Looking for Starting Tree plans/ideas.

Drag racing style light trees
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tdpisme
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Looking for Starting Tree plans/ideas.

Post by tdpisme »

I am in search of any ideas or actual plans for building the "tree" portion of the starting tree. I already have all of the electronics and electrical knowledge to complete the hard part. I have been looking for different ways to build the tree, such as what types of materials to use. (ie. wood, pvc, metal...)
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Da Graphite Kid
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Re: Looking for Starting Tree plans/ideas.

Post by Da Graphite Kid »

If and when I ever get to it, I had planned on building mine with metal pipe. Give it that heavy metal look (Tim Allen: Aarr, arr, arr). I am also planning on replacing the bulbs with LEDs but haven't put anything down on paper yet.

Not sure where I would mount it? On the top near the Start Gate or down at the end of the track near the Finish Line? I'm undecided but I may have to keep it within a certain distance of the computer due to voltage loss over long wires...

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gpraceman
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Re: Looking for Starting Tree plans/ideas.

Post by gpraceman »

tdpisme wrote: am in search of any ideas or actual plans for building the "tree" portion of the starting tree. I already have all of the electronics and electrical knowledge to complete the hard part. I have been looking for different ways to build the tree, such as what types of materials to use. (ie. wood, pvc, metal...)
One of these days I'll post a picture of the tree I built. I used a square metal 2x2 post, used normally as a post for metal fencing. I got it at Home Depot. It works out well since it is painted a nice black color, hollow, square and has a plate on the bottom that can be used as a mounting to a base. I drilled out holes on opposing sides for the outdoor floodlight lamp holders. Then I drilled a set of holes on the back side to help me get the threaded nuts inside and tightened. I then blanked these holes off. It looks really good, almost like a real light tree...now to eventually finish off the electronics...
Randy Lisano
Romans 5:8

Awana Grand Prix and Pinewood Derby racing - Where a child, an adult and a small block of wood combine for a lot of fun and memories.
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Da Graphite Kid
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Re: Looking for Starting Tree plans/ideas.

Post by Da Graphite Kid »

Randy,
I like the 2X2 metal post idea better and you're right: you'll have to get a picture of it posted on your web site! :mrgreen:
tdpisme I'm sure glad you posted your question 'cause as soon as taxes come back I would have ran out and bought something else. Time to sit down and but some actual plans together instead of just winging it!

Da Graphite Kid
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Tomcat14
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Re: Looking for Starting Tree plans/ideas.

Post by Tomcat14 »

I've been playing around with the idea of a Christmas tree as well. I've looked at plans but I don't want to go the parallel port route, so I made a simple circuit with a 555 timer and a 4017 decade counter. I'm stuck now on whether or not to go with light bulbs or Jumbo LED's. This project is getting more expensive if I go with light bulbs due to the 6 solid state realys I would have to buy, so I'm leaning towards LED's. Anyone have any preferences out there they would like to share??
With Christ we are all Winners!!
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terryep
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Re: Looking for Starting Tree plans/ideas.

Post by terryep »

How about using mechanical relays instead of solidstate?. A Z219-ND 10A, 12VDC coil $2.15ea from Digikey... might be cheaper when everything is added up. Just need a NPN to sink 33mA coil current. Dozens of LEDs and power supply will cost you plus all the extra hook up.
Terry
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Tomcat14
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Re: Looking for Starting Tree plans/ideas.

Post by Tomcat14 »

Great idea, thanks, I thought they would be more expensive than that!! I'll keep you guys posted as to how it turns out.
With Christ we are all Winners!!
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Watch-out-for-that-frog
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Re: Looking for Starting Tree plans/ideas.

Post by Watch-out-for-that-frog »

Photos PLEASE!
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Karlton
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