Making Stars (Best Lighting for the Job)

[Ralph A]

I have been looking for options to make several stars on top of my Mega Poles and Mega Trees for next year.  I think one of the best I've seen so far are these, You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login.
  I want to build each star with 4 or 5 stars each one getting larger as they move outward.   I would believe the best material would be the Rectangle Pixel Node: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login, but I have no idea what the size of each piece is?  Anyone know?

Another possible pixel would be the Flexible LED Strip
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 However I would have to do a lot of cutting and soldering, as with the rectangle pixel I would not have to do so.

What are the ideas out there that I have not seen, or if someone has done this before what is the best route in your opinion?

I have seen a video of some of the RGB pixels that David  Moore has used but I'm not sure how he controls his lights or where to find them.

Thanks for all the advice and help!!   Ralph

[taybrynn]

Those might be CLS stars ... not sure.  
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David makes most of his stuff out of coro and RGB ... so you might want to
check out You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login ... he has some new items
coming in March.

I wouldn't be talking about how David controls his stuff here, since it would
be confusing since this is the Lynx Smart String forum and his controllers
and power are different.

In general he uses a lot of those $8 DMX 3-ch controllers and some TP3244
pixel controllers from ACL.  He also uses a lot of inline 12v power injectors
and re-injects as needed.  His 2010 display walk-through shows a nice
overview of how he does it.  I think his tree star is just coro with 3 sets of stars
and probably used 3 (3ch DMX) controllers and 3 sets of rect. 5050 modules.
You could probably do the same with a single SSC and perhaps even put it at
the end of smart string, if you had enough power left.

But its totally different than using smart string hubs and smart string
controllers.  And his stuff is 4 wire common anode vs. 3 wire for this
smart string stuff.  He is not chip set dependant, SS are.

[Dennis Cherry]

Check out these stars, best on the market and powered coated too.

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[JimWright]

I am getting ready to make 3 dimensional stars this year. I did not want to use the ribbons (CCRs) because they are so directional. I think that the rectangle pixels would have the same issue. I want the full 3D effect. So I am going to try to use just the smart strings tied to a wire frame star. I think that should allow all sides to be seen from all directions. We will see what happens when I get my smart strings and get one of these put together. I will be interested to see how yours comes out.

[bcstuff]

Check out these stars, best on the market and powered coated too.

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Dennis, Thanks for the link!!!

I had measured out a 36" outer down to a 12" inner ( 4 start total ) and I thought I was going to have to build it myself...

Thanks for the great resource.

[therealbigjim]

I bought and used the 36" mini trees from 3g this year. They are 1/4" power coated steel and are heavy duty. The owner is very helpful and he will fill your order quickly.

[Ralph A]

WOW!!!  Dennis, That is a very good price for stares of that quality.  Thank You!  Now I don't have to make them.  Is the shipping a bit high?

[Ralph A]

Hey taybrynn,  Thanks for the info and on David's stuff.  I really like what I see here on DLA.  I am learning more about it and have some of the SS and SSC coming so I will see how they work but for the stars I'm still looking for the best way to light them.  That's why I was asking because I'm not very familiar with it.  Thanks again!!

[taybrynn]

Ouch, $25 shipping for one large exploding star.

Products look very nice.

[dmoore]

Hey taybrynn,  Thanks for the info and on David's stuff. 

Ralph -

The mega tree topper that Taybrynn referenced can be seen in this video starting at 5:35 You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login.  You can see what it looks like running here You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login starting at 5:30.  There were no pixels used, just 9 channels.  They are comprised of the $6 DMX controllers with basic RGB modules.  The total cost is less than 100$.  It is comprised of 3D coro with a 1/4" round bar backer to provide some strength and a tie point onto the top of the megatree.  It took maybe 3 hours to build.