New to the hobby, need help getting started

[ducebigalow]

Hi everyone,

I am very excited to get started in this hobby, but realistically think I am to late for this Christmas to do anything.  However, I saw a video from Canispater Christmas last night where I could get a pixel tester, lights, and a power supply for a quick and easy display this year.

I have received some advice from other people that a Falcon controller, lights, power supply is a good base to start, but I need to know a couple of things;

How do I get my power from the house (Canada) to the power supply?

How many lights can I run off one power supply/controller without having to inject more power?

Any suggestions, links, instructions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you
Shawn


 

[jnealand]

I have a 600 node matrix and a 240 node spinner all running off 1 power supply using a Picap.  All 12v nodes.

[babybear]

First, welcome. 
Welcome to xlights.  The questions you ask my sound simple but ask 10 of us and you will 10 different answers.  Power supplies.  Most have a switch to go from 110 to 220 all depending on your needs.  How many lights again all depends on the size of the power supply.  Controllers. I like the falcons.  What one all depends on what you are seeing in the future.  Buy for tomorrow not today as your display will grow. Ever year I start January 1 for next year's show.  Where does one start? The easiest thing to sequence is a mega tree.  All the effects work on it.  One could say biggest bang for your buck.  So once you decide on your first model then we can look at controllers, power supply, lights , wire  and how it all ties together. 

[ducebigalow]

Thanks baby bear,
As mentioned, I think I am to late to do much of anything this year.  However, I may look into getting the tester, lights, power supply, and just run a string of lights for now. 
I was just wondering how you get the 120v power from the house to the actual power supply (powering the lights).  Can you take a typical exterior extension cord, splice into it and connect it to the power supply, or to you need to get something specific?
When I get a controller I was looking at the Falcons.
thanks
Shawn

[babybear]

yes a power supply is just pluged into a normal outlet. But they don't come with the cord of course. I recommend going with 12 volt lights.  so one of the larger power supplies would be  12 volt dc 600 watt. I get mine off amazon.  I found running to small of a gauge cord does effect your lights. Here again every one is different. 90% of my equipment it mounter inside of the house. basement / garage / attic.   

[ducebigalow]

I saw a video last night (Leechburg Lights) and he was using computer power cords (from Amazon), cutting the ends off and connecting to his power supply's.  I was thinking of going 12volts too.  I could probably mount most of my stuff in a closet (not being used) which is on an outside wall. 
How many stands of lights could I get from one controller, power supply, without adding power? 
Thanks for the info.  At this point I am obtaining information so I can make the right decisions and take my time putting something together for next year.  I would like to be the first in my area to have something like this!!
Shawn
These verification letters are horrible.

[Gilrock]

These verification letters are horrible.

The forum thinks you're a bot since you didn't spell "deuce" correctly.

[ducebigalow]

Hmmmm.  well "Duce" is the correct spelling of my last name, so I can't do much about that.

[babybear]

Yes the computer cords are fine for the lower amp/watt power supplies.  Adding power hmmm let's start with no matter what size or number of pixels on any model I always power both ends.  There is a myth that power injecting is very difficult or scary. In truth it's nothing to be afraid of. Later I'll come up with some drawings of how it's done.  My mega tree is 3600 LEDs using only 6 outputs on my controller.  Power is supplied at each end and at the 300 mark of each output. Each output is 600 LEDs.  Plus no power going through the controller. 

[ducebigalow]

Can this be done with one power supply or do you need 2? 
I have been researching this hobby for weeks now, and I am still learning, but where I still get confused is the power and controller stuff.  If I am looking at a F16v3, how many lights can I run with it before I need another one.  I know it depends on the design too. 
I know power from the house goes to the power supply, then to the controller.  Do you run another link from the same power supply to "inject" into the design, or do you need another power supply? 
Or am I way off from what I have learned so far

[babybear]

I have been doing this for 4 years now and still everyday I learn more and more. 
Ok power supplies
 first you should not use more than 80% of one
 lets take a 600 watt unit that would be 480 watts
 my bullets use .3 watts per at 100% on white.
That means I could run 1600 LEDs safely.
I only run them at 50% (done through the controller).
Its not offen my tree is at all white.
I do have a meter on it with 3600 LEDs and on one 600 watt power supply
No Issues. never see it hit over 350 watts.
Keep this in mind    Watts = Amps x Volts

[ducebigalow]

Thanks Jimmy (babybear), I really appreciate the help and info.  So I think I should be safe (starting out) with a 350W power supply.  The front of my house is small (semi) which is about 20' wide.
After watching a number of videos from HolidayCoro, I don't think I need a Falcon F16V3 right now either.  I think it has 16 outputs (if I understand that correctly), and I can't see me using that right now.  Again, I don't think I am going to be able to start anything this year.
Thanks again for your help. 
Shawn

[babybear]

I understand not being able to start for this year But not going to a F16v3 you will be kicking yourself later. you will be surprised how fast you will burn up channels. I have a small yard also but still have over 18,000 lights.  the Differential Expansion and receiver board with the F16v3 will be an important part.

[jnealand]

Be careful about skipping the F16 - this is an addictive hobby and you will find more things to add every year.  I doubt that anyone buying an F16 has ever had buyers remorse, but those who bought small and hit the second year often wish they had not bought small.  I even find it useful to plan to have an extra couple of hundred pixels at the end of the year.  Gives me stuff to play with on new props as soon as the season is over as I think about new stuff for the following year.  As an old timer I also have learned it is usually wise to buy at least one more string than I had planned as colors sometimes slightly change from year to year.  Makes for a real pain when you need to replace a string and a new one does not match the old ones.

[Gilrock]

You should find a new website for help videos.