How to Install Outdoor Musical Christmas Lights
If large, outdoor musical Christmas light displays have inspired you to create your own version, you can have a mini display of this spectacle right in your own yard. Using a few basic supplies, and a good amount of time, you can set up a musical light show that will make cars want to stop. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Strings of lights
- Gutter hooks
- Stakes
- Additional light set-up materials as needed
- Control board or musical plug set-up
- Programming software (optional)
Instructions
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Preparations
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1
Decide on a layout for your yard. Plan where you want to put lights and display pieces. Purchase the lights, extension cords, stakes, gutter hooks and other equipment you need to make it work and stay in place.
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2
Choose how many groups of flashing lights you want. These groups of lights are called "channels." The most basic displays have about six, while the largest have several hundred. Many small groups of channels are easier for onlookers to absorb. The eye will be more pleased by single bushes flashing at different times than your entire outdoor foliage flashing at once, so keep this in mind when choosing your layout.
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3
Purchase a control system. It's possible to purchase a simple system that plays music on its own and has six to eight electrical plugs, such as the Mr. Christmas Lights and Sounds of Christmas plug system. These self-contained systems can generally be found for around $100 and require little work for you. For a small display of musical lights, these are the cheapest and easiest option. Alternatively, large displays, or many more groups of lights, will require a control board. Many of these systems are purchased on a per-channel basis, running upwards of $25 a channel.
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Purchase software to program the display if necessary. If you have purchased a full control board, it needs to be programmed using a computer software. There are many programs to choose from, and the process for programming depends on the instructions included with the one you purchase. Light-O-Rama is one of the largest producers of these programs. Choose the music you wish to use and lay out a plan of which channels will flash at given times.
Setup
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Give yourself plenty of time to get your lights set up before you want the show to run. If you're planning a large show, it may take several days to get all of the display materials up. You'll need time following the set-up to test or program your show, so be sure to allow for this.
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Test the lights. If you're using a self-contained plug system, simply plug in the lights and give it a run. If using a control board, you will have to program your show using the program you purchased.
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Set up a sound source. A product like the Lights and Sounds of Christmas has its own sound source. If you're using a control board, use speakers of your own, but be sure that they are safely protected from the elements and that it won't disturb your neighbors. Many light displays use an FM frequency, but be sure to place a sign up in your yard letting people know what station to turn to.
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Tips & Warnings
Be wary of the potential to annoy or disturb the neighbors around you. Set the hours of the display and be open about your plans with your neighbors.
Consider the traffic issues that could be caused by your display. If you're located on a main road, be sure to allow room for parking.
Always follow regulations in terms of outdoor electric usage. Use GFI certified outlets and check with your local authorities about the safest way to set up your display.
