and it's a Hello from me :)

Hi AusChristmasLighting.

My name's Wayne and I'm new to this forum. You guessed it; I'm new to christmas lighting, as we know living in Australia xmas lights can be somewhat expensive, so if you going to spend the money then do it right and have some fun - so here I am.

Originally from England, the biggest problem I see is sourcing products within Australia or indeed relying on overseas.

So I will sift through this forum for the newbies, however if anyone would like to point me a direction to get started - that would be much appreciated..

Note:
I'm keen to give back to the forum, so I intend on documenting my experiences and sharing...

Welcome @Ziggyshow ,
Glad to have you onboard.
Be prepared for the budget to blow, unless you don't set one .
Ordering from overseas is what almost everyone does, you can still get quality pixel strings from manufacturers in China.

Ready, steady, plan! Think of what parts of the house or props you want first - don't need to have the whole house done in one year.
Decide what controller(s) work best, connect your lights and play around in the sequencer!

Warning: You might get the 'CLAP' - Christmas Light Addiction Problem.

We look forward to seeing your display!

Welcome to ACL.
Sift your way through the ACL101. It has vast amounts of info to absorb.

Hi Wayne,

What State are you in? There will be mini expos in most states during May/June, these are great to get face to face help and learn from. Check the https://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/mini-christmas-expos-events.68/ threads
You're right about purchasing stuff from overseas, luckily most peoples favourite controller board is available via a bulk buy once a year. Check this thread: https://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/bulk-buys-interest-posts.60/

One tip for purchasing pixels from China (via Aliexpress) is to contact the vendor directly as they'll usually give you a better price than what's advertised on Ali.

and don't forget to read the 101 manual: https://auschristmaslighting.com/threads/auschristmaslighting-101-manual.1889/

OzAz said:

Hi Wayne,

What State are you in? There will be mini expos in most states during May/June, these are great to get face to face help and learn from. Check the https://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/mini-christmas-expos-events.68/ threads
You're right about purchasing stuff from overseas, luckily most peoples favourite controller board is available via a bulk buy once a year. Check this thread: https://auschristmaslighting.com/forums/bulk-buys-interest-posts.60/

One tip for purchasing pixels from China (via Aliexpress) is to contact the vendor directly as they'll usually give you a better price than what's advertised on Ali.

and don't forget to read the 101 manual: https://auschristmaslighting.com/threads/auschristmaslighting-101-manual.1889/

Click to expand...

Firstly Thanks for the info - I'm in Kellyville, NSW. At this stage I'm only in the planning/design phase; which will include understanding when/where the budget will be blown

I just looked at the controller thread for 2018, and it looks like the base cost of the controller is the same as that directly from the website (ie $200); so what was the saving?

Secondly the challenge I'm facing right now - is which pixels to buy from whom!!! - It would appear the goto is Ray Wu - any thoughts here and what price point should I be looking at?

W

AAH said:

Welcome to ACL.
Sift your way through the ACL101. It has vast amounts of info to absorb.

Click to expand...

Absolutely - and a great resource - thx

Ziggyshow said:

I just looked at the controller thread for 2018, and it looks like the base cost of the controller is the same as that directly from the website (ie $200); so what was the saving?

Click to expand...

Pixel controller LLC does not ship them to AU/NZ, so @darylc has kindly agreed with them to receive everyone's in the bulk buy, then ship them within AU/NZ.

Kellyville - then you are close to @keithsw1111 one of the programmers of xLights and all round guru and also close to where they are holding this years expo

The type of pixel somewhat depends on what you want to do with it. Square are better than bullet in some applications as the wires don't stick out the back so far. Some coro props only fit bullet or only fit square. Then there are ones like the C9 shape if you want an older traditional looking 'globe'. Then there's the old 5V v 12V debate

Confused yet? Welcome to the world of pixel christmas lighting.

I'm under no illusions - hence why I've set the expectations that this is a 11month project (at least phase 1)

I am indeed in kellyville. Where in kellyville are you. Happy to grab coffee some time and send you in the right direction.