LEDs

[BHunter]

If I were using say, an LED strip(Elation Design Strip 60 for example)what would be the best recourse for the light object? Do I set multiple sources at approximately the correct spacing and make it a multi circuit instrument, or just make a line light or area light object for the face of the unit?

Thanks,

Bob Hunter

315 Design Solutions

Atlanta, Ga.

Edited August 29, 2008 by BHunter

[michaelk]

Bob

Are you trying to render it or make a symbol?

Or both?

For rendering I would use an area light and have fun with the color.

For a symbol it gets more complicated (63 Channel Operation Mode!!??) I often do a trick where I give the symbol of a multichannel unit the first channel and make up accessories to be the other channels. There was a long thread about it a while ago...

HTH

Michael

Michael

[michaelk]

Actually not a thread here. It was in the NNA Theatre Discussion list.

Michael

[BHunter]

"Are you trying to render it or make a symbol?"

Yes. Seriously though, I drew an Elation Design 60 LED strip and want to try and get the light sources (20) in it. I tried to put an area light on it, but couldn't get it to emit. I dropped 20 light sources into it, oriented them, and that worked. Although I'll have to do that each time I drop one into a drawing- there's GOT to be an easier way short of editing the symbol and spacing the light sources individually. I just haven't (yet) figured out how to bind the light sources to the fixture so if I decide to alter the orientation of the light, I won't have to reorient the light sources.

63 channel operational mode? Oh no..I'll leave that bit of brain bending to those more seasoned with VW than I.

Bob

[cad@sggsa]

"Are you trying to render it or make a symbol?"

Yes. Seriously though, I drew an Elation Design 60 LED strip and want to try and get the light sources (20) in it. I tried to put an area light on it, but couldn't get it to emit. I dropped 20 light sources into it, oriented them, and that worked. Although I'll have to do that each time I drop one into a drawing- there's GOT to be an easier way short of editing the symbol and spacing the light sources individually. I just haven't (yet) figured out how to bind the light sources to the fixture so if I decide to alter the orientation of the light, I won't have to reorient the light sources.

So I drew up a very basic object resembling this light. I used 20 spot lightssources spaced, with a low percentage to get the desired wash on objects. To indicate the light source in the symbol, create a texture set to Constant Reflectivity and you can play around with the transparency if so desired. Apply it to a thin extrude resembling the space/glass where the LED's are housed.

To ensure the light sources stay in place, edit the symbol and group them to the light object.