Creating new lighting object w/ light source

[jdthatcher]

I have created many lighting instruments, but I have not grasped the ability to put in a light emiting source correctly. I have looked in the pdf but it does not cover this very well. I am in the process of converting my libraries to functional instruments and this is really a brain buster.

[litebrite]

Josh

I've been having the same problem, if you find an answer please share. Thanks

[klinzey]

You need to apply a non-shadow casting texture (default instrument texture) to the instrument symbol, otherwise the geometry blocks the light.

[Blossom]

I've gotten a step beyond this and want more control over the light source that my custom instrument uses. Is it possible to use an IES file for the distribution? Use a line or area source?

If not, is there a way to control the falloff of the spot? It seems like the default spotlight source has no falloff at all. This gives weird artifacts in a garden layout - a small light from the top of the terrace casts a harsh shadow 40' away.

Thanks!

Blossom

[Philip_W_Sandstrom]

Are you using the Instr insertion tool? After you double click on the light you want in the Resource Browser, you must click on the Instr Insertion Tool before you place the light on the plot. Click once on the plot to place the light, then you can adjust the direction the light aims, then click again to set the light.

[jdthatcher]

Thanks. No the insertion of the object is not the problem. I want to make it a custom type of light source so when I turn it on i get the desired rendered light.

[Ben Elmo]

I too am having lots of trouble with light sources. If I simply flip the lighting device vertically, the beam is also flipped. I can't find any info about setting emitter location or orientation. I can't seem to simply make a moving light sit on the floor and point up at the ceiling--or horizontally for that matter. I frequently get incalculable angles. What's the secret? Is it so obvious nobody talks about it?

[Mark Novick]

Echo Ben's problem - I'm able to insert instruments and make them light an object on a stage just fine, assuming a traditional front lighting position. However, if I try to put a light onto the stage to uplight something, it is all but impossible.

For example, I took a S4 PAR and placed at the stage level. The fixture needed to be flipped over because it was setup by default for a traditional hang position (upside down), and I needed it set up as a floor-based fixture. However, when I do that, VW gets confused and flips the light source as well, and focuses opposite the direction it's supposed to to hit the focus point.

I can email a screen capture of what I'm talking about if I'm not being clear enough here.

HELP!