LMS convert to xseq

[colonelcline]

This is just an FYI in case it might help someone. With V3.3.9 convert lms to xseq, I had no errors. With 3.4.4 I did . I deleted all my ccr/ccb macro channels 151-157 and 3.4.4 converts with no errors.  I am working with 1708 LOR channels and 14400 e1.31. 

[dkulp]

Can you send me one of the lms files?   All the samples I have so far the extra 7 channels have been empty and thus should import fine.   I'd like to see what is in those 7 channels when they aren't empty. 

There is also then the question of if they aren't empty, should we import them as a channel in the xseq?

[sean]

if people import lms into xlights (or fpp) and want to play their show from there, wouldn't we need to output the additional 7 channels?

i don't know LOR hardware enough

[dkulp]

if people import lms into xlights (or fpp) and want to play their show from there, wouldn't we need to output the additional 7 channels?

Honestly, I have no idea.  It kind of depends on what they are doing.  One use case that I am familiar with (since I have done this) it to purchase or otherwise obtain a sequence that uses a 12 CCR based mega tree  + 6 channel star.  However, I don't use anything LOR so when I convert that, I definitely want it to be a "normal" 12x50 pixel 180 degree tree (plus 6 channel star) and I don't want the extra channels.   

Mostly, I'm interested in seeing what IS in those channels.  I haven't actually seen an LMS file yet that didn't have those channels as empty.  I'm wondering if those macros or something may map better to an actual Nutcracker effect or something. 

[colonelcline]

Can you send me one of the lms files?   All the samples I have so far the extra 7 channels have been empty and thus should import fine.   I'd like to see what is in those 7 channels when they aren't empty. 

There is also then the question of if they aren't empty, should we import them as a channel in the xseq?

Yes I will. Those 7 channels are MACRO commands that we use-used before SuperStar. Some of mine have the "unused" Macros and some are empty. Most do not use macros anymore to program the ccd's. It is a in to remove the channels if you have a lot of ccd's but doable. I recommend leaving them as I think they just take up space??

[dkulp]

Yes I will. Those 7 channels are MACRO commands that we use-used before SuperStar. Some of mine have the "unused" Macros and some are empty. Most do not use macros anymore to program the ccd's. It is a in to remove the channels if you have a lot of ccd's but doable. I recommend leaving them as I think they just take up space??

Well, the problem with always leaving them in is that they then screw up the Nutcracker models and such.  For example, another use case is to take an LMS file, import it into xLights, then use the Nutcracker tab to overlay some cool effects onto the models.   Nutcracker models are generally a continuous block of channels.  Having those extra 3 channels for each CCR would make it quite a bit harder to setup the models as you'd have to specify individual start channels for each string.  The "automatic" stuff (create a tree, 12 strings, 50 pix/string) wouldn't work.

I keep thinking the Convert tab may need an extra set of options to select.  The "empty channels" handling would be one.   DMX universe lookups (not currently done, but I'd LIKE to do for both LMS and hlsIdata) would be another.

[colonelcline]

remove the channels if you have a lot of ccd's but doable. I recommend leaving them as I think they just take up space??

Well, the problem with always leaving them in is that they then screw up the Nutcracker models and such.  For example, another use case is to take an LMS file, import it into xLights, then use the Nutcracker tab to overlay some cool effects onto the models.   Nutcracker models are generally a continuous block of channels.  Having those extra 3 channels for each CCR would make it quite a bit harder to setup the models as you'd have to

I am comfortable with no extra channels as you have it now but with 9 ccd's, deleting 7 channels per ccd across 50+ musicals is a lot of work. LOR lcc imports move the channels but not the sequencing so on the first import .lcc file all sequencing moves up 7 channels,  or in my case 56 channels. I'd have to do each sequence one at a time. Doable but tedious. I have time at this point but need to lock something in before I start much further.

[colonelcline]

remove the channels if you have a lot of ccd's but doable.

 those extra 3 channels for each CCR would make it quite a bit harder to setup the models as you'd have to

I created a transition lcc config file and it takes me about 15 minutes per lms to remove the extra channels and do some cleanup-ordering. I did 2 sequences and converted to xseq and everything looks good. I entered my CCR-CCB's as models and played with them without a problem. I'm (or Excel) either good at math or you allow some leeway on the model starting channel. What is confusing is counting even with both shoes off. 3 16ch lors is 48 channels and shows as channels 1-48 in xlights but 1-16, 17-33, 34-50 comes out at 50? Anyway it works fine and I am pleased with it.

Previously converting from xseq to lms did not look right. I will play with that next altho the Model Export is probably more practical?