Sean Meighan
Software => xLights Convert => Topic started by: rando1957 on August 02, 2014, 09:05:16 AM
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I have an LOR sequence that I have completed. Separately I created an XL/NC sequence for an RGB model, thinking that I would import into LOR; however, the speed is so slow in LOR and file size so big, I decided to see if I can run this all via XL. The LOR and XL sequences are using the same mp3 but the file names I save them are different. Can I rename the LOR .lms file to match XL name and then convert and join the two together or do I have to just take the model export in XL and copy into LOR?
Also, I spent some time drawing my LOR props/fixtures as XL models but having a difficult time trying to get them to show up in previews. Do i need to add them as models in NC tab, save and then see in preview?
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Also, I spent some time drawing my LOR props/fixtures as XL models but having a difficult time trying to get them to show up in previews. Do i need to add them as models in NC tab, save and then see in preview?
I went thru this and it was the starting channels not being right. If you are off one channel it can make Green Red or Blue or you will see an odd set of lights on another prop. I also and still have problems finding that starting channel for a LOR box, ie ID 3 is hardwired at 33 and if you don't have a 1 or 2 ID or they are in another universe, it leaves some blanks. BUT you can use the preview to fine tune the starting point. Also comparing the setup channels start and finish to what you have helps.
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All my channels are lined up fine so that is not the issue. I actually had converted a song and while I had it loaded, i started building all the 'LOR props' and played the song fine. Then shut down XL and brought it back up later and could not get the display to work. The models are all there but could not get them to show up on that song or any other .lms converted songs.
The other problem I was having was combining the two sequences is more of challenge. I know there is a way to do this without having to load clipboard into LOR and then bring back into XL.
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could not get the display to work. The models are all there but could not get them to show up on that song or any other .lms converted songs.
Yes mine (Preview Model Display) "disappeared" except one model yesterday. They are there in the xml file. On my list to figure out...
The other problem I was having was combining the two sequences is more of challenge. I know there is a way to do this without having to load clipboard into LOR and then bring back into XL.
Let us know if you find out. The "party line" is to bring the lms into Xl and never leave. But I hedge my bets and want the option of running the sequence in either one or Pi.
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Yes mine (Preview Model Display) "disappeared" except one model yesterday. They are there in the xml file. On my list to figure out...
in the xlights_rgbeffects file change the MyDisplay value from 0 to 1.
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Well I believe that worked. I was also able to rename my LOR .lms file to the same name as the XL file name that I created my RGB model and combine the two. Still some challenges as to getting both LOR props and RGB model showing in the preview pane. Something more to tweak for a bit. Thanks for the advice.
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Colonelcline,
I still am not getting my LOR props to show up at same time as the NC model. Mydisplay = 1 in the rgbeffects file in all cases.
One thing I did though was in the NC tab, I added some LOR props and added effects 'none,none' in every cell. Saved file, then reload in preview tab. Those LOR props and NC model both showed up. Do I need to do this in every case to view LOR props? I am sure the LOR effects are in my file, just not showing up in preview tab.
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If you want imported lor data to show in the preview u need to make a model for them. You do NOT need to add this model into the grid if u have no plans on using nutcracker effects. Say u have a single strand candy cane. Only effects for it will be done by lor. Create a custom model, click part of my display. When you play in preview tab u will see it show the lor data.
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One thing I did though was in the NC tab, I added some LOR props and added effects 'none,none' in every cell. Saved file, then reload in preview tab. Those LOR props and NC model both showed up. Do I need to do this in
What Sean said. I put my 16ch Lor boxes in as models just to check that I have the channels right. I just add a single line with 16 channels. So I have all my show in the Preview and I can see if they follow the beat and come on. Like I do with Lor's animation. I also put a number in front so that NC and the ones I work on most are at the top, like 0-MegaTree, 1-LakeTree, etc.
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Ok that worked but it appears I have to repeat that for every song. Nothing in the xml file that I could copy from song to song to speed that up. At least I know what is required. Thanks for the help.
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Ok that worked but it appears I have to repeat that for every song. Nothing in the xml file that I could copy from song to song to speed that up. At least I know what is required. Thanks for the help.
no, i dont understand.
you make models for nc effects and you make models to match what you did in LOR.
suppose you have 500 channels of AC LOR, 1-500
You have 5000 channels of RGB 513-5513
for LOR you could make multiple models. one for your 3 color mini trees, your 16 channel arches, your 2 color eaves , .etc.
You just need to make these models once. Be sure "Part of my display" is checked on them. this will make them show up in the preview.
You now make models for the rgb stuff starting at ch 513. Make a megatree, rgb star .etc. Be sure "Part of my display" is checked also.
now
1) Open LOR (second option of Open) or import LOR sequences in
2) Add effects using the RGB models.
3) Press save.
4) Go to Preview, you will see your LOR channels activting the LOR models you made and the RGB models will show you the NC effects you added.
Need to edit LOR?
a) Go back to LOR, make changes and save as lms file
b) repeat 1-4 above
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I have a lot of "dumb" elements programmed in LOR and wanted to "see" them in the Nutcracker visualizer. Not so much how they looked but to verify that the data was present in the converted file and that the timing was right.
Rather than create 40 models and clutter my list, I created a single Matrix with enough pixels to cover the two DMX universes needed (less than 1024 total). Start channel was 1, end channel was 960.
I positioned that model in the upper right corner of my visualizer window. Now, when I play a sequence in the visualizer, I see the LOR information. After a while, you even learn what and where things are in that small display area.
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Thanks, I finally figured out what I was doing. When I loaded a new sequence in preview tab, it asked if I want to
"Reset my display flags on element model to match sequence?" I have been choosing yes which removed the LOR props from my preview and only showed the NC models. So now I choose 'no' and all models and LOR props are displayed.
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yep, if u have created LOR models do not answer yes to that question.
i have no LOR models so i always answer yes.
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yep, if u have created LOR models do not answer yes to that question.
i have no LOR models so i always answer yes.
This is not a LOR issue, but an issue for anyone creating models to show in preview from any sequencer other than nutcracker. The same thing happens with Vixen programming that has been imported into nutcracker.
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I know this an older thread but here it goes, Lor can not handle some of my sequences so I want to use Xlights to run everything this year, questions I have are
#1 I already have my 16 string pixel tree set up in Xlights I am using 5 universes, I have 240 AC channels of LOR that I need to change into DMX, ( don't how do this just yet) can I add a universe 6 for my LOR controllers and go from channel 1 to 240 for LOR stuff?
#2 Changing over my LOR channels should be easy should I delete all my RGB channels before I import into Xlights from LOR
#3 I am sure I will need an E131 and a hub to plug everything into, ( I already have an E682 for my pixel tree )
I hope these are clear enough questions. any help would be appreciatedll of sequencing is done for this year so it just a matter of changing which software I want to run my show
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#1 yes
#2 you dont rgb channels defined in LOR, just your ac channels
it is pretty straightforward. first define the controller(s) you now use in LOR. People suggest use a USB DMX option in the SETUP tab of xlights. Now add e1.31 universes. set channels per univers to 510 if using e1.31
import in your lms sequences into xlights
next add models and effects in nutcracker
save and play your show from xlights or use the falcon pi player.
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Thanks Sean, last question I have some channels that I am not using I have them as spares, because I am assigning all my other channels when I create the universe should I assign these spare channels in sequential order in case i want to add an element next year or even this year? o will this screw up Xlights?
I hope this makes sense
Example I have unit #8 or controller #8 I keep channel 11 as a spare, so channels 1 thru 10 in controller 8 are for my firesticks I have them as universe 6 ID# 15,16,17,18,19 ,20,21,22,23,24, can I make channel 8 ID# 25, even though it will do nothing?
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yes, assign spare channels. define as a big a block of lor channels as you might use in the next few years.
You then assign the big block of e1.31 channels in xlights.
now, it is NOT a big deal if you need to later add LOR channels.
the only think you would need to change , if you add more lor channels, is the starting channel number in your models. just one number per model would need to be changed
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Sean,
I need to add to this thread as this directly pertains to me and my setup. Having a better understanding of how to sucessfully integrate LOR into Xlights has been somewhat confusing to me as well.
My current plan for this up coming Christmas season is to have the first 52 universes assigned as pixels. 48 universes for my 48 strands in my megatree and the next 4 universes for my stellumina tree topper pixel star. I have tested all the electronics and it seems to work perfectly using ONLY Xlights/Nutcracker. The pixels are all run by E.131 controllers by J1sys. I just added on to it this year.
It worked fine last year using half as many pixels but LOR was NOT integrated into Xlights last year. Now comes the hard part. Integrating more than 512 channels of LOR into Xlights and having Xlights run everything. It intimadates me a bit but I have full confidence that this should work perfectly if I do everything correct. I believe I've done my homework this year.
My current plan (which can be changed ) to have the next two universes in the Xlights setup (53 & 54) for my LOR AC channels. I already have universes 53 & 54 assigned and dedicated in LOR S3 in the LOR configuration file.
I certainly plan to run all my 550 LOR channels running in DMX mode all run by Xlights using two seperate USB-DMX smart dongles. I also have some 'dumb RGB lights' in my LOR configuration file. Is there any issues concerning configuring the dumb RGB channels in the Xlights setup??
All these dumb strips are is RGB over and over 48 times as I have 48 strands of dumb RGB strips that LOR is also 'controlling.' These are already configured in the LOR config file as dumb RGB channels. I would imagiane that these also HAVE to be configured in the Xlights setup file. (Not sure how?) I'm sure I'll figure it out.
Do you see any issues so far as I haven't integrated LOR into Xlights yet and not sure what concerns might come up. I need to test this out on a much limited scale before Christmas to see if Xlights can control two seperate universes of LOR AC channels, LOR Low voltage DC RGB channels as well as 52 universes of E.131 pixels.
Can my LOR channels and universes come AFTER my nutcracker universes in the Xlights setup? (I sure hope so!!) Anything else I'm possibly forgetting?
Please feel free for eanybody to chime in especially users who have both LOR and Nutcracker all running by Xlights.
Thanks very much!!
--Greg in Highlands Ranch--
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Hi, Greg...
My setup is kind of like yours, except that I have my LOR channels first (336 - running in DMX mode)... I did it this way because I program the AC lights in LOR and then import the sequence into either LSP or XLights... Then add Nutcracker effects. I run the show from Xlights... I need to run from Xlights because I need to execute a batch file to change the scrolling led sign I use to show what song and artist is playing, and export the RDS data to the EDM transmitter. Hope that helps...
Dan
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Is there a way to import the viualisation file from LOR. Else I have to create multiple models to simulate the non RGB channels.
I did create models in NC but it does not show clearly in the preview. I do click it to be part of my display.
I drew a roofline but it is hardly visible in preview and too as three dots.
Any solution to preview the elements imported from LOR.
thanks
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Nope. There is not a way. It's your else situation. Don't expect a totally realistic visualization.
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Is there a way to import the viualisation file from LOR. Else I have to create multiple models to simulate the non RGB channels.
I did create models in NC but it does not show clearly in the preview. I do click it to be part of my display.
I drew a roofline but it is hardly visible in preview and too as three dots.
Any solution to preview the elements imported from LOR.
thanks
Probably i can write a script that convert the LOR visualization file into a custom model in xlights. Not sure i can do this for this season
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Sean,
Why do I see only three light dots while creating a model of a roof line in NC. What am i missing.
Also I have struggled to create the models in your link - http://meighan.net/nutcr/
Any help on first five at least.
Thanks you
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Sean,
Why do I see only three light dots while creating a model of a roof line in NC. What am i missing.
In the Model List box, what does the Node Layout look like? Is it just three "cells"?
If your roof line model is a "dumb string" of RGB (3 Channel RGB) instead of Pixels, that can happen.
How is your model setup? A screen shot of the Modify panel for that model would help, too.
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Yes Don, It is a dumb RGB strand of three channels.
Regards
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Yes Don, It is a dumb RGB strand of three channels.
Regards
Assuming then that you are using either Display as Single Line or Window Frame
and Type of String is 3 Channel RGB
Then you need to set it as "actual # of strings" = 1
and the RGB Nodes per string to be more than one. The bigger the number, the longer the line will display.
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You can even lie about the number of nodes to make your preview look better if need be since nutcracker will only be programming 3 channels no matter how many nodes you tell the model.
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Following Sean's instructions and with a little help from lights on fifth (thanks so much to both of you), I am successfully getting all my LOR files converted to XL/NC. After a little bit of going back & forth on what I needed to do, to match up AC & RGB channels between LOR & XL/NC, I finally figured out that the LOR channels should just be left "as is" and the XL/NC channel configuration (I blocked out the first 510 for LOR AC and set my first arch RGB channel at 511), everything worked great.
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One more question <<please>>. I have now successfully converted all my 2013 LOR files into XL/NC xseq files. I have watched all of them in PREVIEW and everything is there that should be there. But, I had already built all my megatree effects for 2014 so I have a bunch of xml files ready to go.
For my first new "target" file containing the LOR stuff, here's what I did:
1) I opened up the file in which I had already developed my RGB megatree effects.
2) I highlighted & copied all the cells in the NC grid and pasted them into an excel spreadsheet. I saved that excel spreadsheet as a brute force way of keeping the xml file info in another place in case I lose the xml file.
3) I closed that first NC file and opened up my new "target" NC file that contains the converted LOR stuff in it.
4) I added the same number of rows in the NC grid as the rows in the excel spreadsheet, copied the cells from excel, then pasted them into the NC grid.
5) When I checked this in preview, everything works as intended.
6) I saved the NC file.
So, here's my question--is there a better way to do this?? Thanks in advance.
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Yes Dan there is. The xseq file name you used for the LOR sequence you converted to should be the same xseq file name as the one you built your RGB models. Must match exactly. That way if you want to make a change to LOR sequence, you update your LMS file, and then convert again to the xseq file. XL combines it. A lot easier than your solution. So my lms, xseq, xml - all have the same file name format.
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Oh shoot you know what, Sean answered that exact answer last week to one of these LOR to XL/NC posts.... Thanks Rando. I'll try it.
Edit. Since I didn't start out naming the files in one convention, I am going to stick with my long way this time around because I am not sure how to do this without goofing up my files. If I borrow someone's LOR sequences in the future I will be much more careful with my file naming conventions so I can save the LOR and XL/NC effects and have XL/NC work for me...
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you can rename the xlights xseq,xml with no issue.
Example
YourBigLORFile.lms
in xLights You made
ADifferentName.xseq
ADifferentName.xml
rename
ADifferentName.xseq => YourBigLORFile.xseq
ADifferentName.xml => YourBigLORFile.xml
Now you can do a Convert each time of YourBigLORFile.lms into xseq
What happens is it overlays just your LOR AC channels in the xseq and it does not touch your xml file
After you converty, open YourBigLORFile.xseq and press save
Also; Please remember to do a "File,Backup" before you do any editing so you have copies of all your xml files.
sean
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Ok. Ya'll talked me into it; I will try it. I WILL backup before I change file names.... Thanks.
Yet one more question please.... I experimented with this a few days ago & it seemed to work but I figured I would ask anyways... I converted 16 LOR AC channels and 6-60 RGB arches into xseq/xml files. I checked them in preview & everything did as it should have. I then made a copy of the xseq file so I wouldn't goof up my recently converted xseq file. I opened up that file copy then opened up two of the arch models in NC and setup some "dummy" effects (some color washer) that would be obviously different than the rest of the arches' effects--this seemed to work as I anticipated it would. Is this the "right" way to change effects converted into NC from LOR if I want to do that? I am guessing it is kind of an "all or nothing" proposition--do the whole sequence? thx.
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U put an effect none, none to tell xlights to leave your original effects alone u can mix nc effects with your original
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Like this? For example, if I wanted to add an effect only between 6.25 seconds & 15.5 seconds and leave everything else as-is for Arch01?? Pardon my poor grid analogy below.....
Or would I have to do a black colorwash first then go to none, none for the remainder??
thanks.
Time Arch01
0.000 none, none
6.250 chase, red (whatever...)
15.50 none, none
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yes Dan, that is how I do it per your example. I even have several models for the same prop (3 tier star) and I will have 1 vertical matrix model and 3 individual strand models all for the same star. Then use None,None when I want to ignore that model for that timing mark.
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Dan - Sean posted this on another post and adds more to what I was saying (and says it better).
"None,none is confusing. It means what effect should be generated for this cell, none indicates to generate nothing (in other words leave alone whatever is there). If you really mean blank,blank then use a colorwash of one color equal to black. None,none allows u to generate effects on your rgb arches, eaves, megatree using your old sequencer and tells xlights NOT to step on top of it"
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Thanks Rando. Sean's input is what I figured, based on his previous inputs here... Now I've got it--none, none "returns" you to the "original" sequence material. Interesting concept....
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I would caution you to understand that none none returns you to the last saved data for those channels. If you had been playing around and put some test data in that grid spot and saved the sequence than went back change some other stuff and tried the none, none it does not take you back to your original import. That is probably clear as mud. The caution is on your use of the word "original". Original as I understand it would the last saved and not the old old original that you imported from LOR.
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Danj, your example is correct. None,none means nutcracker will do nothing and whatever is in those time slots will show through
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None,none means nutcracker will do nothing and whatever is in those time slots will show through
Even if what is in those time slots is junk from earlier testing. Been there, going "Where did that junk come from?"
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None,none means nutcracker will do nothing and whatever is in those time slots will show through
Even if what is in those time slots is junk from earlier testing. Been there, going "Where did that junk come from?"
+1 on that which is why I put the caution note a couple of posts back. I changed some channels around and ran into the same problem with having "junk" showing up in the preview when I knew I never did anything with those elements in my little test files. I usually test new props using channel 1 and after I am satisfied that the electronics are working I go back and change the channel assignments to be where they will be in the show/ Unfortunately all my DMX elements are in the first 512 channels.
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Thanks so much for all the clarifications on "none none". I really appreciate ya'll looking out for me!!!