On Thu, 1 Dec 2016 09:53:32 +0000, Tim Watts wrote:

I don't mind a house going full chav, ie covered with illuminations: the
owner has made an effort and even if I don't like it personally, I
expect the local kids love it.

A surfet of static and/or random flashing lights is naff, full stop.
If you are going to do it do it properly, set and timed to music:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90oZ52M4IC0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_hXlKCt11s How to... but uses pixel
LEDS.

Currently have a Pi Zero directly controlling three short strings (4
ordinary bright white LEDs/string salavged from a cheap decoration
SWMBO'd didn't like) with PWM and transistor switch per string. I
might see what the current draw of the outdoor LED lights we normally
use is and hack off the basic controller and replace it with a Pi to
give sequences and effects that we like.

Using pixel LEDs seems cheating some how, but simple LED strings
can't do what they can do.

--
Cheers
Dave.