mega tree..

[sirloinofbeef001]

This is going to be my first real Christmas show and I need input on the amount of channels and light totals and anything else you can offer for my first mega tree. I wanted to make it three tier with white over green over red..

[bcstuff]

I found this article helpful:
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Also check out the Mega Tree Calculator
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Finally PC has a pretty big section on Mega Trees.

Brian

[sirloinofbeef001]

Thanks.. Any other advice for a newbie?

[bcstuff]

Quit now while you still have money.

Just Kidding

Lots of info here on DLA if you just start reading and going through old posts.

Other excellent resources:
PC (Planet Christmas) has lots of great info on display construction.
DIYC (Do it yourself Christmas) has a wealth of information too.

Brian

[rrowan]

Thanks.. Any other advice for a newbie?

Start working on the structure of the Tree NOW
Make sure its well supported and tied to the ground (wire guides)

Software, pick a program, create a preview of what you are looking for. Start adding effects to see if you like the look of it. Keep changing the effects, store the effects you like and then add music to see how it looks. Add more items (house outline, arches, etc)

Don't except the first shot at sequencing to go well or fast. Even less so if you are a perfectionist

Cheers

Rick R.

[bcstuff]

Rick has a good point, planning in the beginning will save you ALOT of time and money.

[sirloinofbeef001]

My budget is busted like the US budget with a few less 0's..as for the tree, I'm sure I will probably erect a tower so big it'll be seen from new York..

[lineman]

here's one I built and used last year it had 16 channels it does not require guy wires, I live in FLA and we get some high winds at times and it nevered moved. HOPE THIS Helps

[sirloinofbeef001]

this seems to take all my time planning and designing this while thing..this time next year I may be decorating a dog house cause my wife is pulling her hair out with this stuff.

[bcstuff]

It only gets worse, get her involved and it reduces some of the pain.

[sirloinofbeef001]

I am considering a 20' tall (minus the star) mega tree.. I better use guide wires..And as for the wife, I showed her your response and you can imagine the response I got...

[bcstuff]

My significant other actually sequenced most of our songs, built most of the mini trees and helped hang lights.

I still get the "what did you order now" and "how much did you spend on that".

Just like any other addiction, not everyone enjoys it as much as you do.

Of course I always  like to jump in with both feet and apparently I collect hobbies.

[CB]

My wife is actually into it although I too get the "what did you buy now" all the time.  At times it seems the only way I can get her to talk to me.  However the coolest part is that my three kids are all over it.  My boys love making mini trees (I weld the ends of the tomato cage together and add the vertical ground stakes) and they add the lights and tage the male outlet ends.

The help test lights and move all of the storage bins around the yard.  Last year my 9 year old actually went up in the bucket with me to install all of the high elements.

They all begin to think I am nuts when it is time to review all of the sequences and animations for the coming season each August, but hey I can't help it until the methadone clinic for Blinkers opens up I am hosed.

CB

[sirloinofbeef001]

could someone send some pics of the built mini trees? I was trying to use some small 2.5' trees I bought but they look like crap..and let me know how many lights you put on each tree.. I am using green, white, and red..thanks

[CB]

When I get home tonight I will post some of my minis but essentially they are simple, tomato cages from the hardware store that I wrapped with chicken wire, then I laced together 3-50 count strings of lights and then simply wrapped them around the tree.  Here is a ling to where I for the idea.


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I added the chicken wire only because I liked the added places to secure my lights with tie wire.