Guest guest Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 With 64 channels, I plan to use 32 channels on my mega tree alone to get some good smooth rotations with fine granularity, across 3 colors.So does it make since to place 2 of the 16 channel controllers inside the base of the tree and use 6 foot extensions (some of the lights on the maga might not need an extension)? I would of course put a loose garbage bag over the top of the controllers to protect against rain, while still allowing it to breath.OR.......Should I put the controllers in the garage 30' away, and run 32 long 30' extension cables to the tree from the controllers.How do most of you folks with 64+ Channels handle this?Tawk amongst ya-selves! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 I put them near the displays. Saves a ton of money on extension cords. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 Brad Caudill wrote: I put them near the displays. Saves a ton of money on extension cords.Ditto! Ditto!Michael B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 Close to the display. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 Agreed....close as you can!I had extensions for 6 channels last year..everything else was plugged right in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 My controllers are near the center of the display. Even with that, I had to purhcase 2,000 feet of lamp cord and make custom extension cords for our 80 channels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 I hope you mean you would put them in boxes. They HAVE to be in a containor of some sort.And yes, I put them near my lights. Last year the controller was stashed under my mega tree.Zacjeffostroff wrote:I would of course put a loose garbage bag over the top of the controllers to protect against rain, while still allowing it to breath. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 Near the lights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 As close as possible to what they control. Not only does this save $$$'s, but LOTS of storage space (wire is very heavy in quantity) and setup time.-Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 Ditto for me!Timtfischer wrote: As close as possible to what they control. Not only does this save $$$'s, but LOTS of storage space (wire is very heavy in quantity) and setup time.-Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 jeffostroff wrote: With 64 channels, I plan to use 32 channels on my mega tree alone to get some good smooth rotations with fine granularity, across 3 colors.So does it make since to place 2 of the 16 channel controllers inside the base of the tree and use 6 foot extensions (some of the lights on the maga might not need an extension)? I would of course put a loose garbage bag over the top of the controllers to protect against rain, while still allowing it to breath.OR.......Should I put the controllers in the garage 30' away, and run 32 long 30' extension cables to the tree from the controllers.How do most of you folks with 64+ Channels handle this?You dont wnt to put your controller like next to the mail box with a sign that stays "Steal me, I am free" but you can almost spend as much in extension cords as you can the LOR itself. I would place your controllers within 50 ft of the items being lit. 50 ft cords are way cheaper then 100 ft. Better yet if you can get within 25 ft and use 25 ft cords you are really jamming. As far as controllers I keep within 50 ft of the items being lit but still also keep the controller as concealed as possible, close to the house, for security purposes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 That's what i'm thinking as well. I rather have my LOR box a bit out of sight instead of right near where everyone can easily reach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 Well, here's some security tips then!I might run a locking cable through one controller, and through my metal mailbox post, and cover the controller with a green garbage bag.As for the 2 controllers in my mega tree, I'll cable both together, and through all the light stricgs hanging on the mega tree, and maybe to a hook on the house.This will make it real hard for someone to steal it.Another thing is you can buy security screws which require a special keyed tool to unscrew them. You use this tool to bolt them to your masonry. Then they cannot unbolt your controller off the wall, because they don't have the correct "key" works just like your vehicle lug nut locks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 We have some controllers in plain sight, about 8' back from the street. No problems so far. Most people won't even pay attention to them, others will just think they're junction or power distribution boxes.There's always the off chance of an intelligent thief, scoping out your website (if you have one), finding out these controllers are worth something, and coming for them. You'll have to decide if the risk of this is worth running large lengths of cord.-Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 Well, I guess I'm going against the grain a bit. I plan to keep my controllers near the house while using longer cords. Now, I will say that most of my runs are under 50 feet although there will be 80 of them. I see the zip cords as a one time investment and once I have them made up, I'll have them, and the LOR controllers will be safe and sound secured near the house.While we/I are/am kinda on the subject of zip cord........anybody know who has the best deal/supply on 500' or 1000' rolls of green, black or brown, SPT2?Blue Skies,Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 tfischer wrote: We have some controllers in plain sight, about 8' back from the street. No problems so far. Most people won't even pay attention to them, others will just think they're junction or power distribution boxes.There's always the off chance of an intelligent thief, scoping out your website (if you have one), finding out these controllers are worth something, and coming for them. You'll have to decide if the risk of this is worth running large lengths of cord.-TimOr you could make your controllers ugly and scarey... I see a lot of you guys making your controllers pretty as a picture, but as long as its functional, this will work. Mine are in big heavy and clumsy 4 by 4 boxes with 2 by 6 and interior grade gang work. Pressure treated makes even heavier, all wood makes it even easier to bolt down. I know its not UL listed but I spend almost $50 less a box in the non/LOR/AL costs of a control box and outlets and place the box 1/2 foot above the ground (on brick or cinderblock), trash bag over the box, 50 gallon trash can over it all. Rain, sprinklers and Florida wintertime heat have no effect or problems with it. Only problem I had was with a roach walking across the hot parts of a controller and he got zapped like a mosquito in a bug zapper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 I guess I am against the grain also. My four showtime boxes will all be mounted to the side of the house. I feel more secure with them bolted to the house and out of the worst of the weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 I had both close to lights and far away and both setups got hit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 What do you mean bby "Both Setups Got Hit"? Do you mean stolen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2006 Share Posted September 11, 2006 Sounds like it. I guess it's really depends on what area you are in. In NY, we tend to be a bit more careful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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