The Manx beard club's contribution to the local festival of trees under the guise of The Department of Villainy. The Isle of Man government has various departments like the department of infrastructure and department of environment, so we added a more sinister one.
The display is based on a 1" square (25mm) aluminium box section cut and joined with knock-in plastic corners. The base has an extra aluminium plate on each side, shaped and drilled for vertical support.
The back is covered with a 0.5" (12.5mm) grid welded mesh attached to the aluminium frame with penny washers and self tappers. Steel and aluminium are only really suited for a dry indoor application.
The neon-style LED strip is cable tied to the grid to hold it in shape and controlled by the custom DOV animation controller.
Because this display is in a public area the power supply is a good quality Mean Well unit bought from a prominent UK component supplier. It's actually waterproof and has rubber caps covering holes with sleeves leading to potentiometers for adjusting the voltage and setting a current limit if desired. It also has power factor correction and inrush limiting. I set the voltage to 11V to reduce the display intensity and extend the longevity of the LEDs. The imported LED strip is of unknown quality, so I'm playing safe and keeping the current lower in case it's really pushing the LEDs.
The idea is that the frame can be stripped and re-used for different murals.
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15 thoughts on “Department of villainy tree 2019.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joseph King says:

    Me: Is that very heavy when carrying it around?
    BigClive: No, it's very light.
    Me: 🤦‍♂️

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ryan MacEwen says:

    How can I find more info on the kit? I saw the assembly video. Awesome tree!! (effect)

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Zackary Long says:

    if you designed and built it bro,…awesome, thanks bigclive

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Daniel Walsh says:

    Can the LED “neon” tubes be cut down to create shorter lengths?

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ATMAtim says:

    Nice job!

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ChimeInWithSochima says:

    What did you use to connect the green and yellow neon flex together

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Edge Mo says:

    Good stuff Clive!

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars sableantelope says:

    Photosensitive seizure warning!!May want to just minimise the window and listen to the info. The construction and component info is very interesting and worth a listen but be aware it can trigger a seizure and it starts right away with rapid flashing of the yellow star so gets you right away.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kudos1799 says:

    Resembles the graphics from "TRON"

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jar says:

    Did you earth the frame? Just wondering.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Daniel S says:

    bigclivedotcom: I have something weird for you. I have been subscribed to your channels for…. 2 years? Somewhere close to that…. anyway, a few months ago I stopped seeing any content from you in my YouTube feed. I thought that you were no longer doing YouTube. Looks as though you have been, but YouTube is showing me other content that I really could care less about instead. I kinda feel like a gerbil or a hamster. Love your content. Thanks for taking the time to do what you do. -Daniel

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TheEviling says:

    My dad had a bunch of these aluminium tubes and joints, they work really well 🙂

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars keith king says:

    my town could use a department of villainy!! it might live'in the place up a bit…. the tree looked class by the way. gives me an idea for making a extra few quid at Christmas!! people would buy small versions for their windows and gardens and so on… would make nice personalized signs for 21st birthday's, ect.. p.s dose the department of villainy except members or do you have to do a interview or just be an all round out right rouge to join????

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tasmedic says:

    For aluminium frame, use solar panel rails. Probably easier to get hold of and cheaper. You'd just need to 3d print yourself some bespoke corner brackets.
    It's a clever and bright tree, but maybe a bit too 2-dimensional and busy for a front room! It does steal the show in the display though, by repeatedly poking you in the eye with bright and multi-coloured ights.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Singe Slayer says:

    all countries should have a department of villainy under the lead of bigclive

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