Behind the scenes tour of the Johnson Christmas light show
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ค. 2024
- I created this video in response to numerous questions I have received regarding our Christmas Light Show, which you can see at www.johnsonlightshow.com. I start off with a basic yard tour of some of the elements, and then get into the details about how it is all put together. Towards the end, I go through all the technical details including the hardware, controllers, software, and networking. I have created the following index of video timestamps for specific topics within the video if you want to skip directly to what you are interested in rather than watch the whole video. I hope you enjoy it.
If you are interested in buying these and other light show products already built, please visit my new store Living Light Shows: www.livinglightshows.com. You can also see some demonstration videos here of the products: • Living Light Shows - P...
00:00 - Introduction to Behind the Scenes Tour
01:16 - Explanation on rails system used on hedges, brick, and roofline fascia board.
01:52 - Leaping light arches (If you are interested in how to build them, watch my how to video here: • Part 1: How to build a... )
02:21 - Pixel Trees: (If you are interested in how to build them, watch my how to video here: • Part 2: How to build a... )
02:53 - Pixel Matrix, Shutters, Brows, and Outlines (If you are interested in how to build a pixel matrix, watch my how to video here: • Part 3: How to build a... )
03:42 - Roofline rail system
04:28 - Outlines and vertical rails mounted on Brick
04:50 - FM Transmitter, Audio Mixer, Non-LED Light Controller (EDM Design w/RDS)
06:10 - Overview of Smart RGB Pixel lights and the different types used in my show (all are 12v WS2811 based pixels)
07:13 - Overview of Controllers (San Devices e682 pixel controllers)
09:02 - Tour of controller installation, Power supplies, and connections to pixels
09:56 - Overview of Show Player (Raspberry Pi running Falcon Pi Player FPP)
10:40 - Summary of Electronics, Software (Vixen 3), Storage, etc. and how it all interconnects
11:57 - Conclusion
I hope this answers many of the questions that you have and demystifies the whole process of setting up a Christmas light show. I have included part numbers and vendors where I purchased the items throughout the video in overlays.
If you are interested in building any of the elements you see in my lights show including the Pixel Arches, Pixel Trees, Matrix, Pixel Wreath, or Snowflakes, take a look at my How-To series here: • How to Build Decoratio...
I would have loved to see a video like this when I first started in 2013, it would have saved hours of frustration, confusion, researching as well as money spent on items that were unnecessary or obsolete. I will update this video description, the FAQ on my website, and the comments below to answer anything I may have missed.
Other Helpful Resources and Vendors:
1. Do It Yourself Christmas (DIYC) forum (www.doityourselfchristmas.com)
2. Falcon Christmas (www.falconchristmas.com)
3. Planet Christmas (www.planetchristmas.com)
4. Australian Christmas Lighting & Computer Animation Forum (www.auschristmaslighting.com)
5. Ray Wu store (www.aliexpress.com/store/701799)
6. Amazon (www.amazon.com)
7. Vixen 3 sequencing software (www.vixenlights.com)
I would love to hear your feedback, thanks for watching!
Visit my site for more information at: www.johnsonlightshow.com
Like us on Facebook: / johnsonlightshow
Matt Johnson
www.johnsonlightshow.com
2014 Contestant on ABC's "The Great Christmas Light Fight" - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
You put a lot more effort than I originally anticipated. Crafting, wiring, programming. Each one is a skill in itself.
It's amazing that you are willing to share this valuable information to the masses so that more people can be inspired from the awesome work you did on your house. Thanks for sharing the wealth!
You have inspired me to start building my own light show using some of your techniques. Thank you!
Every year my christmas has to include watching your show on youtube. I wish I was able to come watch in person. Thank you for what you do.
This was the most comprehensive video that i have found yet on what components are needed. Thank you!
I would just like to take the time to say thank you. Thank you!
Matt that was the best info on a product/production that I have seen in a long time.
You have inspired me to not only create a lighting show for my venue,
But I now know how to proceed with a few videos I've wanted to create.
Again thanks!
Matt, thank you very much for an extremely informative video! Great job, I know you put a lot of hours in on this project.
I remember the rasberry came out long ago and you showed how under-rated and powerful it is! Thanks for open sourcing and happy NY!
Greetings from Houston! You are a genius Mr. Johnson! Thanks for sharing.
Your light shows are amazing , thanks for sharing them as well as this info so we might create some of our own.
Wow, I am speechless. Very nice work.
Thank you for the behind the scene. That was very informative and just in time. I will be following your progress as you build up your light show.
super, thank you for all your hard work and sharing with all of us. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Matt, I want to thank you for sharing all of your hard work. I've been interested in using pixels in my display. (160 channels/LOR) and your videos explain and simplify everything to where a newbie can understand it. I feel I have the confidence to begin the process. Great job and thanks again.
Beautiful light show and wonderful video explanation of how this was accomplished. Thank you very much for sharing.
Great information thank you for putting this together for us DIYers!!! Have a great year!
Matt This is fantastic. Love it all !!!
amazing job Matt!!!
Hello Matt, thank you so much for sharing your design. Looks like something that I could do. Sounds way cool! Thanks again! Don
man...I really need to get onboard and get my rasberry pi up and running so I can run everything off of it!! So many variables, so much to do, so little time!! lol
Great setup and video!
Thanks for sharing. Your videos are the best for building my own show.
Can you do a video on the new top rail system above shingles and the ones on the hedges. Also what lights are on the top rail system. Thanks and Outstanding Work!!
Thanks so much for sharing this info For other people to enjoy that can't see your setup.
Thank you for sharing this valuable information. :)
thanks for sharing this insider's perspective!!!
Thank you very much! Extremely valuable information!
Thanks for the video!! You answered a lot of my questions. I would like to come see it personally someday!
Thanks Matt you where my inspiration to do a show this year. I went from nothing to 18K channels in one year.
Thats awesome! glad I could inspire you :-)
Very nice and kudos on sharing your knowledge!
Very nice work! I love the cleanliness and attention to detail. I would also like to see more of the rails you use
Here you go: doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?35968-Behind-the-Scenes-of-the-Johnson-Family-Light-Show-%28with-beginner-explanations%29&p=354736#post354736
Hi Matt, great show! can you show us the rails you made for the hedges and the roofline I love the look. I would really like to use something like it also can you explain the system i.e. defusors you mention for the roof. Thanks in advance.
Very nice job and great video :)
Fantastic Video!
Outstanding Matt...Thanks for the light show and your time used in explaining all of this. BTW - you wouldn't happen to have a complete schematic of your layout that you can share? NP if not. Great job.
When I get older I'm doing this. I love Christmas and it is not about presents
Awesome!
Hi Matt. Really have enjoyed the tutorials and how to videos. I appreciate the time it takes to set to create and stage a video, so thank you for helping us newbies get started and for sharing your work and ideas. Very well done! Would it be possible to see a video of how you connect/solder the different leds elements of the leaping arches, trees, etc to the controllers and to the raspberry pi? Again, thanks for the clear concise videos!
your wife must hate you for spending so much time on this. I love everything you did. you videos are very instructional.
thanks matt your setup is awesome.i like it
love it
hi matt great video just one question on the 2811 what kind of power cord do you use I going to go with the lor controller this year me and my 14 yearold daughter are ging to try it
Hello Matt, nice show and tutorials. I would love to do some of this lighting show next year in my house but I am wondering if you will provide more tutorials on how you connected multiple E682 to just one PI B+ and a tutorial of programming the PI for this kinda of show? Will look forward to your response and help. Thanks in advance
PS: I really loved your Matrix and the SMS text function.
nice work, thx 4 info
Hi Matt I am just starting out with this and your videos have really helped. Do you still recommend the San Devices e682 controllers? I plan on starting out simple with just outlining my house and going from there. Thank you
Do you have video showing how to program the LED from defining the universal to the simple show?
Like Michael I'd love to see more on this rail system, I do our church and it would be great to simplify this for next year when I add pixels around the roof and windows next year
Here is some close up photos of the rail system: doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?35968-Behind-the-Scenes-of-the-Johnson-Family-Light-Show-%28with-beginner-explanations%29&p=354736#post354736
what kind of hangers did you use for the lights? They look like they work well
Hey Matt. Do you have source info for the thermistor used in the power supply box?
Great videos. I'm very interested in knowing about the vertical and roof railing systems to see if I could utilize that at my house. I'm going more Pixels this next year so looking for any ideas possible. Thanks again for the tutorials.
Love your set up. Very clean. Could you please tell me what you used and how you made the rails for your roof line. Looks like something I would like to do on my home. Thanks
Matt, Do you remember what you used for a thermistor to switch the fan on? Thanks
Hi Matt, Where do you get your enclosures at?
Thx,
David
Thanks for the plethora of information. Would an Arduino microcontroller work in place of a Rasberry Pi?
How did you make your vertical rail, along with the other rails?
Very nice and clean lines, love it.
Hey Matt, great show. Two questions: What lights did you use for the rails on the roof, and how did you install the diffusers?
luv dis
well i am thoroughly enjoying the vixen software and am waiting for the pi's and i am going to use regular lights this year and use 8 channel relay modules. I am curious about how you are connecting all the controllers though? Can you elaborate on the communication process from pi to multiple controllers? Thanks
awesome nice and neat great job
Thank you for all of the videos Matt. Very helpful to a novice lights guy like myself. I was wondering how hot your power supplies actually get. By cutting a hole in your box for the cooling fan, do you have any problem with water getting in?
Had another question on the controller. Is there and in and out for the ethernet cable? How do you join all them together to the Pi?
Matt,
Could you tell me where you got your mounting brackets for your rail?
Thank you,
wow! yes!
Awesome show! What do you use around the bushes where it curves?
I love the show and your explanation of how things work. I have found almost everything except the outdoor enclosures you use for the power supplies and electronics. Did you find them online? If so, where? Thanks.
I've watched several of your videos but haven't seen any speakers for the music, in your yard or on your house? Is all the music transmitted by FM, so someone walking by your house hears nothing?
Are you a genius? Lol! This is brilliant!
amazing work sir. I am tossing around the Idea of buying the F16v2-2 or E682 what would your recommend to me. Thank you for your time
Matt, do you have any close ups pictures of the shutters. My house has shutters and is love to do this. It looks like you have a frame around them, but how'd you do the middle section?
Thanks.
Mr. Johnson I am starting my light show this year and I have to say thanks for the tutorials. I live in Oklahoma City and when I get going I would love to stay in contact with you for ideas and such. Thanks again.
How did you make the mounts on the roof line and up the corner of the house
Excellent video! Really enjoy your attention to detail. Please keep posting more. A tutorial on Vixen would be of great help.
Matt, Great videos and setup. I am just getting into this and learning a lot. How many channels are you running total?
i was thinkin about doing a light show thing also. i was thinkin about using arduino to switch some relays. input would be music, and each relay would correspond to a frequency range, lo, med and high, like a color organ.
The c9 bulbs you use, do they have a node inside?
Matt could you give more details on the rail you use above your roof line for hanging the pixels? how do you attach it to the roof so it can be removed and put back up each year? I also would like to know more about your rail attached to your brick. How do you attach it?
Excellent display Matt. I'm curious about the fan for the power supplies and the thermistor. How are you protecting the fan from the elements?
top job cob
Hi Matt, How do you connect the 6 controllers to one raspberry pi? Do you have a circuit diagram which you could share? I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Thanks.
Is there a way to have the controllers communicate wirelessly and if so would you recommend that
hi, Matt i love the show, question for you, how do you get the software vixen 3 on a micro sd card to use it on a raspberry pi.not on computer.
+jose20732000 Vixen 3 is installed on a normal PC, which is what the sequences are written in. You then export both the audio file (.mp3) and the sequence file (.fseq) to the micro SD card. The Pi runs Falcon Pi Player (FPP) which schedules and plays the sequences that are imported into it.
Can I get the detail architecture of your model how to connect them and how to control them easily
Hi Matt, how do you go from a Vixen Sequence to running on the Rasberry Pi? Also, do you use a switch between the Pi and your other controllers?
Great show, now you've got me hooked. Just a couple of questions if you don't mind. I'm just starting out with the Vixen software and I wasn't sure if the Nutcracker function is working in Vixen, or do I need to create that part of the sequence with the Nutcracker software and import it into Vixen. Also, have you found the need to add heat sinks to your Raspberry PI. Thanks for the great tutorials and all your help!
Thank you Matt for all your great videos. I was looking at sandevices.com and they now have a E6804. Would you recommend us using this if we are just starting?
Is the FM controller FCC Part 15 compliant? I only ask as EDM's website does not specify weather it is or not. Thanks
What is the length/quantity of pixels on one of your trees? By the way, what a inspiration for all your do it yourselfers at a economical price, Thank you.
wat kind of ligts do u use on the roof line
how to you make it so you can legally broadcast other peoples music for your light show are there any restrictions?
Where do you plug everything in? We've plugged in 3 plastic Santa figures we cover our windows decks doors and shrubs with Christmas lights we put light up window decorations and 3 inflatables and two light up wreaths and there's no where to plug anything in? Where do you guys plug in?
i love your show make more video
I want to build a MEGA ARCH using the design of Matt Johnson. But how many runs of the pixel strip can I run using a 300w power supply
Sorry all, I am new to certain aspects of RGB
10:54 You don't have a backup saved somewhere?
This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing the details behind your hard work. Great explanations, you make the entire process more accessible to the rest of us.
One question - just to clarify, you're using the one Pi to control all six of your e682's? I don't think I realized the Pi had enough horsepower to control that many devices to this level of precision. Amazing.
Thanks again!
+eewestcoaster The Pi simply sends out a bunch of commands over the network. These commands include the colour, time and intensity. The controllers then decode that information and control the lights, the show player (Pi) doesn't need much power at all
Hello friend congratulations on the amazing work you do. You can recommend me a software to make my own sequences. Thanks a lot.
are you using e1-31 or something else ?
I started out a few years back with just a basic Mr. Christmas display controller and when my friend went to a display more like yours with pixels I bought his animated lighting setup. I have 2 control boxes that are basically plug and play. they run on cat 5 wire so I'm wondering if I can start a pixel setup small and use those along side it while I build up my pixel setup. I like the ability to just plug in and go but I would like the option of creating my own music and create my own show. also how late does your show run? I'm going to be in Texas after Christmas til the first of the year and would like to come see it in person if the timing is right.
I would like to congratulate him for the good work and I wonder if you can send me a copy of the program that you used in raspberry.
+Matt Johnson
I've been interested in doing some light control for quite sometime, more just for something different than the typical house. What software is running on the Raspberry PI unit (Vixen 3?)? I've been tossing arduino and Raspberry Pi back and forth trying to decide. Leaning towards the Raspberry Pi as it would likely be easier to implement.
Very impressive set ups btw. I can see myself getting absorbed in to this, so maybe one day! lol
in using multiple controllers; are you using multiple pi's? i see only one ethernet port on the controller. how are they linked together?
Well done! pi tasktic