Lately I have come across some fantastic collaborators. They are the kind of people who, when I mention that I have always wanted to hang giant chandeliers all over the tree in my front yard and electrify the whole thing, say, “That sounds like a fine idea!” instead of asking me if I am still taking my meds. Yes, I realize there are a number of logistical problems with the Electrified Tree, but, dang it, if we put a man on the moon (and, Nate, I assure you we did) then, surely, I can electrify my tree.
Mainly I would turn on the electrified tree anytime I am happy to receive drop-in visitors. If the tree is illuminated, crafty people could come over to play. Oh, and I guess it would also be on for all major SusanLand International Holidays… and on especially dreary winter days, too.
So here is a really rough sketch, but even it isn’t quite what I had imagined.
I thought I might weld large hurricane-type lanterns so that they would be watertight and suited for outdoor use, but then there is still the problem of running electrical conduit underground and then up the tree. My friend James mentioned that lightning would be a problem, and yes, I’m guessing electrifying a tree in the front yard in the traditional sense would get my homeowners policy canceled. . .
But then he suggested going with solar-powered LEDs, and that, I think, just might work! He also mentioned that it could be remote-controlled with infrared sensors or somethingorother. James, if you are out there, what was all that again? I am hoping that some of you Makers will weigh in with your ideas. Is it possible to “electrify” my tree without:
* spending a fortune?
* using tons of electricity — or any?
* creating an enormous lightning rod in the middle of my neighborhood?
* voiding my homeowners policy? (Actually, I probably already did that with those hives of bees…)
Well? What do you think? Hmmmmm?
–S.
August 29th, 2007 at 12:29 pm
OK. Here’s something James sent my way:
basically the problem is using infra-red to operate the switch. it you’re using solar/battery power, you should have enough stand by power to operate. I just have never used infra-red as a power switch before, and don’t really know what that takes.
August 29th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
Sometimes I think people worry too much. A few copper wires aren’t likely to make any difference. After all, a tree is a big electrolyte filled lightening rod already. Might want to unplug the tree when summer storms roll in.
I’m glad someone is suggesting this!!! Why? Because I had a very similar idea. Hurricane lamps and lights and trees and the whole thing.
What I did was put short strings of christmas lights in old non-functional hurricane lanterns. Christmas lights are already weather-proofed and hurricane lanterns have already shed water. Perfect!
It looks like a small jar of fireflies. In fact, here is a photo: http://tinyurl.com/2jvzqe and here http://tinyurl.com/34se3q
Then I just ran a small extension cord to each of the lanterns. As for getting electrical to the base of the tree, go simple. Bury a slightly beefier weatherized outdoor extension cord that ends at the base of the tree.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:47 pm
I think the solar powered LED lamp is a good idea. They’re already designed for outdoor use and are reasonably efficient. You can get relatively inexpensive standalone lamps meant to be shoved in the ground that activate via photocell. These you could hack open and mount in a different enclosure very easily. If being able to turn them on and off manually is a requirement (the standalones could be hacked to do this with a little more effort) then you may need to look at some of the more elaborate systems. I recall seeing some that have the lights wired together with a small solar panel on a base station with controls.
September 6th, 2007 at 1:35 am
Oh drat, I see that my link didn’t work. Why didn’t someone tell me?
Here are the pretty lanterns hanging in our tree:
http://tinyurl.com/2ojtlf
and
http://tinyurl.com/2t2562
September 18th, 2007 at 11:20 am
*sigh* Ten years later you’re still trying to burn down things with your art projects. There’s a bear in a hat here who wants to talk to you.
Ye Olde Editor
October 24th, 2007 at 9:10 am
how about making some sun jars. they’re super easy…i made a bunch
http://www.instructables.com/id/Sun-Jar/