Controllers

Photo By: Robert Syms – www.SymsPhotography.com


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Controllers

OVERVIEW OF OPERATION:
Each string of lights is individually powered by an electronic "controller" box. Nine controllers power 16 light circuits for each one (a total of 144 separate lighting circuits running simultaneously.) A software program sends signals from the computer to all controllers through a dedicated high frequency wireless network. Since control signals are received wirelessly, controllers only needs to be plugged into a 110 volt AC outlet. Each lighting circuit can be turned on, off, or set to any level of dimming or brightness at a resolution to within 10 thousands of a second. Lights are synchronized to music by the same software program that controls the lights. This allows lighting patterns to be identical for each show. Attendees can listen to the music through their car FM radio. This reduces disturbances to the neighbors by not playing music outside. Our private FM radio transmitter is connected to the computer and broadcasts music to any radio within 1/2 mile around the home. Click on any image on the right side to see a larger detailed view.

8-CHANNEL LIGHT CONTROLLER
The box shown here is an 8-channel controller used on a neighbor house. On our home, I use larger units that control 16 channels in one box. In this photo you see the cover removed which shows the circuit board. Eight separate 110 VAC circuits extend out of the bottom. Each circuit can control up to 10 strings of lights although I usually only connect one string to each circuit. The small black box to the right is the wireless receiver connected to the controller that accepts control signals from a computer in the home. Each controller has an electronic identification number so it knows which control signals are intended for it when signals are sent from the computer.

CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD
To the right is a closer view of the internal electronics for the 8-channel controller. The blue network cable shown plugged into the top of the circuit board is attached to the external wireless signal receiver. The box is weather resistant and made of heavy gauge steel, so as long as it is mounted off the ground, it is safe from rain. I seal all external electrical connections against moisture intrusion.