Permanent Holiday / Christmas Lights Install using Permatrack

[@nickgettler1459]

This video is awesome. Thank you for breaking everything down without making it seem over complicated. I hope to set something up similar to what you have and I’m going to try to follow what you’ve done. Thank you!

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Really glad you found it helpful! It was more straightforward than I had expected. Thanks for watching!

[@hijodelpremio]

My wife would hate you because you helped me figure out how to saved 5k and still go for this lol Thank you for the solid breakdown!

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Yeah, I have the wives of many of my friends and family complain that I am expensive to know! :) Thanks for watching!

[@loismceachern6131]

This was the one I saw at lunch today. Awesome! 👏🏻 Ask that lovely lady in Bowmanville. 😉

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

I did! 😁 Hope I was able to bring back some fond memories!

[@DIYLightLab]

Looks goood! Love the effects you created👌🏻

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Thanks! I love how they look, and they just disappear during the day!

[@karensylvia9423]

Awesome ! We keep our rope lights on our fence year round and use them on all the holidays.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

That's a great idea!

[@karensylvia9423]

@@AnotherNerdyCanuck Thank you. They are RGB, and also the fence-post lights. So we do color combo's. Orange-Purple=Halloween, Red-Green=Christmas etc. We love color's !

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

When I first started looking into permanent lights, my thinking was very limited to Christmas, but now it seems there are so many possibilities! Thanks!

[@karensylvia9423]

@@AnotherNerdyCanuck We have PVC pipes on the inside of fence for wiring. No solar here.

[@armandoramos1949]

Instal and results looks awesome! I wouldn't mind having something like this for my house. Thanks for sharing.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Thanks for watching!

[@JavierGarcia-se3vi]

Very good video, and the final result was amazing!, good job, greetings from Mexico 😄

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Thanks for watching!

[@jimginnyohio]

Wow! Very nice! I've been looking at the Jellyfish and Oelo lighting systems for a while but just can't justify the expense. This looks much more affordable. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to seeing your updates and improvements. Subbed.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

So glad it was helpful! Already half done my garage door lights. Update coming soon! Thanks for watching!

[@MrTonyCadillac]

Hi! I like the Big ⭐ over your garage doors! Is it Lit and does it have any kind of significance? Tony

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Thanks! Just a decoration to fill in dark garage. I took it down after putting up lights around the garage doors. Thanks for watching!

[@georgewomack6588]

Great video. Where can I get the lights and tracks for DIY? I have installed yard lights, so I have a good idea on how to install outside accent lights.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Thanks! Glad you liked it! Links to both are in the video description. Thanks for watching!

[@rtkiiiprod]

thanks for the video. I only recently started looking into this. Looks great!

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Thank you! Appreciate the feedback!

[@EddyB_]

Awesome video!! I have 2 questions: - In some of the clips there looks to be some flickering of some of the LEDs - is this a power supply issue or were you able to fix that problem somehow? - How well does warm white look with these? They're just RGB which typically isn't the best for replicating warm white. Would love to see what that looks like with these. Thanks!

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

I haven't had any problems with flickering. Not sure if that is just a video camera frame rate issue? Or maybe you are referring to the "glitter" effect that flashes random lights to bright white? They are still all working great and I get a lot of positive comments from kids and passersby on the street! The warm white isn't a great look. They are still just RGB LEDs.

[@tierrasoft]

It’s amazing, I would like to do it in Mexico, an American touch

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Thanks! Best of luck!

[@social3ngin33rin]

Damn, great job!!!!!!

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Thanks!!

[@hankheim8234]

Great video but, what do you do when you have to have your house painted? Do you have to take down all your lights?

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

I don't have any wood on my house that requires painting. I suspect for painting you could unclip each section as you went, paint it and then reinstall?

[@sonup4]

did you finish the garage door? wanted to see how everything looks with garage door as well.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Yes! It is done and looks great! Hope to have the video out in the next couple days! Thanks for watching!

[@saliston]

I would love to see that lights installed around the garage

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

You can! Part 2 has the install! They are so easy to use, now that they are installed, and look great!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoDYoIuZa7-ArpY

[@andrewhardman1624]

Great video. In the video you said you used 14AWG for the power from the Dig-Uno, how did the data get wired? Did you use a single conductor for the data and wired it in at the power injection point? What power cable did you select for the job? Was the cable outdoor rated for our Canadian winters and for UV? Would you have a wiring diagram that you can share? Does the wiring dictate how you program WLED, i.e. if you bring data to the middle, how does a "chase" or "follow" type pattern work? Sorry for all the questions, I'm just getting into learning this. Thanks.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Wow! These are some great questions! The 3 wire cable I used was automotive and jacked for weather. The 14 AWG wire was speaker wire and not outdoor rated. However, almost all of the wire is enclosed in track, and not exposed directly to sun or water. The data wire is must enter at one end of the string and carry on. If you want to have the data go in the "middle" you would need to use the two separate data outputs to supply a data line to each string (however long). However, you can program WLED to treat them all as a single "segment" so your chase style patters will still look correct. I have two more videos coming out to finish my setup in the next couple weeks that should have a wiring diagram and some programming tips. Thanks for watching!

[@MrGameNfit]

Would you be willing to do a video about your solar panels? Did you install them yourself or have a company do it? I want to go solar but all the companies I've spoke with tell me something different and I'm having a hard time trusting them. Thanks

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

I've had my solar panels (installed by a local company) for over two years and was thinking of doing a review of them. Maybe I will work on that video.... 👍😁

[@MrGameNfit]

@@AnotherNerdyCanuck that would be great because I'm finding it difficult to sift through all the different companies out there claiming to be the best to install panels.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

I have a couple other videos I am working on, but that is definitely on the list!

[@photoc4js]

I realize this is a bit late... but waterproof solder butt connectors work great for connecting extension wires.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

That's a great idea! If I have to do any repairs moving forward, or if I add anything to the system, I will keep that in mind! Thanks for watching!

[@treeoflifeenterprises]

I like the look, especially the flexability with the addressable LED's. Unfortunately with the cost of electricity in the UK, it would cost me the equivalent of $1150 CAN/yr to run a similar sized setup.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

I run a playlist of about 10 displays with an average of about 120W draw at the outlet (measured by a smart outlet) and with a total of 835 lights (watch for my update video about adding my garage door lights!). So 6 hrs/day at 120W is about 720Wh, or 0.72 kWh per day. For a 30 day month that is about 23 kWh. We pay about $0.15/kWh, so ab out $3.45 CAD/mon. I only plan to run the lights about 2 months per year (Nov 12 to Jan 1, plus a few holidays through the year), so I estimate my cost would be $7 per year. I think you may need to check your calculations? Thanks for watching!

[@treeoflifeenterprises]

@@AnotherNerdyCanuck yes, I was basing it on a continuous 19A 12V 24hr/365days. as you mentioned the 19A PSU capacity. With LEDs in patterns, so not continuously on, and only running for a 24th of a year it would be much less. 7$ is much more reasonable. Even if you maxed out that 19A supply, and had all the lights lit with full rgb on in solid color, it would be $48/yr which is not a big deal. The different effects look cool. how do you program them with your particular layout of lights.?

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

@timsoft I don't do anything complex with the programming, and just treat the roofline as a single string of lights. I could divide it into segments and do more complex things, but I just pick some of my favourite effects, save them as a preset and then create a playlist to cycle through them. I then schedule that Playlist to run each night. I will include some of this info on the next video that shows the completion of my setup. It should be out in the next few days.

[@ReggieR3gg]

I saw someone once with a soffit light warm white led program does your controller have that?

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Yes! You can program it to turn on each light to any color you want, including warm white. You can even have it use every 3rd or 4th light to space it out more.

[@ReggieR3gg]

@@AnotherNerdyCanuck yeah that's exactly what I want every 4th light

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

In your segment setup you just set the spacing to 4 and it works great!

[@MarkKamenkovich]

I really enjoyed your video, I'm also working on a similar project. The fireworks effect was particularly impressive and I was wondering if you could share the preset for it?

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

It is the Fireworks 1D preset. Thanks for watching!

[@blackstarafro2]

The only part I don't like is the team you cheer for 😆 what temperatures do you find that it is having issues.? I know a lot of lights have a threshold

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

😂😂👍 So far I haven't noticed a problem. Although, once it is set up and running, I don't monitor it that closely.

[@blackstarafro2]

@@AnotherNerdyCanuck I was just curious. Because as you know here in Canada, we get the "do not turn turn the temperature in the house lower than 25 degrees Celsius, or we have to plug in our car all day and night, and also to run our car in the middle of the night for 30 minutes, if we want it to start in the morning freezing temperatures" . That good old -35 & -40 with a wind chill of -45 to -50 weather 🥶

[@arthurlombardo6988]

So do you run completely separate wires for the power injection?

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

I did. I wasn't sure how much current would be traveling along them. In hindsight, I could have used smaller gauge wire, or tapped off the 14 AWG wire I did use.

[@rtubedtube3938]

I'm always confused about power injection. Did you have to use an additional power supply for that?

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

You do not need a separate power supply, just another pair of wires from your power supply. By using a thicker wire to directly supply power downstream of a connection, you allow current to bypass the first string of LED's, and don't overpower the small wires in the first string and minimize the voltage drop from that high current.

[@hernanpacheco3016]

How long take the controller to arrive? From China right?

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

I ordered 3 of them on Nov 28, 2021 and they were delivered on Dec 3, 2021. Thanks for watching!

[@bryanstgeorges5948]

Awesome video!!!! Do you a parts list or link for lights project

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Links are in the description! Thanks for watching!

[@trentfilthaut5626]

@@AnotherNerdyCanuck Where did you source the wire from? I'm not finding any good Canadian sources that don't cost several $100 for 100M. AliExpress has wire, but shipping is costly and I'm not convinced on quality.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

I just bought it on Amazon. 100 m is a lot of wire! I used a 100' roll of 2 wire and a 50' of 3 wire.

[@IFlyYou1]

Hey I just recently installed this same setup! Quick question what is the effect called that you are using at 7:29? Thank you!

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

At 7:29 it is the effect called "Colorful" followed by "flashing color flow". Hope that helps! Thanks for watching!

[@IFlyYou1]

@@AnotherNerdyCanuck awesome thank you! I have been looking and looking for something like a classic Christmas light pattern!

[@dudeinskibro1]

Excellent video! One I will reference when I (eventually) tackle this project. Q1: I noticed no mention of the power supply in the materials breakdown. Do you have info on that? Q2: I don't have soffits or facia board - just gutters attached directly to the rafter tails. I'm scratching my head how to attach the tracks. Any ideas/suggestions there would be appreciated (from anyone reading this :D). Thanks again for the awesome vid. It was presented in a way that gave me better confidence I can actually do this.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

I added a link to the power supply. It is probably overkill. Just added some more lights (total of 835), and maximum current is around 19A, and I have a 30A power supply. Not sure about the rafters, sorry. Hopefully someone else will have a suggestion. Thanks for watching!

[@JonathanRootD]

Regarding rafters attaching directly to the gutter, I had a few locations like this. It required attaching the track to the bottom of the rafters. If the rafters are angled you might have to use an ocelating saw and notching them level where you attach to the gutter.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Thanks for the comment!

[@MicahStewartcodes]

Looks great! What is your estimate on the lifespan of these lights? And is there a warranty?

[@pbolduc]

I think it really depends. You can occasionally get dead pixels, but with these kinds of lights, you cut out the dead pixel plus the one before it and splice in new ones. The new ones dont have to be exactly the same vendor. As long as they are same voltage and same "family" like WS2811. The reason for the one before, is you don't know if the pixel died or if the output from previous pixel died. I have had these kinds of lights up for 3 years and haven't had a problem.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

As LED style lights, and in a slightly protected track, I am quite hopeful for significant durability. I think Phil answered the other questions very well! I am not aware of any warranty. Thanks for watching!

[@MicahStewartcodes]

@@pbolduc thanks for the repair tip, I wasn't aware

[@SoundsFantastic]

Is permatrack metal or aluminum? And what Gauge thickness is it?

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

I'm not sure what they are made of. Sorry! They are quite sturdy and fairly thick. Thanks for watching!

[@grantwagner1381]

Awesome video. As a fellow Canuck, did you get hit up by customs for the permatrack? Why not go their LEDs?

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Thanks! The first batch of track I purchased (2 boxes) last year had a small customs fee that was COD (around $40). I just purchased another box for my garage door lights, and the fee was just the $200 USD and no custom fees. I already had the lights before I decided to buy the track. When I needed more lights, I just wanted to stick with the same brand. Let me know if you have any other questions, and thanks for watching!

[@grantwagner1381]

Appreciate the experience. I would love to order these….if they ever have stock lol. I’m pretty well prepared, and even have a dig quad sitting in my closet waiting…

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

I put my name on their email list earlier this month and was able to order some last week. You have to be quick to snap it up when it is in stock! I had to order some brown for the second batch, but since I paint it anyway, it didn't matter to me.

[@MotiveRust]

Whatever you do, don't look up XLights... that'll send you down a whole deep rabbit hole that i'm currently exploring myself with great fun :D

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Hahaha!! Thanks for the warning!! I wonder how successful I will be....

[@MotiveRust]

@@AnotherNerdyCanuck Tbf, it’s a great app to play with to make some great displays.. look up the XLights videos on here and you’ll see

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Ok. Will do!

[@bsmdotcom]

great video, keep up the awesome, and informative work.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Much appreciated!

[@LoneWolf-wn7pz]

is the site link for the digital uno legit. its in china?

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

They're is an American site and a China site. Both times I have ordered from China.

[@LoneWolf-wn7pz]

THANKS MAN! @@AnotherNerdyCanuck

[@jasminechong5510]

Hi are you here in Toronto, I’d love to have someone makes my house looks pretty like yours.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Sorry, just a DIY guy! Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching!

[@crdjeep123]

Do they come in beige?

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

From PermaTrack.us, they come in white, brown or black. Thanks for watching!

[@douglasdever6134]

Mine are permanent....at the local store.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

😂👍

[@jaredwilson6214]

Great video. What did you do to your UNO to be able to use the 2nd data line? I've got a second strand of lights hooked up to it and it won't respond to WLED

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

In the LED Preferences section, add another output in the Hardware Setup (click the PLUS button under your first GPIO. Add the second one (3 or 16), and that should work! When I hook up my garage door lights, I will include the setup of the second data line in that update video. Thanks for watching!

[@jaredwilson6214]

@@AnotherNerdyCanuck hmm. I don't see any "hardware setup" under LED Preferences.

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

What version of WLED are you using?

[@jaredwilson6214]

@@AnotherNerdyCanuck I just updated to most current version. Everything works now! Thanks. When will your garage lights video be up?

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Good news!! I hope to put them up next weekend and have the video out shortly after that.

[@jeneichler5682]

$1100 sounds like a deal

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

It is certainly less expensive than having a contractor do it for you! DIY for the win! :) Thanks for watching!

[@nowar458]

Nice voice

[@AnotherNerdyCanuck]

Thanks!