🎄Comprehensive Setup Day (2020) 🎄

[@johnmayer4747]

I always come here for the intros!!!! Never disappointed with the comical features. And the information!!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! 😂

[@RLeeErmy]

Woo Hooo! A new video on setup. Love it! Thanks Jeff

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Haha. Gotta do one every year. 😂

[@tonyclixby]

Merry Christmas Jeff and thanks for all you have done

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@stephengill2211]

Hi Geoff merry Christmas from New Zealand, not took keen on wires all over on my display as the local school sanded through. Spent a few years laying cables in the ground with 8;control boxes. Have gotten many great tips an help from you videos. Keep up the good work. PS did 13 tree's cut plywood bases and pegged them down through the plywood. Stay safe lol to all.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Haha. It's definitely not a walk-thru display! Very cool! Merry Christmas!

[@joetschida4058]

Oh my goodness Jeff. Your videos have been a tremendous help to me. My OCD is really struggling with all the different wire colors and cable management though. Keep up the good work.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Haha. Yeah, when you've been doing this a few years, you may have to let that one go. And I don't have people walking through the display so I don't worry about cable management too much. There is one, it just doesn't look like it. 😂

[@lauramcdougal3952]

Hi Jeff! As an alternative to heavy and rusty rebar for holding Boscoyo pixel trees upright, try 4-ft fiberglass driveway markers found at farm stores (like TSC) They are light, don't rust, and are super strong, yet flexible in high winds without bending. I use two to prevent props from twisting sideways and ripping out wires.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! I'll check them out.

[@phillipevely4673]

I have to stop watching these videos at work! The guy in the next cubicle hears me snickering and wonders what is going on! LOL Great video Jeff!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Haha. Show him what you're watching. He might want to do pixels too! 😂

[@teddstabolepszy2239]

Hey Jeff, as always excellent video. May I recommend black rubber roofing or sometimes it’s called pond liner to water prof your controllers where you have the plastic bags over. I use it all the time in my display and it is heavy enough that the wind does not blow around or tear, plus it’s black so you don’t see it at night.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! I'll check it out.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@oneidalights That's fine and I have done that with the other boxes. I'm a bit annoyed with all the different connector options now which messes with my OCD since I standardized on one and they have changed. xConnect seems to be the new preferred standard if you are just starting out, but I've been going this a while so I'm trying pigtail-less connections this year in protest. Plus, I'm changing out those two boxes for next year anyway. 😂

[@dgerth9593]

Thank you very much for this video. I just started with a mega tree this year but have plans for more next year. This video will be huge in helping me plan the layout. Looking forward to watching all your other videos!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Glad it was helpful!

[@danl981]

Jeff your videos are the best, likely because of how much fun to are having which is why I love Christmas lights as well. I have used some LED Tape lights inside pvc pipe that came with their own mini controllers this year to get my foot in the door. I know not your favorite but good start for me .I created a picture frame around my garage windows and hope to make them look like present boxes. I have always had a larger than average lights display and with your help I am going to keep expanding ... next into pixels. I have mapped out my entire yard with what I want to create and where and I do CAD drawings so can't wait for my Falcon controller and parts to show up so I can start planning for next year. Can you add the 12v power supplies that you use to your links. Thanks for what you do, Dan

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Hey, we all start somewhere. 😂 I use MeanWell supplies (still have some cheapos tho). I think Ken (wiredwatts.com) carries them, but I bought 10 from TRC Electronics to get the discount and I knew I'd use them eventually. I like the LRS-350 variety.

[@danl981]

Dang he's all out of the lrs-350-12s I'll have to try eBay for now just to give me something to start playing with. Now I have to figure out what I did with my spool of cat 5 and low voltage wire so I can start assembling things.

[@chrisw1462]

That mega tree looks great as far as pixel density... Looks like you'd have to make it bigger to fit any more LEDs on it!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

It could be denser. 😂 I will have to get a new topper tho.

[@cryangallegos]

Jeff, I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you so much for this channel. I've been following it for going on 2 years now and I'm proud to say that tonight I ran my first show which just finished about an hour ago. I could not have done it without you. Merry Christmas to you, your wife, and all the pooches.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

That's awesome! Any lookie-loos? People parking outside your house to watch? 😂

[@cryangallegos]

@@CanispaterChristmas oh yeah, just a handful, but it made me happy, and the kids absolutely LOVE them which is the best part.

[@LordHog]

Another fantastic video, Jeff. I am very much envious, just a set-up day. I am still in a multi-month setup though this is my first year. I am still building, :-), but I consider this my learning year. It is amazing how much time is spent, with my blisters and broken skin, of inserting pixels into the stripes and props. Don’t forget to post a video showing the fruits of your labor with all the lights running. Great inspiration all around. You channel is the main reason I started down this rabbit hole of a hobby, thank you and the community wishes your family and you a very Merry Christmas.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! LOL! We all have blisters. And no, it wasn't a day, I just call it that. The video spans a couple of months. 😂

[@chuckkoczan5767]

Thanks for yet another great video Jeff. After the holiday's I'm going to embark on a mega tree project for next year - thanks to your videos I think I can get the job done in the 12 months I have! Thanks for the effort you put in to your videos, and the time you take to teach the masses - it is very much appreciated! Merry Christmas!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Awesome! Merry Christmas!

[@russellscorner6531]

Put a fender washer on the rebar and it will keep the turn buckle from sliding up on the rebar. Works great and costs just a few cents.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Cool, thanks! 👍

[@audioentertainment]

Hey Jeff -- Thanks for all of your catalog of videos - It helped make our first year a success. We actually won the our County decoration contest. Nice bonus - we will have videos soon to share.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Awesome & congratulations! Thanks!

[@dflights]

As always a fun video. Look forward to seeing some videos of the display running. Merry Christmas Jeff.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks!

[@johnburckley2086]

Love the videos. Next Christmas will be my first with pixels. Videos such as your are becoming a great help in my planning already. I've been computerized for about 14 years. Always wanted to add pixels. I don't think its fair though that you can wear shorts setting up for Christmas. Keep them coming and I'll keep on watching. Happy New Year Jeff.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! LOL! And I can tear down before March! :)

[@xoversprayurfacex8388]

Hey Jeff, I have an idea for your light fence. Use LED RGB strips with Channel and mount the channels on steaks. Keeps it nice and straight and looks awesome. That's my future plan for my border fence. Thanks for your videos.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Friends don't let friends use strip. 😂

[@jbazinga2385]

Extremely helpful video as always, Jeff! Love the humor you slide in there...almost makes me think I could start posting my own helpful videos. :-)

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! What's stopping you?

[@jbazinga2385]

@@CanispaterChristmas Wouldn't I need to have some helpful information?? :-D I appreciate the vote of confidence - let's see what 2021 brings. ;-)

[@PridePinball]

Hey, Jeff! As always, a great video! Your videos were helpful in my converting to pixels this year! Thanks for all you do! Merry Christmas!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Keep me posted!

[@PridePinball]

@@CanispaterChristmas Hey, Jeff! Here is a video of what I did this year. I kept the display simple, but I'm already planning for next year. You can probably tell which song I sequenced first versus last. LOL kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZzEi3ppltOGnLs

[@athomp485]

Have you thought about doing a take down/ storage video? More so interested in how you store all for the next 10 months.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Taking it down is so sad. It would be a video of my crying the whole time. 😂 It all goes in the garage or garage attic. I might film it.

[@ronm6585]

Thanks Jeff.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

You're welcome! 😂

[@rjcarlson72]

Love your videos and your humor!! I’ve been following your channel for a year so. Are you going to video tape your light show and post it to your channel? About the inflatables, it’s important to keep the Mrs. happy. 😃

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Haha. I plan on at least doing one of them. Have another video to do first. Honestly, my sequencing skills are pretty low, but I can at least get them dancing. I do have videos of previous years. My medley video was totally custom.

[@markusq]

Jeff, I really appreciate you sharing. This year was my first year and I started very small just to get a feel for things. Merry Christmas.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

We all start somewhere. Glad to hear you have it going. Merry Christmas!

[@74armonde]

Thank you so much for confirming I didn't have a weird issue at 21:00. I had to use 3 Famps between 3 props I had chained together and couldn't figure out why. I just knew it worked when I did it. Oh and your Boscoyo trees are still inside out :)

[@CanispaterChristmas]

One of them is. I removed all the pixels and rebuilt it wrong. It's staying that way. 😂

[@GS-oj3gv]

love the intro

[@CanispaterChristmas]

😂

[@Nicklastname]

Hey, I just watched your show walk-thru from 2018 and I guess you still have the "fence" as you call it, around your yard 🤣 I just wanted to point out it looks like those are "Pixabulbs" or "Strawberries" and I don't know where you may have gotten them from, but I know that vendors like HolidayCoro and Boscoyo (I think) make strips like the ones your using for your square pixels, but they come in 12", 8", and 4". That way you could get them to face down or possibly up, I just use them along with those same bulbs in my display and they've been useful. Just wanted to help. Also I'm re-watching all your videos too, great Job BTW!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Oh yeah, I've seen those. That might work well!

[@brianwood256]

It's fun to see how it is set up, and it was great to see in person. The best part for me was hearing my wife::"Yes, we can do some of that" Thanks very much for sharing your addiction with others!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Haha. There's your queue! Go nuts! 😂

[@dharnish256]

Love the videos...great to see the setup because it helps to explain layout...Was trying to map it as you went through the video. Had questions about the Diff boards... How many do you have? Are they all daisy chained off the F16v3?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

No. They all run off the F48 except for the big matrix on the right side. I used 8 this year.

[@mecrazy4267]

What type of connectors are you using on the wire ends. I see that you have crimped some type of connector on the pig tails prior to connecting it to the boards Great display and great help with all your videos for us new people out here

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! I use bootlace ferrules on the ends of the wires and standard euro-connectors for plugging into the controller.

[@mecrazy4267]

Thanks I’ve seen you talk about them before but couldn’t remember what they were called

[@lightsonmatfield4031]

For the fence you could use some T’s on the pvc to make it a bit sturdier like fence

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Yeah, still thinking about it. Thanks!

[@eduibanez]

Nice videos! I’ve been learning a lot. Could you elaborate some more on your antenna improvements?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

What would you like to know?

[@eduibanez]

I’m trying to follow what you did to make the transmitter more powerful, more of a step by step... maybe slowing down the process in the video.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

It's called a dipole antenna. You can get numbers for your frequency at www.everythingrf.com/rf-calculators/dipole-antenna-length-calculator

[@eduibanez]

Thanks!

[@mewrongwayKOCXF]

Awesome Jeff!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

What is that behind you on QRZ? Looks like a nice pixel power supply. 😂

[@mewrongwayKOCXF]

@@CanispaterChristmas lol good to hear the Coyotes haven't got ya Jeff, Yes that's how I power my Falcons and my Pixels! lol. That panel is 4,160 volt. Other is 7200. I have a rather crappy video of one of our diesel startups if you get a chance. You a ham Jeff? Hope you and your family is surviving this crazy hot summer!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Oh man! I think I could use one of those! Yeah, we're trying to get some things lined up. 1.8" of rain this week has been very welcomed. Working on a Falcon video tonight.

[@mewrongwayKOCXF]

@@CanispaterChristmas Awesome!

[@landonnelson8171]

Love the video Jeff amazing intro.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks 👍

[@chrispeterson6941]

Hey Jeff great video, Thanks for all the good ideas and help that you provide all of us. I notice that you were able to plug in your tune to sign into your P5 into your Falcon f48’s ethernet port directly how are you able to do that?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Forgot to add, "there's a 4-port switch in there too." 😂

[@chrispeterson6941]

@@CanispaterChristmas Are you not using a color light card

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@chrispeterson6941 Not in this sign. It's a BBB & octoscroller. Had it since the video. :)

[@adobitar]

The material you're using for your matrix looks awesome! I have a custom tree that I built years ago covered in lights and garland ago that I want to convert to a matrix. I love the idea of overlaying the tree with something like that clear material so the tree is still visible during the day but becomes a lighted prop at night. It looks like you can roll that up for storage as well. Can you share info about what that material is? TIA!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

It comes from Boscoyo. The picture is of the black version, but you want the clear version. boscoyostudio.com/product/chromamesh-3-clear/

[@adobitar]

Thank you!

[@thebruhhh]

Thank you for running us through the setup. It lets me connect some dots! Do you plan to share what the display looks like at night?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Awesome! Yes. I'll post some music videos soon.

[@thebruhhh]

@@CanispaterChristmas wahoooooo!!

[@badandyg]

1:36 you should always screw the screws in all the way on the side of an outlet.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks!

[@badandyg]

@@CanispaterChristmas lol I had to buddy 🎅👍

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@badandyg Probably not to code. 😂

[@willyscreation]

Thank you Jeff!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

You bet!

[@Matt-vp5ch]

Great job Jeff. As a newby what would you say would be a good purchase of supplies to have on hand when setting up for the first time. For example 50 pigtails some famps, 500 ft of 18/3 AWG. I want to try and limit my number of orders and not sure what to have on hand.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Be sure to go through my beginner RGB playlist (kzbin.info/aero/PLFyrAfJ-kKd4ZfPdXWIt8v_bav61mW_KW) if you haven't already. This might be of help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6aonoeplNJqnJY

[@mikeerbe8784]

Heres the 2 staffs, matrix and the two...woof....snowflakes. lol About your f-amp usage, I'm surprised you would use that many between props. I ran 222 pixabulbs and 3 snowflakes with a 10ft extension before and 3 between each flake, only using 2 famps. I didn't use any on 4 of my arches which were daisy chained, at 50 pixels each.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Yeah, I probably didn't need them on the trees, but I didn't know how far apart I was going with them. I can't get the 2nd arch to work without it so it stays. Could be the pixels. :)

[@tsigreg]

The "fence" put pvc tees and run pvc between them wrapped with the red tape and string your lights on that

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Yeah, that sounds like too much work. 😂

[@blue-heaven-christmas]

Hi Jeff, Great videos, I started my smaller pixel lights this year, thanks in part to coming across your videos late last year. Can you do a video on your controller setup. i.e. what you have in your network... F16, F48 and differential receivers and how and where they are connected within this network. I would like to expand mine for 2021 and would like to get some ideas on what goes where and what can be achieved. I have an F16V3 so far and FPP running the show.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! I'm not sure I understand your question. This one covers just about everything I can think of. 😂I have a show computer in my office connected to an FM transmitter. Ethernet out of that goes to the garage switch which feeds the F16 & F48 but I could technically get away without having the switch. I originally used it as a convenient way to plug a computer into the show net, but have actually worked around that now so it's not really necessary. The Falcons have 2-port switches built in so you can just daisy-chain them as needed.

[@blue-heaven-christmas]

@@CanispaterChristmas Hi Jeff, sorry for the confusion. I was looking to see how your network is planned out, in a schematic way not a physical way.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I don't have a schematic for the network. It's basically a single line. As for how props are hung off the F48, again no schematic. I just connect one receiver up at a time.

[@dannygasca6898]

Hey Jeff, I have a question. Next season l will start the hobby. Going to start small what controler would you recommend? Keep up up the comedy it's great. DUDE YOU ROCK 🤘

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! I like the Falcon controllers from pixelcontroller.com F16 if the display is centrally located (props are within about 20-30 feet). F48 if you need distance.

[@dannygasca6898]

@@CanispaterChristmas Thank you!

[@ducebigalow8834]

Great video Jeff, always look forward to them. do you have or recommend a video on how to run 2 power supplies in one box, and at what point do you decide to run a second power supply. I am running 1000 lights off of one, at 50% at the moment but looking at adding on for next year. Thanks

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Convention is to run power supplies under 85% capacity.

[@ducebigalow8834]

@@CanispaterChristmas next question then, how do you arrive at this number :)?

[@brandonbishop1429]

Hey Jeff can you do a video of your setup controllers and smart receivers wise just trying to figure things out for a display I’m doing next year

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Do you mean showing how my controllers are configured for different receivers? It's basically a receiver near the props and I use xLights to configure everything.

[@brandonbishop1429]

@@CanispaterChristmas yes sir I would love to see how everything is ran like from your garage out to the different props cuz I’m not getting how all of your setup is started. I guess that’s what I’m trying to see

[@kpozzi2211]

awesome is it possible for you to upload some of your sequences this year?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Yes. I plan to sometime in DEC.

[@kpozzi2211]

@@CanispaterChristmas love the intro btw its so funny

[@matthewwelch350]

Thanks for another great video. You were a big part of my switch to pixels this year, and now I have 8,000+ pixels running outside. We had kids dancing on the sidewalk in front of our house last night, and that alone makes it all worth it. I'm curious about your need for F-amps. I run all 5v pixels, but I have 20 ft cables between some runs, and the signal makes it just fine. I also power inject like crazy, of course, so power is coming from both sides of the cable.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! That's awesome! Controller to first pixel is no problem since the signal out of the controller is strong. It's end-of-prop to next pixel that generally needs an F-Amp. Pixel-to-pixel data distance is generally only a few inches/feet depending on the pixels/wiring, etc. If you have props close together, you can get away with it, but the arches didn't work without an F-amp.

[@matthewwelch350]

@@CanispaterChristmas There must be a difference between 5v and 12v there. I run about 100 along the roof edge, then a 20 ft extension to the peak, then run just over 70 more pixels along my garage peak. I also run 10 feet between props at least 6 different times without any F-amps or null pixels.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@matthewwelch350 Yeah, YMMV. Different pixels are ... different. Plus, these are a few years old.

[@matthewwelch350]

@@CanispaterChristmas Hey, I mentioned that this is my first year running pixels and that you were a big inspiration for me. I've posted a video of my display for xLights Around The World now. I'm not sure if it's okay to post a link in your comments? If not, it's the only video I've ever uploaded, so you can probably find it.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@matthewwelch350 I think you can post links. Man! That's impressive! The aerial shot was a nice touch. :)

[@lauramcdougal3952]

I stand my boxes upright so if condensation does get into the box, the moisture runs off the boards, instead of accumulating in a puddle on a board laying flat (horizontal).

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Yeah, the tree box is completely changing for next year and I'm planning to use more CG-1500s. The ammo boxes work great too, but I'm trying to do fewer pigtails where possible.

[@robertpage9759]

I do the same thing tape all my cords even the water tight ones Good job Jeff I'd show ya my setup but I'm not even sure how to make a video on KZbin

[@robertpage9759]

Oh BTW looks awesome forgot to mention it lol keep it up jeffie

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! All ya gotta do is film it with your phone and upload. Haha.

[@robertpage9759]

@@CanispaterChristmas i may do it one day am total amateur but would like you to see what you've helped me make over the years

[@imawlkr2]

Love your videos. Have helped me with my P5 scrolling sign and FPP that runs it separate from my show. Question. What do you use on the wire ends going into the terminal boards? Looks like a ferrule. Can you provide a link? Thanks. Keep up the videos. They are the best.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I bought this kit (amzn.to/3gBDTwR) in 2018 and use it for everything. I've actually had to replenish my supply of ferrules. You can order bags of individual sizes when you get close to running out.

[@dannygasca6898]

Awesome channel!!! I have a couple of questions. What is the diameter of your topper on your mega tree? All your data cable (ethernet cable)going to the boxes where do they come from? I'm going to start my hobby next season. Starting with a mega tree and some small candy canes and maybe the roof line. I'm learning a lot from this channel. Thank you.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I can't measure right now. I believe around 7-10 inches. Looking at the ones from Mattos Designs for next year. The cables go from the FE48 to the receivers. I made some of the cables myself. Sounds great!

[@dannygasca6898]

@@CanispaterChristmas Thanks Jeff for the feedback. Keep up the great work.

[@asmiley29]

Hey Jeff, where can I find the base for those arches?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

The orange feet came from Lowes. The rest is PVC and 2x4s.

[@johnrusch8137]

Jeff I know you are not a big fan of strips but I see you used them in your arches. If you were going to make new ones would you still uses strips or try to uses nodes? I like the look of strips better but you have made me worry about using strips. Please give me your opinion when you get a chance. I love your videos and have made a tune to sign based on your design and it came out great. Have a Merry Christmas

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! Strip pixels are fine. Just be prepared to deal with the extra care needed. It's a little less of a problem inside a tube, but they are generally more finicky than sealed nodes and probably a different color order (not a problem, just something to keep in mind). Honestly, I've only had to repair the arches once and they do look great!

[@johnrusch8137]

@@CanispaterChristmas Can you recommend any? I have a 100ft roll of 2 inch PEX and am getting ready to start building some. Thanks for everything you do for this obsession I mean hobby

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@johnrusch8137 Strip pixels? Only vendors. I got mine from Ray or try wiredwatts.com

[@rugerboy58]

Hi Jeff! Great job as always! In the matrix box I noticed you have ends on the wires that go into the green connectors. What are they? Crimp on or solder ends? Thanks, Ed

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Bootlaced ferrules. I LOVE them! amzn.to/2Lk2vi5

[@rugerboy58]

@@CanispaterChristmas Thanks Jeff!

[@Penfold8]

That's a Carpenter Ant. You need to track down that nest. It will reek havoc on your wooden fence.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Thanks! I think he was from a dead tree nearby we eventually had removed.

[@morrydavis]

Where do you get the mesh for your matrix

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Boscoyo.com

[@morrydavis]

What’s the purpose of differential receiver?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

It extends the distance between controller and the prop/pixels.

[@richardcdldriver]

What is crome a trim you keep talking about

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Neat stuff from Boscoyo. boscoyostudio.com/product/chromatrim-v4/

[@trendkilla254]

Hey Jeff I'm in Troy, just north of Temple. Where can I get your address to check out your show?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Send me email from my about page.

[@narnol02]

Who is screaming in the background around 9:00?¿

[@CanispaterChristmas]

😂Neighborhood kids playing outside. They only come out when I try to film.

[@johnnagy1575]

Where are the best places to put these F-Amp boosters. What is the rule of thumb ? Thank you. I'm still in the crawling stage of x-lights.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Hi John. When pixel-to-pixel distance is more than about a foot. I use one to chain from one arch to another and they're about 10-feet apart so I put an F-amp at the end of the first arch.

[@alexandercooke1186]

When I tried to controller inflatables with a Falcon they just turned on when I powered on the board, is that what happens with yours or can you control them?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Inflatables are on/off kinds of things. They don't respond to data as far as I know unless you put pixels inside them.

[@alexandercooke1186]

Should I just use an AC controller and use the included power supply?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@alexandercooke1186 That or just a timer you get from the hardware store. Depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

[@hoochthefireman]

What are and where do you get your 3 wire from your controller to your pixels?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I got some 4-cond 16AWG, Outdoor/Direct Burial Speaker Cable from cablewholesale this year, but I also have a bunch of pigtails and extensions I bought from Ray a few years ago. Really, kinda whatever I have on hand at the time. If you are in the US, you might check wiredwatts.com for pigtails and extensions.

[@hoochthefireman]

@@CanispaterChristmas I normally use Ken/wiredwatts.com but was in a crunch. I bought 16/4 wire uv cable from cable direct on Amazon. Fingers crossed. USPS is super slow right now.

[@calvincowan5273]

Did you purchase your arch HDPE through McMaster? Curious because I was looking for a local option to avoid the high $hipping.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I did. Shipping was more than the HDPE. 😂

[@derwintom7532]

So me and my dad just started to learn how to setup and program lights. I had a question because we have been having problems. A few of our candy canes aren't turning off when they are supposed too. My dad thinks that the power is having problems and plans to rewire it tomorrow. I just wanted to double check if that is the problem or if we need to fix anything else.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

That 's one of those strange problems that are difficult to fix. I had that problem with my wreath and it helped adding power, but I replaced the pixels and all those problems went away.

[@derwintom7532]

Ok thanks! We have tried to inject power and the lights still are different colors. It really is fine though, it doesn't look like an eyesore.

[@spearsmt]

The power supply in the sealed box... Do you have any heat issues with it being enclosed like that?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

No. I turn them off during the day and it's generally cool enough at night. They do get warm, but too hot to touch is probably too hot. 😂

[@spearsmt]

@@CanispaterChristmas Thx for the reply. I have seen where people fully enclose them and some have holes in the case, which requires different placement of course, and was wondering what your experience was.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@spearsmt Definitely something you need to experiment with.

[@cmetzb]

@@spearsmt I use these: (One on each side of the box to be able to pull air through) www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DH8EKS4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@stevelock7]

Hi Jeff I used your link to go to Rays Ali express site and I’m going to make a purchase then watched your video and realize I “need” LOL more. How can I contact him for questions? I don’t see that in his site and I know you have said in the past if we want custom work he can do it but how do we get that quote?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

You can email him directly ([e-mail]). I have found that China prices aren't the greatest right now so do some research before placing an order. If you are in the US, I recommend checking out wiredwatts.com.

[@stevelock7]

@@CanispaterChristmas Thanks for the help I’ll check their inventory 👍

[@NUSSIE123]

is the power to power supplies always on? If not how do you control it.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I turn therm off after the show. I have a home automation system, but a timer also works.

[@NUSSIE123]

@@CanispaterChristmas another question. i am starting the process for my first display next year. starting small with the thought of adding a bit each year. would you start with the falcon f16 v3 or just go ahead and get the f 48

[@NUSSIE123]

i thank you for your videos. i have been watching many to get the approach to starting all of this. You must spend alot of time with you editing. You seem to enjoy video making as much as christmas lights. i also like many of your camera angles in your shots. what video editor do you use.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@NUSSIE123 Thanks! Adobe Premiere. Expensive, but has a lot of features.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@NUSSIE123 I got an F16 then added an F48. I run them both now.

[@stephenhughes5248]

have you ever had any problems with your ferrules getting loose?? I have several 3D printers and use ferrules on everything....never thought about using them on our Christmas lights?!?!?!? I know I have had many times over the years the wire becomes loose or for whatever reason doesn't seat well when tightened down and only find it during troubleshooting (normally in the middle of the night, at the coldest time, and the complete depravity of moonlight!!!!)

[@CanispaterChristmas]

I've never had problems since I went to ferrules for everything. I did have problems with soldered wires. The high current can work them loose over time. As long as the ferrules are the right size for the wire, no problemo.

[@timothycollins451]

Something odd to me. Is it just chance or is there something to it? I have always used 5volt pixels. I’ve never had an issue with data from prop to prop. I’ve had short runs long runs and always worked fine. I’ve had to power inject with a new power supply in long runs. Today I was work on a small show we are going to do during our church Christmas program and the pixels are 12 volt and I had data problems and needed to add f amps. Is this more prevalent in the 12 volt world or did I just get lucky? If I hadn’t watch this video I wouldn’t have been sure what was going on.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

All I can say is different pixels are different. 😃5V vs 12V doesn't matter, but the chips inside will vary from mfg to mfg.

[@constantinghilici907]

How many pixels on average will it take for a first year show...i live in a one story home....thanks

[@CanispaterChristmas]

You can do a lot with 4,000, but you don't need to start with that many. It really depends on what you want to do. Just try not to get too crazy as there is a lot to learn your first year and you can add to it over time. Plan what you want to do then figure out how many pixels you'll need and get a few extra strings just in case you miscalculated or need spares. Typical spacing is 3".

[@constantinghilici907]

@@CanispaterChristmas roof triangle outline, garage door outline, 4 arches, 4 large trees like u had in ur other video and 2, 3 candy canes, and a mega tree.....will 2250 pixels work with that

[@constantinghilici907]

@@CanispaterChristmas and also picked u the Falcon f48 with 12 smart receivers

[@CanispaterChristmas]

@@constantinghilici907 I can't say since I don't know sizing, but you should be able to do most if not all of that. I'd say start building early so you have time to order more pixels if needed.

[@JustinNovack]

Big bullet point for people, F-AMPs between Props.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Well, if you need it. 😂Just another tool in the box if you have problems.

[@lightsonmatfield4031]

When I setup my show I had problems with things not waterproofed, it broke some. That was basically my time setting up 😂

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Yeah, water can get into strange places. It's a learning process. :)

[@xoversprayurfacex8388]

@@CanispaterChristmas I use to be in the Mobile Communications industry. The way tower technicians use to weatherproof coax connections was to place electrical tape backwards over the connection first. Then wrap it in "tar tape". (www.amazon.com/dp/B0010XFTQ6/ref=sspa_dk_hqp_detail_aax_0?psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyVVNRRkM5NkgwVE9PJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMDY4OTI5M1FPU1dZNFpVSkRLUCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDM5MzMxMU1GWjE5OVNGRTRVWCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2hxcF9zaGFyZWQmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl). Then electrical tape again. This creates the weatherproof football or carrot stick around your connector. There are however other means to weatherproof connections. The question to ask yourself is "how easy do you want to access that connector later on?" The idea behind weatherproofing a connection is how many times that connection will be tampered with. Once it is weatherproofed it should not be moved and can cause leakage if not handled properly. Getting back to other means of weatherproofing. Solder it, hot glue it, then shrink wrap it, then tape it. Lastly, there are what is called coffin weatherproofing. Where at the connector, a waterproof device, designed to fit over the connectors and on each end of the wire protects the connection with a casing. There are numerous other ways to weatherproof your connectors but very few to make them watertight. It all comes down to how far are you willing to go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZSrmnt5rJWfqbs www.amazon.com/CordSafe-Extension-Safety-Water-Resistant-Management/dp/B078HFXCRK/ref=asc_df_B078HFXCRK/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242027088707&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14606680007812244470&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052976&hvtargid=pla-410073718036&psc=1 Don't forget to ground rod your outdoor boxes. Safety First.

[@teddstabolepszy2239]

Ok so now I am having some trouble with some pixels: I have 3 pixel wreaths of 50 spread about 15-20 feet apart. I power inject on the last one with a tee. For some reason only the first few pixels work on the last wreath, any ideas, they are all spread evenly apart.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

If you swap prop positions does the problem follow or remain the same?

[@teddstabolepszy2239]

Well I hooked the last one directly into the controller and I worked so I know my cables all have good splices, they are running off a San deivices controller,

[@CanispaterChristmas]

What is the distance between props and do you have any F-amp in line? It might be the data signal isn't making the hop.

[@teddstabolepszy2239]

Here is the run: controller -22ft- 50 pixels- 15 feet- 50 pixels - 7ft- power inject tee- 7ft- 50 pixels(not working when in making all sorts of random flashes and colors and what not) Now I know it is not power because on that last 50 pixel wreath I used my multi meter and it read 12 volts at the end of the run

[@teddstabolepszy2239]

I am not using any F-Amps

[@DemocracyV3]

Why not just leave the inflatables on all the time? Open them up and pull the incan bulbs to save power then back light with an led flood at night.

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Haha. Yeah, but that wouldn't have been near as funny. 😂

[@CanispaterChristmas]

But if you like inflatables, that's cool too. We have a couple of houses near us with loads of them. Plus, I'm lazy. I just like having the lights do their thing without me having to mess with them every night. I haven't figured out how to do the same with the inflatables.

[@robertpage9759]

@@CanispaterChristmas it is a constant struggle they never stay up right

[@DemocracyV3]

@@CanispaterChristmas would have for sure ruined your opener 🤣 Mine don't wander, too much. My 10 foot frosty has guy wires to help keep him still though....

[@RLeeErmy]

Didn't I see Kieth Westley from Xlights has some inflatables in his display? I'm not sure if he has pixels in them but I thought he was controlling them in his show.

[@jmansour84]

A lot of thanks to your videos as I worked on getting my first pixel display this year. If you get a chance, check out my videos of it. Would love to get your feedback. Merry Christmas!!!

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Looks great!

[@CopperCanyonTerrapins]

"Designer" = Wife?

[@CanispaterChristmas]

Exactly. 😂