me, the quality, reliability and consistency (think pixel spacing) of construction, waterproofness, large diffusing lens, and bright brilliant colors make the GECE my favorites. I haven't seen all the options IRL, and the GECE pixels support 4096 colors (and 256 intensity levels), which is less than some others, but I haven't found that to be a problem for what I want to accomplish. So, that's a loud "Yes".

Secondly, can you elaborate on your set up a little more. Did you use the E680 controller or another? What computer application did you use to "choreograph" the show?

My goal since last year has been to create an entire system, with a vision for doing things differently from what is already available - not simply to be different, but to offer an alternative to allow creativity in designing shows. So the hardware, firmware, communication protocol, and control application are all new to support that goal. It won't be the right choice for everyone, but it may be for some.

Finally...any daytime photos of your tree?

I'll post some pictures in a few days.

[bud29]

That is unbelievable! Too bad it is so expensive to pull off, I'd never be able to hide that big a bill from my wife.