DiyLightAnimation
Software => Light Show Pro => Topic started by: zwiller on February 22, 2013,
-
Anyone know if there is a way to do this? Also, any advice on setting one up with LSP? I am planning to create a layer for it, do separate controllers for each string, and draw each string manually. So if there is a better way, I am all ears. THANKS
-
I don't remember for sure, but I think when I was playing with this in LSP I let it do a 360 tree for me and then I removed the back 180 set of channels. Seemed like it worked and looked better than my manual drawing, but it has been a while.
-
There is a guy near me who did a pixel tree at 180 degrees, and I believe it was about 15-20 feel high. I don't remember his username, but I have talked to him on one of the forums, if I remember his username I'll post it on here.
Anyway, I think what you could do using LSP is create a Matrix about where your tree would be. This way you have control over everything in your tree and though it wont be an exact replica, you'll be able to sequence it quite easily.
-
could you do it as a matrix in LSP?
-
Is there an echo in here? <la..
RJ
-
No echo... More like flanging or slap back delay. ;D
-
Thanks guys.
Dan, you're idea worked great except that LSP defaults the first string in the center. That said, the drawing is unbelievably accurate once you input the channels and strings! In LSP I added 2x channels as needed, drew image, and removed the extra channels. If there was a way to control starting channel it would be perfect.
From a bit of research I think guys are using the matrix due to the above issue starting in center. Sure I could do it as a matrix, but would prefer to view something a bit more more lifelike to make sure things translate well. I've tried drawing the single string per controller and the results are less than stellar but I wonder if it's worth it for the ease of sequencing. Maybe virtual controller per string? Need to keep digging...
-
You could use Nutcracker as it has the ability to do 180 degree pixel trees.
-
Is there an echo in here? <la..
RJ
sometimes we have to repeat it, so it soaks in for zwiller... >:D
just kidding Sam
-
Is there an echo in here? <la..
RJ
sometimes we have to repeat it, so it soaks in for zwiller... >:D
just kidding Sam
That might be more true than you realize ;D
-
How many strands are you using? I am doing a 180 SS Mega Tree this year and was only going to do 12(6 Looped) strands. I wonder if it will be dense enough?
Ryan
-
How many strands are you using? I am doing a 180 SS Mega Tree this year and was only going to do 12(6 Looped) strands. I wonder if it will be dense enough?
Ryan
you can try many different targets in Nutcracker to see what the extra stands will add. My half megatree was 20x120 flex strips. The top had 1" spacing, the bottom was 12" spacing/
it did look good.i would aim for 3-4" spacing halfup your tree.
thanks
sean
-
Thanks guys.
Dan, you're idea worked great except that LSP defaults the first string in the center. That said, the drawing is unbelievably accurate once you input the channels and strings! In LSP I added 2x channels as needed, drew image, and removed the extra channels. If there was a way to control starting channel it would be perfect.
From a bit of research I think guys are using the matrix due to the above issue starting in center. Sure I could do it as a matrix, but would prefer to view something a bit more more lifelike to make sure things translate well. I've tried drawing the single string per controller and the results are less than stellar but I wonder if it's worth it for the ease of sequencing. Maybe virtual controller per string? Need to keep digging...
I thought I figured out a way to make it work out, but let me see if I kept anything from it...I'll try to look at it tonight (maybe I threw up my hands in the end too....which might be why I started writing a standalone visualizer that listens for e1.31)
-
If each strand represents a set of channel numbers or a controller, couldn't you just change the starting channel number on each one until it represented the way you want it set up???
-
Thanks guys.
Dan, you're idea worked great except that LSP defaults the first string in the center. That said, the drawing is unbelievably accurate once you input the channels and strings! In LSP I added 2x channels as needed, drew image, and removed the extra channels. If there was a way to control starting channel it would be perfect.
From a bit of research I think guys are using the matrix due to the above issue starting in center. Sure I could do it as a matrix, but would prefer to view something a bit more more lifelike to make sure things translate well. I've tried drawing the single string per controller and the results are less than stellar but I wonder if it's worth it for the ease of sequencing. Maybe virtual controller per string? Need to keep digging...
I thought I figured out a way to make it work out, but let me see if I kept anything from it...I'll try to look at it tonight (maybe I threw up my hands in the end too....which might be why I started writing a standalone visualizer that listens for e1.31)
Appreciate it. Seems something very easy for LSP to do but they are fixing bugs first.
-
All coming back to me now....
GOAL: 16 channel front 180 degree tree starting on the left side with a counter clockwise rotation (I think that is what nutcracker works off of)
1) Add controller with 8 Channels start channel 1 (Controller 1)
2) Add controller with 16 Channels start channel 9 (Controller 2)
3) Add controller with 8 Channels start channel 25 (Controller 3)
Right click on Controller 1 and select "Draw Controller Channel Images"
Grab Tree tool and Draw your tree.
Select Yes to Split Item across multiple channels
Start channel should be channel 1 from controller 1
End channel should be last channel of controller 3
Select OK
Change the rotation to be Counter Clock Wise and whatever string configuration you have
Click OK after you are done editing your tree in the visualizer.
Right click on Controller 2 and select "Remove Controller" (it contains the back of the Tree)
Move Controller 1 below controller 3 (just drag and drop)
Right click on Controller 1 and select "Configure Controller"
Select the Channels tab
Select "Re-number and/or Prefix Channels"
Change the Start channel number to be 9
Right click on Controller 3 and select "Configure Controller"
Select the Channels tab
Select "Re-number and/or Prefix Channels"
Change the Start channel number to be 1
That will get you a representation of a 180 degree tree with channel 1 starting on the left hand side moving counter clockwise (I think that matches nutcracker)
You'll end up with your tree across two controllers in LSP, but that is really a logical representation since channel numbers is what really matters. That as a pretty simple case (in terms of channel count), but I'm pretty sure it would extend just fine across a big channel count. If my directions are not clear, or it does not work out let me know and I'll try to get some time to do a little screen capture.
-
Thanks for the excellent write up Dan! Will have to check it out.
With regard to strings per tree, I did alot of estimations and research and found 12 to be a good starting point for a mid sized mega. Of course, there is alot off personal preference and there is no substitute for seeing it for yourself... I agree that 3-4" spacing is preferred. Also keep to keep in mind how your mega fits into the overall display. Truthfully, I think a mega more as an accent and not a focal point, so I am scaling back accordingly. IE not getting really intense with text or images with it. With Zeus in mind I am now thinking more about doing 16 strings but I plan to do some serious testing before committing. I have however decided on a 10' string length with 3" spacing (40 nodes).
On the subject of SS megas I am working with Ray to produce a new node that I think will work well for my design. Basically it will be a smart version of these: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/RGB-5050LED-Module-1pcs-5050-SMD-RGB-DC12V-input/701799_518243139.html (http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/RGB-5050LED-Module-1pcs-5050-SMD-RGB-DC12V-input/701799_518243139.html) I plan to use strips of ply or abs and hot glue these on the strips. No drilling, burning holes, zip ties, etc. I also plan to use these on other elements like 2d minis with a SSC in grouped mode. I have tested these well and I really like them (dumb versions).
-
Thanks for the excellent write up Dan! Will have to check it out.
. . . . . . . . I have tested these well and I really like them (dumb versions).
By testing do you mean running the pixels or testing the build idea. I am wondering about the hot glue and abs in my Colorado weather. I may be having a senior moment, but what is ply?
Thanks for sharing. You may have just saved me a lot to time on my SS mega tree build.
Brian
-
Testing the pixels. I have not tested the build yet, but I will. Ply is plywood. Alot of my elements are 1/2'' ply strips painted. To my surprise, hot glue adhesion of my modules to painted ply was very effective. I live in Ohio so I think I can vouch. Do yourself a favor and glue some things up and test in the freezer. I did and was surprised and just used regular hot melt glue.
I asked Ray if the modules are ready for release and he said they were not and would not comment on release date other than he would email me. Concerns me a little but I will wait.