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| − | Welcome to one of the greatest hobbies in the whole world! This page is dedicated to you, the newcomer to this hobby so that you can fully understand what the animated lighting hobby is all about and what your role in it will be if you decide to join in.
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| − | == How computer controlled animated lighting works ==
| + | A firestick is simply a post that's covered/wrapped with lights. They can be short, tall, skinny or fat. A common post material is PVC pipe, but they can be made out of 2x2 wood just as well. Most users wrap lights around the pipe in short sections and assign multiple channels to each firestick so it can be animated. |
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| − | '''Overview''' | + | '''Simple''' |
| − | :This hobby uses a combination of computer software, various kinds of wiring both for computer control and electrical power, electronic 'controllers,' relays, lights of various kinds and a myriad of hooks, tape, plastic and metal pipe, plastic "zip ties" and other methods to fasten and hang the lights on the house, bushes and trees. Most of the supplies can be purchased at local hardware or home improvement stores while the electronic controllers and other specific lighting components are usually purchased from electronic parts supply stores and other DIY lighting hobbyists' online stores.
| + | Here's an example of a short, 44" tall PVC firestick that has a topper ball. It's wrapped with three strings of 50-count white incandescent mini-lights, and the topper ball was made by splitting a whiffle baseball, stuffing it with a short string of 15 white mini-lights and zip-tieing it to a couple holes drilled in the top of the firestick. Prior to assembly, the PVC and whiffle ball were spray painted with flat black paint to provide a better wrapping surface as flat paint provides more friction for wrapping, as well as hiding the wires. As each of these firesticks had 4 channels, they were controlled by DirkCheapSSRs inserted up inside the PVC pipe; they were zip-tied to a short piece of rebar pounded into the ground when mounted in the yard. |
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| − | '''Software'''
| + | [[File:Firestick.JPG|250px]] |
| − | :You'll install software onto your computer and use it to design a "sequence" of lighting effects. Many of the most popular software tools are free while some are fee-based. Most use the Windows operating system but other options are available. | |
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| − | '''Lighting Effects'''
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| − | :The effects you'll use might include simple on/off, or pulsating on/off, or gradual brightening (called ramp up) or gradual dimming (ramp down). And if you like, the software also allows you to make these effects occur in time to a song or other piece of music you've chosen. Music is an important element of lighting sequences because without it, lights can appear to be random and uncoordinated; it's the music that ties it all together. For example, if your chosen song has a nice drum beat, maybe you want some lights to blink in time with the beat. Or maybe you want the lights to gradually get brighter as the music gets louder or maybe dim the lights down when the music is soft. The point is that you can control exactly when you want the effects to occur, even down to fractions of a second.
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| − | '''How many lights can I control?''' | + | '''Pixel Firestick''' |
| − | :The software allows you to separately control many, many strings of lights or even individual lights if you want. Each string or individual light that you want to control is called a "channel." So your sequence of effects might include dozens of strings of lights (dozens of channels), each of which you can control independently from all the others. So you get to decide what lights to turn on/off, when and how bright you want them to be. The software gives you total control. The software also provides normal editing capabilities such as changing the settings and saving them later. It also allows you to group several sequences together to make a longer program or "show." And once you have designed your "show" the software can also be used to schedule what days and times you want your show to start and stop. Pretty cool stuff!
| + | Here's an example of a firestick that uses multiple strips of smart pixels attached to a PVC pipe and then covered with shrinktube for waterproofing. This particular example was 17' long and used three, 5-meter pixel strips, connected in parallel and driven by a single ESPixelStick. |
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| − | '''How does the computer control the lights?'''
| + | [[File:Shrink-3.JPG|750px]] |
| − | :When you "play" your sequence (or your show program) on your computer, the software causes your computer to send out special signals to other electronic devices that you build that are out in the yard. These devices are called "controllers" and the lights are connected to the controllers. Some controllers can handle only 8 or fewer "channels" of lights while others can handle many thousands of channels. Often you can interconnect multiple smaller controllers together to control even more channels. The process of interconnecting controllers is called "daisy-chaining." The lights are plugged into the controllers and the controllers are plugged into electrical power. When the controller gets a control signal from the computer to turn on a certain channel, the controller's electronics figure out which channel it is and then allows electricity to go to that channel, illuminating that channel's lights. | |
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| − | '''How does the computer connect to the controllers?'''
| + | Here's quick test showing how they look... |
| − | :Computers and controllers are usually physically connected to one another by wire, often using inexpensive everyday network cabling (called cat5 cable). More often than not, there's an USB or other type of adapter/dongle that facilitates the electrical connection between the computer and the physical wiring. The electrical mechanisms that computers and controllers use to talk to one another are called serial RS-232, serial RS-485, and Ethernet (the same mechanism used for computer networking). With regard to speed, think of RS-232 in terms of tens of thousands of bytes per second, RS-485 in the hundreds of thousands and Ethernet in the millions of bytes per second. On top of the electrical mechanism is a "language" that the computers and controllers speak. Another word for this language is "protocol" and popular protocols are Renard, DMX, and E1.31. The Renard protocol can easily run on top of RS-232 or RS-485, DMX can run on top of RS-485 and Ethernet, and E1.31 is Ethernet only. And with some trickery, Renard can also run on top of Ethernet using another electronic gizmo called an "Ethernet bridge." Sometimes, instead of using cat5 cabling, some users replace the physical wiring by using wireless communication and various combinations of small transmitter/receiver setups. Some of these wireless systems can work upwards of 1/4 mile away.
| + | https://vimeo.com/670380047 |
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| − | '''How do I decide whether to use RS-232, RS-485 or Ethernet?'''
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| − | :This is determined by the kind of lights and controller(s) you select and the protocol method you choose for your computer to control them. The software has settings that you simply choose and those settings are saved automatically along with the sequences you design. Then when you assemble your controllers, you'll load the proper settings into them to match. If you later decide to change your computer's settings, you just change the controller settings to match. It's easy to do.
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| − | '''How do the viewers hear the music?'''
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| − | :While your computer is playing the sequence the computer's sound card will simultaneously be playing the music to keep the music and computer control commands in sync with one another. Some hobbyists use small amplifiers and put speakers outdoors so visitors can hear the music while most use a small, low-power FM transmitter to transmit the music to visitors' car radios so they can listen in the comfort of their vehicles. Low-power FM transmitters are not expensive -- anywhere from $25-$100 -- but whether you use outdoor speakers or an FM transmitter, the synchronized audio absolutely makes the difference between a truly entertaining "show" and what looks like a yard full of randomly blinking lights.
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| − | So in a nutshell, the computer plays a "sequence" that you created, it sends control signals out a wire to the controllers, the controllers decode the signals and turn on/off the appropriate lights, and all the while your viewers are listening to the music you've chosen and watching your lights dance with looks of wonder and amazement. And that's how computer animated lighting works.
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| − | == Skills you will need ==
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| − | *First of all, understand that while other DIYers are always glad to help you acquire these basic skills, don't expect them to do it for you and teach you every little thing. Remember, this hobby is a "DO IT YOURSELF" experience where ''you'' take ownership of ''every'' facet of it, including the study and learning of tasks that may be completely new to you.
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| − | *You'll need to know your way around your computer, how to install software on it, how to copy/delete files, how to use the Internet to download and install software, etc. The hobby relies heavily on the user's ability to operate his/her computer in a much more involved way than simply browsing the web or answering email. You will have to know how to configure communications ports, install drivers for external USB devices, and possibly more.
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| − | *If you plan to use Ethernet-based controllers, you will need to know how to configure computer networking, IP addresses and use common network software tools such as ping and telnet as well as opening ports and configuring network routers.
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| − | *You will need to learn how to solder electronic circuit boards. This isn't as daunting as you may assume and in fact, usually quickly becomes a favorite part of the hobby -- the building of electronic gizmos! It's an absolute hoot when you assemble one and fire it up for the first time and discover that it works, and the first time you do this, you'll understand the incredible allure this hobby has on participants and you'll ''really'' be hooked!
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| − | *You'll need to learn about electrical safety and basic homeowner wiring techniques. This hobby uses high-powered electricity and for your safety as well as the lives of others who live in your house or who visit your display, you'll need to follow local electrical guidelines. Pick up a basic wiring guide at your local hardware/home improvement center and study it thoroughly to learn how to be safe. Don't overlook this issue. It may save someone's life.
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| − | *If you intend to build display structures that people can enter or walk under, you'll need to build them structurally sound to prevent possible injury. Again, your hardware/home improvement center has plenty of books on construction techniques.
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| − | == Tools you will need ==
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| − | '''Common, everyday household tools required'''
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| − | :You'll use screwdrivers in both blade and Phillips styles and in various sizes, one or more pliers, wire cutters, hammer, maybe Vise-grips, saws, tube cutters, files, drills and drill bits, wrenches, a flashlight, etc. No surprises here -- just the kinds of tools a homeowner usually needs for day-to-day maintenance around the home.
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| − | '''Special tools required'''
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| − | *To assemble electronics, you'll need a good soldering iron or solder station (not a soldering "gun" as they're too hot to use), solder, flux, small wire nippers for circuit work, small needle-nosed pliers or forceps, very small screwdrivers, possibly a lighted magnifier or "helping hand" device to hold the circuit boards while you solder them.
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| − | *You'll need a "programmer" for the controllers you decide to use. Most all controllers use various kinds of small programmable IC chips (called "PICs") and different kinds of chips sometimes need different kinds of programmers. Programmers are small self-contained devices that usually plug into your computer's USB port and typically cost between $15-$75 each. They use special software tools that come with the programmer itself or are freely downloadable from various web sites.
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| − | '''Diagnostic tools required'''
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| − | *A VOM (Volt-Ohm-Meter) or DVM (Digital Volt Meter) is a necessity to measure the presence and values of voltages and electrical current. Most DIYers have more than one -- prices range anywhere from $10 and up; expect to spend about $25 for a decent one.
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| − | *A cable tester of some kind. The VOM/DVM can be used for testing the connections of cables but other inexpensive testers are available that can quickly diagnose whether an 8-wire cat5 cable has a bad connection. (You can't appreciate how truly valuable such a tester is until you're outside on a frigid night trying to figure out why a controller is not responding to the computer controls!)
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| − | '''Extreme DIY tools - optional'''
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| − | *Table saws, chop saws, radial arm saws, circular saws, band saws, etc. for constructing wooden display pieces.
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| − | *An oscilloscope is a luxury item that not many DIYers have but it can be extremely helpful for advanced diagnostic situations involving controller circuitry and digital signals.
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| − | *A logic analyzer is another advanced diagnostic tool that can help determine specific communication problems.
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| − | *A welder is often handy for those who plan to design and build their own wire frames or big structures that require metal framing.
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| − | *Hot air station for assembling electronics that require a lot of tiny, surface-mount parts.
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| − | == Supplies you will use/need ==
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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, silicon 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, PVC pipe and fittings, etc. In any event, you'll make lots of trips to your local hardware store or home improvement center as you create your display.
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| − | *'''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 and bags of "pirate plugs" so they can cut lengths and make cables to exactly the lengths they need.
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| − | *'''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.
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| − | [[File:storage.JPG|center|150px]]
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| − | == Immutable Issues: Money and Time ==
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| − | *'''Money.''' Even though this is a do-it-yourself hobby, it is not inexpensive to get involved in it. In fact, it can be unbelievably ''expensive'' if you're not careful. This hobby is addictive in the sense that you'll always be able to justify the need to add another string of lights here or there, or that you need another dozen extension cords, or that you need another roll of duct tape or another bag of a thousand zip ties... and the expenses creep up on you $10 or $20 at a time. Before you get started, determine how much money you can afford to spend, and then double that figure because that's a bit more realistic as to what it truly will be. The first year is one of the most expensive because you need to acquire not only the lights, but the tools and infrastructure materials you'll need to control them -- the extension cords, control cabling, controllers, USB adapters, etc. A good guideline to follow is to '''start small.''' Plan a display of perhaps only 8 or 16 channels, get some experience in how the equipment works and how to connect it together, how to design sequences and how to solve basic construction and mounting issues because these things are the building blocks of the whole hobby. Starting small will also limit your financial exposure.
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| − | *'''Time.''' Most beginners underestimate the amount of time this hobby can take. Experienced DIYers in this hobby often start planning their shows a year in advance. Sometimes construction and sequencing for a very complex, single prop can take two years ''or more''. The DIYer in this hobby is by nature an inventor who's going by the seat of his pants because there's not a one-size-fits-all kit you can buy. Building the electronics is one small part of it and one usually becomes quite proficient in electronic assembly rather quickly. Stringing wires takes more time than you'd imagine. Figuring out how to get control wires from your computer to the controllers takes some planning and thought -- and sometimes may include drilling holes through concrete walls. But universally, most DIYers in this hobby agree that the most time-consuming activity is designing the control sequences on your computer and matching them to music. For every minute of audio, you can easily spend two or three ''hours'' deciding what lights you want to turn on or off, and how quickly, and how bright or dim you want them to be. It sounds silly, but this is the ''artful'' part of the hobby. This is the part that brings smiles to your viewers and what makes you really proud of what you've created. So if you decide you want to have five sequences and five songs in your show, consider that it will probably run about 12-15 minutes. And sequencing that much time can easily take an ''entire week''.
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| − | == Where to get more info ==
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| − | :This is what the forums at diychristmas.org and other Christmas-lighting sites are all about. You'll want to join one or more of them so that you can interact with other DIYers, post questions, read solutions and hopefully, help others along the way as your own skills increase.
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| − | * [http://diychristmas.org '''diychristmas.org'''] hosts this Wiki, registration is free, and there are no fees attached to using the forum in any way. The site does accept voluntary contributions to help defray operating expenses, and profits from the [https://digwdf.com/store '''DIGWDF Store'''] are all directed toward supporting the diychristmas.org forum to keep it free.
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| − | * [http://doityourselfchristmas.com '''DoItYourselfChristmas.com'''] is another very popular and broad source of information for the animated lighting hobby.
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| − | * [http://www.auschristmaslighting.com '''AusChristmasLighting'''] is another terrific forum for some really creative users from "down under" and a great place to learn how others around the world practice this craft.
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