Total Newbie!

[andrew.tripet]

Hello all
Totally newbie here.
I’ve been decorating the house with lights for the last few years and it’s very well known in the local community; but I am thinking of trying to move on to animated shows with music in the coming years.
Basically what I’m wondering is can I use my existing lights or does it need to be all new? Is there any where you can buy a “kit” with software, controllers, cabling, lights (like the singing Christmas trees, arches, mini trees, etc), or does it all need to bought separately?
Any feedback and information will be much appreciated!

 

[Pavle]

Welcome to ACL!

you can definitely use your existing and there is a few members who specialise in this, whilst others use RGB pixels. We also have a local (VIC) in @AAH who makes boards to do just this.

best advice is find someone local to you and try and visit their display. If you’re lucky, they might invite you during daylight hours to see behind the scenes as there is a whole lot of work that is put into these displays.

sorry forgot to add, no kits in Aus, it’s very much. DIY task. Check out the 101 manual and also visit the Aussie vendor sites and you will get a flavour of what and where you can pick up gear

 

[i13]

I'm one of the members who specialises in converting traditional LED strings to computer control and I'm happy to help with info that you need on this. I have posted more on the topic in this thread: https://auschristmaslighting.com/threads/14138/
I should be able to help if you list the details that I requested there.

I would advise against buying "plug and play" or "ready to run" options. They're for pixels anyway and that's not what you want for traditional strings. Vendors charge a premium for them and I don't see how they are anything more than a power supply, enclosure and an unconfigured pixel controller. They also eliminate the ability for you to choose the best power supply, enclosure and pixel controller for your needs.

For software, I suggest downloading xLights and Vixen. xLights seems to be the most popular option on this forum although pixels again seem to be popular here. Both of these software options are free and they'll support your traditional LED strings.

I agree with Pavle about finding a local display and getting a tour. Approximately where are you located? When someone takes an interest in my display (which is not running this year), it is a nice change to have someone who wants to know more about it. Most viewers just want to watch it and see the final result without caring how it works.

 

[bpratt]

As already said, see if you can speak to someone who are running pixels like us in here and speak to them, more often than not we're happy to help you make your first steps and pass on information that we already know.

Plug and play or ready to run systems aren't always the best way to start off, that said though, if you want to get an item or two up in a real hurry, then that's an option.

There are two software packages available, XLights and Vixen, but you'll find the overwhelming majority in here use XLights, so that should make it easier to get help with.

 

[OzAz]

Unlike others, I'm happy to recommend "Ready to Run" controllers and even kits that have R2R controller, lights and (sometimes) a minimum of hardware.
Not everyone has all the necessary tools, or workshop space, or the time required to build from scratch. Sometimes buying a R2R controller, or a kit, is a good way to start with the minimum of fuss, from there it's easier to expand by building all your own stuff.

Software, as others have said, xLights is most popular, and like Vixen, free. Install it, then take a photo of your house from the best viewing position and use that as the background image. Then place a few common props, like pixel trees, arches, window outlines where you think they'll work on your property. This can be a good way to decide which prop or props you want to start with.

As for using existing lights check Alan's site for suitable controllers (all DIY )

 

[Ken Davis]

I'm one of the members who specialises in converting traditional LED strings to computer control and I'm happy to help with info that you need on this. I have posted more on the topic in this thread: https://auschristmaslighting.com/threads/14138/
I should be able to help if you list the details that I requested there.

I would advise against buying "plug and play" or "ready to run" options. They're for pixels anyway and that's not what you want for traditional strings. Vendors charge a premium for them and I don't see how they are anything more than a power supply, enclosure and an unconfigured pixel controller. They also eliminate the ability for you to choose the best power supply, enclosure and pixel controller for your needs.

For software, I suggest downloading xLights and Vixen. xLights seems to be the most popular option on this forum although pixels again seem to be popular here. Both of these software options are free and they'll support your traditional LED strings.

I agree with Pavle about finding a local display and getting a tour. Approximately where are you located? When someone takes an interest in my display (which is not running this year), it is a nice change to have someone who wants to know more about it. Most viewers just want to watch it and see the final result without caring how it works.

Great information but not sure I know what Vixen software is and how it helps.

 

[OzAz]

@Ken Davis you dont need to know what Vixen software is, just go with xLights.

 

[i13]

Now that I re-read my post, I realise that it wasn't all that clear. Vixen is an alternative to xLights, not something that I recommend using alongside xLights. I suggested downloading both to give them a try and see which one you prefer. That said, I agree that there is more support here for xLights than Vixen.