First test of the lights

Here's the first test of the lights

Lights

You would not believe how much time we're having to put in to getting the Christmas lights in.

The project started as just having a single controller, and a few lights sync'ed up to music. But, as these things do, it's got bigger and bigger. Just getting all the lights strung out has become a mammoth effort, before even looking at the syncing.

It's really not helped that I've had to re-build the shed (Michael drove through it) and try to hide a huge caravan, which now occupies half the left side of the driveway, where some lovely trees used to be, and where we had a whole bunch of lights planned.

90% of the lights are now up, and plugged in - I'll get around to posting some photos of the wiring, it's quite scarey in places! We have a few bulbs not working, and a problem with a whole set of lights in our "leaping lights".

The main problem has been with one of the controllers not switching off it's lights, this is rather worrying, as it effects 1/4 of the lights. It appears to be due to not having enough current draw - ie because we've not got enough lights! I'm trying to resolve this by adding a set of 40 watt house globs in the garage - which won't be seen.

More soldering tonight.

Photos will be up soon, honest.

Accident

Accident
Originally uploaded by robandwend.

Michael managed to back up and crash right into my shed today. He lost control (got his feet confused?), pushing the trailer through the shed wall, smashing through one of my benches (which was loaded with tools) over my triton gear, finally resting submerged totally in the shed.

At the same time he managed to badly damage his driving door.

Michael is find - although somewhat upset.

Unfortunately a load of our Christmas lights gear was being stored in their - they got a little mangled - we'll access the damage tonight

It's not the best time for this to happen, as they have visitors over at the moment, and now they are car-less. Still they can borrow mine until next Wednesday - when it's being sold :-)

New Car

DSC02392
Originally uploaded by robandwend.

Here it is - I've had it just over a week now. A 3.0 Subaru Outback Premium.

W has bought me some custom plates "GADGET IT" in black. I've just got to arrange getting them fitted.

Darlington Festival

IMG_4767
Originally uploaded by robandwend.

W's belly dance troupe were dancing at the Dearlington Festival on Saturday...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robandwend/sets/72157602915224738/