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Christmas Light Chase Controllers

Christmas Light Controllers

A Christmas light controller adds motion to your display by switching whole light strings on and off in sequence. Each output on the controller is a channel. Plug one string, or a run of connected strings, into each channel, and the controller turns those channels on and off in a set pattern. The lights on each string stay steady; the motion comes from the strings switching in order across your roofline, trees or yard.

Controller Types

  • Chase controllers (2, 3 and 4 channel): one channel on at a time, cycling in order.
  • Bounce controllers (3 and 4 channel): the chase runs forward through the channels, then reverses back.
  • Build-up controllers (2, 3 and 4 channel): channels turn on one after another and stay on until all are lit, then the cycle resets.
  • 1-channel flasher: flashes a single circuit on and off.
  • 4-channel push-button controller: 8 built-in chase patterns selected with one button, 1.25 amps per channel, weatherproof, and it remembers your last pattern after the power cycles.
  • GFade 8: 8 channels at up to 8 amps per output, with preloaded animations, scheduling, and a web-based drag-and-drop timeline over WiFi (no app to install). Sync several GFade controllers when you need more than 8 channels. A pigtail extension kit is sold separately or bundled.

How to Choose

Channel count. Each channel is one zone that switches on its own. Two channels give a simple alternating look, while four or more let the motion travel across a longer roofline or a row of trees.

Effect. The speed-dial controllers each run one effect (chase, bounce, build-up or flash), and the dial sets how fast it runs. Want several patterns from one unit? Choose the 4-channel push-button model. Want to design your own show and set a schedule? Choose the GFade 8.

Load. Add up the amps of everything plugged into each channel and stay under the rating: 2 amps per channel on the speed-dial models, 1.25 amps on the push-button model, 8 amps per output on the GFade 8. LED loads are small; a C9 ProCore® bulb draws 0.84 watts, so a 25-bulb C9 run draws about 21 watts.

Buying Notes

Every controller here is backed by our Reindeer Proof™ Warranty, and the speed-dial models are compatible with C7 and C9 Christmas light stringers. Pair a controller with C7 or C9 runs on your roofline, windows and trees, and find plugs, wire and timers in Christmas light supplies and accessories.

Want lights you can program color by color? See our RGB Christmas lights.

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Buying Guide

Christmas Light Controllers FAQ

Answers to the most common christmas light controller shopping and comparison questions.

What does a Christmas light chase controller do?

It switches whole light strings on and off in sequence. Each output is a channel; you plug a string or a run of connected strings into each channel, and the controller turns the channels on and off in a pattern so the display appears to move.

Will a chase controller make lights chase down a single string?

No. A chase controller switches an entire string (everything on that channel) on or off at once. The chase effect travels from string to string across your channels, not bulb by bulb along one string.

How many channels do I need?

One channel per zone you want to switch on its own. Two channels give a simple alternating look. Three or four channels let the motion travel along a roofline or across a row of trees. The GFade 8 has 8 channels, and several GFade controllers can be synced for more.

What is the difference between chase, bounce and build-up?

Chase turns one channel on at a time and cycles in order. Bounce runs forward through the channels, then reverses back. Build-up turns channels on one after another and leaves them on until all are lit, then resets.

Can these controllers sync my lights to music?

No. The controllers in this collection run light patterns, not music. The GFade 8 has no audio capability, and the speed-dial and push-button models run built-in effects only. For multiple patterns without programming, choose the 4-channel push-button controller with 8 built-in patterns.

How much can I plug into each channel?

Stay under the channel rating: 2 amps per channel on the speed-dial controllers, 1.25 amps per channel on the push-button controller, and 8 amps per output on the GFade 8. LED lights draw very little; a C9 ProCore® bulb uses 0.84 watts. The speed-dial chase, bounce and build-up models are compatible with C7 and C9 Christmas light stringers, and the 1-channel flasher works with incandescent and LED strings.

What is the GFade 8?

A fully programmable 8-channel controller in a waterproof aluminum enclosure. It comes with preloaded animations, schedules start and stop times, and works on 110 to 240 VAC with up to 8 amps per output. Many settings work from a mobile browser, but building custom patterns on the drag-and-drop timeline requires a desktop or laptop computer.

Christmas Light Controllers That Put Your Display in Motion

A chase controller switches whole light strings on and off in sequence, one channel at a time, so your display moves. Choose a speed-dial model for a single chase, bounce or build-up effect, a push-button model with 8 built-in patterns, or the GFade 8 for fully custom, programmable shows.

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