Part 3: How to build a Pixel Matrix/Pixel Grid for an outdoor Christmas light show

If you are interested in buying these and other light show products already built, please visit my new store Living Light Shows: http://www.livinglightshows.com. You can also see some demonstration videos here of the products: https://youtu.be/YZ7m2F4bjH0?list=PLOp9Tx63j4ohTbZJ2050ZdmRUHKHe0gz2

Here are some facts about the Matrix in this video since they are likely the most common questions:

1. The Matrix is 70” wide and about 60” tall.
2. The pixel spacing is 2” horizontally and vertically. I found this spacing to be sufficient for a viewing distance of about 50 feet which is the distance from the windows to the street.
3. There are 30 rows with 34 pixels each row.
4. The Pixel Matrix is wired in a zig-zag pattern
5. There are 5 rows per string. 6 strings total. This means it uses 6 outputs on my SanDevices e682 Pixel Controller. This works out perfectly because it is 170 pixels per output which is 512 channels (or one universe exactly) which makes things simple and easy to configure.
6. Each string is powered from both ends to ensure uniform brightness in all spots on the matrix.

For frequently asked questions and more video's on my light show, visit my website at http://www.johnsonlightshow.com

Have you been watching ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight or browsing videos on YouTube of Christmas Light shows or displays that are synchronized to music and wondered how you can do that to your house? This video is part of a five video series that I created based on emails I have received from others who have watched my lightshow and are interested in the elements, the technology, and how a person can get started with their own DIY Christmas display. I have attempted to show a basic overview of building elements for your own light show on a budget and with readily available materials from Home Depot, Lowes, Hobby Lobby, or other stores.

This video series includes the following:

Part 1: How to build a Leaping Arch for an outdoor Christmas light show

Part 2: How to build a Pixel Tree for an outdoor Christmas light show

Part 3: How to build a Pixel Matrix/Pixel Grid for an outdoor Christmas light show

Part 4: How to build a Pixel Wreath for an outdoor Christmas light show

Part 5: How to build a Pixel Snowflake for an outdoor Christmas light show

Click here to see all the HOW-TO videos in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOp9Tx63j4ojLndg_GsMVdVZSh_ALLiDf

If you plan to use these elements with Pixel LED lights then you will need a controller, sequencing software, and a show player. For my Christmas Light Show (www.johnsonlightshow.com) I used the SanDevices e682 pixel controller with a Raspberry Pi running the Falcon Pi Player (FPP) software that is freely available through Falcon Christmas (www.falconchristmas.com) or Github for the show player.

For sequencing the show (i.e., Programming the different effects the lights will do) there are many available options in software, some are commercial and some are open source or free. My preferred software is called Vixen 3. Other popular options include Light-O-Rama (also known as Lightorama, Light o rama, or LOR), Light Show Pro, Madrix, Hinkle’s Lighting Sequencer (HLS), Nutcracker, and more.

For your soundtrack you can either create something custom (I used a free program called Audacity) or you can simply download an MP3 or WAV file of music you like and import it into your sequencing software.

In order to have a great looking show you do not need to spend a lot of money. The largest cost is the RGB pixels that can be purchased direct from China through vendors like Ray Wu on Aliexpress for as low as $0.19 each. In addition, you can scale your show so you can start out small and grow as your budget grows.

The Pixels I use in my show are all 12vdc WS2811 pixels.

Other great resources for getting started and learning more Christmas Lights, Displays, and Light Shows, are listed below:

- DIYC forum (www.doityourselfchristmas.com)
- Falcon Christmas (www.falconchristmas.com)
- Planet Christmas (www.planetchristmas.com)
- Australian Christmas Lighting & Computer Animation Forum (www.auschristmaslighting.com)

Good Luck!

Visit my site for more information at: http://www.johnsonlightshow.com

Like us on Facebook: http://facebook.com/johnsonlightshow

Matt Johnson
www.johnsonlightshow.com
2014 Contestant on ABC's "The Great Christmas Light Fight"

Видео Part 3: How to build a Pixel Matrix/Pixel Grid for an outdoor Christmas light show канала Living Light Shows