Author Archives: RussD

Front Door Cards

Posted on March 27, 2025 by RussD

In yet another demonstration of a lack of common sense I decided it was time to tackle the front door cards. Unlike the replacement hardboard panels on the rear doors, the front doors still had the factory door cards. These … Continue reading →

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Wizard 4: Holding an Orb

Posted on March 10, 2025 by RussD

With a conceptual design for a Wizard Staff in hand the next step was to prepare a budget proposal for a 3D printer and submit it to my CFO. Or, to put it differently, tell She Who Must Be Obeyed … Continue reading →

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Wizard 3: Conceptual Design

Posted on March 3, 2025 by RussD

My old engineering manager from the days when I was designing jet fighters had a standard response to any idea or suggestion: “show me the drawing”. His position was that you did not actually have anything worth discussing until you … Continue reading →

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Wizard 2: Staffing Up

Posted on February 24, 2025 by RussD

Conceptualizing a Wizard’s Staff, the first element is an orb – a ball or crystal, probably 4″-6″ across. These commonly glow when getting ready to cast a spell and then go dark again after the spell has been cast. This … Continue reading →

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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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