biting off more than I can chew?

[Shawnlo]

Hi,

This is my first year with Light O Rama or any type of lighting for that matter. My kids have seen a few of the singing faces and wanted us to do something with our house. I am ordering a 16 Channel controller, and a basic starter kit.

 

My intentions are to try and build a singing snowman, with a few tree fixtures here and there. Hopefully throughout the next few months all going well, I will pick up some more controllers, and some RGB strips.

 

I guess my questions are what would be the best way to design the face?

 

I have seen some videos of people using pegboard to create a face, I was thinking as well maybe there would be some kind of molding I could use and wrap lights on it sturdy wire, just really not sure what. I will continue to look through the forums as there are some many great ideas here.

 

Is 16 Channels enough to do a face as well as include a few other lights?

 

Is starting out with a singing face going to more than I can chew within the next month? (Time I can make I am pretty sure)

 

I am fairly proficient with learning new software so I don't believe that will be an issue, more with the timing of a face I suppose?

 

Thank you

Shawn

 

[George Simmons]

If you get it done, it wasn't more than you could chew.

 

If you don't try, you have no chance of finding out.

 

I'm not the best person to ask whether you have enough channels.

[abbott]

Welcome i'm new also you can do a face with 7 or 8 channels so you have 8 or 9  for other things.Good luck.

[jimswinder]

I would download the software and start RIGHT NOW...the sequencing is what will take the longest...not building the props.

 

I built my singing/talking 8 foot snowman and  4 foot Christmas Trees from Coroplast..

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TQFvmPplvVc

Edited November 5, 2013 by jimswinder

[paralegalnc]

I would download the software and start RIGHT NOW...the sequencing is what will take the longest...not building the props.

 

I built my singing/talking 8 foot snowman and  4 foot Christmas Trees from Coroplast..

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TQFvmPplvVc

That's toooooo cute.

[ken collins]

Great job Jim

 

[robigd]

I would download the software and start RIGHT NOW...the sequencing is what will take the longest...not building the props.

 

I built my singing/talking 8 foot snowman and  4 foot Christmas Trees from Coroplast..

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TQFvmPplvVc

 

Love it. Where did you get the wireframe and what are the lights on it?

 

Edit: Wow, just saw that it isn't a wireframe. Awesome.

Edited November 5, 2013 by robigd

[etherealone]

Hi,

This is my first year with Light O Rama or any type of lighting for that matter. My kids have seen a few of the singing faces and wanted us to do something with our house. I am ordering a 16 Channel controller, and a basic starter kit.

 

My intentions are to try and build a singing snowman, with a few tree fixtures here and there. Hopefully throughout the next few months all going well, I will pick up some more controllers, and some RGB strips.

 

I guess my questions are what would be the best way to design the face?

 

I have seen some videos of people using pegboard to create a face, I was thinking as well maybe there would be some kind of molding I could use and wrap lights on it sturdy wire, just really not sure what. I will continue to look through the forums as there are some many great ideas here.

 

Is 16 Channels enough to do a face as well as include a few other lights?

 

Is starting out with a singing face going to more than I can chew within the next month? (Time I can make I am pretty sure)

 

I am fairly proficient with learning new software so I don't believe that will be an issue, more with the timing of a face I suppose?

 

Thank you

Shawn

 

Why not buy one of the singing faces from HolidayCoro and start with that?  At the most, they use 8 channels....heck there are even some sequences David sells that are already programmed for them...

[scubado]

^{There are a couple members that provide the sequences for faces.  There are several different ways of doing faces.  Some use the AC controllers and some use DC controllers.}

[Shawnlo]

Thank you everyone, I am really liking the way the coroplast looks.  I think this is a great idea and will probably be where I start.  Checked out the webistes and I will continue to try and read eveything I can on these forums.  I think if I can find some of the sequences to play with, may come in really handy.

 

[Shawnlo]

Getting kind of excited for all my new toys to arrive, I have been reading and just purchased a few of the following:

 

http://www.amazon.ca/Strip-Light-DC12V-Remote-Supply/dp/B00DVGZKDW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1383968707&sr=8-2&keywords=rgb+light+strip

 

This might seem like a silly question, however I am assuming I will need a CMDB24 to control the strips if I decide to use them is this correct?

 

As well if so do I need a special power supply, and cables to solder on?

 

Thank you,

[scubado]

A used computer power supply will work and free or real cheap.  Amazon has some great 12v power supplies that provide a lot of current for future additions.  Stranded 18g security wire works well, 20g is easier to work with for shorter distances.  Don't  get the solderless connectors,  high failure issues especially in cold weather.