Unable to Create Submodels

[algerdes]

I don't know what is going on.  Something I have done many times, and now...

Opening my layout, I choose a model that I want to divide into submodels (e.g., mini tree, wanting to identify its individual legs). With the model highlighted, I click on submodels.  The button goes grey, and ... nothing.  Click anywhere on the xLights windows and I get a audible sound, but nothing.  It takes shutting down the program in task manager, and then a restart to get back to xLights. Correction: 

I can return to the program by pressing "Esc". 

I am currently using 2017.27.

Any ideas would be most appreciated. 

Thought:  I believe that this is possibly a case of the program opening a window for working with the submodels somewhere outside of the view area.  Unfortunately I cannot find that window, or cause it to return to the main window.

This also does it when working with only 1 monitor (laptop).

[algerdes]

I have entered a report on Github.  #910.

[algerdes]

The problem turned out to be that the sub model window was opening up on a non-existent physical monitor.  Earlier I had used a different monitor configuration and the submodel window was opened in that configuration on a monitor location and remembered where it was.  After changing the monitor configuration, it was now opening where there was no screen.

I put the monitors back in their original positions (at least that is what Windows 10 thinks) and there was the wayward window.  It was just a matter of moving the window onto an active monitor. 

Gil suggested looking into "Perspectives".  (View -> Perspectives.)  A good bit of information to know and it is written up in the user manual.

Keith suggested a trick to get windows to move around between monitors.  When you have a 'missing window' like this and it should have the focus, simply hold down the windows key and hit the arrow keys several times.  This moves that window between monitors.  A really good trick to learn.

Multi-monitors is the way to go when working with xLights or Vixen3. They can be a bit of a bother if you switch between multi-monitors, a single monitor, or even change the numbers of monitors.  It really is a pain if you change the monitor locations (in the Windows' Display Settings dialog) and then have to go looking for wayward windows. 

Lesson Learned!

[RandyS]

Just curious how you were able to set up 3 monitors (wiring)?

[algerdes]

I have a Kensington sd3500v USB 3.0 docking station.  Along with 6 USB ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet port, it has a HDMI and a DVI output that can accept a DVI-HDMI adapter.  (Actually it came with it.) It also has full audio, in and out.

The USB-C connection from the laptop is all there is, and everything works great.  Windows sees both of the additional monitors just as soon as I plug the USB-C cable in.

This is not an advertisement for Kensington, and I know there are quite a few others out there that will do the same thing.  This just works!

[QldKing]

Have around 1200 Kensington docking stations in use at work. On the whole work well. Just need the occasional reboot or driver update if staff have issues.


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[algerdes]

I just have the two, one on my monitors out here on my back porch (spring, summer & fall "office") and one up in my normal office (winter).  They both work great.