Mega Tree Shopping list?

Xmas Beans

New elf
Joined
Mar 5, 2022
Messages
16
If I wanted to build a 10ft/3m MT where do I start? can anyone help me with a shopping list?
Excluding the rigging part of all this (I can get my brain around how to construct the physical tree rigging etc)

Id like to make a minimum of a 10ft tree 270deg(min) probably with 2-2.5" spacing as viewing is under 10mtrs it will be a stand alone item.

what do I need from the PSU to last Pixel?.

pix controllers? what options other than falcon? Do I really need to go that far or will other options work and what are they?

should I just buy a MT kit off HolidayCoro?
 

Notenoughlights

400,000+ twinkly lights
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Oct 16, 2016
Messages
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Location
Christchurch, New Zealand
You'll want to work out how many strands you want, the spacing of the pixels on those strands, i.e 25 strands with 50 pixels per strand.

Additionally you will need the radius of the base of the tree, this will give you the ability to put the dimensions into a mega tree calculator (link here https://www.lightshowhub.com/tools/mega-tree-calculator) to give you the length of strip required for each strand so you know how much to order. Once you know how big the tree will be in physical size with all the strips, we can then help with the power requirements as you will have a closer estimate to the number of pixels you are wanting to use.

For a pixel controller, if you're not too fussed on manually setting things up in terms of channels, universes etc (I hear there's a bit of unstable news in the wind with FPP potentially coming up) a HE123MK2 is an affordable controller, and readily available. Otherwise a Falcon will work, or a controller from Advatek (availability on these two currently is hit and miss however)

You have the option (maybe depending on order quantity) of asking a seller that makes pixel strings to do a custom run for you, including the exact length between pixels you require, the exact number of pixels so you don't need to cut/solder strings together, and the right pigtails for power injection/connecting to other strings all in one package, to save yourself a lot of time.
 

Xmas Beans

New elf
Joined
Mar 5, 2022
Messages
16
You'll want to work out how many strands you want, the spacing of the pixels on those strands, i.e 25 strands with 50 pixels per strand.
I was just going to stick with the 50 pix per strand bullet style 5v. I intend to purchase all the correct parts like the mounting strip, the correct topper to hold the strip etc.. those parts I can work out.

a 270 deg tree minimum but if we are talking 8 extra strands makes it 360 then why not just go 360 .. is there any disadvantage other than adding more cost in making a 360 v a 270 deg tree iygwim.

I'll apologize if my minds all over the place as I explain things, I live with chronic pain and fatigue and brain fog 24/7 but love these lights and decorating and it gives me something to focus on but sometimes leaves me confused as HoHoHo lol

so from the PSU (watt and amount to be calculated later) that plugs into...... which plugs into..... which plugs into .... etc what cords, plugs, wires all manner of things do I need to make this work?

Basically I want to be able to build a tree, connect it to xlights and sit on my lap top and play.

here is the link to the tree builder with the parameters added
https://www.lightshowhub.com/tools/...a(255, 153, 0)&secl=rgb(255, 190, 0)&ant=none
 
Last edited:

merryoncherry

Senior elf
Generous elf
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Apr 2, 2022
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633
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Cherry St., Hudson MA USA
should I just buy a MT kit off HolidayCoro?
If it fits your sizing, budget, etc., for 10' tree it'll work, quite easy to use. Would not use their design for anything much bigger than that, as the plastic topper won't take much tension and top rail isn't the toughest pole material. If you do get one, be sure to order repair kit also.
 

i13

Dedicated elf
Joined
Jul 5, 2013
Messages
1,172
A note on the custom spacing: It is a good idea to allow some headroom and specify "centre to centre" because some suppliers cut the wire to length before producing the bullet shaped nodes. Some of the wire ends up inside the nodes and that can shorten the centre-to-centre spacing. Too much headroom will increase the voltage drop so there's a tradeoff.

The price of pixels can vary with the wire thickness. Thicker (e.g. 18 AWG) copper wire has the least voltage drop but the minimum that you need will depend on your exact setup.

To learn more about how everything connects together, I suggest reading through the 101 manual if you haven't already: https://auschristmaslighting.com/threads/1889/
 

Xmas Beans

New elf
Joined
Mar 5, 2022
Messages
16
If it fits your sizing, budget, etc., for 10' tree it'll work, quite easy to use. Would not use their design for anything much bigger than that, as the plastic topper won't take much tension and top rail isn't the toughest pole material. If you do get one, be sure to order repair kit also.
the current ex rate isn't looking too flash atm and the tree Id like on there comes in at $2,200 NZ delivered. Im sure I can cobble something together from Aliexpress suppliers for the majority and I like the look of the pixel controller mentioned above from Australia.
 

Xmas Beans

New elf
Joined
Mar 5, 2022
Messages
16
A note on the custom spacing: It is a good idea to allow some headroom and specify "centre to centre" because some suppliers cut the wire to length before producing the bullet shaped nodes. Some of the wire ends up inside the nodes and that can shorten the centre-to-centre spacing. Too much headroom will increase the voltage drop so there's a tradeoff.

The price of pixels can vary with the wire thickness. Thicker (e.g. 18 AWG) copper wire has the least voltage drop but the minimum that you need will depend on your exact setup.

To learn more about how everything connects together, I suggest reading through the 101 manual if you haven't already: https://auschristmaslighting.com/threads/1889/
Points to think about, thanks. I'm looking at just buying "off the rack" per say, strings of 5v WS2811 50 nodes etc.
guess I'll just keep grazing Youtube and forums when I have the energy 🙃
 

merryoncherry

Senior elf
Generous elf
Joined
Apr 2, 2022
Messages
633
Location
Cherry St., Hudson MA USA
the current ex rate isn't looking too flash atm and the tree Id like on there comes in at $2,200 NZ delivered. Im sure I can cobble something together from Aliexpress suppliers for the majority and I like the look of the pixel controller mentioned above from Australia.
Oh yes, their price and quality can be beaten.
 
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