Helpful Hints, Ideas for Newbies and Others

[GaryBo]

Helpful Hints and ideas on anything LOR related, that might save time and money


I don't know if this type thread has been started before, I know collectively we all have a lot of good ideas and knowledge, that can be shared with newbies, and also some of us “older” guys can pick up some hints or ideas regarding our projects.


1^st, Start any and all your projects as early as possible.


2^nd, If needed. don't be afraid to ask for help.


The LOR forum has a wealth of info, do a search, and if you can't find what you are looking for, post a new thread.

If you see yourself getting behind, at your home project, don't kill yourself or stress yourself out. Solicit help from family, friends, your church, or local Boy Scouts. (a word of caution, regarding the Scouts, the lunch/pizza tab will cost an arm and leg. Those Scouts can eat!).

Plan your project as much in advance as possible. You don't want to go running amok!

Make sure your electrical box can handle your project, and that you have enough amperage without restricting the rest of your house. A “Kill-O-Watt” is a great item to have, so you can determine how much amperage you are using. I have seen this item on line and in stock locally at Fry's and Harbor Freight any where from $20.00 to $30.00.

Plenty of and proper extension cords.

If LOR is on sale, buy it. If it's not on sale, don't wait until last minute to buy what you need. Sometimes LOR is sold out.

Many LOR sequences are shared by our members, and there are several sites on the net that offer shared ,free dl's of sequences.There also several sites that sell sequences. Adapt those free and purchased sequences to your needs.

If you are doing your own sequences, again start early, usually January 1^st is not a bad time to start for the next Christmas season.

When purchasing your lights, and other display necessities, purchase early, or when you feel the purchase price is reasonable. Stores are stocking less inventory, because of economic downturn, and may be out of that item you need, as those non LOR users have a habit of buying stuff we need.

Check after Christmas sales. Most stores offer greatly reduced prices.

Make sure you have the appropriate and enough tools, especially diagonal cutters, and lots of nylon type electrical/cable ties.

All year round check your local garage/yard sales. Often you can find something you need or something you can add to your display, at extremely low prices. As an example, I have obtained approximately 100 colored lighted candy canes (30” size), that I paid 25 to 50 cents ea average. I also have approximately 45 artificial trees, that I stake down and decorate, all obtained at garage sales Some of the trees are pre-lighted. I never pay more than 5 to 10 dollars for a tree.

Craigs list is another good place to search for something you might need.

Rebar. Often you need rebar to help “stake” your displays. This is an election year, and candidates use rebar to put up signs and banners on vacant corners and lots. Most localities require removal of election signs after the election. After the election, you would just be helping remove the “blight” if you disposed of the signs (properly) and took the rebar.

Any other ideas or if I have missed anything, I welcome other members to add to this list.