I highly recommend this video if you are into making your display from static lights to sequenced lights. Love the informative video as this is a pretty good intro to the hobby of the Christmas lights. It also turns into many other holiday lights too, i.e 4th of July, Halloween. I also recommend XLights RUclips classes as well as the forums from Xlights and Light O Rama. The only complaint I have with the video is your comment of it takes a week for a novice to do an impressive show in a week. Only if you have deep pockets (purchasing a ready made display and sequenced or having some else do it) or you are a anywhere from a intermediate to complete nerd in electronics. And still not a week to do it all. Not trying to scare anyone away but it takes a lot longer to wade thru what you want to do versus all of the different electronic items to do it as well as the programming aspects. If you have a music background, that helps too when sequencing your lights to music. Your advice to start small is the best solution for a novice as it can easily get overwhelming. It has taken me almost 10 years to get my display where I want it to be. Last year was the very first year to setup, sequenced and happy with the display. It is not big or small but it fits the area I have and it took over a month to setup. That does not include selecting the songs to sequence, going thru checking each light (ws2811s, rgb spotlights, static led lights) and checking for anomalies. Can't wait till I retire so I can really do it spectacularly!!
Thanks for the kind words! The "under a week" part was definitely referring to kit stuff. You can get really creative in this hobby (which is I think why most of us like it), but you can also buy the kits to get up and running quickly if that's what you're after.
I am loving the information on your channel. I'm just starting out. I have a model using USB fairy lights that are W2812B for my bedroom sized model and I am looking into beginning to learn programming. My model is not just flat or linear, it is an abstract multi-dimensional star like design. The complex/advanced model is anyway. My first yard sized model with light was called "Tetra Light" and the complex model is 4 times more elements. The programming will be able to handle many different sets of movement on the one model and it's 4 different prototypes so far. As for choosing strips or strings and power, the design in these early stages are basically lights strips in tubes/pipes. I'm using Govee led strips for larger versions and BTF lighting fairy lights for the smaller version. There are sets of 12 light tubes in the simple model and 48 in the complex model. Each of those could be individual segments. I'm going to calculate how many lights that would be. Power is an issue because I would have to hide the wires so they don't hang out all around the ends. The model gives a way to brings power lines through the center of the tubes at large diameters. I could use little 3D printed parabolic cones to distribute lights from strings and pixels aligned by the center wire so the light is reflected around to the tube in a better way that just pixel in tubes. www.youtube.com/@CreativeStarlightCurves
I've been thinking of upgrading the outside lights for sometime and this is probably the best instructional video I've seen. Great job Rob and thank you!
Thanks for posting this. Wow when I drove by a house with this type of led tree I had no clue what's involved. I always wanted to do this but I feel now I need a degree in IT to do it. When you were going back and forth on the pc my brain went into over load. Lol
I'm super excited. I've been wanting something to do since retirement. Knowing me, if I start today I might be able to have my "mega strand" of lights programmed in time for Christmas next year.
First, love your vids. You're literally the reason I even ended up in this hobby. Starting with your holiday lights vids and now into the full show. That said, "less than a week to a full show" is fairly misleading. I suppose with a Ready to Run kit for the mega tree, that element's doable in that time frame, but a whole show is not. It's my first year, I've been at it since August/September and I'm only at about 65% complete. Wiring, soldering, attaching pigtails, power injecting, building props for window outlines, and trouble shooting is all very time consuming. And that's before the dozens of hours you'll spend sequencing. This is still a great tutorial and your xlights section will definitely save me some time!
It's possible if you have general IT skills (installing software, IP addressing) and you use out of the box sequences along with a ready to run controller. Going Ready2Run assembled alone will save you many, many hours since the controllers are shipped 100% assembled and tested and you don't have to make a bunch of mistakes not purchasing or purchasing the wrong items to complete the project. Power injection is a "level 4" skill that even we don't support for customers due to the likely-hood for damage to hardware and thus we generally have customers using Long Range instead of power injection which is cleaner and easier and just about the same cost.
Thanks Rob. Love your succinct explanations, no nonsense , get to the point presentations. I love having you guys 2.5 yrs ahead of my budget. You save me so much time and $. ;-) (Oh, and let me mention the link you have to the WS2812B IP65s was dead last I checked.) Thanks for all you do!
Thank you, I'm 12 and I begged my parents for years to get me a controller and lights and they did. I got the programming and it didn't work out. Like it was supposed to. It was off beat. I guess that's not to bad considering I did it by myself but u really helped
Haha, had some friends come over for dinner that night but I was SO close to finishing when they got there that I had to keep going. They kept me company, good friends and unwitting participants in my youtube video.
First I want to say that I have subscribed to you page. I have been sequencing a light show for a few years now. While I have considered going with Pixel lights I have too much invested in regular LED lights, (about 25,000), to change my set up. I also wrote my own program to run my lights. I use Digital I/O boards in my display and build all my own circuit boards. I still do the flashy blinky type of display, (no dimming). Even with what I know this set up seems like it would take a lot of study to get a grasp of everything. I have even tried to contact DIY web sites but no ones seems willing to help me out with questions and problems that I encounter. You at least are willing to show how some of these things go together. I did at one time try and purchase systems from people, but no one would explain how to diagnose problems with the systems I bought. It would be nice to see something like this broken down into easy to understand steps to do a display as complex as this. All of the terms you are using need to be defined in every day language for the average person. Thank you for you effort to explain your system.
Great intro, Rob...I'm an IoT hw/sw developer and just getting into xLights and animated shows. Yours is the first video that has actually brought all of the pieces together in an understandable, cohesive manner that, thanks to you, I know understand! Kudos. You mentioned in the vid that you permanently mounted pixel strips to outline your house. Could you share what products/tools you did to do that? Has that been installed for awhile, and if so has it withstood weather/sunlight/snow/rain etc.? I also loved the discussion around PVC pre-fab mounting for your doors and windows. Let's see how you did that!? Thanks again!
That's REALLY impressive... a bit out of my budget.. didn't realize the big controllers were that expensive. I look forward to more of this series and I'll be ingesting more of your original LED outline to build my own.
you can use nodemcu lolin boards (espixelstick firmware) that cost 4$ each to control up to 250+ pixels per controller. you can waterproof them in cheap pvc pipe. you can diy a 18 strand pixel tree for about 250ish dollars and that includes 18 strands of cheap pixels,6 controllers, and a powersupply. how you mount the pixels dictates the rest of your cost. mounting strips are nice, but slicing 1/2 inch pvc pipe in half lenthwise on a tablesaw and drilling 50 1/2 inch holes every 2.4 inches will only cost you 2$ per 20 feet! thats 20$ to mount all the strands. to support it you can create a frame from emt piping, or use conventional megatree methods.
The DIY route is definitely the way to go in my opinion. You learn more this way, so that you can add more in the future, AND you save a LOT of money. I use ESP8266 boards controlled via E1.31 with Vixen Lights software. The ESP8266 boards control my LEDs, and I have a separate power supply. It really isn't too hard to build if you do your research.
@@alexelliott9733 Thanks Alex. I now have lights along my soffits and one other element running on D1 Minis with Dig-Unos. Planning a 7-8' Mega Tree for next year and I won't lie, I'm intimidated by Xlights (for now), but I realize how much it adds to it all. Fortunately, I got a bit of time to learn. The tree will be where I more to nodes and may be where I step up to 12v from my current 5v lights.
@@ein57ein That's awesome! I've also been thinking about building a full-fledged mega tree, but it didn't happen this year, so hopefully I'll get around to it for next year as well. Hope yours goes well!
@@grimninja2004 man! I've got a lot to learn lol... I didn't see your comment before, but now (specially that I'm plotting for next year). I'm thinking about a 180 degree 8' with ~13 strings on a D1Mini or ESP32 with WLED. I know WLED can listen for e1.31, I just gotta figure that part out before next year.
Just subscribed today and watched a few videos so far. My brain is smoking because I haven't even reached novice level. I'm a "I'm new, I don't know what to do" beginner, beginner level. I'll watch them a few dozen times again and maybe I'll start to understand. I do love the videos and do want to learn.
J check out videos on the video section of xlights.org, or Canispater Christmas and Listen to Our Lights all here on youtube. You'll probably get a better idea from those guys.
Great info. Good subject would be how to expand a single effect across all channels and universes as I saw this season. It was spread over someone's entire house ever so often to match intensity of music. Very cool effect.
direction of pixels is a necessary topic, also the concept of a single strand of pixels if you laid your show out end to end, probably would be nice to mention you way under utilized that controller and its ports to simplify the explanation (some use that controller for16,000 lights) and simplify the install of a tree. however if you used a single channel for your entire tree your extension cables connecting each tree strand together would make it more uniform and less guessing (even though it turned out great). I liked the idea of reusing existing shows from others that have shared.
Can you do a video on how to physically mount the wiring/lights to your house. I’m pretty lost on injecting power. If you want a house to do you can come over. Haha
Quick question, you narrate that you can connect ethernet to PC or through a hub. In the video at 9:34 I see the controller board has printed text mentioning "wifi". Can this board also be connected via wi-fi without any additional hardware? I realize it may not auto-update this way. (Ethernet cable into the house may be difficult - I wonder how you do this without smashing a cable in your doorway or window seal.) Much thanks. I'm always watching your vids. Tons of respect out to you.
Thanks for a great overview. Helped me accelerate my setup. I’m not clear why you have the same e1.31 controller listed multiple times in the controller setup. My understanding is Xlights supports multiple universes under a single entry.
My favorite hobby, This year will be my 5th year running a light show. One thing I noticed that will cause issues is using DHCP. You just can't do this. I don't use xlights but on Vixen it asks for controller IP, if you're using DHCP this is liable to change after a day or a week depending on router settings. Using a manual IP should be the only option. Also never used Falcon boards because they're quite pricey. I've stuck with SanDevices, they also sell their boards fully assembled which is the option I took. My first SanDevices I got 4 years ago (an E682 ) and it's still running like a champ. Now they have a $99 board that assembled with 4 outputs. Perfect for placement on a display element.
While the E682 was one of the first crop of pixel controllers back in 2010, it has not kept up with all the modern innovations common to newer controllers like - multi-line OLED screens, network switch for daisy chaining, Wi-Fi interface, modular construction allowing 2 times or more outputs per controller, no long range support, no temperature / voltage monitoring and shutdown (for safety), blown fuse monitoring, sequence playback from controller, FM transmitting and other improvements. When factoring in these huge improvements since the release of the E682 years ago, the difference in cost makes sense.
I use SuperStar from Light-O-Rama to sequence all my pixels, and use almost all Holiday Coro controllers and pixels. But, X-Lights also is a very good sequencer. You gave a great overview of the main steps. Just a heads-up: Sequencing RGB lights to a song, the real "wow" of using RGB lights, takes an enormous amount of time. I take approximately 8-10 hours per one minute of a song that I sequence to my lights, and I only have about 17,000 pixels. I say "only" because many of those addicted to this hobby (like me) have multiples of that (e.g., John Storms). So, besides the work required to build props (like a mega tree), plan on spending quite a bit of time sequencing lights to a song. Now, will your next video be how to power wash a driveway? Ok, my poor attempt at humor. I love all your videos!!
Haha, when I took that picture my first thought was "wow, the driveway looks gross". I think it was a side effect of the HDR applied by the iphone camera. I promise it doesn't actually look that bad.
Totally agree about the time it takes to sequence by the way. The only song I've ever sequenced from scratch was "you make it feel like christmas" by Gwen Stefani because it's my wife's favorite xmas song and it took me around 20 hours, and as I said, I'm not even fully satisfied with the result.
Is there a kit that's already set up to do that Christmas tree at the beginning of the video? I just want 6 to 10 strands strands running from the ground to the top of my barn That will run in sync with each other. Each strand about 20 to 25 ft.
Do you know by any chance when I add the same controller multiple times as you have it on 5:22 and I try to export the sequence to HinksPix Pro, I can't see the controller with the IP to export the sequence? If I delete all the controllers from the layout and I leave only one, I can see the controller when I export the sequence. When I have the same IP in the controllers they become "(unmanaged)"
Love the video and love the channel, too! Your channel is now on the top of my list! I even printed out the input / output diagram from your "which pins to choose" video on the ESP8266. By the way you look like a young Michael Keaton in the thumbnail for this video ha ha!
Would like to start small would like to set up my living room for sick music show. Please give decent suggestion for something that can be expanded for exterior later and smaller if that's too costly.
In that case should we hang the decos up this weekend on the channel aswell? So its all warm n cosey for next time you visit. I know how u like your LED lighting 😤😤😤
Time to make a 2024 version of this. Plus is there not a "basic" controller similar to WLED that just does some prebuilt basic chases, flashing, fading for those with bullet pixels who are not interested in xlight sequencing/syncing etc...
Hola, como podria conseguir todas las instrucciones en español? Me gusta mucho tu trabajo y quisiera empezar a aprender a hacerlo y decorar mi casa asi como la tuya. Espero y puedas ayudarme. Saludos...
Power injection should be well understood before implementing. It's a bit like installing a turbo kit on your stock car - all good if you get everything 100% right and really bad if not done correctly. Here are some diagrams that show the basics: www.holidaycoro.com/kb_results.asp?ID=173 Given the number of cheap long range expansion systems (www.holidaycoro.com/Ready2Run-AlphaPix-Flex-Long-Range-Receivers-p/935.htm), the move has been more towards long range and away from power injection due to the complexity.
Nice video, I would add a disclaimer about that fence post though those bend and break easy in heavy winds. I would use stronger metal poles for the build. Also would let people know that this is only one option like you broke down the controllers so they understand that there are multiple ways to make the same sort of prop. Also don't recall seeing guide wires added for extra support on the tree? That's also a good point to highlight so people don't get frustrated when things start falling over.
I did mention the guy wires (both buying the string and when to attach them), but I didn't show a close up. There are certainly tons of options for making every kind of prop, I'll be covering that in my next video on the subject (also PVC/PEX/Coro/3d Printing). This video could have easily been 30-40 minutes long, but I was REALLY trying to keep it short since there's already a ton of good information about the subject if you're willing to sit down and watch hours of videos. I wanted this to be the fast-paced first video you'd would watch to get an overview and then dive in deeper to any particular subject you needed more info on. You think the top rail will buckle in heavy winds? I know it's pretty thin walled, but there's just not that much surface area for the wind to grab a hold of.
The number of factors involved with mounting a megatree and vary quite a bit. We have customers that build MegaTrees on roofs, sand, on flag poles, on the side of a house, on asphalt and concrete and other varied surfaces. As such, there are many factors that come into play on how to balance safety, cost and materials that a customer is able to work with.
@@TheHookUp I built this exactly like you did in the video and it worked great. I switch to the HolidayCoro and now I have issues (Hinks pro). Now have power issues. 624 pix injected at the end of every 150 pix strip. Tried using a separate supply by cutting the positive from the HollidayCoro box. Did not work. Lights did not even come on. Still don't know why. I would love another video on how you did this.
I have been watching your videos on addressable LED's to get a better understanding for a project I am looking to try. Your information has been very helpful, could you help with the following. I would like to know what and how to create 5 digits with 7 segments each plus 2 sets of colons. The unit will be to count down to start then elapsed time using RGBW tapes to be used outside. Different colors for the different time displayed. Readability at a reasonable distance about 300ft so digits to be 12" - 15" high. I think each segment will require 2 rows of LED strips, this will mean 35 or 70 strips plus the colons. I look forward to your views,
I would like a little more information on installing LED walls or Displays and integrating them into my light shows. How do I add music videos to my light show? Do I use the same software? What hardware should I be using other than using RGB WS2812B lights?
I was looking for guidance in using an input from an xbox one rumble motor to then RF to a receiver to make the led strip light up red with the same pulse of the rumble motor. I'm 100 percent doing this project but I just don't know where to start. Any help would be appreciated.
Great mega tree! I have 14 stings just arrived, I was going to do 2 in spacing but seeing yours I believ 3 in looks nice also. Other note, didn’t you have a video on how to build that wreath? I couldn’t find it. Scanned through your other holiday vids but may have missed it.
What forum do you frequent or recommend for getting started in this. I currently run a 350 bulb display of c9 dumb rgb. I really would like to convert it over to something like this but would certainly need help along the way. Just wondering where the best info is. Thanks
I like the TV show Lucifer. In it there is a bar called LUX. I really like the light effects in the bar and would love to recreate it in my back yard with something like cafe lights. Any thoughts on how to do that!
DrZzs: Today I'm gonna show you how to build your own LED shows. That's all for now, Adios! The Hook Up: Nahhh DrZzs!!Hold my beer! This is how you show your LED shows from space.
Very helpful video! Here's the one question I have that you actually didn't cover lol. Where is your main controllers mounted and how does one typically run the pixels cables to it without having awful cables covering your house? Go through the attic? And can the pixel strands be daisy chained or each 50 have to run back to the controller?
Thank you, they help me a little bit I'm trying to figure stuff out but the only thing is I still have questions about is the universe. So I have 200 pixels on the front of my house and they go through one channel does that mean I need to put 150 lights on one channel and 50 lights on the other channel because I seem to work fine with 200 on that one channel. That's where I'm just getting confused
Hi I purchase the LED's strip WS2812B. I have a question. If I connect the strip to 5V 5A power supply does the LED's turn on without controller? I afraid the LED's strip is not good. How to check it? I connect the strip led and it doesn’t light (without controller) Thank you very mach Eric
Interested what all you had for your first setup you showed for the whole house. In a similar situation starting about thinking about moving to something similar. Thanks.
Hello Sir, Thanks for your videos, really helpful to know about the latest trends. One question - Is there any way to control SONOFF devices using the app without an Internet connection. I mean to use the app and control devices through LAN. Kindly share about it really useful for solving this problem at home.
Can the Mega Tree be controlled by WLED nodemcu's instead of the pre-built controller from holidaycoro? For example using the dig-quad from quindor and attaching 4 strips to each 4 channels.
Do the light strings come in twenty feet tall. Probably much more expensive. I want to start out with the tree only and want it to be 20 feet tall. Thanks for responding.
i am going to set up a system this christmas, but i do not want to mess with DIY when it comes with power supply and controllers. I plan to run led's on the eaves of my house and eventually add in some additional controllers like the tree that you installed etc. i think i got the wiring and the led's settled (5v), but what premade controller/supply do i go with? i will be using 120v outlets to run anything i connect. My house mapping would be similar to yours for size comparison. please helP!
I'd definitely take a look at the Ready2Run stuff from HolidayCoro: www.holidaycoro.com/Ready2Run-Flex-Expansion-Controllers-s/2099.htm?Click=12722 If you get started soon (like August/Sept) you should be able to call them up and talk through what you are looking for and they can point you to exactly what you need. Don't wait until Oct/Nov/Dec to call, they won't have time to talk.
You must be the best teacher ever. The way you explain stuff is really clear and understandable.
Said no one ever
out of everybody producing content on this subject, you are the most straightforward and informative. thank you! i will consider patreon.
Thanks!
Omg! I’ll stick to string lights; props to all of you who do this! Impressive
I highly recommend this video if you are into making your display from static lights to sequenced lights. Love the informative video as this is a pretty good intro to the hobby of the Christmas lights. It also turns into many other holiday lights too, i.e 4th of July, Halloween. I also recommend XLights RUclips classes as well as the forums from Xlights and Light O Rama. The only complaint I have with the video is your comment of it takes a week for a novice to do an impressive show in a week. Only if you have deep pockets (purchasing a ready made display and sequenced or having some else do it) or you are a anywhere from a intermediate to complete nerd in electronics. And still not a week to do it all. Not trying to scare anyone away but it takes a lot longer to wade thru what you want to do versus all of the different electronic items to do it as well as the programming aspects. If you have a music background, that helps too when sequencing your lights to music. Your advice to start small is the best solution for a novice as it can easily get overwhelming. It has taken me almost 10 years to get my display where I want it to be. Last year was the very first year to setup, sequenced and happy with the display. It is not big or small but it fits the area I have and it took over a month to setup. That does not include selecting the songs to sequence, going thru checking each light (ws2811s, rgb spotlights, static led lights) and checking for anomalies. Can't wait till I retire so I can really do it spectacularly!!
Thanks for the kind words! The "under a week" part was definitely referring to kit stuff. You can get really creative in this hobby (which is I think why most of us like it), but you can also buy the kits to get up and running quickly if that's what you're after.
After watching the video I decided to throw a couple of led strips on my roof, plug them in and call it a day.
I'm with you. If this is a beginners guide, I'd hate to see an advanced version.
Ya fuck this lol
Before this video I was like "how hard this shit be" now I'm like "fuck this"
@@javi1373 check this one out.
ruclips.net/video/tXvtxwK3jRk/видео.html this dude explains it very well!
This is why people pay professionals to do it. To hell with this bs.
Importing the sequence is definitely one of the most confusing parts to do on your own. Thank you for explaining this so well!
This really helped tie all the bits together I've learned so far. Thank you!!!!
I am loving the information on your channel. I'm just starting out. I have a model using USB fairy lights that are W2812B for my bedroom sized model and I am looking into beginning to learn programming. My model is not just flat or linear, it is an abstract multi-dimensional star like design. The complex/advanced model is anyway. My first yard sized model with light was called "Tetra Light" and the complex model is 4 times more elements. The programming will be able to handle many different sets of movement on the one model and it's 4 different prototypes so far.
As for choosing strips or strings and power, the design in these early stages are basically lights strips in tubes/pipes. I'm using Govee led strips for larger versions and BTF lighting fairy lights for the smaller version. There are sets of 12 light tubes in the simple model and 48 in the complex model. Each of those could be individual segments. I'm going to calculate how many lights that would be. Power is an issue because I would have to hide the wires so they don't hang out all around the ends. The model gives a way to brings power lines through the center of the tubes at large diameters. I could use little 3D printed parabolic cones to distribute lights from strings and pixels aligned by the center wire so the light is reflected around to the tube in a better way that just pixel in tubes.
www.youtube.com/@CreativeStarlightCurves
Oh my gosh! Thank you SO MUCH for this! NOBODY explains any of this as well as you, truly appreciated!
I've been thinking of upgrading the outside lights for sometime and this is probably the best instructional video I've seen. Great job Rob and thank you!
That xLights guide was really all that I needed. Thanks for keeping me busy doing projects Rob!
X-Lights Guide? In this vid? Did I miss that?
Thanks for posting this. Wow when I drove by a house with this type of led tree I had no clue what's involved. I always wanted to do this but I feel now I need a degree in IT to do it. When you were going back and forth on the pc my brain went into over load. Lol
I'm super excited. I've been wanting something to do since retirement. Knowing me, if I start today I might be able to have my "mega strand" of lights programmed in time for Christmas next year.
January is a great time to start planning for next December.
He would have been my favorite teacher in school. Very cool projects!
Thanks to RUclips, he still can be your favorite teacher! I know he is mine, and I am 52.
First, love your vids. You're literally the reason I even ended up in this hobby. Starting with your holiday lights vids and now into the full show. That said, "less than a week to a full show" is fairly misleading. I suppose with a Ready to Run kit for the mega tree, that element's doable in that time frame, but a whole show is not. It's my first year, I've been at it since August/September and I'm only at about 65% complete. Wiring, soldering, attaching pigtails, power injecting, building props for window outlines, and trouble shooting is all very time consuming. And that's before the dozens of hours you'll spend sequencing.
This is still a great tutorial and your xlights section will definitely save me some time!
Yeah, that time frame is for kits of course. I know I’m not exactly a beginner, but I completed my tree +sequencing in one Saturday.
It's possible if you have general IT skills (installing software, IP addressing) and you use out of the box sequences along with a ready to run controller. Going Ready2Run assembled alone will save you many, many hours since the controllers are shipped 100% assembled and tested and you don't have to make a bunch of mistakes not purchasing or purchasing the wrong items to complete the project. Power injection is a "level 4" skill that even we don't support for customers due to the likely-hood for damage to hardware and thus we generally have customers using Long Range instead of power injection which is cleaner and easier and just about the same cost.
I'm lights KraZee! But I'm not participating anymore. I've got a
new perspective and much more appreciative of folks who do these GREAT displays. Thnx
Thanks Rob. Love your succinct explanations, no nonsense , get to the point presentations. I love having you guys 2.5 yrs ahead of my budget. You save me so much time and $. ;-) (Oh, and let me mention the link you have to the WS2812B IP65s was dead last I checked.) Thanks for all you do!
Thank you, I'm 12 and I begged my parents for years to get me a controller and lights and they did. I got the programming and it didn't work out. Like it was supposed to. It was off beat. I guess that's not to bad considering I did it by myself but u really helped
Another great video Rob, really informative!! Good to see at 09:00 you had plenty of supervisors helping!!!
Haha, had some friends come over for dinner that night but I was SO close to finishing when they got there that I had to keep going. They kept me company, good friends and unwitting participants in my youtube video.
Phenomenal video !
Thank you for bringing us closer to our dreams !
And
Your LED obsession is well understood !
Thanks for such a thorough video, you answered like 20 of my 10 questions
First I want to say that I have subscribed to you page. I have been sequencing a light show for a few years now. While I have considered going with Pixel lights I have too much invested in regular LED lights, (about 25,000), to change my set up. I also wrote my own program to run my lights. I use Digital I/O boards in my display and build all my own circuit boards. I still do the flashy blinky type of display, (no dimming). Even with what I know this set up seems like it would take a lot of study to get a grasp of everything. I have even tried to contact DIY web sites but no ones seems willing to help me out with questions and problems that I encounter. You at least are willing to show how some of these things go together. I did at one time try and purchase systems from people, but no one would explain how to diagnose problems with the systems I bought. It would be nice to see something like this broken down into easy to understand steps to do a display as complex as this. All of the terms you are using need to be defined in every day language for the average person. Thank you for you effort to explain your system.
You’re the man. Love your channel and what you do! #respect
Nice movie! And nice tree. Now a movie of the total house
Love your wife's shirt. "I don't need Google, my husband knows everything" Ha! XD
Musicman247 is it missing “thinks he” ?
Gotta buy one of those to my wife.
@@lordgarth1 I try to learn more and more each day, but sadly I'll never know everything... not until the FDA green-lights direct brain implants.
Great intro, Rob...I'm an IoT hw/sw developer and just getting into xLights and animated shows. Yours is the first video that has actually brought all of the pieces together in an understandable, cohesive manner that, thanks to you, I know understand! Kudos. You mentioned in the vid that you permanently mounted pixel strips to outline your house. Could you share what products/tools you did to do that? Has that been installed for awhile, and if so has it withstood weather/sunlight/snow/rain etc.? I also loved the discussion around PVC pre-fab mounting for your doors and windows. Let's see how you did that!? Thanks again!
ruclips.net/video/N5Ln_3Ygv9I/видео.html
Wow sick! This is that next level lights I install commercial holiday lights and if I start offering things like this there is way more money in it!
A novice can put together an amazing show in about a week...Ha! I'd love to see that
Kits only of course...
The part about the universe was really helpful. Thanks!
That's REALLY impressive... a bit out of my budget.. didn't realize the big controllers were that expensive. I look forward to more of this series and I'll be ingesting more of your original LED outline to build my own.
you can use nodemcu lolin boards (espixelstick firmware) that cost 4$ each to control up to 250+ pixels per controller. you can waterproof them in cheap pvc pipe. you can diy a 18 strand pixel tree for about 250ish dollars and that includes 18 strands of cheap pixels,6 controllers, and a powersupply. how you mount the pixels dictates the rest of your cost. mounting strips are nice, but slicing 1/2 inch pvc pipe in half lenthwise on a tablesaw and drilling 50 1/2 inch holes every 2.4 inches will only cost you 2$ per 20 feet! thats 20$ to mount all the strands. to support it you can create a frame from emt piping, or use conventional megatree methods.
The DIY route is definitely the way to go in my opinion. You learn more this way, so that you can add more in the future, AND you save a LOT of money. I use ESP8266 boards controlled via E1.31 with Vixen Lights software. The ESP8266 boards control my LEDs, and I have a separate power supply. It really isn't too hard to build if you do your research.
@@alexelliott9733 Thanks Alex. I now have lights along my soffits and one other element running on D1 Minis with Dig-Unos. Planning a 7-8' Mega Tree for next year and I won't lie, I'm intimidated by Xlights (for now), but I realize how much it adds to it all.
Fortunately, I got a bit of time to learn. The tree will be where I more to nodes and may be where I step up to 12v from my current 5v lights.
@@ein57ein That's awesome! I've also been thinking about building a full-fledged mega tree, but it didn't happen this year, so hopefully I'll get around to it for next year as well. Hope yours goes well!
@@grimninja2004 man! I've got a lot to learn lol... I didn't see your comment before, but now (specially that I'm plotting for next year).
I'm thinking about a 180 degree 8' with ~13 strings on a D1Mini or ESP32 with WLED. I know WLED can listen for e1.31, I just gotta figure that part out before next year.
Just subscribed today and watched a few videos so far. My brain is smoking because I haven't even reached novice level. I'm a "I'm new, I don't know what to do" beginner, beginner level. I'll watch them a few dozen times again and maybe I'll start to understand. I do love the videos and do want to learn.
J check out videos on the video section of xlights.org, or Canispater Christmas and Listen to Our Lights all here on youtube. You'll probably get a better idea from those guys.
Great info. Good subject would be how to expand a single effect across all channels and universes as I saw this season. It was spread over someone's entire house ever so often to match intensity of music. Very cool effect.
Hey I didn't see anything in the comments about the sandevices controllers but they come fully assembled as well.
Love your presenting style. Refreshing and straight to the point
direction of pixels is a necessary topic, also the concept of a single strand of pixels if you laid your show out end to end, probably would be nice to mention you way under utilized that controller and its ports to simplify the explanation (some use that controller for16,000 lights) and simplify the install of a tree. however if you used a single channel for your entire tree your extension cables connecting each tree strand together would make it more uniform and less guessing (even though it turned out great). I liked the idea of reusing existing shows from others that have shared.
Can you do a video on how to physically mount the wiring/lights to your house. I’m pretty lost on injecting power.
If you want a house to do you can come over. Haha
Now I know why I’ve never saw a light show in my town. As simple as a trig problem.
Dude, you are an absolute magician!
This really helped me make the decision to skip the lights this year
Quick question, you narrate that you can connect ethernet to PC or through a hub. In the video at 9:34 I see the controller board has printed text mentioning "wifi". Can this board also be connected via wi-fi without any additional hardware? I realize it may not auto-update this way. (Ethernet cable into the house may be difficult - I wonder how you do this without smashing a cable in your doorway or window seal.)
Much thanks. I'm always watching your vids. Tons of respect out to you.
Thanks for a great overview. Helped me accelerate my setup. I’m not clear why you have the same e1.31 controller listed multiple times in the controller setup. My understanding is Xlights supports multiple universes under a single entry.
I'm stuck at 06:22 at change serial port. It says current configured port is com10, and under port details it only has 1 drop down option for com3.
9:08 - Glad to see the union supervisors on the job.
I have no idea what u were talking about (setup). It’s a nice outcome
My favorite hobby, This year will be my 5th year running a light show. One thing I noticed that will cause issues is using DHCP. You just can't do this. I don't use xlights but on Vixen it asks for controller IP, if you're using DHCP this is liable to change after a day or a week depending on router settings. Using a manual IP should be the only option.
Also never used Falcon boards because they're quite pricey. I've stuck with SanDevices, they also sell their boards fully assembled which is the option I took. My first SanDevices I got 4 years ago (an E682 ) and it's still running like a champ. Now they have a $99 board that assembled with 4 outputs. Perfect for placement on a display element.
While the E682 was one of the first crop of pixel controllers back in 2010, it has not kept up with all the modern innovations common to newer controllers like - multi-line OLED screens, network switch for daisy chaining, Wi-Fi interface, modular construction allowing 2 times or more outputs per controller, no long range support, no temperature / voltage monitoring and shutdown (for safety), blown fuse monitoring, sequence playback from controller, FM transmitting and other improvements. When factoring in these huge improvements since the release of the E682 years ago, the difference in cost makes sense.
Most modern routers keep matching the same IP to a MAC address, so the IP given by the DHCP shouldn't change.
I think it's easier to let it take DHCP, then reserve the IP on your router.
You should be able to make DHCP static leases on your router. This will ensure the controllers get the same IP address every time.
I use SuperStar from Light-O-Rama to sequence all my pixels, and use almost all Holiday Coro controllers and pixels. But, X-Lights also is a very good sequencer. You gave a great overview of the main steps. Just a heads-up: Sequencing RGB lights to a song, the real "wow" of using RGB lights, takes an enormous amount of time. I take approximately 8-10 hours per one minute of a song that I sequence to my lights, and I only have about 17,000 pixels. I say "only" because many of those addicted to this hobby (like me) have multiples of that (e.g., John Storms). So, besides the work required to build props (like a mega tree), plan on spending quite a bit of time sequencing lights to a song. Now, will your next video be how to power wash a driveway? Ok, my poor attempt at humor. I love all your videos!!
Haha, when I took that picture my first thought was "wow, the driveway looks gross". I think it was a side effect of the HDR applied by the iphone camera. I promise it doesn't actually look that bad.
Totally agree about the time it takes to sequence by the way. The only song I've ever sequenced from scratch was "you make it feel like christmas" by Gwen Stefani because it's my wife's favorite xmas song and it took me around 20 hours, and as I said, I'm not even fully satisfied with the result.
Is there a kit that's already set up to do that Christmas tree at the beginning of the video? I just want 6 to 10 strands strands running from the ground to the top of my barn That will run in sync with each other. Each strand about 20 to 25 ft.
“Don’t attempt to make a show that’s visible from space your very first year”. Ok 👍🏻 got it 😂😂😂
and... my first year i have a 16 foot high tree with 1000 pixels... gocttha
Ohh why not
@@commiccannon592 They will crash the International Space Station
Do you know by any chance when I add the same controller multiple times as you have it on 5:22 and I try to export the sequence to HinksPix Pro, I can't see the controller with the IP to export the sequence? If I delete all the controllers from the layout and I leave only one, I can see the controller when I export the sequence. When I have the same IP in the controllers they become "(unmanaged)"
Love the video and love the channel, too! Your channel is now on the top of my list! I even printed out the input / output diagram from your "which pins to choose" video on the ESP8266. By the way you look like a young Michael Keaton in the thumbnail for this video ha ha!
Wow this is extraordinary clear! Thank you.
Would like to start small would like to set up my living room for sick music show. Please give decent suggestion for something that can be expanded for exterior later and smaller if that's too costly.
In that case should we hang the decos up this weekend on the channel aswell? So its all warm n cosey for next time you visit. I know how u like your LED lighting 😤😤😤
I would love for you to do an in-depth show on power injection. I don't really understand when or how to do that.
Do you have a video on how you made the PVC frames for your doors and windows and attached them? Thanks
Time to make a 2024 version of this. Plus is there not a "basic" controller similar to WLED that just does some prebuilt basic chases, flashing, fading for those with bullet pixels who are not interested in xlight sequencing/syncing etc...
Nice one. I got idea for our christmas decoration competition at work.
I really wanna make my own light shows for Christmas and Halloween for my future house. I’m sure this video can help me.
Is there a Holiday Coro equivalent store for Canadians?
Hola, como podria conseguir todas las instrucciones en español?
Me gusta mucho tu trabajo y quisiera empezar a aprender a hacerlo y decorar mi casa asi como la tuya.
Espero y puedas ayudarme. Saludos...
Fantastic videos. You are doing a great job breaking down the topics you cover. Keep it up!
Can you do a video specifically on power injection? Methods, techniques and tools required? Great videos cheers!!
Power injection should be well understood before implementing. It's a bit like installing a turbo kit on your stock car - all good if you get everything 100% right and really bad if not done correctly. Here are some diagrams that show the basics: www.holidaycoro.com/kb_results.asp?ID=173 Given the number of cheap long range expansion systems (www.holidaycoro.com/Ready2Run-AlphaPix-Flex-Long-Range-Receivers-p/935.htm), the move has been more towards long range and away from power injection due to the complexity.
Nice video, I would add a disclaimer about that fence post though those bend and break easy in heavy winds. I would use stronger metal poles for the build. Also would let people know that this is only one option like you broke down the controllers so they understand that there are multiple ways to make the same sort of prop. Also don't recall seeing guide wires added for extra support on the tree? That's also a good point to highlight so people don't get frustrated when things start falling over.
I did mention the guy wires (both buying the string and when to attach them), but I didn't show a close up. There are certainly tons of options for making every kind of prop, I'll be covering that in my next video on the subject (also PVC/PEX/Coro/3d Printing). This video could have easily been 30-40 minutes long, but I was REALLY trying to keep it short since there's already a ton of good information about the subject if you're willing to sit down and watch hours of videos. I wanted this to be the fast-paced first video you'd would watch to get an overview and then dive in deeper to any particular subject you needed more info on.
You think the top rail will buckle in heavy winds? I know it's pretty thin walled, but there's just not that much surface area for the wind to grab a hold of.
The number of factors involved with mounting a megatree and vary quite a bit. We have customers that build MegaTrees on roofs, sand, on flag poles, on the side of a house, on asphalt and concrete and other varied surfaces. As such, there are many factors that come into play on how to balance safety, cost and materials that a customer is able to work with.
Thank you so much for sharing for point lights.
Can you do a video on how you do your power injection with the strips and aluminum channels? Thanks
Check out part 3 of my LED series (installation): ruclips.net/video/UWb2i6BHx1g/видео.html
@@TheHookUp I built this exactly like you did in the video and it worked great. I switch to the HolidayCoro and now I have issues (Hinks pro). Now have power issues. 624 pix injected at the end of every 150 pix strip. Tried using a separate supply by cutting the positive from the HollidayCoro box. Did not work. Lights did not even come on. Still don't know why. I would love another video on how you did this.
Lights aren’t coming on at all? Are you sure they are getting data?
@@TheHookUp my bad. soldering issue. soldered one too many connections today.. over 120 and one wrong..lol. sorry. Love your videos
Have you ever thought about changing the light program, for off-season fun ?
Like Synergy welcoming you home, for example (Jem)
I have been watching your videos on addressable LED's to get a better understanding for a project I am looking to try. Your information has been very helpful, could you help with the following.
I would like to know what and how to create 5 digits with 7 segments each plus 2 sets of colons. The unit will be to count down to start then elapsed time using RGBW tapes to be used outside.
Different colors for the different time displayed.
Readability at a reasonable distance about 300ft so digits to be 12" - 15" high.
I think each segment will require 2 rows of LED strips, this will mean 35 or 70 strips plus the colons.
I look forward to your views,
I haven't slept in 7 weeks but thanks to your video I'm now ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
100% sure that I never want to do this now. Jeez Rob!
Ha! That's just as useful as being inspired to do it. Sometimes it's good to know what you don't want to do.
Lmao me to
Thanks for the time stamps!
I would like a little more information on installing LED walls or Displays and integrating them into my light shows. How do I add music videos to my light show? Do I use the same software? What hardware should I be using other than using RGB WS2812B lights?
I was looking for guidance in using an input from an xbox one rumble motor to then RF to a receiver to make the led strip light up red with the same pulse of the rumble motor. I'm 100 percent doing this project but I just don't know where to start. Any help would be appreciated.
If I were to just put the mega tree with the normal regular lights would that look good still or would I completely need to switch over to X lights
Nice Project !!!👍👍
Great mega tree! I have 14 stings just arrived, I was going to do 2 in spacing but seeing yours I believ 3 in looks nice also.
Other note, didn’t you have a video on how to build that wreath? I couldn’t find it. Scanned through your other holiday vids but may have missed it.
That will be in the next video I do on this subject.
The Hook Up awesome! Thinking it might be similar to what I am trying with my pex. Love to see other solutions to a similar problem.
Thanks!!
What forum do you frequent or recommend for getting started in this. I currently run a 350 bulb display of c9 dumb rgb. I really would like to convert it over to something like this but would certainly need help along the way. Just wondering where the best info is. Thanks
You’re the best. Seriously.
I like the TV show Lucifer. In it there is a bar called LUX. I really like the light effects in the bar and would love to recreate it in my back yard with something like cafe lights. Any thoughts on how to do that!
DrZzs: Today I'm gonna show you how to build your own LED shows. That's all for now, Adios!
The Hook Up: Nahhh DrZzs!!Hold my beer! This is how you show your LED shows from space.
Very helpful video! Here's the one question I have that you actually didn't cover lol. Where is your main controllers mounted and how does one typically run the pixels cables to it without having awful cables covering your house? Go through the attic? And can the pixel strands be daisy chained or each 50 have to run back to the controller?
Thank you, they help me a little bit I'm trying to figure stuff out but the only thing is I still have questions about is the universe.
So I have 200 pixels on the front of my house and they go through one channel does that mean I need to put 150 lights on one channel and 50 lights on the other channel because I seem to work fine with 200 on that one channel. That's where I'm just getting confused
Hello! My first question is how do I run XLights with a wireless network?
I would not recommend that, it's a ton of data to be sending wirelessly. If you really want to try it's best to configure everything as multicast.
I'm hooked! Subscribed...
For leaping arches what leds would you recommend for an 8 foot arch and five arches ?
Hi
I purchase the LED's strip WS2812B.
I have a question. If I connect the strip to 5V 5A power supply does the LED's turn on without controller?
I afraid the LED's strip is not good. How to check it?
I connect the strip led and it doesn’t light (without controller)
Thank you very mach
Eric
Greatly appreciated the Timestamps
Наконец-то нормальное описание! Спасибо👍
Interested what all you had for your first setup you showed for the whole house. In a similar situation starting about thinking about moving to something similar. Thanks.
Great Video. Thinking this is a 2021 project.
Hello Sir,
Thanks for your videos, really helpful to know about the latest trends.
One question - Is there any way to control SONOFF devices using the app without an Internet connection. I mean to use the app and control devices through LAN.
Kindly share about it really useful for solving this problem at home.
How does the music play? Where do you connect the speakers ?? Do you have to play the music manually?
Do you have to have 2 controllers or can you just have one controller for a tree and house lining
Can the Mega Tree be controlled by WLED nodemcu's instead of the pre-built controller from holidaycoro? For example using the dig-quad from quindor and attaching 4 strips to each 4 channels.
Do the light strings come in twenty feet tall. Probably much more expensive. I want to start out with the tree only and want it to be 20 feet tall. Thanks for responding.
is there a small controller to start off with, for someone on a small budget to try programing before going full scale? Like a 4 port controller?
What is your spacing for the holes on your pvc frames for the windows and doors?
Mine are 2.75", but if I had to do it all over again I'd go for 2.5". The 2.75" spacing really stretches the wire between pixels.
@@TheHookUp Great.. thanks
Ha I’ve been watching your channel for over a year now, just realized you are in Tampa. Funny local coincidence.
I thought he was somewhere in Fl when I saw him decorating in shorts
i am going to set up a system this christmas, but i do not want to mess with DIY when it comes with power supply and controllers. I plan to run led's on the eaves of my house and eventually add in some additional controllers like the tree that you installed etc.
i think i got the wiring and the led's settled (5v), but what premade controller/supply do i go with?
i will be using 120v outlets to run anything i connect.
My house mapping would be similar to yours for size comparison.
please helP!
I'd definitely take a look at the Ready2Run stuff from HolidayCoro: www.holidaycoro.com/Ready2Run-Flex-Expansion-Controllers-s/2099.htm?Click=12722
If you get started soon (like August/Sept) you should be able to call them up and talk through what you are looking for and they can point you to exactly what you need. Don't wait until Oct/Nov/Dec to call, they won't have time to talk.
I think i will now need a mega tree and to watch the xlights import section in 4X slo-motion to get all the steps.
Novice here, this video sounded like another language to me, gonna watch it 20 more x till I get it though, time to learn another language!!