HELP! What do I need for a mega tree?

[christmasmatt]

Do you have any specific lights you think I should get and where could I get them? Where can I buy this Raspberry Pi?

 

[Indigogyre]

Do you have any specific lights you think I should get and where could I get them? Where can I buy this Raspberry Pi?

In addition to watching the video from earlier you should also give the 101 manual a read.

AusChristmasLighting 101

This article is just a summary of the information available in the downloadable PDF version of the AusChristmasLighting 101 manual, a guide for getting started (or stepping up a level) in Christmas lighting.

auschristmaslighting.com

 

[christmasmatt]

In addition to watching the video from earlier you should also give the 101 manual a read.

AusChristmasLighting 101

This article is just a summary of the information available in the downloadable PDF version of the AusChristmasLighting 101 manual, a guide for getting started (or stepping up a level) in Christmas lighting.

auschristmaslighting.com

Wht lights and Raspberry Pi would you recommend for a budget build that can still achieve simple patterns? (~32 strings)
Could you also spend also send a link for purchasing please. I‘m new to this so thanks for your help

 

[christmasmatt]

I had a look at your display videos and your meag tree looks good! What were your dimensions and what lights and star did you use?

 

[Skymaster]

Majority of people use 12mm bullets, in either 5V or 12V versions. There are a bunch of different varieties but those are the most common.

There are many suppliers as have been mentioned above. Both international and AU local. Indi is US based so his suppliers may not be as economical for you as the ones available here.

 

[christmasmatt]

what controller should i use? raspberry pi? where should i get it from?

would a flag pole work well?

 

[darylc]

For a megatree controller I'm a fan of:
https://aus.pixelcontroller.com/store/diy-controllers/70-f16v4.html + https://aus.pixelcontroller.com/store/short-range-expansion/74-f16v4-expansion-board.html if more ports are needed

 

[christmasmatt]

are there any other cheaper controller options?

how big should my tree be if i have a base of ~2m? how big should my star be?

 

[darylc]

Yeah there are cheaper controller options - the trade off is usually complexity. https://kulplights.com/ has beaglebone FPP based controllers that you can import.

 

[uncledan]

General rule is 2:1 on height vs base. 5m tree the base will be ~2.5m. Like everything in this hobby people have different preferences and opinions. I prefer a small topper and use the 2:1 on my tree. No right or wrong, build the tree how you want

 

[christmasmatt]

Which would you pick if i wanted to spend no more than $150? all i need are some basic patterns

How big should my star be for a ~1.9m base and a ~3.75m tree?

 

[Notenoughlights]

$150 is a very tight budget, you'll need to do a lot of shopping around. Seed pixels might be your best bet and an ESP32 microcontroller running WLED.

 

[christmasmatt]

Why if i said $500 including everything, lights, controllers, everything

all i need are some basic patterns

 

[Indigogyre]

It sounds like a DIY option might not be your best solution. Maybe look for something like this that might be on sale around your area.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Kringle-Traditions-144-in-Christmas-Multi-Color-LED-Animated-Lightshow-Cone-Tree-with-442-Lights-and-Star-Topper-74142/310202464

 

[christmasmatt]

All I need are some basic patterns.

So where can I get 32x 4m lights, a controller and all the other wirin?