FAQ
Why do you do this?
Why Not? I have always loved Christmas Lights, Music, and Computers. This was a way to combine all three to make something unique and different. The real reason though is because it celebrates the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. It is another way to express our love for Him and what He has done for us and mankind. We hope that those who watch our display draw a little closer to God.
How many lights do you have?
There are about 45,000 lights.
There are about 45,000 lights.
How much power does it take? How much is your electric bill?
If everything was on, it would consume about 5700 watts or 48 amps. I had to install 8 dedicated circuits to be able to power everything. Most of the time only 30% of the display is on because it is animiated which helpes conserve power. A lot of smaller displays acutally use more power than mine, because they are always "ON". The power bill for 2007 was only about $30 more than normal.
If everything was on, it would consume about 5700 watts or 48 amps. I had to install 8 dedicated circuits to be able to power everything. Most of the time only 30% of the display is on because it is animiated which helpes conserve power. A lot of smaller displays acutally use more power than mine, because they are always "ON". The power bill for 2007 was only about $30 more than normal.
Do you have your own Radio Station? How are you transmitting to my radio?
We use a small FM transmitter the broadcasts on 93.9FM. It only goes a short distance which allows people to listen to the music within sight of our display.
We use a small FM transmitter the broadcasts on 93.9FM. It only goes a short distance which allows people to listen to the music within sight of our display.
How much time does it take?
Like any hobby, it takes quite a bit of time if you add it all up. I plan and work on things throughout the year but things get really busy during November when I start spending all my weekends putting up lights and usually take a week off work right to get everything set up. My wife helps me with some things and I have some friends that come over and help with some of the bigger stuff (the Mega Tree). For the 2008 season I spent about 250 hours or so designing the display, making the leaping arches, programing the display, etc.
How do you control the lights?
Everything is controlled with software and hardware from Light-O-Rama. Our display for 2007 we are used 32 different channels and for 2008 it is 112 channels. This allows us to control almost every element in our display between Red, White, and Green. Because of how the display has to be set up, we use 2,000' of extension cords.
Like any hobby, it takes quite a bit of time if you add it all up. I plan and work on things throughout the year but things get really busy during November when I start spending all my weekends putting up lights and usually take a week off work right to get everything set up. My wife helps me with some things and I have some friends that come over and help with some of the bigger stuff (the Mega Tree). For the 2008 season I spent about 250 hours or so designing the display, making the leaping arches, programing the display, etc.
How do you control the lights?
Everything is controlled with software and hardware from Light-O-Rama. Our display for 2007 we are used 32 different channels and for 2008 it is 112 channels. This allows us to control almost every element in our display between Red, White, and Green. Because of how the display has to be set up, we use 2,000' of extension cords.
What do the Neighbors Think?
We'll need to wait and see. I'm a new neighbor and the people that I spoke to so far love the idea. I think most of the neighborhood likes the light display but sometimes I am sure it can get frustrating when there is heavy traffic. If you come to visit the display, please don't block the road.
We'll need to wait and see. I'm a new neighbor and the people that I spoke to so far love the idea. I think most of the neighborhood likes the light display but sometimes I am sure it can get frustrating when there is heavy traffic. If you come to visit the display, please don't block the road.
I love the music you used? Who is the Artist?
Songs for 2009 are
Little Drummer Boy - Go Fish
Songs for 2009 are
Little Drummer Boy - Go Fish
Music Box Dancer - DJ Schwede
Jingle Bells Techno
Christmas Eve Sarajevo - Trans Syberian Orchestra
Wish Listz (Toy Shop Madness) - Trans Syberian Orchestra
Amazing Grace
Carol of the Bells - Monique Danielle
A Soldiers Silen Night
Humbugs - Manheim Steamroller
I'm hoping to add a couple more songs by the end of the season.
How much did this cost?
??? I really dont know and don't want to know the whole extent of what I spent on this project.
What do you do for a living?
I work for the Orange County Public schools as a Computer Tech at a local Elementary School.
??? I really dont know and don't want to know the whole extent of what I spent on this project.
What do you do for a living?
I work for the Orange County Public schools as a Computer Tech at a local Elementary School.