Behind The Scenes - 2022 Christmas light show

Today in this video, I show the entire behind-the-scenes of the 2022 Christmas Light Show at Bridgeport's Brightest Lights. I also explain how some of the components work and give tips for your own show. Use the timestamps below to skip to the part of the video you want to see. Thanks for watching!

EXTRA STATS I MISSED IN THE VIDEO:
Number of pixels in the show: 4,369
Number of AC amps used: around 5 - 6, but that's including the tune to sign that takes a lot of power
Height of megatree: 12 ft without star, ~15ft with star

If I missed anything else or you want to know anything else, please leave a comment!

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:23 - Main controllers/computers
11:18 - Projector box setup
13:16 - Main controller lights
14:49 - The yard controller box
15:37 - Yard lights
18:10 - The megatree
24:04 - The roof controller box and lights
29:54 - Finishing up

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[HowPixel]

I guess one thing you can take from this video is that our entire display is snowproof 😂

[ericland]

This will be my first year and this is the best walk through video I've seen yet. Well done!

[PKCubed]

I really recommend putting a tin roof on your projector box at a slight angle. It really helps with both snow and rain.

[rogermitchell]

One nit to pick - the ports on the F16V expansion chassis are differential signal ports- in other words RS485 serial data. They are NOT Ethernet and plugging a cable going to an Ethernet port into them could damage both the expansion chassis and the Ethernet port on the device. I use the F48V2 board with 10 smart receivers for my current show (although I don't yet have as many props as you - coming soon as they say). And thanks for the advice on the Soundblaster - I didn't even think of using one (and my audio was so bad I redid my show to be silent).

[santanaman]

Awesome video with some info I needed.... There is no such mess when always doing DIY stuff.

[nathprojects]

I glad I'm not the only one using HP sever power supplies to run my show!

[Matt-opdm]

Great Job. I find your videos very useful and you have become very good at presentation. Thank You.

[Wickate]

Impressive - you speak very intelligently and with a lot of knowledge about the system; you can impart the important things very succinctly which I appreciate. Well done - wishing you the best

[andrewborkowicz]

For your projector box, why not put your air intake and exhaust holes on the bottom. So that way there's no way snow or rain or water can get inside the enclosure

[Warhawk]

Gosuna- the brand of your smart plugs. Pronounced “go soonah” like “go sooner” but with your accent it’ll be perfect :)

[dmurdaugh]

great informational video. thank you for sharing your knowledge. when you get time I would love for you to do a video showing how to power inject. I have watched some on YouTube but they are just not that simple to understand.

[andrewmcquerry]

Great overview. Thanks for sharing. I'm taking your advice for the SoundBlaster Play 3 as the mini PC I purchased to run the show has a dead 3.5mm port.

[michelealdworth]

Hi there. Thank you for explaining the wiring to these mega light displays. I often wonder how it is put together. Now some questions: Do you have a degree in electronics or some sort of advance electrical technology? How long does it take to configure the set up? Do you do it all yourself or do you have help? Do you have to have a permit for such an elaborate setup? What made you want to make such an awesome display? Would you change the setup in the future if you get board with the current one? I hope you can answer the questions I asked. I love Christmas and the lights that people put on their houses. It makes winter a bit easier to get through. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay safe out there. Take care and God bless ( edited for spelling)

[cjramseyer]

There is a single wire coming to that junction box, so there is no way that one outlet on the left is on its own circuit, as you describe in the video

[blakepace]

Great breakdown of parts, thank you!
My only request would be a bit more detailed parts list, along with current prices at the time you make the video. That will help me, a total beginner, plan how much of my Social Security will go to my newly discovered hobby. Thanks again!

[adamcoffee]

The audio output from the Raspberry Pi's is terrible, definitely have to go with the sound blaster 3 or X G1 which is what I use in my show 👌
How many pixels total are in your show?
I'd also suggest perhaps removing the DIY mod on your DMX transmitter or you could void the warranty

[staciarupp]

Can you just come do mine for me?😂 This seems to be so much 😩

[TheBrettisag]

Great video why don't you guys consider running outlets outside so that way it's underground wire. And you can run all the ethernet in cundit so it's not visible. If this is somthing you plan on doing every year them it might be worth it. You can also do all waterproof enclosures then run all the wires and all you need to do is put your hardware out and lights and you are all set.

[alexdelarosa]

Hey thanks for the great videos, question how do you program the raspberry pi 4, do they come already program for the lights ? or you have to program it your self, thanks again

[ToCool-kdcj]

Umm why don’t you just get rid of the bracelets!!😂😂😂

If I was your neighbors I would be pissed that I had to ask for permission to leave my house!!! 😂😂😂