Missed your face and your sense of humor. It’s your fault, I mean inspiration, that got me started in this hobby. I look forward to your video on the Falcon V4s! Keep up the great work!!!
Jeff I just want to say thanks for all your videos. After many years of watching and dreaming I'm finally putting up a small display this year. ~1500 pixels. Definitely wouldn't have gotten it done easily without your content :D
Jeff glad to see another video. You were the one that inspired my son and I to get into this hobby. We made a matrix this year 4'x8' same mesh as you have only white. We made a PVC frame around the outside, with two down poles evenly spaced in the middle area. Zip tied it all the way around and then pounded 4 - 4ft fence T-Posts in, one at each vertical PVC and zip tied the entire structure to each post. We had about 30-40 mph winds shortly after Halloween and it is still standing no leaning nothing... Perfect. I do like the wave effect that yours might give if the lights were on during the storm :)
Thanks! Yeah, the only problem with the wavy panels is the wires need to be secured at the top - might do that anyway. T-posts seem to be the popular solution. The strap is holding for now and we had a little wind today so I'm feeling confident. Time will tell. :)
Well, another Holiday Season in the history books. Only got the 19' mega tree and 36" star up this year (32 strings, 100 lights / string), due to some other projects and other issues over the summer. Getting ready to work on the full house display for 2022!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy to get together Jeff. Dang wind. Those people in West Texas just let that wind blow on through. Then in the winter them folks in the state above Texas take down the fences and let the wind howl down through Fort Worth and south to you. When all else fails......rebar and cargo straps. So much more sophisticated than Duct Tape and rebar. My best to y'all........pete
The popular idea seems to be t-posts. So far, the strap is holding perfectly and we had some wind today so I'm feeling pretty good about this. haha. Good to hear from you!
Glad to see you on here again. I was genuinely worried something had gone wrong. Can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve for this Christmas season.
Thanks! Well, probably a little muted this year since I haven't worked on any lighting projects. Prolly the same as last year with the exception of wind-proofing some stuff. haha
I have a vertical snowflake prop that’s 12 feet tall similar to what you have and have very little problems with it in heavy winds. I used 1 1/2 inch pvc for the frame and slide the pvc over 5ft t-post also anchor down front and back with parachute cord and stakes. It’s lasted 5 years now. I also anchor my mega tree the same way.
In the Houston area here and those couple of days of wind really tested my setup as well. Matrices trying to fly away, singing pumpkin fell over twice after re-anchoring, icicles on the roof, etc… Luckily my GE spooky trees were very well anchored.
I feel you on the wind. Took all of my brand new icicles down yesterday with no way to get them back up for the season. Have to completely redesign my show now
@@CanispaterChristmas I'm chalking it for 2021 - can't budget another lift rental for this season. I'm already planning on swapping out to EMT and conduit hangers for 2022. As for this season, I'm still bouncing around ideas on how to make a 1 story show look ok on a 2 story house.
Glad to see you're back, missed you!!! Plenty of land up here....just sayin. I have a suggestion to fight the wind, but it requires T-posts and cattle fence 😁
I see T-posts & cattle fence in my future. 👍 I feel like we're getting close to finding something we're happy with. Our goal was end-of-year. It will be close.
Realistically, you should set up xLights so it can do the programming for you. It really is the easier option. I haven't seen an F48V4 so not sure if they've made any changes in the pixel assignments. For the V3, the sliders allocate pixels per row so you'd want to group props with similar numbers of pixels together by row. For example, if you have a bunch of 100-pixel props, group them together on one row. 300-pixel props, group those on another row, etc. I'll see what I can do.
I made a big matrix frame for halloween this year, to make a matrix out of my megatree strips. I used 50x35mm aluminium box sections, braced it with some shelf brackets. all bolted together so it can pack down for storage. it flexes in storm winds but made no signs of tipping over or breaking. (we had a big storm the week before halloween that blew some of my props off the house)
Hey Jeff, I think you should put out a video about the correct way to power all this equipment up and to power it down. Is there a sequence to powering up Pi, Falcon, receivers...ect. What's the correct way????? Also ...during the season do you leave your Pi and Falcon controller powered up 24/7 and just power down the receivers?? Thank you for all you do and share....... We are getting down to the wire now....
Harbor Freight Tools in my area has heavy duty ABS, gasketed, weather proof boxes for $20. You have to drill your own holes and add through hole weather tight fittings. Still less expensive than a lot of other options. 😁
Jeff I know this is off topic for this video but have you ever had pixels freeze up and not work but when you use test mode from the controller they color wash fine...then once the test mode is done they go right back to being stuck...
I had an iffy set of pixels on my wreath. Once I replaced them, those strange problems went away. Check to make sure the grounds are good before replacing them as it can be a source of major issues.
Jeff I just received a f16v4. I am brand new to pixel lights and not computer geek. How do I get started setting up my controller? All I am trying to get working is a small mega tree this year. Any help would be appreciated.
Awesome! Go through my beginner playlist (ruclips.net/p/PLFyrAfJ-kKd4ZfPdXWIt8v_bav61mW_KW) to get up to speed on the basics then log into the xLights Zoom Room if you need help with something in particular.
hi i was wondering if you can help me i am looking to get my hands on any on the 12mm Pixel Mounting Strips here in the UK i checked your UK store and US and nothing so far i did do a net search and it keeps bring me back to your store, thanks Mr GaTeZ.
And did ya find any land and get it! We have after 4 years. Signing contract in 2 weeks. Will have home ready December 2022. And I’ve decided to dump the whole lights and go to projection and totally. No more painstaking work
Jeff, Always look forward to your vids, like others it's your fault I'm doing this crazy hobby (7000 pixels this year) I have a 3'6" X 7' matrix (2592 pixels) that I want to use next year over my living room window. My question is: How do you store your matrix's in the off season ?
thanks for all the info that you give us,i have a question ,does anyone where can y buy a controller here in europe?i live in spain and i use nodemcu for my show but the internet here its not so great and wifi signal is not so good for light show
Hello from Shawnee Oklahoma, how did your wind solution work out? My show this year contained 64 props (1/2 were static leds and the rest were pixels) and was 18 sequences long, and the worst thing that happened was a couple of Ray Wu bullet pixels melted on 2 of my props. I guess the point of this comment is that this year we had a storm blow in with sustained winds of 70 mph with gust as high as 80 mph (per weather channel) and not a single issue with any of my props blowing over, with the exception of a couple Gilbert Engineering Icicle segments. I use 6, 8 & 10 ft T-Posts to lash my props too. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos (especially if you touch on the subject of interactivity as you discussed with Keith Westley awhile back)
✍️Use ✍️angle ✍️iron ✍️ for ✍️matrix ✍️ framing. 😜 Just having fun. Thanks for sharing your successes and challenges. The led lighting community is always helpful and awesome.
I'd say your frame is great the skeleton face net is great the way you did the two-by-fours as well as the four by fours legs and break the way you can make that work a little bit better with what you already have drill a couple half- inch to 3/4 inch holes three-quarter inch holes in it at a slight 45 from each other on the legs the flat parts that go across the ground two on each side of it take a piece of rebar cut him into a 1 foot or two foot sections and tap them into the ground in the hole so that it anchors them to the ground at a 45 Centerpoint in on either side and to point out and that should help you out on your window shoe
Thanks! I think the cargo strap is providing the needed support, but it's an ongoing experiment. However, if the weather continues to beat me, I'll have to take more extreme measures. :)
Jeff I built my first matrix this year and I'm still trying to figure out the best way to mount the beast. It's 4×8 with 2048 pixels. Do you have any advice to share?
I have a 4x8 above my garage (check my videos). Attached it to a wood 2x4 frame with 4 eye bolts, chain, s-clips, and masonry anchors. It’s been great. When not above the garage I do the same on the side of my house to store it for the year. Also it survived the recent wind no problem.
Click on his name. As long as it's up against something, it will block the wind which is my main issue. You don't need to punch holes in the new siding. :)
Smart Plugs? If you mean turning the controllers on and off with Home Assistant, I use a Lutron Caséta switch and wired an outlet to it. Used an outdoor pigtail to the switch and standard romex between the switch and outlet. I think they have some outdoor switch/outlet combos now.
I did in that video, but the switch proved unreliable and I don't recommend it. If you want to measure wattage of your display, use a Kill-a-watt meter (amzn.to/317FeZ1).
I had a handful of those and similar switches. Maintaining WiFi connectivity was a problem. Never had an issue with the Lutron stuff and I have several of those around the house. I'm in a WiFi-congested area and was probably the cause of my problem so your mileage may vary, but I ended up getting rid of them. The Lutron Caséta system operates on a different band and has a wired connection to your network. So yes, they didn't turn the lights on all the time. 😂
I keep hoping for a new video. I miss your fun look at this Hobbie. Hope all is well with you.
Thanks! All good. Just really busy with other things right now. I'll be able to start back up soon. Stay tuned! 😂
Missed your face and your sense of humor. It’s your fault, I mean inspiration, that got me started in this hobby. I look forward to your video on the Falcon V4s! Keep up the great work!!!
Thanks!
Hey mate, really miss your funny and informative videos, hope all is well at the Canispater homestead.
Thanks! Been really busy helping Santa try to get all the toys built - supply issues.
He lives!!!!
Haha!
Jeff I just want to say thanks for all your videos. After many years of watching and dreaming I'm finally putting up a small display this year. ~1500 pixels. Definitely wouldn't have gotten it done easily without your content :D
Awesome! Keep me posted on your progress.
Jeff glad to see another video. You were the one that inspired my son and I to get into this hobby. We made a matrix this year 4'x8' same mesh as you have only white. We made a PVC frame around the outside, with two down poles evenly spaced in the middle area. Zip tied it all the way around and then pounded 4 - 4ft fence T-Posts in, one at each vertical PVC and zip tied the entire structure to each post. We had about 30-40 mph winds shortly after Halloween and it is still standing no leaning nothing... Perfect. I do like the wave effect that yours might give if the lights were on during the storm :)
Thanks! Yeah, the only problem with the wavy panels is the wires need to be secured at the top - might do that anyway. T-posts seem to be the popular solution. The strap is holding for now and we had a little wind today so I'm feeling confident. Time will tell. :)
Well, another Holiday Season in the history books.
Only got the 19' mega tree and 36" star up this year (32 strings, 100 lights / string), due to some other projects and other issues over the summer. Getting ready to work on the full house display for 2022!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awesome!
good to see you back at it.......Merry 'Canispater' Christmas.
Thanks! Merry Christmas!
I been missing my Canispater fix! Glad you are back to the gig.
Thanks!
Happy to get together Jeff. Dang wind. Those people in West Texas just let that wind blow on through. Then in the winter them folks in the state above Texas take down the fences and let the wind howl down through Fort Worth and south to you. When all else fails......rebar and cargo straps. So much more sophisticated than Duct Tape and rebar. My best to y'all........pete
The popular idea seems to be t-posts. So far, the strap is holding perfectly and we had some wind today so I'm feeling pretty good about this. haha. Good to hear from you!
Glad to see you on here again. I was genuinely worried something had gone wrong. Can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve for this Christmas season.
Thanks! Well, probably a little muted this year since I haven't worked on any lighting projects. Prolly the same as last year with the exception of wind-proofing some stuff. haha
Good to see you back!! Happy Lighting Season!!!
Thanks! To you as well!
Glad to see you ok. Wind took out the top of my mega tree. Get a bit wild here in NZ. Plus the sun kills stuff, stay safe look after everyone.
Oh yeah. Sun does funny things to props. :)
Welcome back, Jeff. Looking forward to more videos. Thanks
Thanks Ben!
I have a vertical snowflake prop that’s 12 feet tall similar to what you have and have very little problems with it in heavy winds. I used 1 1/2 inch pvc for the frame and slide the pvc over 5ft t-post also anchor down front and back with parachute cord and stakes. It’s lasted 5 years now. I also anchor my mega tree the same way.
Yeah, T-posts are next if needed. :)
In the Houston area here and those couple of days of wind really tested my setup as well. Matrices trying to fly away, singing pumpkin fell over twice after re-anchoring, icicles on the roof, etc… Luckily my GE spooky trees were very well anchored.
I have a couple of snowflakes that got blown around a lot last year. Still thinking through that one.
Thanks Jeff.
👍
I feel you on the wind. Took all of my brand new icicles down yesterday with no way to get them back up for the season. Have to completely redesign my show now
Sorry to hear that. Cinder blocks and fishing line?
@@CanispaterChristmas I'm chalking it for 2021 - can't budget another lift rental for this season. I'm already planning on swapping out to EMT and conduit hangers for 2022. As for this season, I'm still bouncing around ideas on how to make a 1 story show look ok on a 2 story house.
@@74armonde For 2022, I'm trying to ditch the 2-story house. 😂
Glad to see you're back, missed you!!! Plenty of land up here....just sayin. I have a suggestion to fight the wind, but it requires T-posts and cattle fence 😁
I see T-posts & cattle fence in my future. 👍 I feel like we're getting close to finding something we're happy with. Our goal was end-of-year. It will be close.
When making a fram. It will only be as strong as its weakest connection. The top rail if you can needs to be solid with a brace to the ground.
Thanks! I think the cargo strap is providing the needed stability. Storms on the way. We'll find out. :)
It’s so great to see your face again! How’ve you been? Can’t wait for some more videos
Thanks! All good, just life interfering with my hobby. lol
Great to see you again, your videos have gotten me started with the lights. Thanks!
Thanks! Awesome! Keep me posted.
Jeff, Can you please to do a full set up video on "F48V4 Differential Controller" for beginners? Thanks.
Realistically, you should set up xLights so it can do the programming for you. It really is the easier option. I haven't seen an F48V4 so not sure if they've made any changes in the pixel assignments. For the V3, the sliders allocate pixels per row so you'd want to group props with similar numbers of pixels together by row. For example, if you have a bunch of 100-pixel props, group them together on one row. 300-pixel props, group those on another row, etc. I'll see what I can do.
Hey Jeff, haven’t seen any new content in a while. Hoping everything is good with you. Looking forward to the next one.
All good. Many irons. One fire. Working on an update. 😂
The fire is me BTW. We didn't have a fire. lol
I made a big matrix frame for halloween this year, to make a matrix out of my megatree strips. I used 50x35mm aluminium box sections, braced it with some shelf brackets. all bolted together so it can pack down for storage. it flexes in storm winds but made no signs of tipping over or breaking. (we had a big storm the week before halloween that blew some of my props off the house)
Well, good to know it's not just me then. Cool idea. :)
great to see ya back,,,,
Thanks!
More videos please 😬🙌
😂
Good to see your face jeff, thanks for the update :)
Thanks!
Hey Jeff, I think you should put out a video about the correct way to power all this equipment up and to power it down.
Is there a sequence to powering up Pi, Falcon, receivers...ect.
What's the correct way?????
Also ...during the season do you leave your Pi and Falcon controller powered up 24/7 and just power down the receivers??
Thank you for all you do and share.......
We are getting down to the wire now....
The Pi is a computer so it should stay on if possible. The rest, I have on a timer. I'll do a quick video.
@@CanispaterChristmas Thanks Jeff......
Hey Jeff, Miss seeing videos, everything ok? When can we expect to see a video
All good. Something is going to happen soon... Something wonderful. 🤣
Great to see some new content Jeff
Thanks!
Hi Jeff, Where are you? Time for a new video as we miss ya! 😻 Did ya find that 500 acre ranch?
Very bad internet out here. I'll send an update soon. 😂
@@CanispaterChristmas Awesome Jeff! Thanks 🎅
Glad to see ya back bro! Was wondering about ya!
Thanks! All good.
@@CanispaterChristmas glad to hear it I plain on setting up this week wish me luck lol
Not sure where you are, but we have some weather moving in this week. Might want to get to it sooner than later. :)
@@CanispaterChristmas I'm in Kentucky so will see I like to be surprised 🤣
its been a long time .miss you and miss your great vedio Jeff .you got me into the hobby and I was wondering where did you disappear lol?
Thanks! Life things interfering with my hobby. lol
Glad to see you are back! Question, what enclosure do you recommend for the v4 since the CG-1500 has become impossible to get?
I use all sorts of things. Plastic toolboxes, ammo cans, really anything that will keep the water off it. Trashbags cover some of my boxes.
super power supply has them.
Harbor Freight Tools in my area has heavy duty ABS, gasketed, weather proof boxes for $20. You have to drill your own holes and add through hole weather tight fittings. Still less expensive than a lot of other options. 😁
Why isn’t there any new videos? Jeff, did you stop posting for good or??
I'll start up again soon. Been concentrating on something else, but the next video will explain all. Thanks for checking. :)
Jeff I know this is off topic for this video but have you ever had pixels freeze up and not work but when you use test mode from the controller they color wash fine...then once the test mode is done they go right back to being stuck...
I had an iffy set of pixels on my wreath. Once I replaced them, those strange problems went away. Check to make sure the grounds are good before replacing them as it can be a source of major issues.
Jeff I just received a f16v4. I am brand new to pixel lights and not computer geek. How do I get started setting up my controller? All I am trying to get working is a small mega tree this year. Any help would be appreciated.
Awesome! Go through my beginner playlist (ruclips.net/p/PLFyrAfJ-kKd4ZfPdXWIt8v_bav61mW_KW) to get up to speed on the basics then log into the xLights Zoom Room if you need help with something in particular.
hi i was wondering if you can help me i am looking to get my hands on any on the 12mm Pixel Mounting Strips here in the UK i checked your UK store and US and nothing so far i did do a net search and it keeps bring me back to your store, thanks Mr GaTeZ.
Awesome! Wait, I don't have a store. Get in touch with James at Boscoyo.com. There may be someone doing a group buy in the UK.
We have been looking for land for 2 years. Know the feeling!
Honestly, I feel like we're closing in on something. Goal is end-of-year. We'll see.
And did ya find any land and get it! We have after 4 years. Signing contract in 2 weeks. Will have home ready December 2022. And I’ve decided to dump the whole lights and go to projection and totally. No more painstaking work
Missed not seeing any of your show this year
@@cswatson4823 Haha. We're in the option phase. Fingers crossed. I wouldn't say "no more painstaking work," just different painstaking work. 😂
@@cswatson4823 Same as last year. Didn't add anything. The only adjustment I made was the matrix mount. Held up well.
Jeff, Always look forward to your vids, like others it's your fault I'm doing this crazy hobby (7000 pixels this year) I have a 3'6" X 7' matrix (2592 pixels) that I want to use next year over my living room window. My question is: How do you store your matrix's in the off season ?
LOL! Cool! The frame breaks apart and the mesh rolls up. I stored mine in the attic, but I think the heat got to it so I'm not doing that anymore.
Love the vids man keep up the good work!!!
Thanks!
Loved the video and Thanks for an update.
Thanks!
thanks for all the info that you give us,i have a question ,does anyone where can y buy a controller here in europe?i live in spain and i use nodemcu for my show but the internet here its not so great and wifi signal is not so good for light show
Check Hanson electronics in Australia (www.hansonelectronics.com.au). He ships anywhere. Tell him I sent you. :)
@@CanispaterChristmas ok thank you very much
Hello from Shawnee Oklahoma, how did your wind solution work out? My show this year contained 64 props (1/2 were static leds and the rest were pixels) and was 18 sequences long, and the worst thing that happened was a couple of Ray Wu bullet pixels melted on 2 of my props. I guess the point of this comment is that this year we had a storm blow in with sustained winds of 70 mph with gust as high as 80 mph (per weather channel) and not a single issue with any of my props blowing over, with the exception of a couple Gilbert Engineering Icicle segments. I use 6, 8 & 10 ft T-Posts to lash my props too. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos (especially if you touch on the subject of interactivity as you discussed with Keith Westley awhile back)
The overwhelming suggestion was T-posts. lol. However, my strap is holding.
Hay Jeff Good to see you!! Hows the family? Wind 30mph here. :o(
Thanks! All good. Haha. Windy there too. Yeah.
Hey Jeff, havent heard a peep from you in a looong time, hope you are doing OK! Miss that witt of yours!
Yeah, all good. Many changes. I need to do a video. 😂
Hey Jeff, is your show up and running?
Absolutely!
✍️Use ✍️angle ✍️iron ✍️ for ✍️matrix ✍️ framing. 😜
Just having fun. Thanks for sharing your successes and challenges. The led lighting community is always helpful and awesome.
LOL! Yeah, that's probably the next step. 😂
I'd say your frame is great the skeleton face net is great the way you did the two-by-fours as well as the four by fours legs and break the way you can make that work a little bit better with what you already have drill a couple half- inch to 3/4 inch holes three-quarter inch holes in it at a slight 45 from each other on the legs the flat parts that go across the ground two on each side of it take a piece of rebar cut him into a 1 foot or two foot sections and tap them into the ground in the hole so that it anchors them to the ground at a 45 Centerpoint in on either side and to point out and that should help you out on your window shoe
Thanks! I think the cargo strap is providing the needed support, but it's an ongoing experiment. However, if the weather continues to beat me, I'll have to take more extreme measures. :)
Jeff I built my first matrix this year and I'm still trying to figure out the best way to mount the beast. It's 4×8 with 2048 pixels. Do you have any advice to share?
I'm thinking up against a wall. Save you some frustration. 😂
I have a 4x8 above my garage (check my videos). Attached it to a wood 2x4 frame with 4 eye bolts, chain, s-clips, and masonry anchors. It’s been great. When not above the garage I do the same on the side of my house to store it for the year. Also it survived the recent wind no problem.
@@CanispaterChristmas true, but I can't.The one place I could hang it is brand new siding and I hate to put holes in it for the brackets.
@@charlieray4207 can you point me in the direction of your videos please sir.
Click on his name. As long as it's up against something, it will block the wind which is my main issue. You don't need to punch holes in the new siding. :)
What smart plugs do you use?
Smart Plugs? If you mean turning the controllers on and off with Home Assistant, I use a Lutron Caséta switch and wired an outlet to it. Used an outdoor pigtail to the switch and standard romex between the switch and outlet. I think they have some outdoor switch/outlet combos now.
@@CanispaterChristmas I thought I saw you had used some that measured wattage
I did in that video, but the switch proved unreliable and I don't recommend it. If you want to measure wattage of your display, use a Kill-a-watt meter (amzn.to/317FeZ1).
@@CanispaterChristmas I guess it didn’t turn on your lights correctly.
I had a handful of those and similar switches. Maintaining WiFi connectivity was a problem. Never had an issue with the Lutron stuff and I have several of those around the house. I'm in a WiFi-congested area and was probably the cause of my problem so your mileage may vary, but I ended up getting rid of them. The Lutron Caséta system operates on a different band and has a wired connection to your network. So yes, they didn't turn the lights on all the time. 😂
Glad to see you back, Jeff. Be safe out there.
Thanks Ron! All good so far I think.
Hi. Missed your videos.
Thanks! Be back soon! :)
@@CanispaterChristmas Looking forward to it Jeff. Really, really useful your videos. 🙂😇
You remind me of young Sheldon's Dad 😊
Haha. I get that a lot. 😂
Keep that gorgeous beard of your growing bigger!!! you look great!
LOL! Thanks! Will do!
@@CanispaterChristmas Cool!! can't wait to see new videos with a new beard!!! hugs handsome
Hmmmmmm...... looks windy there.
Just a tick. haha
Bonne installation et fixe bien tout ça : le vent ne gagnera pas ! (use google translate lol)
😂
the intro was funny
😂👍
YUP, when it comes to outdoor lights and mega trees....wind is not our friend!
LOL! Unless you have a wind generator. 😂
🙃
😂
First
😂
@@CanispaterChristmas when are you going to post your 2021 Christmas light show
@@randomstuff6341 I probably won't. It's the same as last year. I didn't have a chance to change anything this year.
@@CanispaterChristmas are the songs still the same
@@randomstuff6341 Yes. It's been a bad year for having fun. :) I did shore up the matrix frame tho. Works like a charm.