In my display i use mainly Intellignet LED Pixels. These differ from a normal LED light string as they can display Red, Green and Blue light (hence the acronym RGB), or can combine different intensity levels and mixes to display 256 different colors. The intelligent type can be individually controlled to be any color. A dumb RGB string typically is a one in all in, so it can be one color but all Leds will display the same color.

There are a number of protocols for the intellignet LEDS. I use 2811 and 2812.

There are 3 main forms of LED, strip, string and modules. If you would like some further information on these please click on the link to the left and download the Aus Xmas Lighting pdf.

What makes up a light display

There are several components to a lighting display, the more complex you want to make it, the more stuff you will need.

Basic components you will need are : Lights, Light Controllers, Power Supplies, Cables, Computer, Router/Switch, waterproof cases, Lighting software and the Light Props. If you want to get a bit more fancy, a Raspberry Pi and FM Transmitter.

Lights

As mentioned above, you will need to settle on a type, protocol and voltage for your lights. 

Types include : Dumb RGB, Intelligent RGB, strip, string or modules.

Protocols : 2811/12/13/18, 2801,6803, ink003, tm1804….there are new leds being introduced each year so some of the protocols may no longer be available. Most led controller can only do one protocol at a time. I have found it best to use the same protocol for all your lights if possible. It saves a lot of confusion down the track.

Controllers

There are many different controllers to choose from. They mainly do the same thing with some slight differences like, different numbers of ports, some will do DMX and others wont. Most can do E1.31 which seems to be the most popular set up now.

I personally use an Australian company called Advatek Lights, and their Pixlite range of controllers.

I have 3 x 16 port and 2 x 4 port Pixlite controllers.

I also have a J1sys P2 controller.

Power Supplies

I decided on 12V power supplies. While 12V is not as efficient as a 5V, the benefits of 12V were much more suited to me. Once again you should pick a voltage and stick with it as it makes your life easier in the long run. Power supplies are one area where I would say spend the extra on a good quality PS. I am moving to Meanwell Power Supplies replacing the Chinese ones as they fail.

Software

I use Xlights as my controlling software. It is a free program and is getting very powerful. In Xlights you set up your controllers with an IP address and in my case use E1.31 as my protocol. You then set up the actual elements (props) then you sequence the lights to the music. This creates a show. You then can schedule multiple shows to run.

Computer

This is used to run the Xlights to sequence the shows. You can also run the Xlights scheduler to actually run the shows.

Router/switch

You need one of these to connect the computer to the controllers. Multiple controllers can then use a normal network switch. Having the switch IGMP capable is best.

Raspberry Pi

This is used in place of a computer. It is a small form-factor computer that can be set up to run a light show with FPP software. You simply load the Pi with Falcon Pi Player software and you import the sequences and the songs/video and set up the Pi to run the shows at a certain time.

This is becoming the most popular way to run a show. Its a great little thing to have.

Enclosures

I use various waterproof cases mainly from Switches Plus. These house the power supplies, controllers and switches. As it can get hot during Xmas here in Australia, ventilation is required, so care must be taken when the cases are exposed to the elements. Mine are under the eaves of the house so are not directly exposed.

Props

These are the actual display elements. These are typically made or modified store bought, but they need to have a data connection and power injection for longer runs.

FM Transmitter

If you want to have people listen to your music in their cars, you will need an FM transmitter. I also provide outdoor speakers set at a low volume, so as to not annoy the neighbors, for those walking by to hear (as if the really bright lights blinking for 3.5 hours isnt enough)

Cables

I make all of my data cables. I use 3 core .75ohm cables. Using the same cabling can make things easier as the cores would typically be the same color. Finding cables with different colors causes confusion, but is sometimes unavoidable.

Swear jar

It gets filled many times during the sequencing, cabling, construction and testing phases. I use the proceeds to buy more lights.