Mega Tree Running ‘In Part’ Due To Electrical Issues

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Firstly, Merry Christmas Everybody!

As stated in my previous entry, the mega tree is standing again thanks to Ed of RegencyChristmas who is also a Christmas lights fanatic.

Unfortunately due to the differences in how the replacement LED strings are wired to my existing ones I cannot get the white and blue colours to light without running risk of burning out the red colours. The green colours light at a lower brightness, whilst the red colours light at full intensity.

There is just not enough time left in the season to try and resolve the problem now – but next year it should definitely be fixed.

I’d also like to thank Grant of Highbury who was willing to help. It is great that the Christmas Lights community is able to work together.

No More Mega Tree – Thanks Mr Grinch

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There will not be a mega tree for the rest of the year thanks to two or three naughty teenagers who I hope are on santa’s naughty list.

There may never be another mega tree I am not sure. I am too disappointed right now to explain what has happened so I shall let this photo tell you instead:

Mega Tree Broken by Vandals

At this stage I will probably continue to run without the mega tree until Christmas Night (25th) and then start tearing down.

Full Experience Is No More … Again?

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UPDATE: For the time being the centre garden will be without a border.

It has not even been a week since the full display was back running, but bad news must be told. One key element of this year’s display is electrically faulty.

The garden borders which use LED rope light, appears to be broken. Whenever the set is connected to power, the electrical switch board disconnects power to the circuit it is connected to.

This raises this year’s damage closer to the $200 mark. I am hoping insurance will cover the costs, as I suspect the fault is due to storm activity earlier in the month. If not, my 2011 plans will need to be cut back.

‘Mini’ Show Likely To Run Tonight

Operating Hours, Pictures and Videos

It seems progress is finally being made in drying out the wet electronics. Clearing out water from a power board is not that easy when you are unable to open up the casing for inspection.

Providing it does not rain this evening, I should be able to have the windows, roof and mega tree operating. Much of the garden will probably still be turned off for another day or two, though.

Amongst all this, a video of the display dancing to Wizards In Winter is now online (this was filmed before the weather event)

Lights Remain Off

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With less than two hours remaining before the intended switch on, and with about 10 powerboards still wet, there will yet again be no light show.

I am running a test to see whether I can operate the mega tree and roof only, as they run fully on low voltage DC, hence there are no powerboards with 240v electricity to get wet. Whilst no power mixes with water, there are much less issues with low voltage DC power if water does come into contact.

Torrential Rain, Hail & Gale Force Winds Halt Show Indefinitely

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Due to the very heavy rains, hail and flash flooding, there will be no chance of a show tonight. There looks to be little chance of a show in the next few days either due to the result of near horizontal rains which have gotten many powerboards wet. 240v power and water do not mix, obviously.

Until they are dry and it is safe to power them, there will be no light display. Having never experienced weather like this during December, I have no idea how many days it may take to get everything in a safe condition.

Check out this photo to see the water damage for yourself. Time to get the hair dryers out!

Torrential Rain Damage