Author Archives: RussD

Wizard 1: New Project Introduction

Posted on February 17, 2025 by RussD

My newest project really needs an introduction and some background. You have been warned! As the MegaTree neared completion I was thinking about other things that could be be done with this computer controlled lighting technology. Leading to a conversation … Continue reading →

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Electrical 20: End of Courtesy Light Gremlins(?)

Posted on February 10, 2025 by RussD

Hopefully this will be the last post on the courtesy light electrical gremlins. It looks like there were two independent – and intermittent! – problems: prongs in the light socket touching the shell and a door switch not long enough … Continue reading →

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Electrical 19: Another Round with the Courtesy Lights

Posted on February 3, 2025 by RussD

As mentioned in a previous post I am (finally) re-doing the front door cards. Since this exposes the guts of the door it’s the obvious time to check out the wiring. There is quite a bit of wiring in the … Continue reading →

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Electrical 18: Return of the Gremlins

Posted on January 27, 2025 by RussD

In a previous post on Chasing Gremlins I documented problems with the courtesy lights coming on when they weren’t supposed to. I fixed this problem. Several times. In September it came back. The courtesy lights are coming on and staying … Continue reading →

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Tree Up. Again.

Posted on January 20, 2025 by RussD

With the increased power requirements I decided to add an additional 5V power injection cable. Moving on to the controller, the output on the controller can handle 600 pixels. No problem with the original 400 pixel tree, but the upgraded … Continue reading →

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Tree Up. Tree Down.

Posted on January 13, 2025 by RussD

With everything done drag the Mega Tree into the front yard and plug it in. And commence with the light show. From the street everything looked great! She Who Must Be Obeyed had immediate feedback; “Looks good. Needs a back … Continue reading →

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MegaTree Controller Packaging

Posted on January 6, 2025 by RussD

With the MegaTree fully functional the last stage of the build is to move the controller and power supply from the breadboard to its final location (hopefully not its final resting place) in a waterproof outdoor box. For this I … Continue reading →

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Injection of Power

Posted on December 30, 2024 by RussD

Individual LEDs don’t need much power. Hundreds of LEDs need quite a bit of power. The MegaTree now has 8 strips with 50 LEDs each for a total of 400. Each of these LEDs will consume about 1/3 of a … Continue reading →

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Tree Topper. And Bottomer.

Posted on December 16, 2024 by RussD

The LED strings need to be attached at the top and the bottom of the tree. The MegaTree companies make what they call Toppers – round plates with holes around the edges. These are available for $40-$50. As you may … Continue reading →

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Making a (Mega) Tree

Posted on December 9, 2024 by RussD

The tree itself is pretty simple – a set of vertical strings of LEDs tapering in at the top to look like a Christmas tree. LED strings and strips come in 15 meter (15-1/2 ft) lengths. The standard for strings … Continue reading →

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