a programmable lighting control system for advertising , decorative , artistic , and christmas lighting applications , consists of a standalone controller , an optional power booster device , and a personal computer compatible software program . the controller receives power via a standard ac outlet receptacle and includes : a plurality of ac output receptacles for connection to either series or parallel connected christmas tree type lights or the like ; a micro - controller to provide timing and control signals that are applied to solid state switching devices to drive the outlet receptacles ; a non volatile memory to store custom user defined lighting sequences ; a rotary , switch to enable the selection of either pre - programmed sequences or user defined sequences ; and a serial communication port . the personal computer compatible software program enables the user to create custom lighting sequences , which can be downloaded to the light controller non volatile memory via the serial port . the optional power booster device can be used to increase the output power capability of each of the individual controller output circuits .