Behind the Scenes
Below you will find some behind the scenes information and pictures that help demonstrate how the display works.
The software -
Aurora Sequencer - This program is what allows you to sync the lights to the music. It shows you the song at the top, in graphical form, and you tell it when to turn a specific channel of lights on. You can do almost any type of effect with the lights, such as fades, intensity, shimmers, twinkles, etc.
Click image for larger picture
The hardware -
Light-O-Rama's 16 Channel Controller -The controller is what takes the commands from the computer and translates them into signals that tell the lights to turn on, off, fade, etc. Each controller controls up to 16 channels of lights, and they all are daisy chained together.
The wiring -
A few miles of extension cords are used to power all of the lights. Some light sets are 100 feet away from the controllers, which reside in the garage. You can see the cords in the pictures below, as well as the power outlets that were added specifically for the Christmas show. 2 were added for the 2007 show, and an additional 6 were added for the 2008 show.
Power on right, Controllers on Left
Extension cords
Cords running across porch
Cords running out the garage
House without lights
Cords from roof running down back or porch pillar
The front yard
Base of the "light tree"