Why We Do What We Do
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
In 2005 my next door neighbor suggested we build a grand display that covered both of
our lawns. I said "Let's take it one step further." The result was 17,000 lights and 32
channels and light strings. We ended up with 64 channels and over 50,000 lights.
The goal for 2008 was 75,000 lights and we hit it. In 2009 we're adding more channels as
well as adding a few more lights. Not much will change for 2010 but we will achieve our
latest goal of using 100% LED lights and a slew of new music.
Why did we start doing this? We both like Christmas. We both like lights. It seemed
natural to combine our resources and ideas instead of engaging in a battle to see who
could build the bigger display.
A little on the "how"; all the lights are on separate circuits called "channels". Each
channel can have quite a few strings of lights on it. All the channels plug into controller
boxes that are networked to a computer in the house. The computer plays the song and
sends the sequence to the controllers, which turn the lights on and off when told to. I
have the speaker output from the computer's sound card plugged into a short-range FM
transmitter so people can sit in their cars and listen to the music over their car stereo.
Everything is on timers.
Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions:
* In 2010 we had 80,000 lights compared to 17,000 in 2006.
* 100% of the lights are LEDs.
* It takes about a week to set up and test everything.
* In 2009 we rented a 30' lift to get the lights all the way up in those two big trees.
* It will take 2 or 3 days to take everything down.
* We have a separate shed to store everything except the lawn frames and arches.
* 2011 is our sixth year doing the show.
* The neighbors have been very supportive and understanding.
* Our electricity bill went up $15 in December due to limited hours and the fact that all
the lights are LEDs and aren't always on.
CLICK HERE for song lists.
Annual Light Show Premier Block Party Info
Contact Cherie or Nancy for more details.
our lawns. I said "Let's take it one step further." The result was 17,000 lights and 32
channels and light strings. We ended up with 64 channels and over 50,000 lights.
The goal for 2008 was 75,000 lights and we hit it. In 2009 we're adding more channels as
well as adding a few more lights. Not much will change for 2010 but we will achieve our
latest goal of using 100% LED lights and a slew of new music.
Why did we start doing this? We both like Christmas. We both like lights. It seemed
natural to combine our resources and ideas instead of engaging in a battle to see who
could build the bigger display.
A little on the "how"; all the lights are on separate circuits called "channels". Each
channel can have quite a few strings of lights on it. All the channels plug into controller
boxes that are networked to a computer in the house. The computer plays the song and
sends the sequence to the controllers, which turn the lights on and off when told to. I
have the speaker output from the computer's sound card plugged into a short-range FM
transmitter so people can sit in their cars and listen to the music over their car stereo.
Everything is on timers.
Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions:
* In 2010 we had 80,000 lights compared to 17,000 in 2006.
* 100% of the lights are LEDs.
* It takes about a week to set up and test everything.
* In 2009 we rented a 30' lift to get the lights all the way up in those two big trees.
* It will take 2 or 3 days to take everything down.
* We have a separate shed to store everything except the lawn frames and arches.
* 2011 is our sixth year doing the show.
* The neighbors have been very supportive and understanding.
* Our electricity bill went up $15 in December due to limited hours and the fact that all
the lights are LEDs and aren't always on.
CLICK HERE for song lists.
Annual Light Show Premier Block Party Info
Contact Cherie or Nancy for more details.