<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  The Light-O-Rama Software Package > Sequencer > Preview Design > Prop Definition > Prop Shapes

Prop shapes can be separated into 2 categories: freeform shapes which allow you to manipulate the shape directly; and scalable shapes, where the position of all of the individual light bulbs are fixed in relationship to one another.

 

For many shapes, you will specify a "starting location". This is the location of the first string or first pixel. The starting location may contain the abbreviations "CW" and "CCW".

 

•CW stands for "clockwise" and means the strings proceed in a clockwise direction when looking down from the top of the prop.

•CCW stands for "counter-clockwise" and means the strings proceed in a counter-clockwise direction when looking down from the top of the prop

 

These are the freeform shapes:

 

•Bulb Shape

•Icicle Shape

•Lines-Connected

•Lines-Unconnected

•Lines-Closed Shape

•Matrix-Horizontal-Quad

•Matrix-Vertical-Quad

•Advanced Shape

 

These are the fixed shapes:

 

•Arch

•Arch Opposing Strings

•Candycane-Left, Candycane-Right

•Circles Nested

•Custom

•Cylinder

•Cylinder spiral

•Fan

•Firestick

•Globe 8 Rows

•Hidden

•Matrix-Horizontal-Rectangle

•Matrix-Vertical-Rectangle

•Picture

•Snowflake

•Sphere

•Spokes

•Star

•Stars Nested

•Tree 90, 180, 270

•Tree 360 wedges

•Tree 360 tiers

•Tree 360 panels

•Tree 360 up&over

•Tree 360 spiral

•Tree Custom Angle

•Window Frame

•Wreath

 

 

Freeform Shapes

 

Freeform shapes display handles that allow you to manipulate the shape directly. There are no scaling handles; if you wish to scale them you must use the Scale Tab or the Ctrl-UpArrow / Ctrl-DownArrow keyboard shortcuts. Also these shapes can be rotated, but they do not have a natural orientation so Format > Rotation > 0 has no effect.

 

Bulb Shape

 

In a bulb shape, every light is displayed with a red handle, allowing each one to be moved independently of one another.

 

 

Icicle Shape

 

The Icicle shape has 4 corners that can be dragged so that the icicles can follow a horizontal gutter or a sloped eave. This shape can be used to define icicle strings that use traditional lights (single color) or pixels (RGB).  When defining the Icicle shape, you define the total number of drops on the string, and also the pattern of drops. For example, if the string has 15 drops, but the pattern is 3 pixels, then 4 pixels, then 5 pixels, you only need to define the 3-4-5 pattern once. The pattern will be repeated as many times as needed to fill the specified total number of drops. When defining the pattern, drops with a length of 0 are ignored.

 

 

Pixel-based icicles can be wired either of 2 ways:

•Straight down the first drop, then straight down the next.

•Starting at the top of the drop, populate every other hole going down, then fill the remaining holes on the way back up (i.e. "skip wiring").

 

The last option for the Icicle shape allows you to choose between these 2 wiring patterns.

 

 

 

Lines-Connected

 

In a Lines-Connected shape, each vertex can be moved independently of one another. This makes it great for drawing regular strings of lights. You can draw a Lines-Connected shape interactively by right-clicking on the design canvas and selecting Draw New String from the pop-up menu.

 

 

Lines-Unconnected

 

In a Lines-Unconnected shape, the string is modeled as series of line segments, each of which can be moved independently of one another.

 

 

Lines-Closed Shape

 

A Lines-Closed Shape is modeled as a polygon with each vertex movable.

 

 

Matrix-Horizontal-Quad

 

The Matrix-Horizontal-Quad shape is like the Matrix-Horizontal-Rectangle, except that the corners are movable. This shape supports alternate node pixel wiring.

 

 

Matrix-Vertical-Quad

 

The Matrix-Vertical-Quad shape is like the Matrix-Vertical-Rectangle, except that the corners are movable. This shape is useful for creating "CCR Trees" like the one shown below. Two props, each with a Matrix-Vertical-Quad shape and 6 strings of 50 RGB pixels, are used to represent the ribbons. This shape supports alternate node pixel wiring.

 

 

Advanced Shape

 

With an advanced shape you can move each individual pixel as needed by dragging them on the design canvas. When moving pixels you should enable the display of pixel numbers so you know which pixel you are moving.

 

You can also change how the pixels are arranged in the effects buffer by clicking the "Edit Advanced Buffer Layout" button. As the name implies, this is is an advanced function, but can be used to create pixel props that cannot be represented by other shapes.

 

In the next picture, a preview has been created with a background image of a snowflake. The pixels have been arranged (with pixel numbers showing) to match how the prop is wired.

 

 

Next, the buffer layout for the snowflake is defined such that each arm of the snowflake is 4 columns in the grid. Each number in the layout grid corresponds to the pixel number shown above. For help in using the buffer layout grid, see the Custom Shape Light Placement grid topic (it works the same way). With this buffer layout, motion effects that move left or right will go around the snowflake. Motion effects that move up will expand from the center, and effects the move down will go from the outside of the snowflake inward.

 

 

This preview contains just one prop; but this prop would be one of many in someone's display. So the final step would be to export this prop from this preview, and then import it into the preview containing the full display.

 

 

Fixed Shapes

 

Every shape that is not a "freeform shape" is a "fixed shape" -- the position of all of the individual light bulbs within the shape are fixed in relationship to one another. Fixed shapes display scaling handles when selected -- you can drag any of the 4 red handles to make the prop bigger or smaller. These shapes also have a natural orientation, so you can use Format > Rotation > 0 to reset the prop to that orientation.

 

 

Arch

 

The arch shape can be used for:

 

•an arch with traditional light strings

•a segmented arch with traditional light strings

•a pixel-based arch

 

The arch shape prompts for the number of segments. This value should be set to 1, unless you are modeling a segmented arch with traditional light strings.

 

 

Arch Opposing Strings

 

The "Arch Opposing Strings" shape is intended for large, pixel-based arches that have controllers on both sides of the arch. The pixel strings run up both sides and meet at the top of the arch.

 

 

Candycane-Left, Candycane-Right

 

These shapes can be used to represent candy-canes of various sizes. When used with multiple columns of pixels, the pixel strings are assumed to be run vertically.

 

 

Circles Nested

 

The "Circles Nested" shape allows you to model concentric rings as might be used in a wreath. When creating the prop, you specify the number of lights in each ring - each ring can be different. The center ring can have a single light if desired, as shown in the example on the left. When used with pixels, the prop is assumed to be wired ring by ring - see the pixel numbers in the examples below. If your prop is wired in a zigzag pattern inside to outside or vice versa, then use the wreath shape instead.

 

 

Custom

 

A custom shape allows you to define where the lights are using a grid. If you are using traditional lights, you will have more flexibility defining your prop by using one of the freeform shapes. However, for pixel-based props, a custom shape can be an easy way to define the arrangement of those pixels. See the Custom Shape Light Placement topic for more information using the grid to define your custom prop.

 

Here is an example of a candy cane defined using a custom shape with traditional strings.

 

•a "1" in a grid cell identifies lights on the first string

•a "2" in a grid cell would identify lights on the second string

•a "3" in a grid cell would identify lights on the third string, and so on

 

 

Next is an example of a candy cane defined using a custom shape with pixels.

 

•"1" in a grid cell identifies the first pixel of the first string

•"2" in a grid cell identifies the second pixel of the first string, and so on up to 999

•"1001" in a grid cell identifies the first pixel of the second string

•"1002" in a grid cell identifies the second pixel of the second string, and so on up to 1999

•"2001" in a grid cell identifies the first pixel of the third string

•"2002" in a grid cell identifies the second pixel of the third string, and so on up to 2999

 

The next example shows 1 string of 12 pixels.

 

 

Cylinder

 

The cylinder shape allows you to model lights placed on a column. The lights can go completely around the column, or you can specify 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 coverage. If you choose partial coverage, be sure choose the Starting Location entry carefully. When used with pixels, the pixel strings are assumed to run vertically.  Lights facing away from the viewer are shown at a lower intensity in the preview; however, this does not affect the actual lights. This shape supports alternate node pixel wiring.

 

 

Cylinder spiral

 

The Cylinder Spiral shape models one or more strings wrapped around a column.  Lights facing away from the viewer are shown at a lower intensity in the preview; however, this does not affect the actual lights.

 

 

Fan

 

The fan shape models a 180 degree fan. This shape supports alternate node pixel wiring.

 

 

Firestick

 

The firestick shape models a single vertical column of lights. When used with pixels, the "# of Sections" parameter should be set to 1.

 

 

Globe 8 Rows

 

The Globe 8 Rows shape models the spherical tree-topper sold by SuperStar lights. However, you could also use the shape with traditional lights to model a single-color sphere. The number of lights on this shape is fixed at 200.  Lights facing away from the viewer are shown at a lower intensity in the preview; however, this does not affect the actual lights.

 

 

Hidden

 

Use the Hidden shape to model items that are assigned channels but don't have any lights. This could include macro channels on Light-O-Rama's Cosmic Color Ribbons, or control channels on a DMX fixture.

 

Matrix-Horizontal-Rectangle

 

The Matrix Horizontal Rectangle shape models a set of lights arranged in a rectangle, where the strings run horizontally. If the matrix needs to be skewed in some way, use the Matrix Horizontal Quad shape instead. When modeling a pixel string on a gutter or eave, use this shape with the number of strings set to 1. This shape supports alternate node pixel wiring.

 

 

Matrix-Vertical-Rectangle

 

The Matrix Vertical Rectangle shape models a set of lights arranged in a rectangle, where the strings run vertically. If the matrix needs to be skewed in some way, use the Matrix Vertical Quad shape instead.  This shape supports alternate node pixel wiring.

 

 

Picture

 

This shape can only be used with traditional lights. It is useful for representing:

•blow-molds

•plywood cutouts that are lit with a flood light

 

As the prop's channel fades down, the picture becomes dimmer.

 

 

Snowflake

 

This shape can be used to efficiently model pixel snowflakes, or almost any shape with radial symmetry. Motion effects that move left or right will spin around the snowflake - it makes it much easier to sequence.

 

When defining the shape, you specify the number of arms/spokes.Then you define lights on a single arm -- like defining a custom shape, except you are defining just one arm.

 

Let's use a Boscoyo 48 pixel flake as an example.

 

 

Notice the first arm circled in yellow. We will use this section to model the arm in the LOR snowflake shape. Note that this is the FRONT wiring view.

 

 

Now we start a new Prop Definition, selecting RGB pixels on the left, the Snowflake shape with 6 spokes in the middle, and "Separate Unit ID for each RGB string" is unchecked. We've set the Inner Radius and Arm Spacing to visually match the Boscoyo prop -- these 2 settings were adjusted by trial and error. The starting location is set to "Inside-CCW" since the Boscoyo prop is wired in a counter-clockwise direction.

 

 

 

The Boscoyo snowflake has 48 pixels. If we divide that by 6 arms, that means there are 8 pixels per arm. Here we have arranged the 8 pixels to match the area circled in yellow in the wiring view.

 

Here is the result in the preview window:

 

 

And here is the Wiring view for the LOR Snowflake shape.The snowflake shape defines each arm as a separate string. However, if you uncheck the box for "Separate Unit ID for each RGB string", then the channel assignments match.

 

 

 

Sphere

 

The cylinder shape allows you to model lights placed on a spherical object. The lights can go completely around the sphere, or you can specify 1/4, 1/2, or 3/4 coverage. If you choose partial coverage, be sure to choose the Starting Location entry carefully. When used with pixels, the pixel strings are assumed to run vertically.  Lights facing away from the viewer are shown at a lower intensity in the preview; however, this does not affect the actual lights. This shape supports alternate node pixel wiring.

 

 

Spokes

 

The spokes shape models strings radiating from a central point. Wiring for all spokes is assumed to originate from the center, as illustrated by the pixel numbers in the picture below. If wiring for your pixel-based spokes alternates outside-in then inside-out, use the wreath shape instead. This shape supports alternate node pixel wiring.

 

 

Star

 

The Star shape can model a single star with any number of points.

 

 

Stars Nested

 

The Stars Nested shape models 5-pointed stars that are nested one within the other. Up to 10 nested stars are supported (versions prior to 5.5.0 were limited to 6 nested stars). It looks best when the number of lights in each star is divisible by 10.

 

 

Tree 90, 180, 270

 

These shapes model trees that are not a complete circle. Whether you choose 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees is a matter of preference - how it looks on the preview -- it does not change the effects on the actual lights. Strings are assumed to run vertically up and/or down the tree. These shape supports alternate node pixel wiring.

 

 

Tree 360 wedges

 

The Tree 360 Wedges shape models the most common type of lighted tree -- one where all sides of the tree are lit. Strings are assumed to run vertically up and/or down the tree. Lights facing away from the viewer are shown at a lower intensity in the preview; however, this does not affect the actual lights. This shape supports alternate node pixel wiring.

 

 

Tree 360 tiers

 

The Tree 360 Tiers shape divides the tree into layers and is sometimes referred to as a "z tree". Each layer is activated by a different channel. This shape does not support pixels.

 

 

Tree 360 panels

 

Commercial trees are often built with panels or branches that are placed around each layer of the tree. When creating a panel tree you:

 

1.define the arrangement of lights on a single panel, and then

2.specify how many panels there are on each layer of the tree.

 

There is a limit of 999 lights per panel.

 

 

Tree 360 up&over

 

In a Tree 360 Up & Over shape, a string of lights goes up one side of the tree and down the opposite side. Lights facing away from the viewer are shown at a lower intensity in the preview; however, this does not affect the actual lights.

 

 

Tree 360 spiral

 

Tree 360 Spiral shapes model a tree where the strings spiral up around the outside of the tree. The "revolutions" parameter can be positive or negative -- the sign controls the direction of the wrapping. Lights facing away from the viewer are shown at a lower intensity in the preview; however, this does not affect the actual lights.

 

 

Tree Custom Angle

 

This shape supplements the Tree 90, 180, 270, and 360 wedges shapes. The advantage of this shape is that you can specify a custom coverage angle and a custom angle to the audience.

 

 

Window Frame

 

You can use the Window Frame shape to model windows and doors. When modeling a door, set the "# of lights at the bottom" to 0.

 

 

Wreath

 

Use the Wreath Shape to model any circular prop. When used with pixels, the pixels are assumed to be wired outside to inside, and then continuing back to the outside, then inside, etc. If your pixel prop is wired a ring by ring, then use the Circles Nested shape instead.