Tekbob Posted November 24, 2012 Share Posted November 24, 2012 So just getting back from Disney and seeing the Osborne lights gets the creative juices going but is it to late to get a starter system and have it operational by Dec 1st or should I wait for the sales that I have read about and start for next year?Seems like there are enough free and paid sequences already available that i could at least get a couple of those up and running but im not sure.If this is mildy doable is the starter 16channel kit available from here the one I should get or is there a better package available elsewhere, i saw wowlights had something as well. Also as i want to be able to not use a computer for now, what is everyones thoughts on the mini director? Do i really need the industrial enclosure unit that is $100 more or can I go with the other unit?Finally I would like to be able to use this for other things in the future, has anyone used these to sequence music to lights for weddings or other events? Are there any design ideas that anyone has seen for this type of thing? Seems like this could be used for so many other creative ideas that it would ease the cost of only using it for xmas or Halloween.Thanks for any help and replies, this seems way to addicting already.-Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubado Posted November 24, 2012 Share Posted November 24, 2012 (edited) Perfect time to start planning for next year. Start deciding what bulb type and what color white you want to use and try to stick with it. This helps make a uniform display. The big box store lights are nice at first and cheap after Christmas, but longevity is very questionable. In a couple years you may be replacing what you buy today while also trying to expand your display. The favorite online vendors on this forum will soon be starting their presale orders, you'll pay more up front, but longevity is much better. I'm starting to really kick myself, my display is full of a mix of lights and a little fustrated on what to do going forward. Read, read and read some more on this forum, download user manuals and use the search.Welcome to the madness!PS Many use their controllers year round. I have RGBW flowerbeds and RGBW high power led floods for landscaping 24/7/365. Fourth of July and Halloween are the two biggest other holidays to light up as well. Each holiday has it's unique challenges. Edited November 24, 2012 by scubado 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WilliamS Posted November 24, 2012 Share Posted November 24, 2012 Getting the hardware this late in the game for this year will be the biggest hurdle. If you want to do animated lighting now is a good time to build the props you would use next season and just run lights on them for now. Then half the battle is over for next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
symphony Posted November 24, 2012 Share Posted November 24, 2012 I was thinking the same as GoofyGuy - set up etc would probably be possible if you were using all free/paid sequences and know what youer' about with lights etc it might be possible to get something up and out there but getting the controller ordered and to you on time would be tough - impossible (I'd imagine) for the 1st December certainly :/Having reread and seen that you want to use a Standalone Director rather than the computer aspect etc, I'd have to agree with the others and suggest that you start planning etc now but for next year.And definitely read read read - everyone on here is so helpful and there is far too information out there to take in! I only started this year, am dead nervous about getting the display up and running but ... fingers crossed! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herbaclaus Posted November 24, 2012 Share Posted November 24, 2012 I think it is. If you keep a simple design and use purchased sequences out of the box, I think you could. Plus it will help you learn it for prep 2013! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papa6058 Posted November 24, 2012 Share Posted November 24, 2012 I ordered controllers 8 days ago, with holiday and all, I still have 5 days before I get them. Just don't this Dec 1 is possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paralegalnc Posted November 24, 2012 Share Posted November 24, 2012 I agree with the rest. I'd wait until next year. This is my first year and we've been working on our show since June. (It starts tomorrow!!!) building props, getting lights, sequencing, reading, reading reading and more reading.... still have tweaking to do... I think if you try and do it so late, even if you do get your products, if it isn't what you wanted you may get disappointed.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Simmons Posted November 24, 2012 Share Posted November 24, 2012 I agree with the rest. I'd wait until next year. This is my first year and we've been working on our show since June. (It starts tomorrow!!!) building props, getting lights, sequencing, reading, reading reading and more reading.... still have tweaking to do... I think if you try and do it so late, even if you do get your products, if it isn't what you wanted you may get disappointed....Look at the bright side - that's where the low-cost used controllers come from next spring and summer... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
columbus27 Posted November 24, 2012 Share Posted November 24, 2012 As long as you get your residential controller by Dec 15, it's all good. Throw some lights on the house, get some free sequences, and make it happen. And the good thing is that next year will be better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paralegalnc Posted November 24, 2012 Share Posted November 24, 2012 Look at the bright side - that's where the low-cost used controllers come from next spring and summer...lol true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tekbob Posted November 25, 2012 Author Share Posted November 25, 2012 I think I will take the advice of the majority here and wait until the sale and plan ahead. Worst thing i can do is rush it and have it not turn out or be very subpar.Has anyone used these devices for anything other than xmas such as for weddings or other events.Thanks to everyone,-Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubado Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 I think I will take the advice of the majority here and wait until the sale and plan ahead. Worst thing i can do is rush it and have it not turn out or be very subpar.Has anyone used these devices for anything other than xmas such as for weddings or other events.Thanks to everyone,-BobI did a vending trailer for a business once. Basically, do whatever turns you on and have fun. People have done parade floats, boats, vehicles. I'm planning on building a 300 gallon saltwater tank this next year. It will incorporate RGB lighting 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Entertainer Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 In my opinion, it depends on how large you want your display to be, and how much time you have to devote to it. I just started working on mine this month. Got all the hardware and software at the beginning of the month, and i've been busy every since. I immediately started working on musical sequences, and now I have about 30, and I just started to hang lights yesterday. In between that time, I bought all the minor accessories I needed as well. I plan to go live this Saturday (Dec. 1st). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DGBradley Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Of course LOR will have their annual sale next spring/summer too. Make sure you get on the mailing list to be included. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mighty_mace Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 I just ordered a controller and software yesterday....don't plan on getting some super fancy setup up and running but will definitely do some testing / planning on what I want to do next year. I'll probably be messing with it all year. I can see how this could become very addicting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
columbus27 Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 I just ordered a controller and software yesterday....don't plan on getting some super fancy setup up and running but will definitely do some testing / planning on what I want to do next year. I'll probably be messing with it all year. I can see how this could become very addicting. The best thing I could suggest is group your display in 4's, then try to edit one persons sequences. Make sure you record video. So that next year when you're sequencing you'll have a visual to improve on. If you need any sequences or help shoot me an e-mail. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Klayfish Posted November 30, 2012 Share Posted November 30, 2012 I agre with Columubs, if you group your display in 4's (or 2's if you have enough time) you could put at least something up. Obviously it won't look like the displays the experienced people have, but the lights will still go blinkity blink. This is my first year and I started planning in July. My display is very basic and I'm using mostly borrowed sequences but it's still fun. Since I'm using borrowed sequences, they weren't programmed specifically for my layout, so it doesn't look quite as "coordinated" as the one song I was able to do on my own. However, it still gives me countless ideas for next year, and everyone here is very helpful and willing to share.Pick whatever colors and styles you like for your lights. Personally, I'm one who will snatch up all the 50% off lights at Wal-Mart et al after Christmas. Don't care what colors they are, I'll grab them all. Then I find uses for them in my display. Some people like all white (of which there can be countless shades), others have specific patterns. While I do color coordinate specific parts, I like having a huge variety of colors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mighty_mace Posted December 1, 2012 Share Posted December 1, 2012 Thanks for the input, my controller came today. I plan on playing around a bit after the kiddos go to bed. Pardon my newbness but what are you referring to as in group your display in 4's or 2's? Is this 4 groups of lights on one channel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
columbus27 Posted December 1, 2012 Share Posted December 1, 2012 Like on my house ch 1-4 are House, windows, garage low, and garage high in green, Then ch 5-8 are the same in red. Most music is in 4/4 and your controller can be divided in multiples of four. It is just easy to organize. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mighty_mace Posted December 1, 2012 Share Posted December 1, 2012 Gotcha. Lots of learning for this fella. Thank goodness for you guys and this forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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