Vibration Effect

[Gary]

When I used to use Vixen 2.1 for my sequencing, I was able to make a subtle "vibrating" effect by using the Random feature and setting a brightness range of 70% to 100%. I typically applied it over a Ramp Down by right-clicking More Paste | Arithmetic Paste | Scale. It was ideal for when mimicking the plucking of strings on a guitar, for example.

Look at the lights along my gutters. You don't have to wait long... it starts at the 6-second mark:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVnjNqK9zxs

Is there a way to do this in xLights? Using the Shimmer effect looks nasty for this use; it's a strobe-y looking effect with the lights being either 100% or 0% brightness, rather than being able to choose a range of 100% to 70%. After fiddling around with the sliders and setting a fade transition in the layer blending options, I thought it looked fine on my screen, but when I tested it on a string of pixels, I went "yech!".

If it's not possible, here's a few feature request: Can an extra slider for shimmer called "Minimum brightness %" be added?

[Phrog30]

Look at this thread:
http://nutcracker123.com/forum/index.php?topic=3430.msg21500;topicseen#msg21500

You need to learn this software, specifically how to do layers.  A lot of guys have taken the time out of their personal lives to create videos, tutorials, manuals, etc.  So, the least you can do is use them.

After you watch this video you should have the experience to create this simple two layer effect and accomplish exactly what you want.

James

[kevinp]

One option you have is to place the on effect on a layer above your shimmer effect.  Choose black as your on effect color and then play with the transparency slider to dim the shimmer.  Apply a value curve to the transparency if you want to vary the intensity from start to finish of the effect.

[Phrog30]

I find it makes more sense to have the shimmer on top and the on effect below. You can have both effects set to normal. As kevinp mentioned, you can apply a curve to the on effect to get a random look.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[kevinp]

I find it makes more sense to have the shimmer on top and the on effect below. You can have both effects set to normal. As kevinp mentioned, you can apply a curve to the on effect to get a random look.

The on effect needs to be on the layer above shimmer, or anything else for that matter if you have both set to normal layer blending.  You place it below and you won't see the on effect without changing the layer blending of the top effect.

[Phrog30]

This is two layers, both set to normal, shimmer on top, on effect on the bottom set to 70%.

[kevinp]

Well, we're doing it two different ways to accomplish the same thing.  I can replicate your video by playing with the start and end intensities of the on effect, on effect on the second layer.  My suggestion is manipulating the transparency of the on effect which needs to be the top layer.

[Gary]

Even before I posted my question here, I was experimenting with layering without much luck.

With all the sliders and controls, I never did notice the one beside the Morph type drop-down box. I did adjust it all sorts of ways and still got a nasty bunch of stuttery flashing. It looked decent on the screen, but the pixel output is what looked bad, almost as though there's "frame drop" going on caused by the network connection to my controller via Bridge mode dropping frames (I'm at 25 ms timing). So, I copied the FSEQ files to the Falcon Player and when I played it, the effect was more of a fast strobe effect, and not what I'm looking for--a strobe effect

There is a mentioning of setting a value curve for the transparency to randomize the brightness intensity of the strobe effect, though. Where is that? I see a slider for the duty factor and cycle count value curves (and even doing a custom one with a jagged line) didn't seem to make much a difference, either.

In the end, I'm just leaving the concept of "vibration" and have resorted to setting "In transition" under layer blending to "from middle". Since I was constrained by the effect limitations of AC lighting in the past, I'd might as well take advantage of what individual pixel control can do.

[Phrog30]

Well, we're doing it two different ways to accomplish the same thing.  I can replicate your video by playing with the start and end intensities of the on effect, on effect on the second layer.  My suggestion is manipulating the transparency of the on effect which needs to be the top layer.

Yes we are. The way I did it was suggested because it lines up with the way the op described. The brightness set in the on effect is the minimum brightness for the shimmer. There is no playing with sliders, it's just set a value and you are done.

No right or wrong on this one, just personal preference, or what makes most sense to that person.

James

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[Gilrock]

I think you could accomplish this using the same technique I show in this video.  The main thing to remember for the Brightness setting is it goes from 0% to 400%.  So if you choose a color that is already at 100% then any Brightness value between 100% and 400% is being clipped and doing nothing.  That's why you will see me limiting my value curve to 25% because the curves are on a 0% to 100% scale so 25% on the Brightness value curve = 100% Brightness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwmbDLTM7xQ

[dkulp]

Another option is to use a single "On" effect, turn shimmer on, select two colors, and then use the color gradients for the two colors to create gradients for the two colors.

[jnealand]

All these examples are just another example of the power and functionality of the xlights program.  I applaud all of the team that has contributed to the development of this powerful tool for us lighting addicts.

[bpducman]

I am on Board with Jim.

I am just amazed at the degree of simplicity and complexity that has been put into this software. You developers are the most amazing part...

Thanks
Brad

[Gary]

I think you could accomplish this using the same technique I show in this video.  The main thing to remember for the Brightness setting is it goes from 0% to 400%.  So if you choose a color that is already at 100% then any Brightness value between 100% and 400% is being clipped and doing nothing.  That's why you will see me limiting my value curve to 25% because the curves are on a 0% to 100% scale so 25% on the Brightness value curve = 100% Brightness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwmbDLTM7xQ

I looked at your video, and as soon as I saw the custom curve for setting brightness, that's what I was looking for! It's the simplest solution.

I just can't believe I never noticed that ability in the color selection window. *Facepalm* I've only used custom curves for various effect setting.