


This DIY method is cheaper than store-bought versions and is a great way to get custom length extension cords.įor audio, most people will connect an FM transmitter or speakers to the audio out port of the PC. Making your own extension cords is easy using vampire plugs and SPT wire.
#Free light o rama christmas sequences plus
This solution requires large amounts of extension cords (one per channel, plus for the controllers themselves). So, one channel may be the lights around a window, another channel may control the lights on a wreath, etc. Light-O-Rama CTB16PC light controller.Ī string of lights plugged into the channel will be turned on and off based on the programming in the sequence. Each of these plugs represents an individually controlled channel in the display.įIGURE 2. The CTB16PC has 16 channels represented by 16 AC plugs coming out the bottom. The controller will plug into a power source and provide power to individual channels. These can be bought in kit form or fully assembled, and there are commercial grade versions, as well. The most common is the CTB16PC (shown with its case open in Figure 2).

Light-O-Rama has a wide variety of light controllers. The controllers connect to the RS-485 converter using a CAT5 cable, and then can be daisy-chained to each other using CAT5 cables.
#Free light o rama christmas sequences Pc
The PC connects via an RS-485 converter (USB-to-serial) to a network of Light-O-Rama controllers. mp3) and commands that are sent to the light controllers to turn the light channels on and off based on timings. The computer runs scheduled shows each show contains sequences, and each sequence includes a song (.wav or. Typical light display configuration using Light-O-Rama controllers. Each channel is an individually controlled element in the display.įIGURE 1. The general concept of the light display is that you have a PC at the heart of the system that sends out signals to light controllers to turn channels on and off so the lights blink on and off as programmed in the sequence. Basic System Overviewįrom a system level, there are several components that make up a Light-O-Rama setup. I will also show how Light-O-Rama is compatible with different brands, allowing you to mix in other products so your light show can grow in scale and complexity. I initially chose the Light-O-Rama solution because this hobby can be very complex, and Light-O-Rama provides a straightforward approach to synchronizing lights that got me up and running in a short amount of time. In this article, I will be focusing on Light-O-Rama products, which is what I got started with.
