How to Build a High Density Mini Tree Using LED Seed Lights
In this tutorial, I will show you how to build a high density mini tree using LED seed or “pebble” lights and how to setup in xLights with a working demo
Watch Next: • Build Your Own Props
Each of my mini trees is 32 strands with 28 pixels each strand for a total of 896 pixels and if you add 50 more pixels for the star, you have a total of 946 pixels. That’s what I call “high density”.
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Complete Parts List for 1 High Density Mini Tree:
(1) Pixel Paradise - BabyGoat Topper
(1) Pixel Paradise - BabyGoat Base
(1) Pixel Paradise - Seed PixelStar - Optional
(32) Pixel Paradise - Universal Seed Pixel Clips (sold 10 per pack)
(1) Pipe - 1/2” EMT - 5ft Long
(1) Medal rebar - 3/8” diameter, 3’ to 4’ long
(1) 18” to 20” Hobby wreath ring - Hobby Lobby 20”
(4-8) Steel tent stakes, 10” long
(32) 4” cable ties - to attach seed pixels (black or white)
(2) 6” cable ties - to attach star to EMT pipe (black or white) - Optional
(1) Hose Clamp that will fit around 1/2” EMT pipe - Optional but recommended
(1) 4.5 ft - 3 conductor wire - used to connect the optional star to the last strand of seed pixels - Optional
(1) 896 seed pixels or 946 seed pixels with star @ 2” spacing (5cm or 50 mm)
(2) Pig tail connector of your choice (may need more if you split pixels over more than two ports)
(2) Power injection connectors of your choice (may need more if you power injection over than two places)
xlight Settings
Here are a few settings for the mini tree model:
The “Type” is set to Round.
The “Degrees” is set to 360.
The “Bottom to Top Ratio” is set to 10.
The “Perspective” is set to 2.
The “Strand Direction” is set to Vertical.
Since I used two strands of 448 pixels the “number of Strings” is set to 2 and the number of nodes per string is set to 448 and the “Strand Per String” is set to 16.
If you used 4 strands of 224 pixels, you would set the “number of Strings” is set to 4 and the number of nodes per string is set to 224 and the “Strand Per String” is set to 8.
The final setting is the “Starting Location” is set to “Bottom Right”.
Here are a few settings for the optional Pixel Paradise - Seed PixelStar model:
The number of “Nodes Per String” is set to 50.
The number of points is set to 5.
The “Starting Location” is set to top center, counter clock-wise.
The “Layers” is set to 2.
Expand the “Layers” to set each layer value.
The “inside” layer is set to 20.
The “outside” layer is set to 30.
Controller Settings
Any controller or remote (smart/dumb) with 2 outputs (WS2811) can be used to drive the high density tree.
Power Supply
I used a standard 12V - 350W - Meanwell for the power supply for this project. Any power supply that is the correct voltage (5V or 12V - depending on your seed pixels) and has sufficient power (wattage) will work.
MY FEEDBACK
I build two of these high density mini trees for my display last year. These were my 1st 360 degree props in my show. I was impressed to see how different effects and transitions looked on a 360 degree high density prop. The effects have more definition and transitions are much more visible. It is hard to explain without seeing these props in action.
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LINKS:
xLights
https://xlights.org/
Pixel Paradise
https://pixelparadiseusa.com/product/...
Timecodes:
0:00 - Start
0:01 - Intro
0:10 - Background Info
1:55 - What is High Density?
2:15 - Parts Needed
3:38 - Tip - Test Seed Pixels
4:22 - Build Mini Tree
4:46 - Pixel Strands
5:12 - Tip - Mark Seed Pixel w Tape
5:43 - Attach Clips to Wreath Ring
6:01 - Base
6:10 - Topper
6:56 - Attach Pixel Strands
7:47 - Config in xLights
7:56 - Mini Tree Model
8:46 - Star Model
9:14 - Working Demo
10:26 - Conclusion
11:09 - Recap of Tips
11:54 - Please Subscribe
#DIDCompetition2024