Fixture Models do not Export in XML File

[nate.8olson@gmail.com]

Hello,

Working on setting up previz for my rig - I'm using MA onPC v3.9, MA3D v3.9, Vectorworks 2021.

 

I am attempting to export an XML of my lighting rig via the MA Spotlight plugin (I have the most recent version). When looking at this XML file, the positions for each fixture are there, but I can't tell if the fixture models are included in this XML file. When I import this XML file to MA onPC, the patch and fixture types work perfectly, but the fixture is positioned at the origin and has question marks instead of a model.

 

This only happens with certain fixture types - the fixture types that actually display the proper model (instead of question marks) are positioned correctly. In MA3D, the question mark fixtures are composed of sub fixtures, while the fixtures that are not subdivided are displaying properly.

 

I think this may be an issue with VW export of the models, as the fixtures that are not displaying properly are SEVEN battens, JDC1s, and other matrix/blinder/batten fixtures and I think Vectorworks is exporting these as multiple sub-fixtures.

 

Is there another/better way to move my rig from Vectorworks into MA onPC/MA3D using an MVR file or anything besides this Vectorworks XML export? Is it possible to remedy the way that these fixtures are exported from Vectorworks so that they are a single fixture and not a collection of sub-fixtures?

[klinzey]

MA has discontinued support and updates for the MA Spotlight plug-in exporter and has moved to using MVR and GDTF for the MA3.
Much has been added to the Vectorworks MVR exporter since 2021 and I would recommend upgrading to the current version of Vectorworks in order to have the best experience moving data between Vectorworks and the MA3.

[nate.8olson@gmail.com]

I am using MA2 onPC and cannot switch to MA3, as I'll be moving the show to an MA2 console eventually. As far as I'm aware, MVR is not an option for import with MA2. I will update my Vectorworks and attempt to switch to Vision. I have a Vision license key, will I need a dongle as well in order to use it with MA onPC?

Edited March 22, 2023 by nate.8olson@gmail.com

[klinzey]

Unfortunately it appears that MA is no longer updating anything form the MA2 and has no plans to implement MVR for the MA2.

Yes you will need a Vision dongle for the MA2 if your are going to use MA2net as your connection. (This is a requirement from MA.)
If you use artNET or sACN you don't need the Vision dongle and can just use a Vision serial number.