Difference between revisions of "Supplies you will use/need"
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(Created page with ":*'''Consumables''' vary with each installation and no two installations are alike. However, it's likely that you'll use multiple kinds of tape -- masking tape, painter's tape...") |
ErnieHorning (talk | contribs) (:*'''Labels and markers.''' Permanent labels, cable tags, or heat-shrink labels are invaluable for identifying controllers, power supplies, network cables, extension cords, and props. Good labeling can save hours of troubleshooting during setup and teardown.) |
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| − | :*'''Consumables''' vary with each installation and no two installations are alike. However, it's likely that you'll use multiple kinds of tape -- masking tape, painter's tape, duct tape, electrical tape, | + | :*'''Consumables''' vary with each installation and no two installations are alike. However, it's likely that you'll use multiple kinds of tape -- masking tape, painter's tape, duct tape, electrical tape, silicone tape -- the list is almost endless. You'll use various kinds of screws (sheet-rock, self-tapping and machine types), nails of various kinds and lengths, cable ties/"zip-ties" in various lengths (buy kinds that are UV resistant), plywood, paint of various types and colors, Many hobbyists also keep heat-shrink tubing, dielectric grease, ferrules, solder, and weather-resistant connectors on hand for electrical projects. In any event, you'll make lots of trips to your local hardware store or home improvement center as you create your display. |
| − | :*'''Extension cords.''' Lots of them. You'll use big, long outdoor extension cables for main power runs and smaller cables for shorter runs. Some users buy large spools of SPT-1 or SPT-2 wire | + | :*'''Extension cords.''' Lots of them. You'll use big, long outdoor extension cables for main power runs and smaller cables for shorter runs. Some users buy large spools of SPT-1 or SPT-2 wire with vampire (sometimes called "pirate") plugs so they can cut lengths and make cables to exactly the lengths they need. And by lots of them we mean that Traditional AC lighting displays often require a large number of extension cords. Modern RGB pixel displays typically use fewer AC extension cords but may require numerous low-voltage power cables, pixel extension cables, and power-injection wiring. DIYers that have hundreds of channels often have as many extension cords in their displays. |
| − | :*'''Storage bins.''' Lots of them. This is often an overlooked item but large, plastic storage bins with covers are helpful to preserve your equipment, wire and other display elements during the off-season so that you can use them again. Careful attention to storage can extend the useful life of your gear for many years and save money. | + | :*'''Storage bins.''' Lots of them. This is often an overlooked item but large, plastic storage bins with covers are helpful to preserve your equipment, wire and other display elements during the off-season so that you can use them again. Careful attention to storage can extend the useful life of your gear for many years and save money. Labeling storage bins and organizing cables, controllers, and props by season or display area can significantly reduce setup time the following year. |
| − | [[File:storage.JPG|center| | + | |
| + | [[File:storage.JPG|center|250px]] | ||
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| + | :*'''Labels and markers.''' Permanent labels, cable tags, or heat-shrink labels are invaluable for identifying controllers, power supplies, network cables, extension cords, and props. Good labeling can save hours of troubleshooting during setup and teardown. | ||
Latest revision as of 13:58, 20 July 2026
- Consumables vary with each installation and no two installations are alike. However, it's likely that you'll use multiple kinds of tape -- masking tape, painter's tape, duct tape, electrical tape, silicone tape -- the list is almost endless. You'll use various kinds of screws (sheet-rock, self-tapping and machine types), nails of various kinds and lengths, cable ties/"zip-ties" in various lengths (buy kinds that are UV resistant), plywood, paint of various types and colors, Many hobbyists also keep heat-shrink tubing, dielectric grease, ferrules, solder, and weather-resistant connectors on hand for electrical projects. In any event, you'll make lots of trips to your local hardware store or home improvement center as you create your display.
- Extension cords. Lots of them. You'll use big, long outdoor extension cables for main power runs and smaller cables for shorter runs. Some users buy large spools of SPT-1 or SPT-2 wire with vampire (sometimes called "pirate") plugs so they can cut lengths and make cables to exactly the lengths they need. And by lots of them we mean that Traditional AC lighting displays often require a large number of extension cords. Modern RGB pixel displays typically use fewer AC extension cords but may require numerous low-voltage power cables, pixel extension cables, and power-injection wiring. DIYers that have hundreds of channels often have as many extension cords in their displays.
- Storage bins. Lots of them. This is often an overlooked item but large, plastic storage bins with covers are helpful to preserve your equipment, wire and other display elements during the off-season so that you can use them again. Careful attention to storage can extend the useful life of your gear for many years and save money. Labeling storage bins and organizing cables, controllers, and props by season or display area can significantly reduce setup time the following year.
- Labels and markers. Permanent labels, cable tags, or heat-shrink labels are invaluable for identifying controllers, power supplies, network cables, extension cords, and props. Good labeling can save hours of troubleshooting during setup and teardown.