Applying Singlestrand Chase to Custom Model

[mikeyd73]

I'm new to Xlights and have been playing around with it for a few days now.  I'm having trouble with an effect for a custom model of a candy cane created using a total of 25 RGB nodes.  I'm trying to apply a single-strand chase effect in the hope that it would function similar to a leaping arch (bouncing back and forth from base to tip and then reverse).  The lights begin to chase as expected starting at the base of the candy cane, but when they reach the height where the tip of the cane begins, a second chase sequence begins starting from the tip of the cane.  Both chases meet at the top of the cane arch and when they touch, they each bounce in the opposite direction and the sequence repeats.

The custom model was created using sequential node numbers from 25 to 1, beginning at the cane base and wrapping around to the cane tip.  I've been working under the assumption that the lights should chase in the same sequence the nodes are entered into the model.

Is the behavior I'm seeing normal?  I feel like I must be doing something wrong.  I hope the description of the model makes sense.  If not, please let me know and I'll do my best to explain better.

I have to say that this software is awesome.  Many thanks to the developers who devote their time and energy to this project!!!

Best Regards,
Mike

[kevinp]

You'll want to set up a second model for your candy canes as a single line, and use this model in your sequencing grid, not your custom model.  If you apply the chase to the single line model, I believe you will achieve the effect you are looking for.

Under you layout tab, you will want to place your custom model (not the single line model) and then when you play it back you should see the chace correctly.

I had to do this for my arches.  I sequence them using the single line model, but preview them under the layout tab using the arch model.

[dkulp]

All effects all work on a "grid" that represents the model.   For the "Custom" model, the grid is relatively straight forward, it's how you layout the nodes on the grid.   For the chase, it starts from left of the grid and moves right (well, depends on the direction you set).   Thus, the "hook" of the candy cane makes things on the hook appear sooner.

As Kevin said, the best bet is a second model for you candy cane that is a "Single Line". 

That said, this is an interesting feature request for the "Custom" model.   I'm wondering if it would make sense to have two separate "Custom" types, the current one that is rendered in grid form and a "Custom/Line" that would display as per the grid, but the internal render buffer would be a 1x# grid just like the Single Line model.    Hmm.....

[kevinp]

Dan I had a similar thought after I suggested the second model.  You could apply this same thing to arches as well and it would eliminate the need to create separate single line models.

Not sure if it's possible, but when a model is defined, have another drop down field that would specify how it gets displayed and rendered on the sequencing grid?

[mikeyd73]

Wow!!!  Worked like a charm.  Thanks for the help.  You guys are awesome!