Shine Your Light

Josh Gilson from New Life Church in El Cajon, California brings us this very cool stage design feature chase-able blinders.

They built this set for under $1000 then gave it to one of their sister churches when they were done with it. Very cool!

Stats:

• 12 rows high
• 24 columns long (3 panels of 8 columns)
• 24 feet long
• 288 C9 Clear Christmas Lights
• 3 4-CH DMX Dimmers
• 3/4″ holes drilled every 12″

Materials:

• 12x 2″x4″x12′
• 6x 4’x8′ sheets of plywood or particle board 1/4″ to 3/4″
• 3x C9 Clear Christmas Lights, 96-100 count per strand. They cut them every 8 lights and connected 24 on 1 channel for a total of 288 lights on 12 rows (12 channels)
• 3x 4-Channel DMX Dimmer packs
• 24x Brown 6′ Extension cords from Home Depot/Wal-Mart. They cut them to make them the connections between the middle panels.
• 96x Wire Connectors
• 1x Wire Stripping Kit
• 96x 1/4″ Bolts
• 96x 1/4″ Wing Nuts & Washers
• Misc, Bolts and Screws to keep the parts together. They also used black zip ties to keep the panels tight together
• Flat Black Spray Paint (They painted everything)

Hints & Tips:

• Get your Christmas bulbs, C9 Christmas Bulbs during the holidays…they’re easier to come by.
• 1 person can build it, 2 people are helpful, but 3 people can get the job done it no time!
• An electrician can zoom through the wiring.

Building Chase-Able Blinder Light Walls for Church Stages

Chase-able blinder light walls create dramatic visual impact that transforms ordinary church stages into dynamic worship environments. This innovative design from New Life Church demonstrates how simple materials combined with DMX control can produce professional lighting effects typically found in concert venues. The modular panel system allows for flexible sizing to fit various stage dimensions while maintaining the chase sequence capability that makes this design so captivating.

The construction approach centers on creating a grid of individually controlled light bulbs arranged in rows and columns. By wiring the lights in groups of 24 across 12 channels, the design enables chase patterns where lights appear to move across the wall in waves or sequences. This effect works beautifully for high-energy worship moments, special events, or as a backdrop that adds depth and dimension to your stage. The 3/4-inch holes drilled at consistent 12-inch intervals ensure uniform spacing that looks professional from the audience perspective.

Using C9 Christmas bulbs as the light source is both cost-effective and practical. These bulbs are readily available, inexpensive when purchased during holiday sales, and produce warm, inviting light that complements worship environments. The clear bulbs used in this design provide consistent brightness while the DMX dimmer packs enable full control over intensity and chase timing. For churches looking to add movement and energy to their stage without investing in expensive LED video walls, this blinder approach offers an accessible alternative that volunteers can build and maintain.

DMX Control and Programming for Blinder Effects

DMX control transforms static lighting into dynamic visual experiences that enhance worship services. The three 4-channel DMX dimmer packs used in this design provide 12 individual control channels, each managing 24 bulbs. This channel breakdown allows for sophisticated chase programming where lights can sequence horizontally, vertically, or in custom patterns that match your music and message. Understanding basic DMX addressing is essential for successful implementation.

Programming chase effects requires either a lighting console with chase capabilities or software-based control. Most modern lighting boards can create chase sequences by recording steps where different channels turn on and off in succession. For churches without dedicated lighting operators, simpler approaches work well too. Setting up basic scenes like “all on,” “alternating rows,” or “center out” provides variety without complex programming. The key is ensuring your DMX dimmer packs are properly addressed so each responds to the correct control channel.

Power distribution for 288 bulbs requires careful planning. At approximately 7 watts per C9 bulb, the total load reaches roughly 2000 watts when fully illuminated. Spreading this across multiple circuits prevents overload while the DMX dimmer packs handle the switching and dimming functions. Always consult with a qualified electrician when planning permanent installations to ensure code compliance and safety. The investment in proper electrical infrastructure pays dividends in reliability and peace of mind during services.

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Pro Tips for Blinder Light Stage Projects

Plan Your Power Distribution: Before cutting a single piece of wood, map out your electrical requirements. Calculate total wattage for all bulbs at full brightness and ensure your circuits can handle the load. Consider using multiple circuits to distribute power safely. Label all wiring clearly during installation to simplify troubleshooting and future modifications.

Test Your DMX Setup Before Final Assembly: Wire a small test section with one dimmer pack and verify DMX control works correctly before completing the full build. This approach catches addressing errors or faulty equipment early when they’re easier to fix. Document your channel assignments and keep the paperwork with your lighting equipment for future reference.

Consider Modular Construction: Building in three separate panels, as shown in this design, makes transportation and installation significantly easier. Modular panels also allow for flexible configurations—you can use all three for large events or fewer panels for smaller stages. Use quick-connect fittings between panels to speed up setup and teardown.

Paint for Professional Results: The flat black spray paint used on this build serves both aesthetic and practical purposes. Black minimizes light reflection between bulbs, making each light appear more distinct and vibrant. It also gives the finished piece a professional appearance that complements rather than distracts from your stage design.

Related: Skypan – Learn how to build professional DIY skypan lights for your church stage under $50 with this complete guide from VOUS Church.

Related: 5 Bars – See how to create budget-friendly LED bar stage designs using cable trays and diffusing film for professional results.

Related: Notes and Lines – Discover how to create a stunning sheet music stage design using LED tubes and diffused lighting for under $250.