4040 House Blog

After the devastating storm damage in late 2023, we knew we had a massive undertaking ahead of us. What started as a simple repair project turned into a complete reimagining of our holiday light display system.

The November 2023 windstorm took out nearly 60% of our display infrastructure. Trees fell across our mega tree structure, power distribution boxes were crushed, and thousands of LED pixels were destroyed. The damage estimate exceeded $15,000.

Silver Linings

However, this gave us the opportunity to upgrade our entire system with the latest technology:

• New Falcon F48 controllers with differential outputs for better signal integrity
• Upgraded to 12V WS2811 pixels throughout (more reliable than 5V)
• Reinforced mounting infrastructure rated for 80mph winds
• Smart power distribution with individual circuit monitoring
• New xLights 2024 sequencing capabilities

We're excited to announce that we're on track for both Halloween and Christmas 2025 shows, bigger and better than ever!

Halloween 2025 is shaping up to be our most ambitious show yet! With our rebuilt infrastructure, we're able to implement features that were just dreams before the storm.

New Features for 2025

• Interactive Pumpkin Patch: 20 programmable pumpkins that respond to music
• Fog Machine Integration: DMX-controlled fog effects synced to spooky moments
• Enhanced Audio: New QSC K12.2 speakers for crystal-clear sound
• Mobile App Control: Visitors can request songs via our new web app

We're working with local musicians to create custom Halloween tracks that will debut this year. Can't wait to share them with you!

Ever wondered how we create those perfectly synchronized light shows? It's a labor of love that involves countless hours of meticulous programming using specialized software called xLights.

The Process

Here's a breakdown of how we program a single song:

1. Song Selection & Analysis: We choose songs with clear beats and interesting dynamics. Then we analyze the audio waveform to mark beats, lyrics, and instrumental sections.
2. Timing Tracks: We create multiple timing tracks for different elements - bass beats, melody, vocals, and special effects. This can take 2-3 hours per song.
3. Effect Planning: We sketch out which props will highlight which parts of the song. The mega tree might handle the melody while the matrix displays lyrics.
4. Programming: This is where the magic happens. We program effects for each prop, carefully timing them to the millisecond. A 3-minute song typically takes 15-20 hours to program.
5. Testing & Refinement: We run the sequence dozens of times, tweaking colors, timing, and effects until it's perfect.

The Numbers

For perspective, our Christmas show includes:

• 25 fully programmed songs
• Over 100,000 individually controlled pixels
• 300+ hours of programming time
• 12 Falcon controllers managing it all

Want to learn more? Check out the xLights community forums or drop us a message!

As we wrap up another holiday season, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing West Seattle community.

Despite the challenges of rebuilding after the storm, your support has been overwhelming. From the GoFundMe donations to the volunteers who helped with setup, to the families who visited nightly - you all made this season special.

2024 Season Highlights

• Over 5,000 visitors throughout the season
• Raised $500 for West Seattle Food Bank
• Featured on FOX13 and KIRO7 news
• 200+ song requests through our interactive system

Special thanks to our neighbors for their patience with the traffic and crowds. We're already planning improvements for 2025 to make the experience even better for everyone!

One of the most common questions we get is about pixel selection. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming for newcomers to the hobby.

5V vs 12V Pixels

After years of experience, here's our take:

12V Pixels (Our Choice):

• Less voltage drop over long runs
• Fewer power injection points needed
• More forgiving of wiring issues
• Slightly more expensive but worth it

5V Pixels:

• Lower initial cost
• Slightly brighter at full white
• Require power injection every 50-100 pixels
• More susceptible to voltage drop issues

Pixel Types We Use

• Bullet Pixels: Great for outlining roofs and wrapping trees
• Square Nodes: Perfect for matrix displays
• Strip Lights: Ideal for straight runs and under-eave mounting

Pro tip: Always order 10-15% extra pixels. You'll need them for repairs and future expansions!