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.
The latest version is: Fourth Edition (May 2025).
I Want The Full Manual
- Download the PDF version to read the full manual (registered AusChristmasLighting members only).
PDF Contents
- Preface
- Definitions
- Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings
- Typical System Components Required
- Lights
- LED Lights
- RGB Lights
- RGB LED Types
- RGB LED Packages
- RGB Flood Lights & Spot Lights
- RGB Light Strings
- RGB Strip Light
- RGB Modules
- RGB Light Control
- RGB Light Choices
- Sequencing Software
- Test Software
- Communications Interfaces
- Ethernet-based Interfaces
- E1.31
- Distributed Display Protocol (DDP)
- Ethernet-based Layout
- RS485-based Interfaces
- DMX512
- Light-O-Rama
- Ethernet-based Interfaces
- Power Supplies
- Electrical Safety
- Electrical Safety Tips
- Power Supply Types
- AC Mains Power
- Low Voltage DC Power
- Selecting the Correct Sized Power Supply
- DC Power Supply Choices
- Passively Cooled Waterproof Power Supplies
- Computer and Server Power Supplies
- Cables
- Cable Characteristics
- Selecting the Correct Sized Cable
- Overcoming Voltage Drop
- Cable Choices
- Plug Choices
- Power Injection
- Injecting Power
- Single Power Supply
- Multiple Power Supplies
- Pixel Power Injection Cable
- Injecting Power
- Fusing
- Types of Fuses
- Low Voltage DC Fuse Board Choices
- E-Fuses
- Light Controllers
- AC Controllers
- AC Controller Choices
- Low Voltage DC Controllers
- Low Voltage DC Controller Choices
- Pixel Controllers
- Pixel Controller Connections and Layout
- Extending Pixel Data
- Pixel Types and Configurations
- Choosing a Pixel Controller
- Pixel Controller Choices
- AC Controllers
- Protocol Bridges
- Pixel Controllers with built-in Protocol Bridges
- Protocol Bridge Choices
- Servo Controllers
- Servo Controller Choices
- Basic Layout Examples
- The DDP/E1.31 Network (Ethernet-based)
- The DMX512 Network (RS485-based)
- The Light-O-Rama Network (RS485-based)
- LED Panels
- LED Panel Types
- LED Panel Controllers
- Synchronous Controllers
- Standalone Controllers
- LED Panel Wiring
- Cables and Connectors
- Sequence Playback Device
- Falcon (Pi) Player (FPP)
- Modes
- Features of Falcon Player
- Supported Raspberry Pi and BeagleBone computers
- Expansion Boards (capes)
- USB Devices
- FPP Layout Example
- xSchedule (Windows & Linux)
- Falcon (Pi) Player (FPP)
- Radio Transmitters & Speakers
- Getting Sound to Your Audience
- FM Radio Anternnas
- Broadcasting Considerations
- FM Radio Antennas
- FM Radio Transmitter Choices
- Ordering From Overseas
- Importing Goods
- Ordering From China
- Ordering From The USA
- Tools, Equipment & Consumables
- General Tools
- Equipment
- Consumables
- Next Steps
- Setup and Initial Testing
- Ethernet Device Setup
- DMX Device Setup
- Pixel Testing and Setup
- Pixel Testers
- In-line Pixel Tester Choices
- F-Test
- Pixel Fault Finding
- References and Links
- Credits
Preface
Copyright 2025 AusChristmasLighting.com
The AusChristmasLighting 101 manual, herein referred to as "the manual", was originally written by Fasteddy, herein referred to as "the owner".
Use of the information and/or drawings within the manual, must have permission by the owner before using. The full PDF version may only be downloaded from AusChristmasLighting and must not be uploaded to any other site without permission from the owner.
The Wiki adaption of the manual is a short summary only. The full manual is available in PDF format for registered AusChristmasLighting members.
Important Notice
It is the sole responsibility of the reader to ensure that all safety precautions are taken. The author of this document and/or any involved parties relinquishes any responsibility and liabilities for any content within this document that may cause the reader any injury or loss of property. The reader should check all local, state and national laws where applicable concerning tax, imports, electrical, lighting and any other relevant topics. By reading this manual you take sole responsibility for all actions taken. This document is a guide or aid only and is to be used to help understand the fundamentals of creating a computer-controlled display. It is by no means an instruction/user manual for any of the equipment shown.
Introduction
Definitions
Low-voltage
Most outdoor Christmas lights are labelled as low-voltage and for the purposes of our hobby lighting is typically between 0-50v, AC or DC. Officially speaking, this is all well within the ''Exta-low voltage'' (ELV) range. In most Australian states, a "competent person" can work with Extra-low-voltage without holding any electrical licencing.
See also: Wikipedia: Extra low voltage
Light Emitting Diode (LED)
An LED is a semiconducter light source that only conduct electricity one way. This means an LED emits light only 50% of the time when wired into an AC power source.
Ohms Law
Ohms Law is used to work out one of Volts, Amps (current) or Watts (power) where the other two figures (Volts + Amps, Volts + Watts, Amps + Watts) are known.
See also: ACL Wiki: Ohms Law
RGB
RGB, which stands for Red Green Blue, is a type of light where a red, green and blue LED are positioned in close proximity enabling the mixing of the red green and blue colours to produce an array of secondary colours. Some RGB lights are only good for wall washing while others are good for direct viewing and wall washing.
Dumb RGB
Dumb RGB is a type of RGB light where it is powered like a standard LED, except due to the closely positioned red, green and blue LED secondary colours are able to be created. An entire set of Dumb RGB does the same thing as each other from end to end. Other than the colour mixing characteristics, all other properties are alike to regular LED lighting. Dumb RGB may also be referred to as "Legacy RGB" and "3-channel RGB".
Addressable RGB
Addressable RGB is a form of Dumb RGB with additional components which enables each node (group of LEDs) to be controlled separately from one another. Other common terms used to describe Addressable RGB includes "Pixel", "Intelligent RGB" , "Digital RGB" and "Smart RGB". Product listings may also refer to this with "IC" in the title.
Types of Lights
LED strings
LED light sets manufactured for AC power often include a rectifier to make the set full-wave. In recent times, extra-low-voltage shop-bought light strings are designed to be powered by a bundled DC plugpack which means the LED light sets only need to be half wave.
See also: LED-String-pages
See also: LED-String-pages
RGB, Pixels and Strips
Moving head lights
Categories:
Contents
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