Build guide Lawrence Drive Lights 'Junior' Mega Tree

[LawrenceDriveLights]

As part or our Display addition for 2019 was a Junior MegaTree (180 degree 50 nodes x 24 strands).

Here is what it looked liked (yes the compulsory MegaTree picture with butterfly effect).

View: https://www.dropbox.com/s/tz9wzu9k0z0hkvr/Photo%2025-11-19%2C%208%2046%2051%20pm.jpg?dl=0









Background;
This was part of the addition to our Display which included extending into our Neighbours yard at short notice, so this may not be the ideal way or most cost effective way to build.



Specs;
50 12v WS2811 Bullet Nodes per Strand with 2 inch Pixel Spacing.
24 Strands @ 180 Degree viewing angle
Boscoyo Mounting Strips
Approx Height 3.5m
Approx Base Diameter 1.7m
Falcon F16V3 Controller in a ammo box enclosure
Topper lifted via winch


As per background this was built with some spares / scrap materials I had due to limited build time.


Here is a daytime pic

View: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1emcanyu6sn7n3z/Photo%2025-11-19%2C%203%2031%2030%20pm.jpg?dl=0




So starting with the pole and base
Pole used was a 4m 35mm thick wall pipe (as we had it already). approx. cost for new $50

'Walter Monkhouse' Portable hole design used as final location of MegaTree was decided until other props located in yard. http://www.magicchristmas.org/portable-hole.html


Note: Similar product links below but may have used slightly different products so if copying make sure you get the appropriate hardware that suits your build.
200 x 50 mm timber sleeper. (again had it left over from other project) similar to this https://www.bunnings.com.au/200-x-50mm-treated-pine-sleeper-2-4m_p8500230
3 x 20kg rapid set Concrete. https://www.bunnings.com.au/bastion-20kg-quick-set-concrete_p0760289
4 x 250 mm Eye Bolts https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-12-7-x-250-x-30mm-zinc-plated-eye-bolt-1-pack_p4220687
4 x D Shackles https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-8mm-galvanised-d-shackle_p4220613
4 x Turnbuckles https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-8mm-galvanised-hook-and-eye-turnbuckle_p4220792
4 x Steel Dropper https://www.bunnings.com.au/whites-90cm-premium-black-ultrapost_p3041912
Sleeve for pole in portable hole 38mm ID pipe (again used what we had)
Offcut of mdf used for base of portable hole
plus some large screw like these to frame up hole https://www.bunnings.com.au/buildex...le-head-batten-timber-screws-25-pack_p2420556

So portable hole ended up looking like this, basically a timber sleeper box frame with eye bolts with the turnbuckles and D shackles and steel droppers to secure the portable hole to the ground, this is a must to secure base of the pole as per Walter Monkhouse's instructions.

Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

Next was topper to secure the strips and this needs to move up and down the pole to make via a hand boat type winch

I had a Boscoyo steel topper 11" (48 hole)

Elevate Your Displays with Coro Props

Unleash the magic of Coro props, Pixel props, and animated holiday lighting for Christmas and Halloween. Create unforgettable displays with xLights, Kulp Lights, Light-O-Rama, and Falcon systems. Transform your home with our holiday decor and props.

www.boscoyostudio.com

I did need to drill the centre out to allow it to slide up and down the pole
Used a 40mm metal hole saw

View: https://www.dropbox.com/s/mjm7tj7ddtr0bf3/Photo%2016-11-19%2C%201%2050%2050%20pm.jpg?dl=0















Also need some bolts to attach the Boscoyo strips to the topper local shops didnt have hook bolts so used 8mm hook type dynabolts and used a additional nut to secure to topper.

Next was a hand cable type boat winch to raise and lower topper. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/I-Max-1...784431?hash=item3f5539b32f:g:AyoAAOSw14xWGfDY
Made a simple bracket from a off cut of 5mm aluminium to bolt the winch to and then used some car exhaust clamps to hold this bracket to the pole
Exhaust Clamps (make sure they suit your pole) https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/swd-spareco-exhaust-clamp---c5-41mm/9107.html
Final piece of the puzzle for the pole is a simple 50mm cable pulley to be bolted to the top of the pole. https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-50mm-zinc-plated-fixed-pulley-1-pack_p4220773


Here is a picture of the pole with the winch and pulley setup (Note doesn't show bolts in the topper for the strips)

View: https://www.dropbox.com/s/vwfdoo6ucoq9uhc/Photo%2017-11-19%2C%2012%2001%2056%20pm.jpg?dl=0











Note how the winch cable passes thru the topper then up to the pulley and back down to the steel topper.

Base ring then required to attach the bottoms of the strip to, this I had from my other MegaTree as I made a larger one.
Made from some 25mm galv pipe bent into a semi circle with cheap pipe bender I had and drilled holes at even spacings to allow a hook to be used to attach strip to.
Did need some 6mm J Bolts with the extra threaded section does allow some minor adjustment of strips. https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-6-x-100-x-13mm-zinc-plated-j-bolt_p4220724

View: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kyycexj5lo2bgm8/Photo%2020-11-19%2C%204%2041%2057%20pm.jpg?dl=0














Used 5 or 6 Steel Droppers and bolted the base ring to these. https://www.bunnings.com.au/whites-135cm-premium-black-ultrapost_p3041459
Some people do use old Trampoline bases etc but already had the base ring, just check to see if the trampoline base suits your tree in particular the diameter

Then last piece of the Junior MegaTree hardware and the most important is the guy wires to secure the MegaTree we simply used some ratchet straps and secured back to existing fense posts but most use 3 or 4 mm steel cable from Bunnings and again maybe some steel droppers. Yes the observant people will notice we only using 2 straps as guy wires in the pictures, but that was the risk we decided to take and not recommended.

Nest we move on to the pixels used, controller, enclosure etc.

Now this may cause some debate but this what we used

Pixels
100 count 12V WS2811 18AWG wire Bullet Pixels similar to these. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32741695259.html?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.2.676d678aSRoDxj
I used the bullet type pixel rather than the square type on my larger MegaTree as they were the pixels I already had.
We used 50 pixels up on one strip and 50 pixels back down the next.
Also used some premade extension leads from the Falcon F16 pixel controller and the strings as the controller mounted near the base of the Megatree. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/134...=a2g0o.store_home.smartJustForYou_728718005.2


Used to tried and tested Boscoyo pixel mounting Strips. https://www.boscoyostudio.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6&products_id=2
and the MISR aluminum clips at each end of the strips. https://www.boscoyostudio.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=37

As most who have built a MegaTree one of the time consuming things is actually pushing the pixels into the strip.
I found this jig posted on thingverse and 3D printer it and it helped as using bullets.

View: https://www.dropbox.com/s/k8avucoynkvoq1n/Photo%2013-11-19%2C%202%2022%2013%20pm.jpg?dl=0














Falcon F16V3 pixel controller supplier data and power from Meanwell 12V PSU.
1 String of 100 pixels connected to one output of the controller and did not require any power injection for our setup.

E131 Artnet Pixel Controller - F16V3

E131 Artnet Pixel Controller - F16V3

www.pixelcontroller.com

2 x Meanwell LRS-350-12 PSU

https://www.arrow.com/en/products/lrs-350-12/mean-well-enterprises

Need something to mount the pixels controller and PSU in, I used a MTM ammo crate as already had one.
Need some pigtails from the pixel controller, cable glands, fans and vents for enclosure etc, and some other small bits and pieces (very similar setup to my other enclosures).


A Star was then added to the top (could have used a larger Star but again time poor)
23" ChromaStar (90 Nodes) https://www.extremelightingdisplays.com.au/shop/stars/chromastar-23/
Used 12V WS2811 pixels same as Megatree and powered of a output from the pixel controller, did have to use a longer lead to reach Star at top of tree.
Star simply mounted via cable ties.

I have listed the strips and clips from Boscoyo but did obtain some from Troy the Australian Distributer / Manufacturer of Boscoyo Products and Troy helped us by shipping the products we needed very quickly.

Extreme Lighting Displays – Christmas Light Accessories

www.extremelightingdisplays.com.au

Overall happy with the results in particular the ratio between the height and base etc.
Did have plans to have the base ring mounted higher off the ground and thus the reason for the gap between the topper and star by using star droppers.
Also benefit of the portable hole as we are going to move the location of this MegaTree this season to suit the expanding layout.


I am sure I have missed a couple of things but hopefully gives some people a idea on how we went about building a MegaTree.


The Junior MegaTree can be seen at about the 18 minute mark of our 2019 Behind the Scenes video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZOonAMNjzo&t=653s


Disclaimer: I am not a expert and if you follow this build please remember to use some common sense and if unsure seek some advice etc as there has been lots of reports of MegaTree's falling down in particular the larger ones as we all know, got to have a bigger MegaTree than the everybody else

I have done a quick list of items purchased for this build
Now I will say this is not the cheapest way of building a prop like this and lots of the costs could be cut if careful planning was done (so dont try and build a one in a couple of days and I probably have missed a few things.

However we have allowed room for future expansion in particular with the pixel controller etc so that must be adjusted for in costings, I also have not included any postage costs and tried to convert to $AUD for some items.

 

[Chad]

Thank you. Excellent write up.
This is exactly the specs I want for my tree this year.

 

[Mark_M]

Thank you. Excellent write up.
This is exactly the specs I want for my tree this year.

Same here. I might just cut down the strand count a little.
I'll make use of my schools metal workshop. .

 

[Andrew Lee]

G'day mate, WoW top post, great work.
Just wondering if you had a link to the jig posted on thingverse.
I had a bit of a search but could not find it. "sad face"
Many thanks.

 

[LawrenceDriveLights]

Here is the link to the for the bullet node hand pixel pusher

LED Pixel Pusher - Bullet Style by TamcoFarms

This is a tool to help 'push' bullet style LED pixels through coro, ribbon, and mesh. After pushing 50 pixels through a polycarbonate form and experiencing thumb cramps and more, I started looking for a better way. Found various methods and various tools for purchase, took the best ideas from...

www.thingiverse.com

Do you have access to a 3D printer @Andrew Lee ? If not I may be able to print you one and bring along to the Tas mini

 

[LawrenceDriveLights]

A question was asked how I made the portable hole, in particular the sleeve for the main pole.

Here is a quick pic

View: https://www.dropbox.com/s/k4a0miq97483fvd/Photo%2031-8-19%2C%201%2018%2031%20pm.jpg?dl=0

 

[Snowy]

Hey do you think you could print a couple of the pixel pushers for me and ill grab them off you when we catch up at the Mini.?

 

[LawrenceDriveLights]

Which part @Snowy the handle part or the strip holder.

 

[Snowy]

Just the Handle please.

 

[jollyzee]

WOW! That looks grand! This is my first year of the bottom less hobby and I was wondering about the pixels - bullets or squares. That almost sounds like the question of 12V or 5V to me (just an analogy - don't want to start it of again). But I've seen either being used on mega trees. Is one better then the other in the strips for a tree??
What are the preferred uses/props for bullets?
Preferred uses/props for squares?
I have 3000 bullets coming across the big pond and am in the process of designing and layout of props. Don't know of-hand if I will have the time for a tree this year
Thanks though - again great info

 

[LawrenceDriveLights]

Hi Jollyzee
RE square vs bullet type nodes is always a debate like you mentioned both have their pros and cons

Just my personal opinion after using both and mostly to do with initially fitting them into the strip.

Square Nodes:
Pros
Can set up a drill press with socket etc to help push nodes into the strip
The do have a larger surface area at the back to seat up against the strip after it is pushed in

Cons
If you have small diameter topper (the item you use to attach the strips to) the square nodes due to their width can cause clearance issues, this can be overcome by leaving a couple of spare holes between the square pixel node and the hole you are going to hang the strips off the topper

Bullet Nodes:
Pros
Due to size you can achieve a tighter radius at the top of your MegaTree as mentioned above

Cons
Unable to use a drill press or similar setup to push the pixels into the strip
However I have found if using pixel pliers or a similar type 3D pixel pusher and / or a pair of gloves the bullet pixels not to bad to push into the strip

Hope that makes sense and there may be a couple of other things i have missed.

Personally if i was going to build another Mega Tree I would use bullet nodes, especially if you already have them.

 

[bpratt]

It seems square nodes are favoured for those using the stripping like the boscoyo strips, which are generally used on mega trees.

One of the assumptions is that the square nodes catch less wind than bullet nodes do, and when you have more than a thousand on a mega tree, it seems worthwhile.

for corflute props, such as those from boscoyo or in Australia from Troy, then bullet nodes fit in better and easier.

 

[JulianLights]

Hi. Awesome post! I was wondering if you know of anything similar that would work like the jig for the pixel strip (not the pusher)? Unfortunately I don’t have access to a 3D printer or know anyone that does. I’ve also seen the idea of using a drill press but alas don’t have access to one of those either.

 

[LawrenceDriveLights]

Pixel pushers and jigs not compulsory.

You can simply push the pixels into the mounting strips by hand, a pair of gloves or pixels pliers for when using bullet pixels works well

Pixel Pliers – Extreme Lighting Displays

www.extremelightingdisplays.com.au

 

[Dreamin]

Someone also mentioned that putting the strips out to heat up with the sun light helps a little.