 
|
How it Works So how much stuff does the 2006 display use?
Computer This display is run by a 400 MHz Pentium computer. Yes, this is an old piece of junk, but it's all I need to run the display. The most important thing is it has an older ISA slot in it because I need it to run one of the Digital IO cards. The PC runs a custom-made lighting program that synchronizes the lights to a music track. This program then sends a signal to turn on, off or dim one of the channels on one of the 3 digital I/O controller cards. Controllers and Relay Stations The controller receives the signal from the computer which then, in turn, divides up the signal into 60 different digital channels in my display. Two of the cards are complete units where they have all of the required electronics to run the show. These units are capable of dimming the lights. The digital I/O card performs a slightly different task. This card has 48 channels which in turn sends a signal to a bank of Solid State Relays through a CAT5 cable. Solid State Relays (SSR's) The purpose of the Solid State Relays is to remotely turn on and off the Christmas lights safely. SSR's are basically electronic switches with no moving parts. The type I use have an extra safety feature built into them. They have a special optically isolated circuit that creates a physical air gap between the high power 120 volt from the low power 5 volt computer side. Basically, it works just like one of those night lights that turn on and off when the room gets dark. No moving parts and you don't need to touch it. The light does it all. Much safer when using in Canadian winters. These are used all over the place like traffic lights. Power Well, when you do this type of light display you need lots and lots of power. In 1995, I upgraded the breaker panel to a 200 amp service. I then took the old 125 amp breaker panel that was inside and moved to the outside to run the display. The lights are powered by this separate 125 amp breaker panel. In 1995, I used two panels - one 125 amp panel and a second 60 amp panel tapping off the main one. I needed this because I actually used more power that year. Since I started using LED lights, the power has dropped 30 amps so I don't need it in 2006. Within this main panel, I have installed 20 GFI receptacles. All the controllers scattered throughout the yard draw power from this main panel. See Safety section for more details. |
|