Non RGB Elements

[the-sensei]

Hey yall, last year I didn't host a show because we were in the process of relocating across the country.  Finally got settled in and am in the process of setting up a show at our new place.  When I last put together a show in 2013 I used LSP to sequence my non rgb element then used lightelf to convert them to XML files to use in Xlights/Nutcracker.  This method worked but seemed to be a long way around the bush.  My question is: Is there a way to sequence non RGB elements in Xlights/Nutcracker directly without using a separate sequencer and importing them.  I would like to sequence everything on one place if at all possible.  I found you can create non RGB display elements but they don't show up in the sequencer area.

[danj]

I am doing exactly that--using xlights to sequence RGBs & AC (non RGB) elements this year.
Xlights "can do that"...

[gerry]

I found you can create non RGB display elements but they don't show up in the sequencer area.

Hi,
can you expand on this - ie what sort of models, how you defined them (maybe even a screen print or two) and what you are not seeing ?

[the-sensei]

Gerry, I was able to figure out how to get them to show up in the sequencer at least by name.  I cant figure out how to get any effects like on/off to show in the preview.  Here is how I set up an element which is an AC string of LED's that run off of an LOR type controller.  (couldn't figure out how to attach a screen shot)

Model Name LED
Display as Single Line
Type of String Single Color White
Actual Strings 1
# of Lights per String 50
Start Channel 1 from Output 1
Starting Corner Bottom Left
Part of my display (check)

I'm sure I'm doing something wrong so your help is appreciated.

[gerry]

So after you define the  model, on the sequencer tab , the model should show up , else you edit display elements and add the model to the master view.

You can create a view , add the model to that view and select that view to use . net result is that the model (ie LED) should show on your sequencer tab   .
then you select the On effect and drop it on the sequencer against the model - stretch it for say 5 seconds.

Ensure that the color selected is White for the On effect (since you defined your model as White)

then drop an off effect after the on , followed by the On again. You can select an area and click d for Ramp down etc. Make sure that the color selected is White.

for  it to appear in the Model preview window , select the On effect in the grid (ie where dropped against the model) and then press stop and then Play.

It should appear in the house preview window as soon s you press play.

for it to appear in the Layout tab , ensure that u press Render All or Save and then use the Play button of the layout tab.

If u delete or shrink the effect (and not replace that area) , click on render all
 

 

[the-sensei]

Thanks for your help Gerry!  I figured out how to add the element in the sequencer yesterday but still couldn't get it to respond to the on effect.  After reading your explanation and turning on the color white in the effect it popped on and I've been happy ever since.  Again thanks for the help.  Happy sequencing!  I love Xlights/Nutcracker you all have done an excellent job with it.  In fact it's to the point that I'm retiring from using LSP at all unless they come up with something stellar with the upgrade that we've been waiting now two years for. 

[Gilrock]

Cool...let us know if they come up with something stellar so we can code it up in a couple days...lol.

[gerry]

Cool...let us know if they come up with something stellar so we can code it up in a couple days...lol.

I thought that was already the case  .. with the speed at which new stuff is rolled out ..

[Gilrock]

Well that's what I thought was funny.  Months ago some LSP fans kept saying when the new version comes out it was going to be back on top as the best sequencer.  And I was like if there's anything good in there I can copy it in a couple days...lol.

[Gilrock]

But the old one was so bad there really wasn't any ideas to borrow.

[gerry]

After reading your explanation and turning on the color white in the effect it popped on and I've been happy ever since. 

Yes - the white color for single strand / dumb lights  and for Faces trips people up all the time . Having done that incorrectly many times , I look at the color palette instantly now. 

In fact it's to the point that I'm retiring from using LSP at all unless they come up with something stellar with the upgrade that we've been waiting now two years for.

I did not think that there were many people still using it - I fortunately moved away in May.