How long does it take to set-up and how many bulbs are there?

It takes about 2 weeks to set up as we now have everything down to a science at this point. We have a book that reminds us what color of strands go where, and how many. Also, everything now has labels and this helps tremendously. It's all organization that makes our lives easier.

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 In total we are currently running approx 36,000+ bulbs with about 9,100 of those being RGB smart pixels.

The programming alone has taken around 400+ hours using Light O Rama software.

There are around 106 Master Props, with approx 22,110 RGB channels running through 3 networks.

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  We begin by laying out all  of our electrical. This allows for us to test each strand as we hang up the lights. Once all of our "dumb" LEDs are hung, we then connect those to our two "dumb" AC Controllers. After we've set all of those up, we begin working on our RGB smart pixels. Once all of those are in place, we connect all of those to their controllers which there are 9 of. Lastly, we run our network cables. These are all hung overhead and then run under the house and into our control room to the computer.

 

 Why do I see the show run before the start date and at odd times?

Just like any other show, we have to do trial runs. Glitches do happen and we want to make sure things are running properly before we open to the public. We also do private showings for nursing homes, retirement homes, assisted living facilities, homes for people with disabilities and of course, for our friends and family. Know of a facility that would like a private showing? Please reach out to us and we will do our best to schedule something.

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How much is the electric bill?

Not as bad as you might think. It typically only goes up around $100+/-.  The lights flicker on and off to the music and are only ran for around a couple hours a night, plus they are all LED's.

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Why is the music out of sync with the lights?

Some car radios will buffer the music before they play.  When that happens, the music will be out of sync.

 

I can't get my headlights to turn off. Help!

This doesn't always work but it does work on many of the newer cars with running lights. With the vehicle on and in park, engage the emergency brake. This alone, sometimes turns off the lights. If not, then turn off the vehicle. Turn the vehicle back on with the emergency brake still engaged and then toggle your light switch to off. This should turn off running lights along with typical headlights. Please don't forget to turn your lights back on when in motion.

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How long have you been doing this?

Since 2020. With the pandemic going on and so many events canceled, we wanted to offer something for the community to do that would be safe and bring in the holiday spirit. This was just something we had always talked about doing and the pandemic lit a fire within us to bring our vision to life.

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How can I request a song for next year?

Go to the "Contact" section of the web page and make a request.  I'll think about it! :)

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How much did it cost?

I don't really know.  The lights we have, have accumulated over the years, so it is hard to give even a rough estimate. Every light on the actual house itself, we've had since about 2015. Then, in 2017, a store had accidentally mislabeled their Christmas lights at less than 50% their normal cost on Black Friday and honored their markdown; so we got a great deal on all our LED's! We literally wiped out the shelves at both the local store and the Santa Fe store that day. For the RGB smart pixels, we have slowly accumulated those throughout the last 4 years. Some of the props we have built ourselves while others we have bought kits for. Each year we seem to get new ideas and inspiration though, so it just all slowly piles up. Last year our mega tree star broke in the wind so this years new prop is an RGB star.

 

How can I donate?

Donations are appreciated but please don't feel that you have to donate.

All proceeds will go towards maintaining props, potential new props, replacement of strands or towards anything that has weathered or worn out.

 

Venmo- @LifeWater

 

Paypal- @LifeWaterLLC

 

CashApp- $LifeWaterLLC