| Clearwater Lights |
Display Details and Frequently Asked Questions
How many lights are there?
The total bulb count for 2011 is close to 60,000. It's nearly a 50/50 split between
incandescents and LEDs.
How much electric power does the display consume?
If all the lights were on at the same time, which never occurs - the display would pull
about 120 amps total. The average amount that's actually being consumed most of the
time is a lot closer to 20 amps.
How much does it cost to light?
In 2010 it added less than $50 to the electric bill. With more lights this year we're
expecting it could go all the way up to $53 maybe. If you've seen the display that might
seem surprisingly low. But when you take a closer look, you'll see that most of the lights
spend the overwhelming majority of their time off.
How are the lights controlled?
Every set of lights in the yard is computer controlled down to 1/100th of a second. The
controllers and sequencing software comes from a company called LightORama (www.
lightorama.com). In 2011 there are almost 500 "regular" channels, plus 3 Cosmic Color
Ribbons which have 50 channels each.
Can it be seen from space?
Since no one affiliated with or known to Clearwater Lights has ever actually been to
space (real space, that is...) that question is unanswerable. But since the display is
oriented to provide maximum visibility from ground level, it seems unlikely. It should be
visible from an airplane, though. At least from one that's flying low enough...
How long does it take to put together?
Since starting this hobby, the computer programming has been pretty much an ongoing
labor of love throughout the year. With over 600 channels, it takes approximately 10
hours to sequence one minute of new music. Deploying all the lights and devices,
connecting the controllers and testing everything takes 6-8 weeks of evenings and
weekends.
How many songs are in the show?
We're planning to have over 50 songs, but a few might not make it due to time
constraints. There are 6 completely new ones this year. (Play list is here.) Because of
favoritism, or time of evening, or day of the week, or who did what to whom, some songs
will play more often than others. If each song played through in order, which will
probably never occur, there's over two hours of music total. Kid's favorites are played
earlier in the evening because that's when we see the mostkids out front. Adult favorites
and oldies (like Pink Floyd) are sprinkled in later in the evening to provide variety
because even WE get tired of hearing Christmas music all the time.
WHY???
Everyone has their own ways of celebrating the Holiday season. Blame it on momma
Simmons. Each year without fail – even in snowstorms - she would pack all four of her
kids into the family station wagon the last Saturday before Christmas and take us
around to look at other people’s Christmas lights. Even though all there was to see
back in those days were C9 outdoor bulbs (hey - we're talking the 1950's & 60's - we
were happy to have THOSE), it was still a speciaal treat that we all looked forward to.
Over the years it provided many happy memories, and now it’s time to pay that forward.
After doing ever-larger static Christmas displays for decades, synchronizing to music is
the next logical step. We hope you enjoy looking at the lights even half as much as we
do!
How many lights are there?
The total bulb count for 2011 is close to 60,000. It's nearly a 50/50 split between
incandescents and LEDs.
How much electric power does the display consume?
If all the lights were on at the same time, which never occurs - the display would pull
about 120 amps total. The average amount that's actually being consumed most of the
time is a lot closer to 20 amps.
How much does it cost to light?
In 2010 it added less than $50 to the electric bill. With more lights this year we're
expecting it could go all the way up to $53 maybe. If you've seen the display that might
seem surprisingly low. But when you take a closer look, you'll see that most of the lights
spend the overwhelming majority of their time off.
How are the lights controlled?
Every set of lights in the yard is computer controlled down to 1/100th of a second. The
controllers and sequencing software comes from a company called LightORama (www.
lightorama.com). In 2011 there are almost 500 "regular" channels, plus 3 Cosmic Color
Ribbons which have 50 channels each.
Can it be seen from space?
Since no one affiliated with or known to Clearwater Lights has ever actually been to
space (real space, that is...) that question is unanswerable. But since the display is
oriented to provide maximum visibility from ground level, it seems unlikely. It should be
visible from an airplane, though. At least from one that's flying low enough...
How long does it take to put together?
Since starting this hobby, the computer programming has been pretty much an ongoing
labor of love throughout the year. With over 600 channels, it takes approximately 10
hours to sequence one minute of new music. Deploying all the lights and devices,
connecting the controllers and testing everything takes 6-8 weeks of evenings and
weekends.
How many songs are in the show?
We're planning to have over 50 songs, but a few might not make it due to time
constraints. There are 6 completely new ones this year. (Play list is here.) Because of
favoritism, or time of evening, or day of the week, or who did what to whom, some songs
will play more often than others. If each song played through in order, which will
probably never occur, there's over two hours of music total. Kid's favorites are played
earlier in the evening because that's when we see the mostkids out front. Adult favorites
and oldies (like Pink Floyd) are sprinkled in later in the evening to provide variety
because even WE get tired of hearing Christmas music all the time.
WHY???
Everyone has their own ways of celebrating the Holiday season. Blame it on momma
Simmons. Each year without fail – even in snowstorms - she would pack all four of her
kids into the family station wagon the last Saturday before Christmas and take us
around to look at other people’s Christmas lights. Even though all there was to see
back in those days were C9 outdoor bulbs (hey - we're talking the 1950's & 60's - we
were happy to have THOSE), it was still a speciaal treat that we all looked forward to.
Over the years it provided many happy memories, and now it’s time to pay that forward.
After doing ever-larger static Christmas displays for decades, synchronizing to music is
the next logical step. We hope you enjoy looking at the lights even half as much as we
do!
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