2001 was the first year we put up an animated (computer controlled)
display. All animated lights were by controlled 16 circuits via my
original parallel port
control box. This was also the first year for the new house!
The Layout
The
Star took its position in the window above the door.
Red rope lights was be run down the edge of the drive way. (Always on)
In the edge of the yard (left when facing the road) a "Merry
Christmas" sign sitting just off the ground at a 90 degree angle to the
road. The sign was about 1 foot tall and made of lights.
The bushes were be divided into three groups with each group being
wired across the main door. (ie, the two spiral bushes on each side of
the door were a group, and then the next couple of outer bushes to
each side of the door were another group, etc.) Each group could be
either red, blue, or green (or a mixture of the three). 3*3 = 9 circuits.
One circuit was configured to light up all white lights in the bushes.
White icicle lights were mounted in the gutters. These were on a
switchable circuit.
Each of the 5 windows on the top floor were outlined in rope light,
each on its own individual circuit.