grahami2006 Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I have decided that 2012 will be different than normal and have looked at various sites for automated light controllers.I have a couple of questions.What do I need besides the controller and software?Can I use my lights that I have been using? These are both incandesant and LED.Do I need speakers for the music?Sorry if it sounds that I am dumb but just want to get everything right.ThanksGraham Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Simmons Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Welcome to our madness!Besides the controllers and software you'll need cat5 cable to connect the controllers and plenty of extension cords. An FM transmitter would be a nice addition. Yes you can use your existing lights. Speakers for the music is a nice touch but a transmitter is a better option if you have neighbors.Don't worry about sounding dumb - the rest of us don't... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Simmons Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 You'll also need a USB485 connector from LOR to connect your computer to the controllers if you use the ctb16pc controllers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Simmons Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 A discount card from your favorite liquor store will help also... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grahami2006 Posted January 18, 2012 Author Share Posted January 18, 2012 Thanks George I am sure I will have more questions as i work through everything. BTW as I live in Australia would you happen to know if LOR have a compatible unit for OZ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surfing4Dough Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Might be helpful:http://www.lightorama.com/TypicalSetups.htmlThere are lots of Aussies that use LOR. I am sure that somebody will post the often referenced Aussie forum here as well for you (not LOR specific though) but they are pretty cutting edge it seems. I don't know it off-hand.Welcome to the fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james campbell Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 welcome to this addictive but rewarding hobby. all the other posters has given you great info, all the hardware and software you need can be purchased as a starter kit and the software will be discounted. tons of extension cords Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amcdonald307 Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Hey Graham,Being from the Land Down Under, be sure to register at:http://auschristmaslighting.com/I'm not a user there, but I think they have a LOR support group, can probably make sure you get started on the right path for Australian setup and purchase Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Polenchar Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 George Simmons wrote:A discount card from your favorite liquor store will help also...George, I am laughing sooo much I can hardly type.Great advice,I think I spent at least one controllers worth at my favorite liquor store. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Rise Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 grahami2006 wrote: I have decided that 2012 will be different than normal and have looked at various sites for automated light controllers.I have a couple of questions.What do I need besides the controller and software? LOTS of extension cords. Don't underestimate this. LOTS, AND LOTS, AND LOTS. Can I use my lights that I have been using? These are both incandesant and LED. YESDo I need speakers for the music? No, you don't need them. Most of us use speakers so the folks walking by or want to get out of their car, can still hear the music.Sorry if it sounds that I am dumb but just want to get everything right.ThanksGrahamThere are no DUMB questions. Asking questions, AND careful planning is the only way that you'll be prepared for Christmas 2012. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmaness Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 ... and don't forget extension cords. I'm being serious, here .. you'll need many, many more extension cords than you think you will. Many of us buy them year round every time we go to a store that sells them. A few here, a few there, eventually it adds up. Try to catch them on sale if you can, 'cause you'll need 'em.I have 128 channels and if I laid my extension cords end-to-end, they'd extend well over 1.5 miles. Larger gauge ones to carry current to your controllers, and smaller ones to go from each outlet on your controller(s) to the item to be controlled.Remember, you can have too few extension cords, but you'll never have too many. Don't think it's possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubado Posted January 19, 2012 Share Posted January 19, 2012 You can also download the software and start playing with it before you buy a license. It may help you decide how many channels you'll think you want to start with and help determine what software level you want. It's cheaper if you get advanced rightaway, unless you know you can stick with no more than 32 channels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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