I absolutely feel your frustration! Pre-lit trees can be notoriously tricky when it comes to troubleshooting lights, especially with separate circuits like the one on your top section. I want to fast-track you to a solution so you can enjoy your tree again. Please call the LED Keeper folks directly at 888-858-2548. Their office is in Chicago, and a real person will answer your call. If you need to leave a voicemail, don’t worry-they’ll call you back within the hour. I just had the company’s owner on for a live interview two days ago, and he’s incredibly passionate about helping people fix their lights. They’ll walk you through the process and get your tree back to shining in no time! 🌟 Let me know how it goes! 🎄

It seems maybe bc I think my lights are incandescent. Guess I'm running to dollar tree and gonna strings some lights for the top.

@@charmed2284 Most incandescent lights only have a 2,000 hrs rating and will only last 2 years, if you're lucky.

Happy to help, WM! If I understand correctly, you replaced the LED bulbs in a string with incandescent bulbs, and that, in itself, is likely the issue. LED and incandescent strings are designed differently, and the power requirements for each are not interchangeable, which can cause the strand to malfunction or overheat. To avoid this, it’s essential to stick to one bulb type per strand-all LEDs in LED Strings or all incandescent bulbs in incandescent strings-since mixing them can lead to imbalanced power usage and potential damage. If you’ve already created multiple mixed strands, consider using a power strip with surge protection to help prevent sudden surges from damaging other connected devices on the same circuit. In the long run, it may be worth upgrading to all LED strands, as LEDs are more energy-efficient, produce less heat, and are better suited for more extensive displays without the risk of overheating. Let me know if you have more questions-I’m happy to help further! Or, if I misunderstood the question, let me know!

@@ChristmasOnCrestline hi Charlie! Thank you for responding so quickly. I think both the blown out bulbs and the replacements bulbs are incandescent bulbs. I have mistaken thinking the blown bulbs are LED. Best describe in a video here --Christmas tree bulbs 🥵 kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6exo2SdgZd0f6c - I really appreciate your time thanks Charlie

🧑‍🎄💪

Boom! Let's go, April! Welcome to the Light Fixing Family!

Perfectly said, GG. This is designed just for asphalt roofs. Here in the Midwest, asphalt is the most common style. I know it's flipped over in your neck of the woods.

I'm a sucker for "Easter eggs" in movies and pictures. I, too, enjoyed the back story!

I added an end cap to it to give it more length. The newer one doesn't have one.

That''s awesome to hear! I'd love to have someone from the factory on my show for an interview. Email me at [email protected] if you're interested.

Yesterday, I spoke with John DeCosmo in a live interview on the show. He suggested you flip the pin in the Keeper. Here is the video on how to fix that issue: www.ledkeeper.com/4-minute-demonstration-videos/ Let me know if this solves the issue. If not, he suggested you call them: 888-858-2548 If they don't answer, leave a message and they'll call you back within the hour.

Great story, Eric! This definitely pays for itself very quickly!

I just got back from Menards and they had several pre-lit trees in cool white for sale. Really though, the way to go to is get a programmable tree, like Twinkly's, and keep it on cool white.

I do, yes. You can use the app or the remote.

Ahh, I see watt you did there 💡🤣 Glad you enjoyed the video!

Great question, Arrow, and congrats on your new nutcrackers-they sound amazing! Yes, spraying polyurethane on the plastic parts can help protect them from the elements, but make sure to use a product labeled for outdoor use and apply it in thin, even coats to avoid drips. For the fabric parts, Scotchgard is a solid choice to repel water and reduce fading, just make sure the fabric is clean and dry before applying. Test both products on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they don't discolor or damage the materials. Happy decorating!

I know, right!!!

Thanks, WC!!

You likely have a 100-count string of lights. One of the wires carries the power-that's the wire you'll want to attach the LED Keeper to. Once you locate that wire, you should be good to go! I'll knock out a video for you this season, Robert!

@@ChristmasOnCrestline Thanks but I tried all 3 wires, one at a time, and none of them worked with the tool

@@robertredinger1432 Hmmmm Let's do this. Try the Keeper on a new string to ensure the Keeper's battery is good to go. If it works, then check the fuse on the broken strand. It the fuse is good, you likely have a string that has a ton of light failures. My record is 7 in one strand.

@@ChristmasOnCrestline That would be unacceptable in my opinion. The lights GE brand with a supposed 5 year warranty, and they're only 2 years old! So, I would have to check each bulb individually then?

@@robertredinger1432 No, not check each bulb. You just need to first check that the Keeper is functional. It's rare but sometimes they need a new battery. It could be as simple as that. About the only time you need to check each bulb is when you are checking for corrosion. Corrosion in one socket can keep the entire string dark. GE is a solid brand and they honor their warranties. If you need to replace them, here is the contact information for GE: support.geholidaylighting.com/hc/en-us

Connect the lights to the transmitter?

Great question! Finding an exterior flush-mount ceiling light fixture with built-in outlets can be tricky since they’re not very common. But here are a few options to help you achieve the same functionality: 1. Add a GFCI Outlet Near the Ceiling Fixture - If you’re open to a workaround, installing a weatherproof GFCI outlet close to your light fixture could be a great solution. It’ll give you the power you need without too much hassle, and it’s super versatile for outdoor setups. 2. Use a Light Socket Adapter with an Outlet - These handy adapters screw right into an existing light socket and provide an outlet. This can work for outdoor use if you choose a weatherproof model. Here's one you might like: Light Socket Adapter with Outlet. amzn.to/4fuTPi8 3. Look into Wall-Mounted Fixtures with Outlets - If a ceiling-mounted option isn’t essential, wall-mounted outdoor light fixtures with built-in GFCI outlets are a great alternative. Here's one to check out: Outdoor Wall Sconce with Built-In GFCI Outlets. amzn.to/3Z1rpW2 I hope this sort of answers your question, MC

I'm sure you'll snag some great deals!

The links are in the video's description. Here ya go, Hein : garage-celebrations.myshopify.com/EUZHMc Fair warning though...these are addictive! I already have six covers but only two garage doors lol.

Boom! That's how I felt about the Pitch Hopper that I only heard about last month. I could have saved so many "fingers crossed" 🤞 moments had I had that years ago.

@@ChristmasOnCrestline I never heard of the Pitch Hopper, so I looked it up. Pretty cool!

@@JohnJones-qy5ko I'm telling ya. It was a game changer! Who knew?!

@@JohnJones-qy5ko It is an interesting device for sure!

Actually, I bet they are, Alex. But I bet they are sold under a different brand name. These are imported from China and it would be rare for the light company to not sale it under a different name in various countries.

@@ChristmasOnCrestline Unfortunately. I've been looking for weeks but can't find it.

Haha, I love this story-sounds like your Dad passed on some great lessons (even if they came with a bit of trial and error)! 😂 You’ve definitely got some classic Christmas (and Halloween) decorator stories under your belt. I feel your pain with the older electrical setups-working with 100+ year-old wiring is a whole other level of challenge! Your Halloween wipeout sounds like a legendary moment-I can just picture the lights going dark, your Dad facepalming in Heaven, and you thinking, “Well, that escalated quickly.” 😅 If you have a video of your display, I’d love for you to send it to [email protected]! I’m putting together our annual collage of decorated homes, and you never know who you’ll inspire by showing others all your hard work. Wishing you smooth decorating (and fewer blown fuses) this year! 🎄✨

@ when I was a grade school kid at home, I found a short set of Xmas lights & the bulbs where the prettiest color, almost a pearlish tone of mauves, greens etc. plugged them in and they worked! Yay! Put them on the front railing and plugged them in. Simultaneously, not only did the whole house lights dim, smoke came out of the sockets and my Dad yelled, “HEY!” From inside the house, I’m surprised I wasn’t traumatized for life from that moment 😂😂😂

@@129stacey 🤣 That is a great story. Sounds like you had yourself your very own Christmas Vacation moment!

Hey there, Nolen! I tried but was told I wasn't allowed to film in the store. I asked if it was a new GM and was told it was not. It was a bit...frustrating.

Thanks for the compliment, Joe! I genuinely love showcasing great products like this-it makes being a “salesman” easy when the product speaks for itself!

Boom! I've gotta a hankering for some Dominar Xs or some Phoenix Rays!

One question. Why don't we see the garage knob on the outside as no garage door is without the turn and lock item? Please explain.

@@moultryhoward Having a door knob on a garage door would be rare in our town. In fact, I'm not sure I've seen one. But, if you do have one, you can mark that spot and cut a slit into the cover. I would then take that to an alteration shop and have them sew it so it does not rip and damage the entire cover.

Glad you found it helpful! Ya gotta love ya some lights!

Not normally, no. If you add a booster to it to broadcast far away, you do. If you use it as it comes right out of the box, you're fine. The FCC permits the use of low-power FM transmitters without a license under specific conditions: Field Strength Limit: The transmitter's signal must not exceed a field strength of 250 microvolts per meter (µV/m) measured at 3 meters from the antenna. This typically translates to a very short transmission range, often just a few hundred feet. In short, for what we hobbyists use it for, you're good to go.

@ ok thank you so much! Just bought one and am doing my first show this year

@jbirdpr0994 Boom! Very cool!

Great job troubleshooting so far, Janna! I recommend using a light tester, like the LED Keeper, to find where the power flow stops in the top section. It’s an excellent tool for pinpointing faulty bulbs or wiring. You can check it out here: amzn.to/3UTZJkk I also have a video showing how to use it with lights that are already installed-it might be helpful for your situation! Here’s the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn3Uk3hor9F-fqcsi=7ImzgBYs6KFI8F8n Let me know if this works for you-happy to help further if needed!

Can you show us a vid on how to do a strand of LED icicle lights?

That's awesome! It's always great to find a deal on something useful.

Now, I attach these to the side of our Santa's House each year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6LQgKJojtJniMUsi=218qHauky8agUG84. But, in the past, I used 2x4s and slid the canes over them, securing each cane with an 8" bolt and a nut on the other side, which keeps them anchored to the woood and gives the illusion they’re freestanding. This setup keeps everything stable, even in harsher weather and keeps them from being stolen as well!

Let's Go!💥

Thanks for sharing! I bet you'll be ready to deck the halls in no time. 🎄

Let's go!

Lol they have some great options!

Thanks for sharing, and congrats on the new purchase! Totally agree-Digital Presswork does a great job of offering that DIY guidance without the hard sell. It’s awesome to see a company so dedicated to helping people make their own displays shine. The only thing I changed on it was I added an extra piece of wood on the top shelf to force the projector to always be in the same spot. Otherwise, if could be off a few inches. Let us know how your setup turns out!

Great question, David! Yes, you can use the LED Keeper (amzn.to/40HK6Au) to help diagnose issues with LED net lights and glitter mesh decorations like reindeer. The LED Keeper is really useful for finding faulty bulbs or breaks in the circuit. For net lights, you can test each section to locate the problem, and for glitter mesh decorations, it works in a similar way, though the wiring paths can sometimes be harder to follow. Just a heads-up: if the problem is with a rectifier, those unfortunately aren’t fixable so replacing the set may be necessary in that case. I hope this helps, and good luck with your lights!

Hmmm, that’s an interesting idea, Laura! I just redid my heat shrink video, which covers part of what you’re suggesting, but I hadn’t thought about actually replacing the socket on LED sets. I can see that being a huge help for those older incandescent sets where you have to keep the voltage balance consistent across the string. With LED sets, especially commercial-grade ones, replacing individual bulbs could definitely extend their life. I’m sure other decorators would love having an extra fix-it trick up their sleeve. Thanks for the idea!

Thanks so much for the suggestion! I know exactly what you mean-net lights can be tricky, especially with LEDs. I’m glad the LED Keeper Pro has been a go-to tool for you; it’s a lifesaver, even if net lights add an extra layer of challenge. My trick has become chip bag clips. I mark each section of the net that I've checked with a clip. This gives me a visual tip that I've checked that area already. Before I began using that method....it was HUGE pain remembering what I've checked and what I have yet to check!

@@ChristmasOnCrestline Thanks for the reply!

Here is my updated video on these lights: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJLQhqlojd2Blc0si=LYj7rlK6pe7h9E8h Around the 3 minute mark, I begin going through their app and checking out the different options. I hope that helps ya!

No kidding. I mean, taking the actually mapping out of the equation is huge in time saving,

Many thanks, Steve! Fixing is better than replacing many times.

I wish I had thought to ask that question too! We might have to do another live Q&A soon.

Hey there, Dana!!!

They are fun to do!

Happy to help ya!

Hey, Mark! Great catch on that - you're absolutely right about the wattage shift with incandescent lights when too many bulbs are removed. Each incandescent bulb in a series circuit balances the overall load, so when you bypass or take out bulbs, the remaining ones end up handling more current. This can definitely lead to faster burnout for the other bulbs, since they’re getting more power than designed. Replacing 'blown' bulbs is key for keeping everything balanced, and going overboard with removals can cause a chain reaction of failures. This video is really focused on removing damaged or severed sockets that can’t just be fixed by replacing a bulb, though. For those cases, using a heat shrink connector helps keep the string running smoothly without needing to replace the whole thing. Really appreciate you sharing your experience - it’s a great reminder for anyone working with incandescent lights!

@ChristmasOnCrestline I know a little bit. Just from experience. But, definitely not an electrician. So is this not really an issue with LED light strands, because it's so little wattage/ voltage with LEDs to start with. Appreciate your channel

@@markwilson8985 Many thanks for commenting and making sure folks know the difference. I'll be sure to mention that in one of my upcoming livestreams too.

Great question, Natalie. We have an area on the side of our home where we store all of our large props.