Boscoyo Cane - Custom model here it is

[flyinverted]

I've shared a Boscoyo Cane that was created at the Expo.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1V3ZxgeqKLJO6IyJD-QAem6SyYGzDKzWlaU6ymRmEclQ/edit?usp=sharing

You should be able to copy the contents and then paste into a custom model in Nutcracker.

Cheers,
Steve

[Steve Gase]

I'm attaching an alternative model... in excel spreadsheet form.

the spreadsheet itself shows the use of a background photo to help place the pixel locations for an existing element.
this model also has both left and right-facing candy canes...  i am using a reflection of the first cane and its pixel placements.
to grab the first, grab the first 40 columns and 100 rows into your clipboard.  to get the second, grab the next 40 columns.

what is different?  i am "striping" my pixel placement in a diagonal pattern, as i go up and around the "hook".  The "other steve" placed the pixels going up, around, and back -- in 3 long rows of 33.

why did I do mine differently?  it is the way i develop my models so that I can use create another version of the model in a straight line... and that straight line allows me to use the pixels in a different way that gives a new appearance with the effects...  SingleStrand and Bars are particularly good with a straight line of pixels. 

Ordinarily, if you only create and use a custom model, it doesn't matter where the pixels are placed and the order of those pixels on the element -- the custom model sorts it out, and you end up with a matrix.    But if you want to look at the strings in something other than a matrix, then you should consider how the pixels can be laid out to the best advantage... for a candy cane, the diagonal stripes work well.    (For my coroflakes, I have the pixels wrap in an order that makes a turning wheel effect when i apply bars and similar effects...)

[Gilrock]

Several weeks ago I had gotten a couple of those coro flakes from holiday coro that can hold 100 pixels.  That was before James announced all his new items.  I noticed at the show that James cuts a couple little ear holes that help when pushing the leds into the item.  The holiday coro flakes didn't have that and its a pain in the butt to push them in.  I only pushed 50 into one flake and I'm already trying to let the blister heal.

There are a couple aspects to these types of items.  One is they make them have these cool shapes but no one is really going to see the underlying coro...the lights will be the only thing you see so the layout of the lights is the main importance.  Also I like where the leds end up on the coro flakes I have but what I don't like is that there's no way to insert them that doesn't require cutting and splicing in at least 5 locations.

[dan@]

How would I go about getting these custom models into my xlights?

What is the steps or procedures?

Thanks
Dan

[Steve Gase]

Several weeks ago I had gotten a couple of those coro flakes from holiday coro that can hold 100 pixels.  That was before James announced all his new items.  I noticed at the show that James cuts a couple little ear holes that help when pushing the leds into the item.  The holiday coro flakes didn't have that and its a pain in the butt to push them in.  I only pushed 50 into one flake and I'm already trying to let the blister heal.

There are a couple aspects to these types of items.  One is they make them have these cool shapes but no one is really going to see the underlying coro...the lights will be the only thing you see so the layout of the lights is the main importance.  Also I like where the leds end up on the coro flakes I have but what I don't like is that there's no way to insert them that doesn't require cutting and splicing in at least 5 locations.

I have (9) HolidayCoro coro flakes... I have metal square pixels inside them.  These flakes have a great look from the street and their shape is well-defined at night with the effects.

I like the Boscoyo coro flakes, but I agree that the shapes will not be visible at night -- but they will look good doing the daytime.

[jnealand]

How would I go about getting these custom models into my xlights?

What is the steps or procedures?

Read the thread on Chromaflakes, the procedure there is the same as you need.

[RGBNoob]

I'm trying the Excel method to make my own custom models.  I am using Excel 2007 and when I add an image to try to ace over I don't see a way to "Send to Back" so that the image is below the Excel grid.  How were you able to type the "#" for the pixels with the image overlayed on top?

[flyinverted]

Set the image transparency down to something like 40% so you can see through it.

[Steve Gase]

I used the instructions found below to add the image, and then adjust the transparency.

http://www.extendoffice.com/documents/excel/1056-excel-print-background.html

[RGBNoob]

Thanks guys!