Free Standing CCR Pixel Strip Tree Jim Kurtz 1/23/2017
Hello everyone. There seems to be a shortage of DIY instructions out there for constructing a free standing CCR Pixel Strip tree. So I went trial and error on my own and finished up with a structure that worked very well for me during the 2016 Christmas season so thought I would document and share. BTW, I use the term CCR loosely as that is a LOR abbreviation for Cosmic Color Ribbon and I am actually using the equivalent technology from Holidaycoro (http://www.holidaycoro.com/16-ccr-pixel-megatree-p/814.htm). The obvious challenge was to devise a structure that would keep the strips facing forward while still allowing flexibility under high winds and in such a way that the strips could always return to their original forward position after being blown around. I chose ½ PVC conduit as the device to hold the strips. They seem to have just the right amount of give for this application. I chose a fixed connection at the top of the conduit with ability to swivel front/back only and a rubber strap connection at the bottom to provide flexibility in the wind and allow for adjustment over time. This solution uses a 3G Mega Tree kit (http://store.3glightingcreations.com/20-foot-mega-tree-kit/). I have successfully used this kit for a traditional mega tree of string lights. It is high quality and stands up to strong winds which are common in my region (northern Maryland) during the month of December. You will use all of the parts in this kit except for: 2 quick links, 2 pulleys, 2 hoist ropes and the 24 peg crank up hook head. It is cheaper to buy the entire kit and not use those parts than to individually buy all of the parts that you will use. Below is a photo of my house for 2016. The free standing tree is in red on the right side of the photo. I incorporated it into my existing LOR sequences and added some new sequences that really exploited the animation that is possible with pixel strips. Here are a couple of examples: Star Wars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_3uksufe_e&t=1s God Bless the USA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9o0cxsylrw Page 2
There are 4 steps to building this tree (detailed below): 1. Prepare the pixel strips 2. Prepare the main structure 3. Attach the strips to the main structure 4. Stand up main structure (with strips attached) IMO, this was a good first cut. There is a parts list on the last page. I was able to build this tree for around $600 (not including the pixel strips, controller and star on top). I put it up 1 st week of November and took it down 3 rd week of January. It withstood some very serious wind gusts up to 45mph. But I need to improve two items: The spacing of the conduits needs to be slighter tighter at the top and wider at the bottom to better resemble the shape of a tree. The method of attaching the conduit to the top horizontal needs improvement. It worked okay for one year but I need a method that will hold up over time. I m thinking of drilling holes into the horizontal and attaching hooks onto which I can attach the conduit. Challenge there is ensuring you attach them to the bottom of the horizontal after it has been completely tightened into the top cross fitting. 1. Prepare the pixel strips: Join/glue together 2 of the 10 x ½ PVC conduit to make a 20 length. Do this 16 times. Zip tie the pixel strips to the ½ PVC conduit. Leave about 3 space between the top end of the strip and the end of the conduit. My pixel strips are 16.5 long. This will leave a little over 3 of empty space at the bottom of the PVC. Do this 16 times. 2. Prepare the main structure: Using the supplied coupling, join the two 10 x 1.5 rigid conduit pipes to create a 20 length. This is the center pole. Attach 1.5 cross fitting to the top of the 20 length. Attach 1.5 cross fitting to the bottom of the 20 length. Attach 2 x 1.5 rigid conduit pipe to the left side of the top cross fitting. Attach 2 x 1.5 rigid conduit pipe to the right side of the top cross fitting. Attach guy wire adapter to top of the top cross fitting Attach star mount bushing to top of guy wire adapter (only necessary if you plan to put a 3G star on top) Attach 4 x 1.5 rigid conduit pipe to the left side of the bottom cross fitting. Attach 4 x 1.5 rigid conduit pipe to the right side of the bottom cross fitting. Page 3
3. Attach the strips to the main structure: About 1 from the top, drill a hole (left to right) through both sides of each 20 ½ PVC conduit. Pass a carabiner through the hole. Ensure the conduit can swing freely front to back. Using a 2 pipe clamp attach the carabiner to the top 2 rigid conduit. Do this 16 times 8 on each side of the 20 center pole. SPACING: I used 3 spacing but it could be closer. Just need to be consistent with the gap between the conduits that are immediately to the left and right of the center pole. About 1 from the bottom, drill a hole (front to back) through both sides of each of each 20 ½ PVC conduit. About 15 from the bottom, drill a hole (front to back) through both sides of each of each 20 ½ PVC conduit. Using S-hooks, attach one end of 21 rubber strap to lower hole on front of PVC, wrap around bottom 4 rigid conduit and attach other end to upper hole on back of PVC. SPACING: I used 6 spacing of the rubber straps. Using some scrap pieces of PVC, cut 4 horizontal cross members. This will help the vertical conduit keep its spacing as winds are blowing. Locate 2 cross members 6 from the top and 2 cross members 12 from the top. For the upper cross member, attach clips (http://www.holidaycoro.com/half-inch- Lexan-Pipe-Mounting-Clip-p/770.htm) to the scrap PVC every 4. For the lower cross members, attach clips every 5. Snap the finished cross members onto the back of the already attached vertical conduit. Page 4
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4. Stand up main structure (with strips attached): Install 3 ground anchors into ground at locations equidistant around desired center pole location Locate base plate at desired center pole location and push into ground Attach 3 quick links to guy wire adapter on top of center pole. Attach one end of 3 guy wires to 3 quick links. Align opening of bottom cross fitting over square nub on base plate Hoist center pole up onto base plate nub using 3 guy wires and a lot of people. The vertical conduits will sag dramatically as you are hoisting but do not be alarmed; it will hold its shape. Ensure tree is facing desired direction by turning structure while on the base plate nub. Attach a shackle to both ends of turnbuckle Attach other end of 3 guy wires to top shackle Attach bottom shackle to ground anchor Ensure plumb Tighten turnbuckle until guy wires are taught. OPTIONAL: Attach 3 more guy wires (I did this because of the high winds in my area): Install 3 more ground anchors into ground at locations equidistant around center pole location Using whatever method you desire, attach 3 more guy wires to center pole at height of approx. 10 (just above coupling) and secure to ground anchors. I used a combination of ring hangers, eye bolts, carabiners and plastic coated wire rope. Total cost about $90. Page 6
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Parts List VENDOR QTY ITEM UNIT TOTAL Arrow Elec (local) 2 10' x 1.5" rigid conduit 36.35 72.70 Arrow Elec (local) 32 10' x.5" PVC conduit 1.76 56.45 Pro Plumbing 2 2' x 1.5" rigid conduit 14.67 29.34 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/b016y8qf4q/ Pro Plumbing 2 4' x 1.5" rigid conduit 27.58 55.16 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/b016y8qf50/ Pro Plumbing 2 1.5" cross fitting 27.03 54.06 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/b016y8niua/ 3G 1 20' Mega Tree kit 209.99 209.99 http://store.3glightingcreations.com/20-foot-mega-tree-kit/ Holiday Coro 16 ½ Pipe Mounting Clip.69 11.04 http://www.holidaycoro.com/half-inch-lexan-pipe-mounting-clip-p/770.htm Harriscos 20 21" Straps 1.40 27.95 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/b00bgwe33q/ Optional guy wires: Home Depot 16 3" carabiner 0.98 15.68 Home Depot 16 2" pipe clamp 1.27 20.32 Home Depot 60 feet 3/32" WIRE ROPE 0.35 21.00 Home Depot 6 WIRE ROPE clips 0.97 5.82 Home Depot 3 11" GROUND STAKES 2.48 7.44 Home Depot 3 1.5" ring hanger 2.47 7.41 Home Depot 3 3/8" x 2.5" eye bolt 0.82 2.46 Home Depot 3 3" carabiner 0.98 2.94 Page 8