Static Light Dongle
Here's something I came up with because I wanted certain strings or
areas of lights to be static before and after the animated show. Last
year I had these "dongles" hooked up to my icicle lights. This year I
will be using these for other static lights probably the bushes and
trees adjacent to the house. We will be using LED's from Creative
Displays.
I decided to not have any static lights on during my animated show as it
detracts for the animated lights. I also
wanted those static lights to be part of the show this year.
Since I didn't want my controllers to have to be left on for the static
lights I came up with a relay device that switched between an animated
controller and a timer circuit or house automation circuit. I have
circuits under my eves that are controlled through my whole house
automation system. I can program those circuits to come on at any time
and then shut off right before the show starts.
The relay is basically taking the Christmas light animation circuit and
sending it straight through. When the house automation turns on, it
interrupts the Christmas light animation circuit and powers the lights
from the whole house automation circuit.
Here is the circuit diagram: (The n is for neutral)

Here's the DPDT (double pole - double throw) relay with terminals noted
All Electronics $1.75 each - rated 12 amps
Coil (connected with normally open contacts and automation controller or
timer)

Common (connected to lights - female outlet)

Normally Open (connected with coil to house automation or timer)

Normally Closed (connected to animated controller)

Here's a picture of the first iteration of the dongle. I used a female
socket and a small metal box from Fry's.


Here's a much simpler arrangement:

Finished dongle before coating with liquid electrical tape:

Now I used my house automation to control this but you could use any
timer or other circuit that can be switched or controlled.

All Electronics $1.75 each - rated 12 amps







