The frame is now complete (and lit right now) so here's a guide to how it went together. You can help me make the decision about the intensity of the blue LED starfield background. Even whether it should be dimmer than the 1mA level which is the lowest at the moment.
The only major differences between this frame and the type you would buy (or build) for professional use are the frame material - normally aluminium box section with tie bars for supporting the shapes and lights, the shapes would normally be double outlined with tube on either side for higher intensity and built in redundancy if a metre of tubelight fails and the background lights would be either a curtain of straight waterproof strings or one continuous multi-section string. Modern frames also have an earth/ground connection from the junction box onto the frame.
I like the versatility of the grid though. It means my frame can be different every year, and upgraded with new effects and shapes as desired. I'll be making some videos showing proper handling and termination of the tubelight so you can start making your own custom frames. And if it's for home use, even if you do use cheap lights (preferably low voltage) then it doesn't really matter if they fail after a season or two. They're easy to replace at any time.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm

12 thoughts on “Making the simple diy xmas lighting frame. it looks great.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars shauns auto repairs says:

    Just watching some of your older vids and found these wago conectors…brilliant. Went straight to fleabay and brought some. Thanks

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Styielz Groulx says:

    Hi! Thank you for sharing a good tip for making your own decorations! I'm writing to let you know i Shared your video on a facebook group @Artalks Blog links to @Stellamudpies .Thanks again!

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars orion khan says:

    If I were controlling the blue from my lighting console I'd keep pulling waaaay down on the slider… I'd consider 1/4, 1/6th and 1/8th mA adapters to see how those look. Looks really nice tho… the camera may be cheating us a bit with the saturation of the blue.

    One interesting note: as the trellis is mounted to the wall you're getting an interesting 'pixel' effect with the orange light from the stars and it's made me think about making an outdoor LED pixel array (as seen in so many YouTube coffee tables) with the waterproof tape…

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alan Powell says:

    1 mA is good

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars FrontSideBus says:

    Love these vids. Keep it up 🙂

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Hill says:

    I often hear you talk about running LEDs at low current and whilst I agree, I prefer more light than less light (but from the Gearge Sq tree so do you!). So since you have so many blue LEDs go with the 1mA and Merry Christmas 🙂

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alexander Moreau says:

    I thought you were being a bit hyperbolic when you said "obliterated" the tree with lights but no, you really did, it's amazing.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rob Robbie says:

    ……. The Feline has never missed a meal in it's life !

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Crux161 says:

    I suppose the real question now is if Clive himself is rated for outdoor use? bears :3 ❤

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matt Enwright says:

    Its honestly pretty hard to see the difference, as stated… though I think 1 or even .5 ma would be excellent. Thanks again for all your awesome videos good sir, and have a great holiday. Also, I personally like the 2012 and 2013 George's Square tree pics… very nice, you weren't joking… TONS of lights! 🙂

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Derek Jones says:

    Hi Clive with regards to the xuron cutters you will find the original cutters under Hornby track cutters. They make three different types track, spru and wire a lot more than you paid for them. Love your videos, I look forward to watching them Derek

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ferongr says:

    The Wagos trigger the Amerifats.

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