Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Great Progress

I finally had a chance to write an update. I made great progress on installation of lights this past weekend. I have all perimeter roof line lights (clear and blue icicle, motion, and ribbon) and front widow lights installed. Total installed lights so far is 25,290.

I decided to purchase an MP3 controller and two 16 circuit light controllers. The light controllers will control new features: eight 3' trees, seven bells, and several roof top light strings. All are part of new scenes with music synchronization.

Oh, the fiber optic trees weren't on sale so I'm going to use net lighting which used to be install on the Austrian Pines in the backyard. They will simulate trees with a triangular shape.

This weekend is suppose to be warm so I hope to install much more.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Snow Interruption

Well, today the weather drastically changed. I woke up this morning and saw a couple of inches of snow. I guess working on the roof is out of the question.

So, today was a day of planning. I'm trying to figure out the best way to make a bell form or purchase one. I want to make bells out of light rope, but need to attach it to something. I didn't have any luck finding pre-made forms on the internet. I'm leaning toward using flexible copper tubing to make the form.

I also need to decide how many light controllers to buy for the new show features. I need two or three. I better figure it out very soon. Time is running out. I know that I need an MP3 Music controller though. I already bought an FM transmitter. It works great! I plan to broadcast on 88.7 FM which is an unused frequency here.

Oh, you may wonder why I decorate the back yard (regarding last post). My house backs to a green belt which has a street bordering the other side. Here's some photos of the view behind the house and the snowy weather.


I'll let you know what controllers I purchase for the show tomorrow. I'm also going to look at some fiber optic trees that may be on sale at Hobby Lobby. That would be something new for the show.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Countdown to Lights In Motion 2007 Begins

Welcome to my first post about plans, notes, and preparation progress to my holiday light show for 2007. Check out the lightsinmotion.com website to see past shows and technical information. This year I plan to add music and a couple of new scenes. I haven't calculated the number of new lights yet, but I expect the number to be around 4000 to 5000 lights.

Today, the weather was great, sunny and 77 degrees, so I decided to start installing lights a week earlier this year. I started with the light strings for the backyard windows. I thought this would be less conspicuous than starting with the front yard. I posted photos of the "Blank canvas" and the progress I made today on the website. Photos

I will continue to make postings here as the installation progresses. I'll also provide tips, tricks, and other comments about holiday lighting.

Thanks and enjoy!