Hi from Nz - where to next....

Hi all,

So over the past couple of years the display had gone for a few hundred lights to over 30,000 last christmas. Only standard bunnings lights etc with the exception of Govee light curtains introduced. Need to add something new for 2025. Started looking at Pixles last year but didn't go there, but would like to introduce something this year, particularly along the brick work I have avaliable to fill onlong the bottom. Before I dive in deep I would like to have a tester, is there any starter kits I can purchase to get my head around everything? A one stop shop for a full starter kit?
Once I understand things maybe I am adding some props along the brick and arches along the top of the brick to liven things up this year. Or happy to hear and other ideas.
Appreciate any help and feedback in advance.

Cheers
Laurie

Another Kiwi, awesome.

If you're wanting to start out with something simple, take a look at WLED. There are many available products that run this software, the Quinled range (https://quinled.info/) is very beginner friendly. That is just a controller, it is possible to use this with xlights should you chose to go down that track in the future, or it has stand-alone operation abilities and an app for control over WiFi.
There is no real starter kit that would be ideal just for testing as far as I am aware, most of the kits are ready-to-run systems for larger installations not just trial/testing.

I would also start by taking a look through the manual, it will hopefully get you up to speed on various things Christmas lighting related. https://auschristmaslighting.com/threads/auschristmaslighting-101-manual.1889/

Welcome to the fun @laurie !

I'm in Auckland, where abouts in the country are you?

An esp32 based controller (either an esp32 off AliExpress or pre-made like DigUno/DogQuad) is a cheap way to start.
I'm happy to show you what bigger controllers like the Falcon are like and help get you started.

Mark_M said:

Welcome to the fun @laurie !

I'm in Auckland, where abouts in the country are you?

An esp32 based controller (either an esp32 off AliExpress or pre-made like DigUno/DogQuad) is a cheap way to start.
I'm happy to show you what bigger controllers like the Falcon are like and help get you started.

Click to expand...

Hi Mark, thanks for touching base.

Appreciate any help.
Started reading the 101 manual last night.
But really just need to know a shopping list for where to start.
Once I get what's required in my possession I'm sure it will be a bit easier to start learning, it's just the working out where to start but that appears a bit daunting.

laurie said:

But really just need to know a shopping list for where to start.
Once I get what's required in my possession I'm sure it will be a bit easier to start learning, it's just the working out where to start but that appears a bit daunting.

Click to expand...

I know there is a real desire to get this in your hand right away, but i would recommend downloading xLights and having a look at what your trying to achieve.


If you're set on buying something to just see how it works i would recommend the following. These below recommendations will serve you well in any size show.

Hanson Electronics - they have almost everything (might have 12v pixels but couldn't find any)
Controller - Baldrick 8 . 8 channel and really good value

Power supply - 400w 12v. I would recommend either 5v or 12v. (the quick and dirty, 5v more pixels per power supply, but more power injection(splicing or power injections tees. 12v less pixels per power supply, but less power injection). I like 12v, but others like 5v. Pick one and never change. If you go 5v, get the 400-5 version

Box

gland

RJ45 gland

Pigtails (there are two main types, xConnect and Ray Wu. Get xConnect its more common

Pixels (shows out of stock but johnno has some stock arriving soon)
Get 500 to have a play with. You can purchase direct from China, but always nice having some local support.

Pixel tester (not really needed, but super cheap and useful)


And there you have it. everything you need to put together a controller and run a small show

Johnnyboy said:

I know there is a real desire to get this in your hand right away, but i would recommend downloading xLights and having a look at what your trying to achieve.


If you're set on buying something to just see how it works i would recommend the following. These below recommendations will serve you well in any size show.





And there you have it. everything you need to put together a controller and run a small show

Click to expand...

Thank you for the above.
Most helpful.

Yes find a very good YouTube tutorial on xlights last night so will have a look over the weekend.

Thanks for your help

So is there anyone out there that would like to be a mentor to a noob.

I have worked out what I would like to try to achieve this year in Xlights, but still alot of questions.

Think it would be easier just being able to be guide by one or two willing folk, that wouldn't mind sharing knowledge, advice and what to do next....
You'll get a few questions though.

Thank you again in advance

laurie said:

So is there anyone out there that would like to be a mentor to a noob.

I have worked out what I would like to try to achieve this year in Xlights, but still alot of questions.

Think it would be easier just being able to be guide by one or two willing folk, that wouldn't mind sharing knowledge, advice and what to do next....
You'll get a few questions though.

Thank you again in advance

Click to expand...

Hi Laurie,

Welcome to the next step in the Christmas light journey.

I am happy to help you out with what I can, I'm in Kaiapoi and have been playing around with this stuff for a while now.

My first bit of advice is to not be to ambitious in the first year, this can be a hobby where things can get a bit overwhelming at times, all fine when things are doing what they should but can be stressful when there's a problem or two.