Hi from the Gold Coast

Ellis

Ellis

Naughty Elf
Joined
Aug 21, 2017
Messages
207
Location
Gold Coast
Hi all!

Looking at getting more adventurous with the Christmas lights this year or next but have no idea where to start.
Will check out the 101 and go from there.
Never used DMX or any such setup before, nor have I made any light setups.

Looking forward to learning what I can from you all.
Cheers!

Dan
 
welcome u r in the right plase..... i got tons of info in just some weeks and the best .... ther is no dumb qestions...
ask and mavy feel dumb fore a sec or to..... ask not and feel ............... fore rest of life.... lol then again Welcome
 
Welcome Ellis. I'm sure you'll find the info you need, and if you don't, ask away in chat or start a thread of your plans. Make sure to read the 101, then read it again so it sinks in!!
Cheers, Graham
 
Thanks for the welcome folks... lots to learn!!

Al I used to live in Burleigh, moved to Mudgeeraba last year.
 
Welcome Ellis, you're in the right spot to learn about light make sure you read the 101 manual it's THE reference guide for all things Christmas lighting.
I'm at Parkwood and more than happy show you around the display when it's setup.
Try to join in on the Friday night zoom meeting https://zoom.us/j/175801909 there are guys in the meeting with a lot of years of experience with lighting and we also have one of the developers of xLights on the meeting as well, it starts around 7:00 and can sometimes go to after midnight and cover all sorts of things.

Best of luck.
Stuart
 
I've been reading through the 101 and trying to get my head around it all.

I've come to 2 conclusions.....
1. I have a lot to learn and feel I'm way out of my depth... need someone to explain the basic basics hahaha
2. I'm going to go broke.

I'm a firm believer of do it once, do it right. As such I want to get the right gear first time but really don't know where to start.

If I drew up a dummy diagram of ideal setup would someone be able to give me an idea of whats needed and cost?

I feel like its highly possible I am biting off more than I can chew financially!
 
Totally agree - you need to spend the money once. Easy to do something easy first, but then throw it all away on an upgrade next year. Probably best to stick to something easy first year (timing may beat you) but at least go with something you can add to next year. I started on wanting a mega tree, some roof lights and 4 spiral trees. (shameless plug) but take a look at my look back on the year and see how much its changed. https://auschristmaslighting.com/threads/queensland-king-light-display.9909/. Happy to answer any questions I can.
 
QldKing(Brad) said:
Totally agree - you need to spend the money once. Easy to do something easy first, but then throw it all away on an upgrade next year. Probably best to stick to something easy first year (timing may beat you) but at least go with something you can add to next year. I started on wanting a mega tree, some roof lights and 4 spiral trees. (shameless plug) but take a look at my look back on the year and see how much its changed. https://auschristmaslighting.com/threads/queensland-king-light-display.9909/. Happy to answer any questions I can.
Click to expand...

Looks like a lot of work and $$ has gone into that Brad! I look forward to seeing the finished result.




If I run out of time ( and budget) for this year, I am happy to work on next years display.

I have a fairly wide and open frontage to fill, will try to upload a pic shortly.




I'll start writing down my list of questions
 
This hobby can be a steep learning curve, so don't set your sights on a full house display first year if just starting out.
Pick a couple of elements that you've seen that like the look of and invest in those first.
Don't forget about peripherals. Soldering iron, solder, heat shrink, heat gun, wire strippers/cutters, zip ties, the list can go on depending on the elements your building. Container/enclosure for your controller(s) and power supplies, cable glands, conduit, cat5/6 cable...

Not trying to scare you, just setting realistic expectations! We've all been there and are happy to assist along your journey :)
 
I think first of all I'd like to make some mini trees and small stuff to add to what I've got.
Then hopefully if budget allows do gutters and window frames later and the big tree of course.

Attached is the blank canvas and my first go at a display at all
 

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QldKing(Brad) said:
Im no expert on this but you may be able to control your existing lights.
Click to expand...

That would be awesome!
I have bought a bit through the year to add, icicles, cherry blossom trees, few meteors etc....

This is where I need guidance.... if I can use these items.. awesome!
If not I need to work out a good base setup to build from.
The whole DMX, LOR differences confuse me. I believe you use one or the other as base setup?

I have a pretty good PC to use to run software, but where from there? hahaha

I am pretty good with picking things up, once shown I can do it myself. Just lacking the initial know how.
For the record, I'm not afraid of a soldering iron. Not that I've used one for many years.
 
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