Newbie looking for guidance

[SNIPESCASTLE2]

Hello everyone! I’ve been slowly building my show, trying to get the hang of doing my own sequences , but
it’s taking me forever. I downloaded some of the shared sequences, and maybe I’m missing something with regards to using my home models with other folks models. Basically, wanting to use the timing/beats/bars
and use some of the incredible effects people have developed.
Can anyone give me a nudge in the right direction of how to apply shared sequences to my home model?
I’m sure Keith or any of the developers of this awesome software have probably already answered this very question many times over now. Perhaps I’m just not searching the proper terminology to find my answers.

I’ve done a few trials of my own, and “patience is a virtue” but there has to be simpler means to achieve
decent results, without taking two to three hours to do one song(like I said, I’m just getting started with all this)
The mechanicals of the setup come easy to me, being a mechanic and working for a major utility company in
Kansas City, Mo. but the whole Bars and beats thing it a bit much for me. I’ve never let something hold me back
from achieving my end result, and I’m not gonna stop now, that’s for sure!

So, in closing, I’d appreciate all the pointers I can get with using the shared sequences that anyone would be willing to give.
Thank you!
Ben Smith

[keithsw1111]

Do you have queen mary plug-ins installed

[SNIPESCASTLE2]

Queen Mary Vamp plug-in ? I did download it, but I’m not sure it’s right.
I’m not seeing the bars/beats with the music I added to the sequences.
I lost the very first sequence I put together somehow, and tried to to do
a system restore to get it back, hasn’t been the same ever since. I did
download it again today but didn’t notice any changes.

Do you think I should uninstall and try everything again?
Thanks!
Ben Smith

[aknflyer]

By defualt backup on save is enabled. You should be able to go to your xlights backup folder, find the date it last worked and open that file. Save me many times. A very well designed program.

[keithsw1111]

I doubt it. I would try to add a timing track. If the Qm plugins don’t appear let’s see your logs to find out why.

If you are running 64 bit on windows they should be installed in c:\program files

[SNIPESCASTLE2]

Keith,
I ended up uninstalling everything and re-installing everything
Working as it should now, timing tracks,etc.
Can you give me a brief run down on how to use a shared sequence
Work with my models?  I get the whole “ save as a separate folder”
In order to keep all the associated files together.
Do I have to name my models the same as the shared folders names?
If I were to send you a copy of the model I’ve made, would that help you
get an idea of what I’m looking to do?
Thanks for your assistance! It’s greatly appreciated!
Ben Smith

[jnealand]

There are a number of video on mapping a sequence.  I don't have links, but look in xlights.org and also youtube.com, and pixelprodisplays.com

[SNIPESCASTLE2]

Thank you !!! I’ll keep digging!
running out of daylight before showtime you know?
Ben Smith

[keithsw1111]

As Jim says there are oodles of videos on mapping in sequences.

[SNIPESCASTLE2]

Keith,
I have question for you, you will most likely know this from the get go.
When you place an effect on a timing track, depending on which direction you
“Stretch” the length that effect stays on, one side has a line that turns “Magenta”
Or, if you click directly on the effect, both lines turn Magenta.....how does this work?
Is this how you make each effect turn one direction, or the other? (Spirals turning left,
then turning right for instance) or do you have to place two identical effects side by side,
With different settings, I.e. swag speed/skips size, etc... I’ve seen some pretty amazing
effects and I’d love to know how folks are doing these. I know a lot of it is just trial and
error.

Thank you for all your wisdom in using this amazing program!
My friends are calling me “ Clark Griswald” (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation reference)
Ben Smith

[Gilrock]

That selection highlight has nothing to do with how an effect works.  You can select different parts of an effect and it will react differently when holding down shift to move the effects.

[SNIPESCASTLE2]

Thank you Gilrock! I really had no idea of the significance of the highlight, couldn’t
Find any reference to it anywhere.
Thanks!
Ben Smith

[Gilrock]

This shows some of the ways to use the edge selection:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBuInkYuuqc