FAQ'S

Why do we do this?

As a I was growing up I loved to do the Christmas lights. I would put them everywhere I could. My dad hated it cause he was the one always taking them down. We lived out in the country so it was only for a pleasure. I have always put lights up since owning my own home. I started in the computer controlled animation back in 07 when I started with the little light boxes that you could purchase at the big box stores. My mother has always loved Christmas and was her favorite holiday. They announced that they would be coming up and spending it with me here in Vancouver. So I new I had to do something big for my mom. I had this idea of building a 20ft pole with a star and string lights from it to make this lighted tree. I started my search online for idea's,  cause I know this had to be done before. I found a place where people are as passionate about decorating for the holidays called Planet Christmas and the rest is history thats how Magical lights came about.

How Many lights do you have?

I have just over 40,000 lights in the 09 show. I haven't calculated 2010 show yet. Will update that as soon as I have a final count.

Your electric bill must be high?

Actually its not. I see and increase of about 50.00. Since the lights are not constantly on all the time it cuts the electricity down considerable. I am also using energy effiecient LEDs also. I am trying to replace the incadsents each year. The high price of LED is still outrageous so I buy a little each year. This year the Mega tree is being converted to LED's.

How do you get the radio station to play your music?

I don't have my own radio station. I use a small fm transmitter that only puts out enough signal strength to reach the cars outside. That way I am still compliant with the FCC regulations for unlicensed transmissions.

How long does it take you to setup?

I usually start mid October with setting up the controller rack, and starting on the House roof. It takes me about a month to setup. This is a all year hobby so planning stages start shortly after the new year.  After the display is taken down I take a break for a couple of months and try not to think about it. Roughly around April I will l start the planning the for the coming year and start building new features for the display.

How does the lights blink to the music?

I use controllers from a company called Light O Rama.  I use both their software and hardware. The first year I started with 128 channels to control the lights then last year I had 256 channels. This year well I have a lot more, since now adding DMX to the network.

How much does this cost?

Well like any hobby we try not to look at it from that stand point. All hobby's cost money just matters how much you want to spend. I don't really have a exact cost but in the thousands with my display. I buy a little every year.