Halloween 2016

Oct. 1
till
Oct. 31

 The Halloween Show is
hosted by our very own
"Count Mortimer"

 The count is an animatronic
(robotic) character who will be
guiding you through the entire show.
Don't forget to say hi.

See a
Virtual
Thunderstorm

 every 15 minutes

Directions:

Click Here for Article

About the Display:

   The entire sound & light show is controlled using a 16 channel Light-O-Rama Show Director and 7 additional 16 channel add-on units for a total of 128 computer controlled circuits.

Programming

  The programming that makes the lights and effects turn on & off in sync to the music is done on a computer in 1/20th of a second intervals for each song. This allows precise timing and choreography of the show. The data is then saved on an SD card for later loading into the Light-O-Rama control system.

Show Times

   At the pre-programmed time (7pm), the Light-O-Rama Show Director automatically starts the show and the whole display runs by itself until the pre-set off time which currently is 10pm.

Audio

    The audio portion of the show is recorded as MP3 files. In order to properly hear the sound there are two independent audio outputs. One goes to a 200 watt stereo power amplifier connected to  outdoor speakers. The amp is plugged into a simple AC timer which turns the unit on & off when needed.  This system allows passerby's the opportunity to hear the show as they go past the display.

   The second audio output goes to a professional low power FM transmitter. This broadcasts the audio portion of the show in high quality stereo sound to approx. a 1500 foot radius so everyone in the area can hear the show tunes through their car radios. When you arrive, tune to 107.3 FM.

   So we don't annoy our neighbors, the outdoor PA system is programmed to shut down at 10:00 pm while the FM transmitter continues broadcasting the show on an FM radio station until the show stops for the evening. This way you can still hear the show on your vehicles radio even after the outdoor PA system turns off. There are also motion sensors that automatically turns off the outdoor speakers when no one is at the show for more than a few minutes. 

How it Works

   The music files and computer commands for the show are placed onto a SD memory card and loaded into the Light-O-Rama Show Director along with the start and stop times of the show. At the pre-programmed time, the lights, special effects & lasers come on, the music starts, the audio amp and FM transmitter turn on and the whole thing runs itself night after night without any human interaction. The only thing we have to do is refill the smoke fluid reservoir on the fog machines once a week.

Props, Decorations & Animatronics

   All of the props and Halloween themed decorations have been meticulously hand painted in fluorescent colors so they show up under our black lights. The animatronics used have also been re-painted and electronically modified in order to work properly with our show. They all have custom made interfaces that allows us to trigger them when needed via our computer control systems.

Day of the Dead Display

   In order to include as many cultures as possiblw, in 2016 we added a "Day of the Dead" area. Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de Muertos) is a Mexican holiday celebrated throughout Mexico, in particular the Central and South regions, and by people of Mexican ancestry living in other places, especially the United States. It is acknowledged internationally in many other cultures. The multi-day holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died passed away. The Day of the Dead celebration is similar to other culture's observances of a time to honor the dead. The Spanish tradition included festivals and parades, as well as gatherings of families at cemeteries to pray for their deceased loved ones at the end of the day. We scourd the planet in search of guniune "Day of the Dead" artifacts, masks, skulls and other items associated with the holiday. Most of the items have been carefully restored, repainted and brought back to life (no pun intended).

Type of Lights

   There are many different types of lights used in the show. Rope lights (also known as tube lights) are used throughout the display. The ones we use have bulbs spaced every inch which produces for a very even light. There are also numerous display items which use LED's. These are very low power consuming and last for many years. We also use low wattage mini incandescent lights on some of the items and also numerous black lights for a great Halloween effect.

Power

   Although most people think it costs a small fortune, because of the use of low power consuming LED's and the fact that the lights are really in an off state most of the time, the system actually uses very little electricity to run. Even though we are using over 10,000 bulbs and special effects in the show our electric bill only increases by a small amount.

 Laser

   We also have a laser light show which is projected onto the building and a screen. The laser show runs in conjunction with the music that is playing and is completely automated.

Security

   The entire system is monitored 24 hours a day by numerous high resolution day & night vision video cameras, motion sensors and other electronic devices. 

Why We Do This

   The economy is down, people are out of work, and it's the holiday season. Why not try to cheer people up and put some smiles on kids faces. We do these shows because of years of experience producing professional large scale ones. We do this because we care about the community and our neighbors. We do this because we love kids.  We do this because it feels good to do nice things for others. We do this as an inspiration for others to do the same or more. 

What About Donations?

   All the money collected via donations goes directly to the "Make A Wish" Foundation of Southern Florida. This way we not only help those that can come to the shows, but children all over the area that are not fortunate enough to make it in person can benefit as well. 

Who Put it Together

   The entire show was designed, programmed and installed by Rick Newman of  HighTechScience.org & High-TechProductions.com

How Can I Get More Information?

   If you need more info on the show or how things are done, send us an e-mail or call (561) 750-7000.

Here are some e-mails & letters that we have received on our holiday displays.

   I just wanted to tell you that we stopped by on Christmas Eve for one of your loops and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.  Thanks for helping to get us into the spirit, all the while piquing our technical side!

Mike G.
Technical Director

Kathy L.

   You have outdone yourself. The lights are fantastic. I've never seen anything like this in my entire life. I can't wait till next year to see what you come up with. 

Susan T. 

   I have seen a lot of holiday light shows but none come close to yours. My kids love it and even my parents think it was nice. That say's a lot. I can't believe how well you were able to coordinate the lights with the music. PLEASE do this again next year.

John S.

   I've watched your holiday 2008 light show several times and appreciated the creativity it represents as well as recognizing more than one religious holiday. Thank you for your unique contribution to our neighborhood.

Marc H.

    Thank you so much for not only setting up a fantastic sound and light show but for taking the time to explain how it works to my kids. Since then it's all they talk about.  Have a great holiday.

Stacy L

   Over time I have watched some of the things you do at your house and am always fascinated, but your light show is one of your best creations. THANK YOU for doing this and thank you for letting my kids pose with your robots.

Karen Y. 

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