Lessons from a ChromaBulb

[algerdes]

This is an open letter to whomever put together the xModel of the standing Boscoyo Chromabulb.

Through your work I have discovered the following:

* I found out that getting a custom model put into xlights is only the beginning.
* I discovered how to put in sub models.  (I don't know if the use of the "@" symbol is a standard, but it should be.)
* I found ways to manipulate a faces model that were not apparent before. Very interesting.

* Most of all, how to completely put together an xModel to be used over and over again.  Perhaps even shared with certainty that the shared item could be useful to others.

To whomever you are:   

THANK YOU

Al

[Gilrock]

I can't tell but are you manually typing up a .xmodel file?  Pretty sure the one you received was created by right-clicking on any custom model and doing an Export model.  xLights creates the .xmodel file for you so there's nothing to learn.  Just create your submodels directly in the program and then export the model.

[algerdes]

Actually, we started out with a picture of a prop that we had to create a custom model for.  (The hanging Chromabulbs.) We used the built in model maker. Very nicely done.

Once we made the custom model, it turned out that we had a lot of things to do to make it all work out.  Using the standing version xModel (downloaded from the Facebook group) we were able to compare all the items that were in that model to what we didn't have.

Using this method, we learned a LOT about what needs to be done.  "Manually typing up a .xmodel file" may be in the next round of learning.  Who knows.  I'm just very happy with what we are learning in this round.

BTW - I have been exporting the model (that danged 'right click' thing again) and then bringing those models back into the layout as copies.  Working like a charm.

[MrChristmas2000]

You also must not be a FB group user because there are already a large number of models created and listed in the files section. Plus there is a lot of good information in the xLights users manual (Page 60ish).

[Gilrock]

No you don't want to manually type up a .xmodel file.  I was just making sure you weren't doing it that way.  It sounded like you were when you said you learned how to put together an xModel file.  Most models can be exported and then imported into another show directory.  We used to not provide export for the built-in models but its becoming useful now that users can create submodels.

[algerdes]

You also must not be a FB group user because there are already a large number of models created and listed in the files section. Plus there is a lot of good information in the xLights users manual (Page 60ish).

First place I checked before embarking on this journey.  There are plenty of the original "standing" bulbs.  The more appropriate "hanging" versions were pretty much non-existent.  I've just downloaded all of the "bulbs" listed and will check again.

Edit:  Verified - Boscoyo-Bulb, Boscoyo ChromaBulb (with a big "B"), Boscoyo Chromabulb (with a little "b"), and Croma_Bulb_CrockettMap are all standing bulbs. 

[algerdes]

We used to not provide export for the built-in models but its becoming useful now that users can create submodels.

A great idea.  Thanks.

[MrChristmas2000]

The plans are to have all the associated .xmodel files listed on the Boscoyo site. Not quite there yet.

[algerdes]

I agree with moving them to the source!  Talked with James about that at Expo.

BTW - There is indeed some really good stuff up on the Facebook page.  Thanks to everyone who has contributed.

[brianweb]

My struggle with the chromabulb is getting the right order. Trying to follow the various wiring diagrams, but the numbers are so close together, it is like a messed up game if connect the dots.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[jnealand]

My struggle with the chromabulb is getting the right order. Trying to follow the various wiring diagrams, but the numbers are so close together, it is like a messed up game if connect the dots.

+1 but keep trying and you will get it.  I eventually got it, but not without pulling nodes out and putting them back in.  I took a wiring view photo and printed it larger to make it easier to see.  You could make the couple of tricky areas around the corners of the mouth even bigger as that is where I found the biggest problem.

[algerdes]

I Agree.  The wiring view (with reverse view) and using the  "light" setting works well with us.  The other thing is to blow it up to full page.  Don't remember if I did it using the viewer, or copied its image to another program and filled the page. 

[Ebuechner]

I don't know if this helps but you could have the string connected to a controller and while installing the nodes open the model Strand and put a on effect on the node number you're working with and watch the model preview screen to match the node.
You can use the up and down arrows and move the lighted node as you're working.
This works best if you do something like light the whole model at 25% White and then put a red on effect on a node

[jnealand]

I don't know if this helps but you could have the string connected to a controller and while installing the nodes open the model Strand and put a on effect on the node number you're working with and watch the model preview screen to match the node.
You can use the up and down arrows and move the lighted node as you're working.
This works best if you do something like light the whole model at 25% White and then put a red on effect on a node

Meat idea. might have to try that just to check out what I already have done.  Thanks