How do you label your controllers? - Lights, Lights, Lights! Read Only. No more posting. - PlanetChristmas! Forums. Read Only. We've moved to http://talk.planetchristmas.com - The Forums of PlanetChristmas have moved to http://talk.PlanetChristmas.com
I've got 2 of 8 boards built and was thinking about how I wanted to label the outputs. I'm going to use 1-1 to 1-16, 2-1 to 2-16, etc. I'm wanting to label the outputs in an easy to read way that will last. I know I've seen special heatshrink tubing, and I think I've seen labels that you can wrap around and has a clear tape built into them to protect them. I've thought about paint pen, but figured it would flake off. If the cords weren't black, I'd just use a sharpie. What do you use to affix the labels to your output pigtails?
I mark mine with just the channel number using a gold metallic sharpie. i don't use the unit number except on the box with the controller. Someday I may decide to change the numbering on the units and I don't want to have to relabel the cords. The silver metallic sharpie works ok as well, but I like the gold better. I also label the input power cords as simple L or R so I know that it is going to the left or right half of the board. You can always get more elaborate on labeling, but I like to use the KISS principle.
I used the Ideal Wire Label {Wire marker Booklet} from Home Depot {SKU 8325044103} it goes from 1-45 {I don’t use 17-45}. It has 10 sheets of all the numbers and is like $7 (Cheaper then PTouch Tape). The fit well around the wire and look juts like the LOR Showtime box when I get done. I can’t tell you how well the hold out outside; my controllers are all inside but theses labels are solid and easly found.
I would recommend not labeling the Outputs with the controller number just in the event you have to switch them around due to a problem and also future growth. Label the enclosure and it isn’t to hard to figure out which pigtail goes to which enclosure.
Harrison
Last edited on Saturday April 5th, 2008 02:37 pm by hbomb341
I am lucky enough to work at a company that has uses millions of self laminating labels. I print them all there and just pay for the labels use. I label 1-1,1-2 ect. I found it easiest this way because if you change things around your on a generic numbering system. If not and you named each channel what it went to, they would have to be re-labeled. I did that my first year and never did it again
____________________ "There is no such thing as TOO MANY LIGHTS!"
I use silver sharpie. I had done a few by writing the channel number on opposite sides of the dongle, but then decided it was easier to see if I wrote the number on the bottom. Then I can grab all the dongles with nothing plugged in, tip them forward and read them no matter what way they are facing. The numbers written on the sides always needed to be turned to read.
Having used the ideal labels in other contexts, I expect they would work quite well as well, and should be able to read at any rotation.
I only put the channel numbers on the dongles, and use the same silver sharpie to write the unit number on the enclosure.
I take 1/2 in pvc pipe and cut it to just over 1/2 long and then print a label to put on the pipe before I attach the wires to the controller. I slide the pipe on the cord and slide the label to the plug end. I do include the controller number on the cord ends on some of the labels. I do this when I have several controllers in the same enclosure. It makes it easy to trouble shoot problems if they arise and its just easy to read the circuit. It also makes for a faster set up knowing which controller your dealing with.
I use the brother P-Touch and the 1/2 inch wide tape. The 1/2 inch pvc pipe does not have any problem sliding over the terminal ends either.
Anthony
____________________ With Just Enough Channels To Make The Lights Turn Off and On A Few Times
Hey Buddy Can You Spare A Light!!!!!!
It's not the number of channels you have!
It's how you use the channels you have!
For those of you that label the output wires with the unit and channel ID - what do you do when you change the unit ID?
I change unit ID's frequently. (Well, each year at least 2 or 3 units change IDs.)
I think doing this is a bad idea and I would recommend against it unless you are REALLY REALLY REALLY sure you'll NEVER change the unit ID. (Or you don't mind re-labelling them.)
I've been canabalizing 20 foot beige extension cords. I label them with a black sharpie right on the receptacle ends. The two plugs are labeled A and B.
The controller enclosure is labeled with 2 inch reflective numbers (self adhesive) that are meant for mailboxes. (my co-workers accused me of having an ego when all I bought was a number one)
I'll try posting pictures later on today.
____________________ -Dave
It's "Merry Christmas" not "Happy Holidays"
I though thought that you said WHAT do you label your controllers. The obvious answer would have been: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder & Blitzen.
But to answer your question, I've been using opaque paint markers of various colors for a long time, they don't fade like sharpies or pen and they have white and yellow for writing on dark surfaces. Wal*Mart has then as Painters brand by Elmers in the crafts department.
____________________ Officially designated one of "Those People". Cashier at Fremont CA Wal*Mart, 12/1/07.
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness." Attributed to Dave Barry
I label each out put 1-16 on a 16 ch board. I label the internal wires as well as each receptical. When I do my setup for the season I print out my spreadsheet which shows each and every channel, which board they go to, channel number, and board channels number, also description and expected current draw. This way if I have a last minute change or idea I can change it on the fly and I have all the info I need at my fingertips
Does anyone know of a source for the number labels that are put on cables like on the LOR showtime controller? I have a whole spool of them, but I ran out of #1 and need to buy more.
I found a sheet of small scrap booking number stickers on clearance for like .25 cents.....stuck them on the flat side of the plug and sprayed it with a quick shot of clear coat.....outside in the rain and snow this past year and not a single one came off. Just make sure you dont spray the plug in area with clear coat.
