[SML] Searching for Festoon lights, with RGB ability - but not addressable

[Ford Sellers]

Hi Joe,
There are several options for Festoon lights.
The ones that I have (no surprise, as I work for the company) is the Chauvet DJ version.  They are RGB, but because of the frosted globes, you can mix a reasonably convincing Warm White.
https://www.chauvetdj.com/products/festoon-2-rgb/

The set comes with 20 individual lamps, about 30" apart, that can be separated, but has a total lighted length of about 50'.
You can control up to 60 lamps per controller, if you purchase the additional lamps: https://www.chauvetdj.com/products/festoon-2-rgb-ext/
The controller is super-simple.  DMX control for either 3 channel (D, RGB for the entire string),  9 Channel (adds built-in auto programs and pre-built color macros), pixel control, or Pixel+ (meaning pixel control, plus colors and auto programs).  The color macros include a few whites.
They're rated at IP54, but I believe that's to cover the controller... the strings are sealed, and I use them like they're IP65... I use them in my backyard/deck, and don't worry about weather, except for the controller, which I keep under cover.

I've had my set for about 5 years.

HTH,
-Ford
________________________________
From: Stagecraft <stagecraft-bounces at theatrical.net> on behalf of Joe via Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Sent: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 10:16:13 PM
To: Stagecraft Mailing List <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Cc: Joe <jdunfee12 at yahoo.com>
Subject: [SML] Searching for Festoon lights, with RGB ability - but not addressable

I am doing a lighting plan for an 1908 movie house to be used for some basic theatrical shows. Nothing is there, except for the footlights, and some dim house lighting. (details below message if you want to know more).

I would like to install some festoon lights going from the dome in the middle of the cove vaulted ceiling, to the perimeter of the criling.  These would add to the fairly dim existing house lighting, plus add the possibility of using them for some fun color lighting. Though, don't want to go to the trouble of using an addressable pixel type of system (so they don't have to learn to use the specialized software used to control so many lights). Rather, I would want each string to have RGB (and perhaps a warm white), control of each strand. I can easily find DMX controllers for RGBW LED tape. But, I can't find the Festoon type lights to use with them. Note that if I found them, we would use perhaps 8 strands (3 or 4 DMX channels each) and they would each be between 40' and 50' Long.

If I have to, I could settle on 24v white festoon lights, and use those same type of DMX LED strip controllers. In that case, there would be one strip per channel.

Is there such a thing as the festoon equivalent of a RGBW LED tape?
---
The details I promised in the first paragraph; it is the old 68th Street Theater in Upper Darby, PA.  Actor's Bible [ http://www.actors.bible<https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.actors.bible__;!!J_x18tFw!O5b_DfRKyyCNGdVdLy5peBVAoagI8vHMXKGVMEqfKY5EiD_g46_O3zLP494ELYDwsh4ZAf8bOnD-vJdltZotnq4d2Ex9lw$> ] has had the place for 10 years now, and named it Theatre 7000. (Address is 7000 Terminal Square). They had used it with a geodesic dome for projection, and all their lights were inside. But, that is now going out on tour, and so they want to add a light system for the open theater space itself.  There is essentially zero wing space, though the stage itself is fairly wide with a very high proscenium. There is fly space, a dressing room (up some short stairs), and even a trap room below the stage. Though, perhaps that was more related to the shallow orchestra pit. And while the space will host some shows in the future, created by Actors.Bible, they also want to use the space for conferences, and perhaps some home school groups, when they want to do their own dramas.

-Joe

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