thelumenator

Is there a way to get VW2017 Spotlight to utilize the same universe/dmx address configuration as LW6? For example, I will setup the address format in LW using the 2/001 or 2.001 naming convention indicating universe and dmx address within the same record vs. separate text to records for each. (used to do this with the dimmer record in instrument numbering of Spotlight) With the data exchange active VW2017 imports that universe/dmx information as absolute addressing (2/001 = 513). Some plots (my current plot has 25 universes) get quite complex with a great deal of record information associated per fixture. And depending on fixture orientation readability can get confusing if I have to include the universe and dmx address classes as separate records on the individual fixtures. Still working through VW 2017 and LW6 with other issues but those topics will have to wait.

Is there a way to edit Spotlight's default fixture focus orientation default for individual fixtures without the use of a focus point for every fixture? I am not looking for a specific focus position for every light but would like the fixtures to at least "look aimed" in a 3D view. Ie; Moving heads hung vs. moving heads in a floor position. I would like to hang a moving light. I would also like to place the same fixture type on the floor, manipulated within the OIP's 3D orientation. In 3D view, the flown fixture head is pointing down, or whatever the default focus tilt angle is. The floor fixture's head is also pointing down, back into the body of the fixture vs. up and into the air. Trying a couple work-arounds but haven't found the sweet-spot yet. I am aware the default focus tilt angle can now be adjusted within VW2016's Spotlight preferences, but it is global, affecting all fixtures, hung and floor. I then tried rebuilding a "modified" floor fixture of the same type, redrawing the fixture symbol's head to a specific angle. But when inserted into the drawing, the "head's orientation" defaults back into itself instead of some semblance of an up position in 3D view. What is it in Spotlight's fixtures that determines focus orientation? (symbols 3D locus?) Is there a way to custom edit the default focus of individual fixtures within a Spotlight environment? Hoping this makes sense.

How do I create an editable fixture XYZ location worksheet? I have created a plot and set the 0,0,0 datum origin coordinates downstage center. I then create a worksheet with "Create report". Selected data: - List all: Objects with a record - Lighting device Worksheet columns: A: Instrument Type B: Channel C: Position D: Purpose E: X Location F: Y Location G: Z Location All fixture information tracks correctly (Fixture, channel, position, purpose)but the X location, Y location are way off origin "0" and the Z location is close but not spot on as per selected fixture coordinates in the object info palette. AutoCAD does a great job at exporting attributes and it is pretty seemless. The ability to do this in VWorks is something that has been eluding me for some time. Is getting the proper XYZ coordinates into an editable worksheet possible or is this a wishlist item? If possible, I would hugely like to know how. Thanks.

Thanks for that. I had to fine tune the scaling but it seems to work. Question, I do sheets in different sizes and orientations. Is there a way to rotate the title block to match the orientation? Example: Portrait and landscape orientations, I would like to be able to use the same "scaled" title block for both orientations. Landscape the title block comes in as left to right. In portrait the same title block should read bottom to top, rather than right to left posted to a different corner. Make sense?

What is the best way to manage a single title block across different sheet sizes? For example, I have an 8x11 sheet size and an Arch D sheet size with respective borders. The title block "symbol" however does not scale with the different sheet sizes. Should the title block be inserted into the sheet layers or directly into the design layer and then viewported (with scale) into the different sheets? Or do I have to have different Title block symbols with different record formats for each sheet size? It would be great to edit (1) title block that tracks across all sheets with respective borders. Maybe I am missing a step. Would love any insight. VW2010 for PC WIN XP

I am experiencing substantial line loss in the final pdf when using the export to pdf function in Vectorworks. This happens whether I export directly out of the design layer, viewports and sheets. These lines in question are on the same design layer, noted classes active. Lines that are less then true vertical or true horizontal, such as curves (ovals or note clouds) or angled lines off access (not 0,90,180,270 degrees) print as if they were in a class/layer that is grayed out. Avenues I have tried for correction... Increased line weight. No change. Adjusted VWorks preference settings (GDI, DPI, etc.,.) No change. Print to pdf (Acrobat 8 professional) seems to work fine, although with larger files it hangs my system. Exporting to pdf from VWorks is faster. Export to eps, drag and drop into Adobe distiller works. I am running VWorks 2009. I also still have VWorks 12.5 on my pc. Tried the same with that version. Same line loss result. Is there a setting within Vectorworks that I am missing to correct this issue? Thanks. PC - Win XP Professional SP3 AMD Athlon 64x2 5600 2.8 GHz GeForce 8600GTS VWorks 2009 SP4 - Spotlight Vworks 12.5.3 - Spotlight Adobe Acrobat Professional 8 Adobe Distiller 8

Thanks so much. I totally appreciate it!

First let me say, I am not an architect but a Spotlight VW2009 user. I am drafting my home in 3D for general contractor purposes remodeling our kitchen. Two questions... a) We have vaulted ceilings meaning the tops of our walls are angled. The peak of our vaulted ceiling is in the middle of our main wall. I have created two straight walls using the wall tool and reshaped the tops of the walls to match the vaulted angle. Question: How do I join those two walls to become one straight wall with a peak to match the vaulted ceiling angle? Or is this possible? b) We are opening this wall exposing our kitchen to the living room. I used the window tool "cased open window" creating the exposed opening in the wall. Question: Referencing my previous question, how do I get the case opening to span the two seperate straight walls if I cannot join the walls? Insights are greatly appreciated. Thank you.