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Newbie - where to start?


bjlled

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Going for a grand show here, so we purchased 8 controllers. We have an overall plan and design for the elements in the yard.

To save myself some headaches down the road, I thought I would ask now. What are the next steps I need to be taking before I begin sequencing? Controller placement in the yard? What steps in what order should I be taking to get to sequencing?

Thanks for your help,

Brandon

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Being that it so late in the year I would recommend, as your next step, to wrap 5 or 6 of those controllers up and save them for next year.

I started with 3 controllers in June 2 years ago and that was all I could handle.

You need to figure out what display items you want, mega tree, arches, poles, ect...and assign a channel to each so you can set up your software for sequencing. Once you know what you will have you can then build your features and sequence the music. Don't bite off too much, 1 song at a time.

Oh, and 1 last thing...buy extension cords.

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Step 1... Build a time machine so you can go back in time and start sooner. :)

Assuming that's out of the question (if it's not - please let me know, as I'd like to order one :) ), and since this appears to be your first attempt, I'll give you a few thoughts. BTW... I'm not a "legend" at this rodeo, as this is only my second year. That said, please be sure to be realistic about your expectations. Please don't think that I'm being rude, but 8 controllers (I'm assuming you're talking about the 16-channel CTB versions, for a total of 128 channels) means a lot of channels for your first go-round, given that you're starting in August, as LOR is not a plug-and-play solution. As an example, I had 64 channels last year. I began in January of 2011 with all the planning and even the sequencing. I built all my props during the course of the year. It took me 4 full weekends to set everything up in my yard. And I averaged about 10-12 hours of sequencing per minute of music in my show. And I had everything ready to run approximately 2 hours before I planned to start the show.

The first thing you'll want to do, if you haven't already, is to read the heck out of the user manuals for both the hardware and the software. This takes time up front, but you'll be surprised how much time it saves you later. And you'll be better able to ask questions here on the forum when you hit a snag, 'cause you'll be able to say "...based upon page XX in the S3 manual, it says I need to do Y. I've done Y, but I still can't get it to work..." This will be important as people's time becomes more scarce, the closer we all get to "lights on."

The next thing you'll want to do is do your layout. Decide what lights are going to go where. Decide what props are going to go where, etc. Based on your post, maybe you've done this part already.

Then, depending upon your goals (minimize the length of extension cords, keep all controllers in one central location, etc.), you can decide where to place your controllers. Placing them close to their associated lights will mean shorter extension cords. Placing them in a central location means you'll need all of your extension coreds to run back to that single location. Now is also a good time to figure out how much current you are going to be using on each channel. Each channel can handle only so much current and each controller can handle only so much current.

From here, I'd setup the Sequence Editor with your channel layout. This will be useful in the next step.

Once you have that figured out, draw your layout in the Visualizer application that comes with LOR. You will use this once you start sequencing to get a virtual picture of what your show will look like when it's running. You can now use the channel layout from the Sequence Editor to connect all the virtual circuits in the Visualizer. Just like you'd plug in the appropriate elements of your show into the real controllers. (You don't actually need the layout from the Editor; I use this approach personally, as it seems to work a little faster and be a little more error-proof for me.)

Now, you can begin sequencing. Again - with 64 channels last year, it took me a solid 30 - 40 hours to sequence each 3-4 minute song.

Hope this gets you pointed in the right direction. I'm not, by any means, trying to scare you off. Just hoping that you don't become frustrated and give up after one year because it didn't live up to your expectations.

Good luck. And above all... Have Fun!

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I think I am somewhere between 50 to 75% on having the elements built. Turning up the gas to sprint to the finish. Hopefully have the elements built in a week or two tops.

As far as sequencing, we might both do it, so hopefully it we can get two songs done in 30 to 50 hours...

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I would say, plan your layout using the visualizer, build your channel config then focus on sequencing. Right now!!!

Don't worry so much on how many sequences.

Plan your layout and sequence one song and then another.

When your not sequencing, think about building your elements to the display and put that plan into motion.

If it's just hanging lights, then you have free time on your side.

But you will need that free time to sequence.

My thought. Just do what you can and go with it. It's not too late but you better hustle.

I guess the main thing to ask yourself, "how much free time do you really, honestly have?" Don't kid yourself. It doesn't help.

That will determine just how quick you learn and how much you can get done.

Edit: Oh, welcome aboard this addicting habit. it only gets easier or worse depending......... :D

Edited by Santas Helper
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Then, depending upon your goals (minimize the length of extension cords, keep all controllers in one central location, etc.), you can decide where to place your controllers. Placing them close to their associated lights will mean shorter extension cords. Placing them in a central location means you'll need all of your extension coreds to run back to that single location. Now is also a good time to figure out how much current you are going to be using on each channel. Each channel can handle only so much current and each controller can handle only so much current.

First, Welcome!

I'll add to what Aaron said.......You might also want to make sure you do a load calculation to make sure you don't overload the house circuit(s) you're planning to plug these 8 controller into.

Best Regards,

Brandon

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Welcome to the world of blinking lights! I'm a newbie as well but also jumping in with both feet. I started back in January though. It is a bit late to get started but if you have a plan in place then you can lay out where the controllers will be stationed, then lots of extension cords. You might want to think seriously about SPT wire and vampire plugs...plus whatever kind of lights you are using, Incandescents or LEDs will help you know how much you can connect on each circuit.

Sequencing takes time. I was a bit faster than others but truly I don't know how mine will turn out. I extensively used the visualizer to assist me but the truth will be at first light-up. I was able to sequence about 3 hours per song or on average, an hour a minute but, to be fair, I've been going back a lot and tweaking this song and that song. Plus I've added props to the front yard, some of which are still being built this moment, so they have to get sequenced as well still yet.

You can get it done in time but you'll really have to jump on things right now and both of you will need to work on the sequencing. Now you can purchase sequences already done with music or you can pay to have them done professionally for you so that's something to consider.

Listen to the advice of the guys in here who are seasoned. They know what it takes to make it happen but from me, make the time to make it happen if you want things to work this year. Start with a formal plan.

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I think I am somewhere between 50 to 75% on having the elements built. Turning up the gas to sprint to the finish. Hopefully have the elements built in a week or two tops.

As far as sequencing, we might both do it, so hopefully it we can get two songs done in 30 to 50 hours...

You might want to buy 3-5 sequences so that you have something to start with plus this buys you a little time on the ones you are working on. AND ALOT of extension cords.

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I have 2000 feet of SPT wire, and about 100 pre-made 6ft extension cords. I also bought some heavy duty ones for connecting controllers, but I may be shy on these.

At least for me it seems like no matter how many or how long I always end up needing double. I am on a first name basis with the folks at WalMart and Lowe's.

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there is nothing a can add that hasnt been said already just welcome and ready for the fun your life starts to revolve around lights from now on

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Wow I echo what others are saying about the time.

Sequencing is going to take a lot of time.

You might be better off using someone elses and model your yard after his.

I have my yard planned out before Christmas is over for next year and I don't change it.

Oh and in case someone forgot to mention it you are going to need a lot of extension cords.

Welcome and good luck!

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Guest Don Gillespie

Welcome aboard, you are heading in the right direction, one thing you should do is tell us where you are from there might be people in the area that you can pick their brains, the sequencing is what takes up most of the time, if you are not doing a Halloween display then you have roughly 105 days untill light up, (if light up is Dec1) good luck and be safe.

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