White, non-blinking lights are the only acceptable holiday lights. All others are exceedingly tacky and should be banned.
Ask HN: What are the best programmable holiday lights?
41–50 of 120 posts
Re: Ask HN: What are the best programmable holiday lights?
#42White, non-blinking lights are the only acceptable holiday lights. All others are exceedingly tacky and should be banned.
I didn't know you had Internet access up in the mountain, Mr Grinch.
Re: Ask HN: What are the best programmable holiday lights?
#43https://kno.wled.ge/ Many 'effects' already prepackaged. Plus the ability to schedule time based changes (on/off/change pattern/etc.). Includes a web server to provide "app like" control over a phone or PC. Also includes integrations for several "home control" systems and a http API for programmatic control from another system. Can even synchronize plural controllers into a whole 'net' (note, I've not used this featu…
The most plug-and-play WLED-compatible controller I've found is made by athom.tech and available on AliExpress https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1101393719 >. There are two versions based on the ESP32C3. One is powered by USB-C @ 5V, and the other has a barrel jack and passes through 5-24V to the lights, which is useful if you're using a higher-voltage strip like WS2813. I used to build my own controllers from ESP dev…
another plug-and-play pre-flashed with wled:
https://magwled.com/
you can find the controller on amazon comes with usb-c for 12v and 5v and currrently using it with some BTF-LIGHTING WS2812B fairy lights
Re: Ask HN: What are the best programmable holiday lights?
#44This is a huge space to get into. I’m on my fourth year doing an outdoor light show. My personal preference is 12v ws2811 bullet-style voltage-regulated nodes. They’re extendable, individual nodes on a strand are replaceable if you’re willing to do some cutting and crimping. I like the 12v because you can go for longer strands without losing colors from voltage drop. Regulated over a resistive voltage divider = less…
I'm sure you know but for others reading, 12v ws2811 are grouped in threes, so not individually addressable. 5v is, and when you're working at scale power injection isn't a huge deal as you'll be doing it anyway.
Always standardise your connectors. I'm a fan of the Ray Wu ones.
ESP/WLED driven is my preference, but the Falcon controllers are popular amongst people who are more DIY/woodworking oriented as they're much simpler to set up and not _heaps_ more expensive. Falcon Player/xlights is the standard software for designing/playback of your show regardless of hardware.
Coro props (corrugated plastic, corflute) are a cheap and effective way to stand out from the crowd. Animatronics, smoke etc are also an option when going more advanced.
It's a lot of work. You rarely want to start after October or order your goods after July. You are running a live production and things will go wrong. Good luck to anyone entering the space, it's very fun and expensive!
Re: Ask HN: What are the best programmable holiday lights?
#45Earlier quoted context omitted.
The most plug-and-play WLED-compatible controller I've found is made by athom.tech and available on AliExpress https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1101393719 >. There are two versions based on the ESP32C3. One is powered by USB-C @ 5V, and the other has a barrel jack and passes through 5-24V to the lights, which is useful if you're using a higher-voltage strip like WS2813. I used to build my own controllers from ESP dev…
I’m a fan of these guys: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHHZTGJR Power is passed through from either connector, so it’ll work on 5v or 12v strings. And it’s got two output channels. It’s only an ESP8266 inside, but that works fine for my needs. For a slightly more DIY approach, try this one: https://wiki.vdbx.io/product/flip_c3 Has everything you need to give it some sort of power and get the requisite data signal out.
The ESP8266 is no longer recommended for WLED due to its lack of resources
Re: Ask HN: What are the best programmable holiday lights?
#46Check out Twinkly. Little pricey, but if you can grab them on sale they're super cool.
Re: Ask HN: What are the best programmable holiday lights?
#47Earlier quoted context omitted.
I strongly suggest not buying any electronic components from Amazon, but 5VDC LED light strings should be OK. Do not roll the dice on the power supply, buy a UL listed one. If you buy some shitty Chinese PSU and it lights your house on fire, your homeowners insurance will deny the claim. This one puts out 30w @ 5VDC and is also UL listed: https://poliledsigns.com/shop/poli-5vdc-30w-waterproof-led-p... Even though it…
Do you have proof that claims are denied due to power supplies not rated correctly? That seems like fear mongering otherwise. Your insurance still covers your house even if you make mistakes on construction or repair yourself, I can’t imagine them denying a claim over a purchased part that you have a good faith reason to believe it will function correctly. Also why do you specifically call out Chinese parts as being…
I clarified in a sibling comment, I was incorrect about UL listing being required for homeowner’s insurance but UL listing (or testing by another nationally recognized test lab) is required to pass an inspection if you’re hardwiring a piece of equipment, and fires caused by unpermitted DIY electrical work are not covered by insurance.
Amazon does not have audited supply chains. The power supply I linked is sold by Sylvania, it has a warranty, and it’s UL listed, not sold on Amazon by Xfrtteg or Psygwist. You can have quality goods manufactured in China, it’s Amazon that I don’t trust.
Re: Ask HN: What are the best programmable holiday lights?
#48Earlier quoted context omitted.
I’m a fan of these guys: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHHZTGJR Power is passed through from either connector, so it’ll work on 5v or 12v strings. And it’s got two output channels. It’s only an ESP8266 inside, but that works fine for my needs. For a slightly more DIY approach, try this one: https://wiki.vdbx.io/product/flip_c3 Has everything you need to give it some sort of power and get the requisite data signal out.
The ESP8266 is no longer recommended for WLED due to its lack of resources
If you need the upgraded performance, you can pay a bit more and get the ESP32 equivalent: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D4Z4YG4H/
Personally, I've found the ESP8266 version adequate in the year I've owned it.
Re: Ask HN: What are the best programmable holiday lights?
#49If you ever want to go all out with a musical light show, I have some recommendations here: https://aluhrs.com/blog/holiday-lights-electronics/ For your specific question, Wally’s Lights is great, and like others have mentioned, something running WLED to control them is a great choice.
Is this the best choice if I wanted to wire the outside of entire house?
Re: Ask HN: What are the best programmable holiday lights?
#50https://kno.wled.ge/ Many 'effects' already prepackaged. Plus the ability to schedule time based changes (on/off/change pattern/etc.). Includes a web server to provide "app like" control over a phone or PC. Also includes integrations for several "home control" systems and a http API for programmatic control from another system. Can even synchronize plural controllers into a whole 'net' (note, I've not used this featu…
WLED is the clear answer here. I got a simple USB controller (usb just for power) so it can’t run a a massive strand of lights (at least at full brightness) but it was perfect to dip my toes in and try out. The Home Assistant integration works great as well.
[deleted]