Can I do this myself?

Absolutely, but it does take time, money, patience, and programming. Basic computer knowledge and low voltage electrical skills are highly suggested.

Are you using the box I can buy from Lowe’s?

Not quite. Although the light show you can purchase from Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, or Home Depot can make lights dance, they are pre-programmed and have only 4-8 channels. My controllers are a little different, somewhere between home and pro, I believe the term is prosumer. You can learn more about my controllers and components here.

How many channels does your setup have?

Well, that’s now a complicated question. I started with 32. Then I added pixels, which count as 3 channels for every bulb.

In 2020, I have 76 traditional channels across 7 AC controllers. In addition, I have 7564 pixels driven by one controller with smart receivers to reach every bulb. That’s 22,752 additional channels.

Adding the LED strands, nets, and pixel bulbs together, I have close to 30,000 bulbs this year.

How much electricity do you use?

Less than my summer air conditioning! My electric bill for the month of December is higher than the surrounding months, but still half the price of summer months. We also have an electric oven and cooktop, which contribute to the increasing bill while we bake holiday treats. I do not keep a volt meter on the lights alone, so I cannot provide an exact number.

Based on voltage calculations and November 2020’s bill, electricity is estimated to add somewhere between $2.50 & $3 each night it’s on.

How did you get the lights to move to the music on the radio?

I program the lights along with the music using specialized software. We started with a proprietary software which worked with the original controllers. Today, we use a community supported software that is free to use. You can learn more about the software here.

Who did you bribe to get the radio to play your music?

No one, I promise. Under the amateur (pirate) radio rules, you too can broadcast your own radio station. It requires a source for the audio, like a CD player or computer, and an FM transmitter. These same rules allow you to use an FM transmitter from your phone or MP3 player with your car radio with a little transmitting device.

Under the current FCC laws, I cannot broadcasts very far or overlap any licensed stations. The furthest you can pick up my broadcast would be either of the local schools. I cannot accept payment or sponsorship for use and I must have a legitimate license and copy for each song.

Where can I get decorations like yours?

Most of these decorations are in local stores. The greenery, wreathes, and window candles are from Michael’s, most traditional lights and the ‘JOY’ sign are from Lowe’s, and a few items, including about a hundred extension cords, are from Walmart. I’ve added additional lights or pixels to some of these items to upgrade them.

Items I built myself, such as the arches, were locally sourced from Nicole’s Lumber. The computerized lightbulbs known as pixels were purchased from online US vendors/resellers. You can learn more about my controllers and components here.

How much did you spend to do this?

This is a trade secret! Actually, my wife has allowed me a hobby budget and we try to stay within those limitations. With that said, this is my 10th year decorating, 4th in this location, and I never pay full price. Most new purchases occur the day after Christmas or during vendor sales. If you look up the computer controllers I use, remember that everything I own was purchased on sale and with free shipping.

Where did you learn to do this?

There are several YouTube channels and websites around. A few instructables too. I’d say the best knowledge came from my hardware class at Duquesne university. Basic troubleshooting and programming skills have helped me to chase down errors and make corrections to issues. If you have issues and do not have the troubleshooting knowledge, there are many Facebook groups with helpful, yet sarcastic, individuals who can solve almost any problem.

The 2020 Virtual Christmas Summit videos could also be helpful if you are looking to start: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnaWNawzcUpkKlUxsDUGNwQ

Does anyone else around here decorate like that?