lines within a matrix

[charlie-68]

I am trying to draw a figure on my tree ( 50 pixels 8 ft. high by 12 strings  6 ft across the base) . I want it to be a cross. I know that a tree is basicaly  a matrix. I was trying by working at the string and node level, but I did not like what I seen. So is there an easy way to draw lines on a tree/matrix prop, so I can move the lines around?  Thanks  Charlie J.

[keithsw1111]

Best of using something like piskel and drawing images there the same size as your tree.


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[Gilrock]

There is a drawing feature built into xLights.  Granted its not as polished as I want it to be but I've seen users create entire animations using it.  Just drop a Picture effect and then bring up the Effect Assist window.  Just keep in mind the preview only updates each time you save the image.

[dkulp]

For simple vertical and horizontal lines, you could just use the On effect and adjust the sub-buffer size on the Layer Settings panel.   

[charlie-68]

I was just looking at the release notes for 2018.12 you were making a cross on the matrix. You created a sub-model and selected the pixels to light, you used a 10 by 10 matrix and put in 4 commas before the pixel to be lite. In my mega tree which has 12 strings I would insert 5 commas then the pixel number to be lite. I have yet to try it but it looks like what I want.
Thanks  Charlie J.

[charlie-68]

I have attempted to model a cross on my tree, Not successful. In the video (release notes 2018.12) he modeled a cross on a 10 x 10 matrix. Most matrices the wiring is horizonal , trees are wired vertically, will the sub-model account for that.  What I did was go to my tree (50 pixels high x 12 strings across) I only want the sub-model on the lower half of the tree. So I added 25 rows in my sub-model. When I put in pixel  only the first row lights, I add commas and still only the first row lights. I see a check box for vertical buffer layout, which I checked but did not seem to help. The only string that is lighting is the first string on the left, which is #1 output. I'm not sure if this is working on the tree model yet.  Charlie J.

[Gilrock]

Not sure I'm following everything you are trying to do but the model "wiring" should be established by the main model.  The submodel is just creating a render buffer for effects to render into but how those pixels are wired together is not defined or affected by a submodel.

[charlie-68]

In the example he setup a matrix of 100 pixels 10 across and 10 high one strand. My tree is 16 strings across and 50 pixels high. When I do the pixel it only shows on one string, up the string. Even when I add commas before the number. So it isn't doing what I expected.

[Gilrock]

Well I can't be much help.  I've not seen that video and when you describe what he did I don't understand it.

[keithsw1111]

Depending on what you want to do with your cross you have options.

1. You can create a submodel and just on a single line list the numbers/number ranges of all nodes from your tree that you want to include in the cross and then when you drop effects on the submodel ensure you use per-preview to get location awareness. This will generally do a good job.
2. If you want greater control over the shape of the render buffer then you can add as many lines as you want the vertical buffer to be high and then place the nodes on each line. Where you dont want a node on a line but you want a space in the render buffer use leading commas.

I would always start with option 1 ... if it works for you it is simpler to setup. If your node pattern is complicated you can always use the spreadsheet I posted in the facebook group about a year ago which lets you highlight the cells in excel and generate the list of nodes for your submodel. There is a video on this somewhere as well.

Like most concepts the videos etc are going to be close to but not specific to your requirements. If you are looking for specific step by step instructions then you are going to need to get yourself into zoom with someone who can walk you through your problem.