Jim_Allen

That has been suggested before but I think the response was that it would really slow down the program if it had to go and check every instrument and compare it to the position info. All other info is in the label legend and can be udated much more quickly. I think that was the problem. It was awhile ago this was going around the postings and I don't know if with V10 that is an issue anymore. It would be a nice help not having to go into the "Find and Modify" pallet to update the positions of instruments when they are moved.

I second that. I do all my instrument work in LW after setting up the positions and numbering instruments on the plot and not in the OI pallette unless it is changing small amounts of information. That is a problem if the LW is generated first. Somewhat backwards from the usual process for most of us. Do you have the import and export functions automated in LW?? That makes it easier. It is some what clunky, but the time is saved when you send the basic plot to LW enter the instrument information and send back to the plot to be updated more than makes up for time it takes. It takes me about 15 seconds to do the transfer each way - not so awful. You might need to review the procees you use and see if you can get set up so you at least can start with the rough plot created, send it to a blank LW enter the info off your orginal LW sheets, send it back to the plot, update, and then you are set up. After that all changes are made on the plot first then sent to LW for information updating. This help at all? Jim

What version and kind of computer. There were problem early on in V8.5 or V9 with speed but I haven't much of a problem with since then. I use Labels with channel, color, purpose, and unit number. most of my plots are 200-300 units and I don't have any complaints about speed. I am V9.5.2 on a PC with a 1.2 Gig AMD processor and 256 ram. As far as the VW-LW issue once you have the LW import and export functions automated it isn't too bad and I have a system that makes it bearable. BUT many of us have been wish listing an active live interface between VW & LW for a while. I would bet it is a massive project for both companies. Ideally, with both programs open, all you would want to be able to do is click "update LW" and the paperwork would be udated and "update VW" to do the reverse. Time will only tell if this ever comes online.

Worksheets, another issue, but for me I would rather have them leave those things to the people whose business it is IE LightWright to do worksheets, and concentrate on the important stuff, like making it the best lighting drafting program. Doing worksheets is a little like trying to come up with another operating system to compete with Microsoft - not much chance and why bother since pretty much everyone uses Microsoft

Klinzey, Thank you for the response.

All well and good, but I was always schooled in the philosophy that the customer comes first. If a company comming into my facility notified me of a problem and I just passed it off because say catering isn't my area, and as a result they didn't get what they needed, it would not reflect well on my facility, and my boss would rip me new --- for not making sure it was taken care of. I know you all are busy and this is supposed to be a board to share ideas and maybe get help - BUT if I worked for a company and saw a major problem with my product I would think one would just jump on say "We see it and will pass it on to tech to address." instead of letting go on through several updates and revisions. I personally have held off on upgrading to give time for the bugs to get worked out and see if it is that much better to make spending the money worthwile. But I don't see much reason to upgrade if one of the major problems I am having continues. This is a function that would be used often, if it worked, along with the issue of moving stiplights. Right now I have to delete and create new strips if I need to move them once they have been placed & multicircuited. The duplicating of instruments is VERY usefull and since we all use accessories a lot, this has been a major problem. I am sorry to rag no you about this, but I REALLY think that it wouldn't have been that hard, after seeing all the posts about this, to somehow address it with your tech people. A lot of other posts were addressed during this time that seemed a lot less important to the future of the sucess of VW.

Katie, The problem seems to be that we have been posting this problem since last May and only now do you deem it time to post any type of response, and that is to tell us that you all are not required to respond to any posts!! Well I am sorry that WV has bugs, but if we don't post them it would seem to follow they will never ger corrected. Our frustration is that we see someone who wants to know if two different people can use that program on the same computer get an immeditae response, and those of use who are posting a major bug get no response!! So where is the problem?? Why can't one of you address this problem in some manner other than to slap us up??

That is really too bad. So why did a post with this many problems never get a response from the tech people??

Did 10.5 solve this problem???

Steve, Ok. I have a PC but I don't think it would work any differently on a MAC. I went in my hadrdrive, into the Vectorworks folder - found the Metric instrument folder and removed it to my desktop. The next time I opened VW there was only the inperial instrument folder in the resource pallett. I assume you can repeat the process for accessories, and any other folders you don't want around like Arch and Eng. Jim

Still would like someone from Tech to address this issue!!

Steve, you could go into the VW folder and remove the folders of unwanted plugins and items - like metric instruments. That would keep them from showing up in the resouce panel - not sure if it would cause operations problems with the program, but I don't think it would. jim

I also don't think it is necessary. If you place the information for an instrument consistant with normal drafting practices and/or indicate this positioning in your instrument key, lines should not be necessary.

When you open a new document you have to go to Spotlight in the resource pallett to select the instruments you want, metric or IMP. Once you have done this and placed them in your new plot you can switch to the specific document in the dropdown menu in the resouece pallet and you will only have the instruments you are using in the plot listed in the resouce pallett. Another reason to create a master plot.

Would really like to know if anyone in tech support is working on this or has any idea what is wrong

Smae problem for me. I haven't found any way to make it work.

Hey klinzey, This is a big problem for Spotlight users. Any thoughts how to solve?? Jim

Sounds like you have a problem. I use replace instrument a lot and I have not had happen what you are experiencing, at least with the stock instruments in SP 9.5. If you go to replace instrument it should just change the icon, and itstrument type info, the rest of the info, channel, ect, should stay the same.

Anyone ever wonder why some posts get replies from tech support and some don't??

Maybe V10 droppped that option. I am still 9.5.3 and have it.

I have had good luck with the HP plotter software on my PC. I am running both XP & NT machines and VW Spotlight with my DJ 430C. I have had some problems with the ammount of Ram in the plotter, with big light plots, so I go and switch to the print option (Advanced Properties) "in computer" and not dumping it all to the plotter. It says it might take longer this way but I haven't seen much difference.

Ouch - 14 in 26'!! I cheat, with the linsets dimensioned, I spread the electricts out enough to keep things separated. Also I took the plunge and bought a 24" plotter - best investment I've made lately!! You just gotta stop doing that Spoleto - messes everything up!! or get them to make the stage bigger You gonna be in Michigan with any shows this season? Keep smiln' Jim

Seems like it would have been easier to just create new positions??

Steve, If your Instrument Key on the plot indicates that circles are channels, and the circles are in a normal relationship to the instrument do you need to go to all that work?? Jim

You can adjust the position of the label for Electrics, and other position labels by changing the X & Y coordinates in the OIP. This won't change the fact that they are still horizontal on the plot but it allows you to move them to a better location!! Once you have one setup the way you want it you can duplicate it and then change the position name before you place instruments and you are off and running.