what do I need to get started?

[Maureen]

I don't know what I need to get started

[Dennis Laff]

Well first off what you trying to do buy equipment ,  set it up , or make a sequence 

 

 

 

 

[Mr. P]

1 hour ago, Maureen said:

I don't know what I need to get started

Well lets see, money, time, patience, a forgiving husband,  oh there is so much more.

Seriously now, what are your goals? We need to know what you want to do so we can point you in the right direction.

[lightingnewb]

Depending on (1) how much time you have, (2) how technologically savvy you are (3) what your budget is, we can provide a limitless supply of ideas. Please let us know how we can be of assistance.

[Proter]

I am kind of in the same boat. As of right now, all I have is regular old Christmas light I got from Home Depot. I need equipment that I can use for these light and next year move and expand into something more complex. My loving and understanding wife has given me a budget of $500.00...... please help

[TheDucks]

1 hour ago, Proter said:

I am kind of in the same boat. As of right now, all I have is regular old Christmas light I got from Home Depot. I need equipment that I can use for these light and next year move and expand into something more complex. My loving and understanding wife has given me a budget of $500.00...... please help

You probably want 1 or 2 of the CTB16 AC controllers dep[ending on how many strings/floods you want to control INDEPENDENTLY.    (it is amazing how fast I gobbled up all 16 ports last year)

There is also a limit on the current draws: 15A (peak) per bank, 8A per outlet port.  If you have been running from a single circuit branch breaker, the input limit should not be an issue.

IMHO If all your strings are LED, you will have a hard time overloading a CTB16  Start here if you are worried http://www1.lightorama.com/how-many-lights/  Get a KillaWatt meter if you are curious.

Go for a 'Starter package' it has the software, RS485 adapter included

If you are a DIY type http://store.lightorama.com/ctb16pcpage.html

offers kits of various stages of completion

USED:  Note Gen3 is the current level which includes Enhanced mode compatibility. If you want to use that mode, only compatible devices can exist on the same network. an additional network will be needed for non-compatible devices.