christmas lights

Hmm, I read a couple of the comments on that video. One person said something along the lines of "I think that guy got offered a job by NASA".

I doubt being able to program a sequence of lights qualifies you for NASA. Most Automation students do that by their first year :).
 
Using a plc on Christmas lights is pretty expensive but if you have some lying around like I did then it is okay. Just use standard ladder functions contacts and output coils, internal relays etc. be careful of the type of enclosure that use use. It needs to be rated for the environment you will be placing the equipment. I use sequencers to make some reindeer walk around the trees 4 or 5 of the lighted reindeer around a tree and fire them one after another with the sequencer or standard timers the a pause in one position and start over again just run it on a loop. I have a lot of the outdoor inflatable’s that I separated the light circuit from the motor circuit so I can turn the lights on and off to music or a speech story but the units stay inflated. I have several supply circuits running through contactors that I start at 6:00 pm and end at 11:30 or so. Turn these on with timed delay between each to minimize inrush current you can use the plc’s internal clock for this. I am using a plc 5 and some micrologix plc’s .best to use triac outputs as you will wear out relay outputs fast like this and you have timing issues sometimes when using relays depending on the effect you are trying to create . I have a Linksys wireless access point connecting the plc to the house if I want to make changes. I normally add something each year. Just start small and have fun. PM me if I can be of more help
 
DIY Xmas

I believe this is the kind of stuff most DIYers use to do that:

http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/

They have a beginners forum:
http://www.doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3818

And a getting started guide:
http://www.christmasinshirley.com/wiki/index.php?title=Beginners_Guide

It shouldn't be too awfully different than programming a PLC but you have to have a dedicated computer to run the program and an FM transmitter so passersby can pick up your music.

Cool stuff if you have a few hours to kill.

Archon
 
Goody said:
Any older members will remember I posted that very same link 3 years ago.

It isnt done with a plc but a sound to light unit
Click to expand...

Click on this link that will take you to a youtube video, It shows you a light show
that is synchronized to the music than it replays the music while you watch all of the PLC’s outputs that control the lights fire up. I’m not saying that you are wrong about the sound to light unit. But this guy has clearly used a PLC.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rz8XnWeK1N8
 
sparks32, how are you planning on syncing music with the plc?? How are you going to fade lights, cheaply with a PLC?? It is possible, but just plain silly when you can buy stuff way cheaper in comparison to a PLC, and it is a snap to program.
 

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