The Lights On Townley

Frequently Asked Questions

Q	How do you get the lights to dance in beat with the music?
A	We use Light-O-Rama light controllers and computer software to create the show. The software is used to program the sequences to our own Christmas music. This sequence information along with the music mp3 files are then transferred to an SD memory card which is inserted into the Light-O-Rama MP3 Show Director. The Director unit plays back the music and "instructs" all of the networked light controllers when they should turn their circuits on and off.
Q	How do you get your music on the radio?
A	We have our own FM radio transmitter. It operates at very low power and therefore by the time you reach the end of the block, the signal is pretty much lost. But with your radio tuned in while you are sitting in front of the house, the signal is excellent.
Q	How much is your electric bill?
A	Our electric bill during the month of December only goes up about $20 over what it would be without running the light show. The reason it is that low is two fold: First, roughly 96% of our lights are LEDs which consume only 1/10th the energy of conventional incandescent lights. If everything was on at the same time, we would be pulling less about 17 amps, consuming about 1650 watts. Second, having a light show means that the lights are constantly blinking. Very rarely are all the lights on at the same time. Anytime a light is off, it isn't consuming any electricity.
Q	How do you get the video in the windows?
A	We have a video projector in each of the rooms projecting their images onto wax paper affixed to the windows. Each video projector is a Shift3 XL-90 Entertainment Projector, a cheap low-resolution projector operating with only a 50 watt halogen bulb. A computer synchronized to the light show is supplying the video clips to the projectors.
Q	What is that sign with the bar code in your yard?
A	If you have a smart phone such as the iPhone or an Android, you can scan the QR Code with your phone's camera which will instantly take you to the mobile version of our website.
Q	How long does it take to set up?
A	Generally I spend a few evenings per week from late October to mid November. My brother helps me with a couple things while he is in town. I would estimate the complete set up requires a total of roughly 40 hours.
Q	How do you store all this stuff?
A	Quite easily... I just put it in my storage room. Extension cords and loose light strings are stored in a few 15 gallon plastic storage tubs. The Mini Trees stack together. The yard perimeter mini fence folds up. The Mega Tree REALLY DOES come apart and returns to being a basketball hoop! All of this stuff easily fits in an 8ft x 5ft area.

Last update: December 18, 2011