How to combine 2 models into 1

[robskimeister]

Hi!  First I want to thank everyone involved in creating the wonderful software package we call Xlights!  My show (first year) is a BIG hit in our community!  There are currently over 10 cars lined up in front of the house, and it's only the 18th day I've been running the show!

..but anyway, I'm having trouble trying to create a single model using 2 different sets of channels.

I'll try to explain.  My windows frames have a center section, and are wired in an "S" pattern.  Maybe in hindsight this wasn't the best way to do it, but it's too late now! 

I've attached an illustration of how they're wired.

My big question is:  How do I create a model for the LEFT and RIGHT sides of the window?  The upper & lower sections of each side consist of 2 non-consecutive groups of channels that go in OPPOSITE directions. 

I tried a CUSTOM model, but it won't allow me to check "Individual start chans".

I tried using a "single line" consisting of 2 "Actual # of strings", but the there's no way to specify a different number of nodes for each string, and no way to specify that the 2 strings go in opposite directions.

I also tried matrix, but still the same issues as above.

Am I missing something simple?

Surely there's a way to do this.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Phrog30]

Why do you need it to be a model, what are you trying to do that it needs to be a model? Why not make a model group?

[jnealand]

What is wrong with a custom model.  i don't think you need to have every channel identified in the custom model.

How many windows do you have like that and how close together are they.  by defining every segment separately you can make number and letters in you window.  Group the appropriate segments to make a 1, 2. 3 4. etc and many of the letters of the alphabet.  Just treat it like the leds you see on a clock or old style sign. 

[robskimeister]

Why do you need it to be a model

Well, maybe the word "model" isn't really the correct terminology.  I just want to be able to do effects on each side of the window as if it was one contiguous string.

How many windows do you have like that and how close together are they.  by defining every segment separately you can make number and letters in you window.  Group the appropriate segments to make a 1, 2. 3 4. etc and many of the letters of the alphabet.  Just treat it like the leds you see on a clock or old style sign. 

Yes, that's precisely the reason I did the windows like that... so I could do text and numbers.  I have each segment defined just as you mentioned, and it works great!  I've got 5 windows on the 2nd floor like that, and 2 on the 1st floor.  Two of the 2nd floor windows are next to each other.  I did a countdown using those... and it worked great!
 
But what if I want to do more than simple ON effects for one segment at a time?  What if I need to do a chase, for instance, on the entire LEFT side of a window.  This would require both the upper & lower segments.  Wouldn't that require that both segments be treated as one?  I don't think the effect would work correctly if I put the effect on each segment separately.  Maybe I'm overthinking this!   

Why not make a model group?

I thought of creating a group that includes the upper & lower sections of each side, but wouldn't the strings going in opposite directions cause issues?  I'm guessing a chase, for instance, might start at the bottom and top simultaneously, and go towards the center, when I intended it to go from top-to-bottom. 

i don't think you need to have every channel identified in the custom model.

  I'm not exactly sure what you mean by this.  I'm using several custom models already and "thought" I understood how they work, but maybe there's more to it.  I actually drew a custom model in excel for the window sides & imported it, but couldn't specify 2 different ranges of channels (can't check "Individual Start Chans").  For instance, in one window I need channels 721-756 for the upper section, and 847-882 for the lower section.
 

[Gilrock]

You can do what you want with a Custom Model.  You need to define the start channel of the model such that it begins on channel 721.  Then when you type a 1 in a box you will get channel 721.  You don't have to define all number so define your channels 1-35 and then skip over to typing in your channels numbers 126-161 which will map you your channels 847-882.

[robskimeister]

Cool!  That does seem like it should work!   

I'll give it a try when I get a chance.

I knew there had to be a way.  I think I'm suffering from brain melt due to spending the entire year on the display!  ...but it's all worth it!

Thanks, Gil!   

[robskimeister]

I just wanted to say thank you to Gil for the advice about using the custom model!   

It absolutely worked!