| 3D Layouts Made Easy(er) |
Learn how to build a 3D model of your layout from scratch, how to place props correctly in your display, and how to make sure that the dimensions of your layout are as accurate as you need them to be.
Got issues with a sloped yard? Solved.
We'll even build a live 3D layout using the classroom - you can become a prop!
I will use an iPhone and a free app to build the model using LiDAR, then import it into xLights to create a color 3D model, then determine how to make it dimensionally accurate for your props. |
| 3D Modeling & Printing |
Designing and printing your own parts to use in your show can be intimidating and time consuming. In this two part class, we break down the process of creating useful contraptions that can help make your show easier to install and take down each year. We will go through the tools provided in Fusion 360 to create our very own part and then talk about manufacturing that part in our own home.
Once we have designed a product in part one of this class, we will focus on what's needed to print that product in part two. We will break down the available software and hardware in an easy to understand way so you can hit the ground running when you get back home.
If attending, you can follow along with us by downloading the following software for free. We will be referencing these in our presentation and hands on activities.
3D Modeling:
- Autodesk Fusion 360 (https://www.autodesk.com/products/fusion-360/personal-download)
Slicer Software:
- Prusa Slicer (Recommended for this class) (https://www.prusa3d.com/page/prusaslicer_424/#_ga=2.22199355.143749957.1678797282-1292736120.1663181241)
- Cura (https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura)
- Bambu Studio (https://bambulab.com/en/download) |
| 3D printing for holiday lighting |
3D printing is becoming more and more available to people who doesn’t consider themselves technical. This class will be an intro to 3D printing for lighting, materials, printers, setttings, where to find files. It will also discuss what the limitations are of 3d printing and where other processes should be considered, like cnc or laser cutting |
| AC Lights in a Pixel World |
Still want that old school AC lights feel in xLights? Need to mix them with your pixel show? Learn sequencing layouts and techniques for your lights. |
| Advanced xLights Features and Scripting |
Repetitive and mundane tasks have become easier in xLights with new features. With the addition and scripting, new importing and a search dialog, these tasks can be performed faster and easier. We will go over these new features and provide tips and tricks on how to use them. |
| Animation in xLights |
Learn how to use the tools available in xLights and the various file formats that work well to create animations and movement on mega trees and matrices. The class will also discuss some free and paid third party software that helps you tell your story in lights. |
| Audio Management using Audacity and Adobe Audition |
This class will teach you how to use Audacity and Adobe Audition to edit and manage your audio for your display, etc. |
| Crash Course into Home Automation and how A.I. saved me money in my display |
Artificial Intelligence is the hot topic and be all and end all right? Well, sorta. This year i used A.I. to automate my Christmas display and save me hundreds of dollars. I'll walk you through what I did, with just enough of a crash course to return home and try some home automation yourself. |
| Create a Complete Show! |
This is going to be different. I see it as a brainstorming session to help people think of song choices, song order, intros, outros, and. commercials/announcements. |
| Creating Singing Faces |
Learn how singing faces work in xLights and what it takes to create a matrix singing face. |
| Design and Create Matrix Singing Face Characters for xLights |
In this class, we will walk step-by-step through the process of creating a singing character image for use on a matrix panel. We'll be utilizing some basic images and modifying them using a free program, Microsoft Paint 3D. Prior editing skills are not necessary as we will walk through all the basics from creating to adapting with xLights. |
| Designing a show that can easily transition from Halloween to Christmas |
In this class I will show you how to design your layout and build your show to easily transition from Halloween to Christmas. I will go over tips and tricks that can help you tear down Halloween and set up Christmas as quick as possible, often in just a day or two. |
| Enlightened Networking |
Provide a basic understanding of networking terminology, IPv4 addressing, the OSI model layers, networking devices and tools. Then using this knowledge to design, implement and troubleshoot a light show network. |
| How to interface snow, bubble, fog, flame and cold spark machines as well as theatrical lighting and moving head lights to your show |
Special effects such as snow machines, bubble machines, fog machines, cold spark machines, flame machines and moving head lights can add tremendous impact to your show. Every time they turn on during our shows you can hear the squeals of delight from kids and adults alike (MOM, Look at the Bubbles !!!, It's Snowing !!!). This session will walk you through the wiring, setup and how to control these effects using the DMX512 protocol. In addition, we'll quickly go over an alternate option to hard wire them to controllers. We will discuss multiple approaches to integrate these machines into your show and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Both Light-o-rama and xLights setups will be discussed. The session will also provide tips on wiring, configuration, keeping your electric bill from skyrocking, testing and common problems encountered when tying these props into your light shows |
| Incorporating video projection into your show |
Adding video video projection into your show can dramatically deepen the emotional impact for your audience. Combining music, lighting and video together, allows us to better tell our story. This provides a much more immersive and moving experience than can be achieved by using music and lights alone.
In this seminar we will explore the use of video including non synchronized effects (Santa in a window), projection mapping (snowman form, pumpkins, Santa form, whole house) and projecting synchronized images on garage doors, front and rear projection materials. We will review how to select a projector for each type of application and how to set it up and program it in both xLights and Light-O-Rama. In addition, we will discuss how to build a low cost outdoor enclosure, and using both inexpensive and moderately priced front and rear projection materials.
A list of vendors for video source material will be provided. We will discuss using video, animated GIFs and static images in matrices and virtual matrices. |
| Introduction to AI tools |
This class will introduce you to the world of AI tools and their applications. We will cover the basics of AI, and then delve into popular AI tools such as ChatGPT, MidJourney and others. Participants will learn how these tools can be used to build and train AI models for various use cases, including image, audio, and language processing. We will also touch on a discussion on the limitations and ethical considerations of AI and its tools. This class is ideal for anyone who is new to AI and wants to learn about the various tools available. |
| Lost in the Lingo? Jargon definitions for beginners. |
Confused by some of the terminology? Frustrated that you don't understand what is being discussed? This class will provide the definitions and applications for terms you will run into in this hobby. Starting with basic AC lighting terms step-by-step up to RGB and pixel terms comparing AC/DC, Smart and Dumb, etc. Class will include examples for hands-on learners. This class will be taught from an LOR perspective but is applicable to XLights users as well. |
| Master View Management |
The class will discuss creating a separate Master View to use when sequencing and how to organize your groups and props in the Master View. In addition, it will cover setting up multiple views for importing sequences from different vendors or sources. |
| Music Editing…because NOBODY wants to listen to “Let It Go” for 3:45 |
Learn the basics to cut down songs to keep your show’s energy level high. |
| Pixel Stakes Cube Vs. Free Standing |
Learn Pixel Stake/Pole modeling and sequencing using two methods: Cube Model and Free-Standing Groups. Class will show some of the differences in using each type along with some of the better effects for these props. |
| Ron Howard Sequences Live |
This will be an interactive and fun class where you, the audience, gets to decide xLights effects for Ron Howard to use in a new sequence. The pressure is on, and without help it could be an epic failure. Enjoy Ron sweating it out in front of a jury of his lighting peers as he struggles to complete a sequence worthy of being called xTreme. |
| Shader Madness Unleashed |
xLights offers many effects but one of my most unique effects are Shaders. By themselves they are nifty and anyone can apply them, but so many miss the opportunity to unleash their full potential by incorporating other effects. I will show you how to bring out the madness of xLights Shader effects. |
| The Power of Value Curves - Advanced xLights |
Add that wow factor to your sequences by unleashing the power of value curves in xLights. Learn the many options xLights provides with value curves to make your sequences pop to the music. The class will highlight the many uses of value curves, from the basic built-in functions to custom curves designed to timing marks. You will walk away with a better understanding of the power and uses of value curves that you can immediately incorporate into your sequences. |
| Using CAD/CAM for holiday light shows |
How to use CAD/CAM to design props and parts for holiday light shows. To include props and mounts |
| xLights in Motion |
See how to sequence servos and lights together in xLights to bring motion to your light show. |
| xLights Singing Faces 101 |
How to use singing faces in xLIghts all the basics. |
