Make Music Controlled Christmas Lights

Make music controlled Christmas lights for very cheap. This uses very basic parts. This idea was not originated by me. It is a derivative of Rybitski's design located herehere.

Step 1 Parts List

-Old Speakers
-Solid State Relay (buy at DigiKey.com)buy at DigiKey.com)
-Excess power cord taken from some old device.
-Outlet adapter
-Soldering Iron and equipment
-Christmas Lights

Comments

[thealeks]

awesome instructable!

how would i change this to control a battery(2 AA's) powered light string?

[tylervitale]

You would need to use a relay that's rated to control such a small voltage. I personally, have never really seen such a relay, and to be frank, it kinda defeats the purpose of it. A relay is a device meant to use a small voltage to control a large one. In this case, you might want to go the transistor route, or maybe look into ICs.

[sirjamesorr]

do u have to use an ssr?

[tylervitale]

No, you can also use a regular mechanical relay. (although, it will produce a lot of noise and it'll wear out quick.)
Other than that, you can use power transistors, and certain ICs. But, the SSR is the most straight-forward method.

[Knuxz]

What you are referring to as an "amplifier" is actually the speaker. The amplifier on cheap speakers like that is the circuit. Just a friendly tip.

[rybitski]

Just found this instructables. Thanks for giving the link back to my site. I think it is amazing how popular this project that I made my junior year of high school is. Every year around Christmas I always get a bunch of emails asking questions about this project and where to get the particular CRYDOM SSR I used. The only reason I used that particular SSR is that someone I knew at the hospital had a bunch of extra ones that he had replaced in some machines. These are not the easiest SSRs to find so it should be noted that other types can be used. The thing to look for is the input voltage range (3-32 VDC) and the load capacity (this depends on what you want to power). They generally come in either 120V or 240V versions. The 240V will work with 120V (which is what the typical US outlet is). Just something to keep in mind when looking for a relay that could save you time and money.

@ Gamer: The original version I made I used the power cord that went into the speakers like you are suggesting here.

[lane29]

how do u control alot of lights , but not have them all off / all on

[PhebeEve]

Is the wiring different if the speakers have their own power? I followed the instructions but I am unable to get power to the lights, please help!!! my ssr has input - + (on the left) and output 280VAC 3 AMP (on the right)

[Sawanlive]

Where to get the SSR??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[anoddmind]

would using a alternate relay make the lights react to different frequencies, I'm a little new to this?

[c3d]

Gigafide you really done a great job!! My questions is it looks like you have 4 speakers going at once. How can you separate the music in order to have a complex show such as yours?

[capaciter]

could I make this work for a bands lighting with a mixer for the source and par bulbs in cans ?? looking to help my sons band out with super low budget also new to usin my brain...if any could help let me know ...thanks

[Coffee bean]

great simple 5 stars

[lager]

AWsome man 5/5

[batboy61490]

I heard of somebody using an automotive relay once. Do you think that would work?

[gamer]

better yet, instead of adding an extra power cord, use the one that also powers the speakes, if possible -gamer

[gigafide]

a lot of sets of speakers do allow for that. unfortunately this crappy cheap set I have do not allow for it. but yes, that would be more practical.

[Keith-Kid]

Aweomse 5 Stars!!!!!!!!!!! Bravo!!!! Great!!!!! Love it!!!!