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  1. Since the introduction of the current rendering engine, volumetric lighting effects, which are crucial to presenting concepts to clients in the entertainment industry, have been sorely lacking. This functionality is available in the rendering engine in Cinema4D but the necessary parameter controls are not available to VectorWorks users. There are several real time visualizers (Vision, Light Converse, MA3D, Wysiwyg) that produce results that are far and away superior to anything VW can do currently. Having to rely on other expensive and time consuming applications simply to produce this one crucial effect (which by the way worked much better in VW2010 and earlier) is a serious weakness to an otherwise great platform. For those that are not aware of the issue, I will explain it as this: 1.) A beam of light exiting a lighting fixture should appear to originate at the same dimension as the aperture from which it is emitting. In other words, If the lens of a lighting fixture is 8" in diameter, the origination of the beam of light should also be 8" in diameter. Currently the beam of light originates as a pinpoint. Completely unrealistic. 2.) A beam of light in nature follows the law of squares. In the simplest of terms, the light is brightest where it originates and then falls off in intensity over distance. Currently VW appears to deal with a volumetric cone of light as a piece of geometry. The larger the cone, the brighter it appears. The result of this is that the beam of light is then, in fact, dimmest at it's origination point and gets brighter as the beam widens which is exactly how lights do not behave in the real world. A program such as Vision produces both of these results quite well and do it in real time using OpenGL. Using the render engine in VW to produce volumetric effects takes a very long time and the end results are far from satisfactory. I am certainly not suggesting that OpenGL is the solution, however, it is unfathomable to me that a program as expensive as VW that markets itself to entertainment professionals is so completely lacking in a feature upon which a majority of those professional rely to sell concepts to their clients. Attached are images comparing the 2010 rendering engine to 2015. Nothing has much changed since 2015. The quality of the volumetric space is much more smooth and less granular than in 2010, but you can clearly see the difference the fall off. Also note that neither 2010 nor the 2015 examples address the aperture.
  2. Hi all, Any clue why this paperwork show this kind of X and Y coordinates when... - I've set the 0,0 on down stage center - All my lighting devices have a label legend that shows their X and Y coordinate which seem correct (see image, legend X and Y location is placed under the device) - I've set the report to show X and Y Location which shows a million decimals - I've set the document settings to 1mm in precision, no commas - The user origin is set to down stage edge - I've changed the cell to no decimals - I've tried different version of cell formatting, but the result is the same Thanks all!
  3. If you are interested, please make your offer by message!
  4. Just placed a bit of Christie Lites 7'10" F-Type truss in a drawing straight out of the VW library... As you may be able to see from the attached screenshot, when in OpenGL (or anything other than Wireframe) the truss does not render, however, is still there as it highlights when hovered over and is selectable. I did have other truss in the drawing that was rendering absolutely fine. I have also tried in a blank file and checked the 3D component to make sure that it's solid. Can't work out what's going on after having a good look. Any suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks!
  5. Hi All, When using the speaker tool, you can only add one main bumper within the speaker array tool. It's kind of weird that you are able to use three speaker types with no bumper between them. For example, a configuration with a 4 x K1-SB, 16 x K1, and 4 x K2 underhang. The K1 and K2 connection officially needs a underhang bumper. Would be nice to see this feature in the new service pack or the software release.
  6. I've tried to use the cable tool in VW2021. A few suggestions: For the data cable tool there should be a way to turn off the "extra length" field. (I see this request going back a few years). It would be convenient to be able to select multiple fixtures at once and assume they daisy chain together in order. This would be faster than selecting each fixture by itself. The tools don't appear to work on fixtures in schematic view. It draws the cable in the 3D view which is usually at a right angle to the schematic view and thereby invisible. Thanks. -Ed
  7. I'm having an issue with numbering instruments in spotlight. For whatever reason, the lights do not properly increment from fixture to fixture. This has happened in multiple files, so perhaps its the symbol or maybe its a bug? Regardless, I'll include a video to show whats happening. You'll see that I set the channel to increment by 1 and the dmx address to increment by its footprint, which is 17.... VW Numbering Issue.mov
  8. Hi All! I'm trying to sync up my plot and LW6 file and it's not going too well. The data in 3 custom user fields are completely wrong in my plot updating from 2019 to 2021. Anybody else experiencing this?
  9. Hey everyone! I started to use VWX Spotlight in 2019 and I always face with some-kind of unpredictable issues that I used to think would be a "one button solution" for such a software. Most annoying thing is that it's not possible to make a report with counts of weight and wattage for the hanging position because weight and wattage are the text fields. But! My friend spend about 1,5 hrs in pyth and wrote script that converts those fields in numbers in one column and text in another(kg/w/etc.*) please find pics below. This script even adds those parameters in Basic reports as an option to choose. Well, my main question is: Why WVX inc. cannot do the same function as a stock in the spotlight(I've seen some topics about that issue before in this forum)? I don't know python lang(hope someday I will learn it) but I do really want and need some kind of this option to be in the Spotlight. It would be perfect if would be automated report as "Position summary". Am I missing something? Any thoughts? PS: yes I know that this report doesn't include truss weight but I hope WVX inc. will make this "one button solution" one day with calculation of weights not only for the lighting units but for speaker arrays and projectors as well.
  10. I'm enjoying working with the new version of Plot and Model view, Schematics, but I would be even happier with it if the data was linked both ways. I'm using it where I have a handful of stacked ladder like positions where I keep my 3D true fixtures in their positions relative in space, have one set of schematics for my sheets in relation to the true position as well as a second set of schematics placed elsewhere in my file. If the schematic views could correctly add, delete, number, etc (what my second set of schematics would be for).... that would speed up my workflow instead of trying to find my fixture under a handful of other pipes to delete or adjust. Currently if I delete a fixture on a schematic rigging point it won't delete from the true position, as well as not correct show it's rotation.
  11. I work primarily in the entertainment/events industry, but have recently purchased some land and would like to develop my site plan with VW. I only have the Spotlight license and understand that the site model tools (among others) aren't available without Architect/Landmark. I'm trying to avoid the expense of an additional license for a one-off personal project. Does anyone have any good workarounds for creating topography of a site using more rudimentary tools? I don't mind a bit of added manual work to get it done. Many thanks!
  12. Hello, Although I have been using Vectorworks for many years I have never had cause to venture in to the world of Marionette and am looking for a little guidance. I have an imported DWG file that has a number of focus positions denoted by a circle and a text numerical reference. I would like to try to write a Marionette script that will take the centre point of these text objects and create focus points at those coordinates, and ideally take the text and use it as the focus point name. Id be grateful for any pointers to set me in the right direction. Cheers. Keith
  13. I updated to vectorworks 2020, and I can't find the Spotlight Numbering tool. I've done some searches online, but there is nothing about it. The AutoNumber tool is there, but when I select it nothing happens. I read somewhere about it being part of the legacy tool set, but I don't know how to find that either. Attached is a screenshot of my dropdown menu.
  14. I'm was thrilled to see the schematic views as a new feature as the model viewports were next to useless when you needed accuracy in a model. (I actually opted to maintain a 3D file and a 2D file as it saved me time). I cannot stress how much I would like this feature to work for theatrical designers. I spent the better part of the morning trying to make this work and I stumbled upon the fact that I needed to create the lighting position perpendicular to the plan and then rotate it up. If I built this as I normally would in 3D (with a boom created as a boom would normally stand) I can't use label legends: Obviously there is a workaround (create the position and rotate it) as I have done here, but this seems like an oversight. Is there a way to display the "2D Component View" AND the view of the schematic so we can control this behavior more accurately? It seems to me that I'm nearly ALWAYS going to want to display the 2D component view in "top" where my label legends will be legible but I might want to LOOK AT THE SCHEMATIC from the FRONT/LEFT/RIGHT etc... Is there any more insight I can get into this workflow? It is an obvious improvement but I'm going to be forced to rotate all my 3D components 90 degrees to make it work.
  15. I'm currently working on a couple of plug ins that need to interact with Spotlight Hanging Positions. The first thing i'm trying to do is get the total length of a hanging position. Thanks to some excellent topics and replies from @Sam Jones and @JBenghiat I've got my head around accessing the objects within the hanging position group, and the different kinds of objects I may expect to find within, and iterating through the objects to get the total length. My question is: For HP's containing Truss PIOs is it better practice to use the TrussItem parametric record or the Truss Record for getting the length? From what I can gather the TrussItem Length field is affected by the units of the active documents units, whereas Truss Record appears to always be in metric mm. I think using the Truss Record probably makes more sense as then I have a consistent set of units and don't need to worry about logic to work out the units of measurement. I just wanted to try and get some confirmation if my thinking was in fact true or if i've missed something. Secondly for HP made up of individual symbols (so no truss record) is there a way to get either the symbols total length or the even more directly the HPs total length? For bonus points are there any good resources floating around that deal with the inner mechanics of Spotlight? Pretty much everything I've managed to do with spotlight so far has had to be learnt through trail and error! Thank you in advance
  16. Higher education graduates are eligible for a 40 percent discount on award-winning design software licenses up to twelve months after graduation To help graduating students transition into their professional careers, global design and BIM software provider, Vectorworks, Inc. is offering recent graduates 40 percent off perpetual licenses as part of its student2PRO program. This deal is applicable to any Vectorworks product. “Starting a career after graduation is a momentous milestone for any graduate, and the student2PRO program is the perfect initiative in helping graduates take that first step toward career success without having a huge financial burden setting them back,” said Alice Lowy Marketing Programs Director. “This option is to help ensure up-and-coming professionals have the necessary 2D drawing, 3D modeling, and BIM tools to bring their designs to life.” student2PRO is a gateway program helping recent graduates jumpstart their professional careers more easily by offering discounts on the standard price. Additionally, those who take advantage of student2PRO are eligible for a 40 percent discounted membership to Vectorworks Service Select — the maintenance program that includes upgrades to product, priority technical support, exclusive training opportunities and early release of new content libraries. Service Select members also receive member-only features in Vectorworks Cloud Services. “Going the student2PRO route was such a valuable option for me and now as a full-time lighting designer, I use the features in Vision and Spotlight in my day-to-day work on theatre productions,” said Chloe Clark, a San Diego State University alumna. “Not only is the program an economical option for graduating students, but it’s also beneficial that Vectorworks updates and enhances its software regularly in conjunction with my industry constantly changing. It’s an easy way for me to always stay up to date.” To qualify for student2PRO, graduates must have completed a degree at a university, college, post-secondary vocational or poly-technical school within the past 365 days and submit transcripts or a diploma showing degree completion and graduation date. Alternatively, graduates can take advantage of the current monthly or yearly subscription license offerings on Vectorworks products, where available. For more information or to submit your transcripts or diploma, visit vectorworks.net/education/student2pro.
  17. Edit: Thank you for your responses, our immediate need has been fulfilled. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ We are a design build audio, video, lighting and acoustics (AVL) company located in the mid-west but currently working on project nation wide. We specialize in houses of worship and partner with architects, consultants, MEP engineers and general contractors to create better experiences and buildings to meet our clients needs and help them communicate effectively. We currently have many projects with concurrent deadlines for drawings and deliverables over the next couple months and are searching for some resources to help us flex to meet the needs. We are looking for someone who: has experience and understands installed large venue AVL systems has worked with commercial construction and construction drawing requirements. has access to and is fluent with VW2020 Spotlight or Designer can adapt to our standards and styles quickly to help create accurate, cohesive drawing sets can work independently and meet tight deadlines, has the capacity for this work currently. is available during part of the day 9am-5pm central US time for team coordination and communication we will contract per project on a fixed scope of work with the right person or firm who can act as a freelance contractor. please PM me with your details or questions thank you Jeff
  18. Overview: The CAD Drafter is responsible for creating detailed CAD drawings to be utilized in the set up of staging and structures. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Read and interpret drawings and blueprints to obtain specifications Draft components used in staging structures such as; truss arches, truss grids, and stage deck designs. Revise and update existing drawings reflecting design changes Update the standard deck and truss arch library Work and communicate with all departments involved in production to meet client’s requests and project requirements in a timely manner Other duties as assigned Qualification Standards: Minimum 2 years’ related work experience; Ability to analyze and interpret designs to apply proper assembly Strong interpersonal skills with ability to work with different personalities Proficient in computer programs including Google Suite products, and must be proficient in Vectorworks Must be a self-starter and motivated to work with minimal guidance Excellent communication skills both verbal and written Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects in a fast-paced environment Flexible schedule with the ability to work some evenings, weekends and holidays as required Please send your resume to hr@gallagherstaging.com No phone calls please
  19. Hi All, I have a VWX file that is north of one gig in size, mainly due to imported bitmaps of hand drafted scans. Does anyone know of a way that I can reduce the DPI / resolution / file size of these images in order to improve my file's responsiveness? Thanks, Nick
  20. Hello all, I am running vectorworks designer 2019 educational version, SP4, Build 490894 Here's my problem. If you go to (file>Document settings>Spotlight preferences>Lighting Device Parameters ) You will get a dialogue box which allows me to sort all the parameters how I like them. Yay! but when I go to save those settings... nothing happens. I click save, I get a dialogue box asking for a name for the settings, I enter something like Conner, and then I click save. The dialogue box goes away, but there is nothing in the settings drop down or the manage screen, both are just plain blank. So why is it not saving my settings? or am I missing something? I googled my issue and could not find anyone with my same problem. Does it matter that I am running student edition? Any help is much appreciated!
  21. Hello. I am working on a plan which has been around since 2007 or earlier. At some point in its history the stage right ladders were created by mirroring the stage left ones. As a result the top hats, half hats to be exact, are the wrong way round (upstage when the should be downstage). However, when I started converting the plan to use spotlight and data exchange with lightwright I didn't spot this. So now I have made the top hats accessories and neatly connected to the lighting instrument I can't turn them so the upstage is down stage. When you rotate it just rotates round but not to the needed position or flip horizontal or vertical it doesn't move it, well it sort of jiggles. If you do it with the symbol you can flip or mirror move it but as soon as it's an accessory then I can't. I have attached a screen shot. All the half hats show be downstage. This is only the prosc boom, I have 4 ladders to do as well so would rather not delete the accessories and start again and then try to sort the resulting lightwright issues. Anyone have any thoughts?
  22. Hi Found a few bugs in spotlight numbering. 1. Can't number records formats that are not in the route directory. For example if i have created folders to tidy up the resource manager i then can't use spotlight numbering tool to number those items with record formats in a folder. If i move the record format to the root directory i can then use it in spotlight numbering. In the screen shot the only record format that appears in "plant Record". I have as you can see lots of record formats. 2. Numbering generation with spotlight numbering. It seems there is a small bug or i've missed something in the way you number if you use a complex numbering system, for example if i wanted to number 24 units S0001 to S0024 i would put the S in the Prefix box and then add 0001 to the start number. However VW strips out the 0's from the units numbered after the first unit. I found this out when using spotlight numbering to number other things that require complex numbering.
  23. Hello all, On multiple projects I'm working on, I have lighting devices and 3D objects which are colored/shaded improperly when the Lighting class is visible. I created a new, blank document to demonstrate this behavior. In this document is a Lighting Device and a 2D white filled rectangle that I extruded. Whenever the Lighting class is invisible, the color/shading of other objects appears normal. Whenever the Lighting class is enabled, the color/shading of other objects is affected. The rectangle's color now appears gray even though the attributes panel shows that it is set to white. Any idea why this is happening and how I can prevent it? Thanks, Zack Lighting Class Visibility Color.vwx
  24. Hello! Does somebody know if VWX will update their Speaker tool of Landru? Or will make VWX their own? Hope to hear!
  25. Running into an issue where the X/Y values on the hoists only updates when we have "Relative X, Y On Plot" checked. This shows the little arrows on the hoist, however, we do not wish to display those and only show the X/Y in the hoist data display. Why will the X/Y only show when the arrows are turned on?
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