Original LXSeries Forum

I'm using LX Free for Java v1.0.1 and there is an Altman symbol missing. The Altman #4.5Z Baby Zoom 30/60 and 15/30 exist, but the 25/50 doesn't. I can't create a symbol or edit details being a Windows user, but it is the ellipsoidal I need for a current show. If someone could create a symbol, that would be great or direct me what to change in the key file to convert one of the existing ones to the desired degree spread.

Download the linked file at:

http://lx.claudeheintzdesign.com/altman.lxkey

This key file will be included in the next round of updates.

Do you have any plans to add support for the LED-based Altman Spectra Cyc (http://www.altmanltg.com/led-spectra-cyc.htm ) ? If not is there a tutorial anywhere which explains how to add a new instrument?

Thanks,
ted

Here's how to create an Altman Spectra Cyc symbol and key entry. This information applies to the latest build version of LXBeams.

1) Use LXBeams Rectangle tool to draw a small rectangle. Use the Inspector's measurement tab to set its width to 0'-7.5" and its height to 0'-11.7". Draw a line about 2" (scale) inside the right edge of the rectangle.

2) Use the arrow tool to select the rectangle and line. Choose the Format->Convert->Selection to Symbol command. In the first page of the sheet, you are asked for an ID and the kind of key entry you wish to create. The ID does not matter as long as it is unique. You can leave the default ID which is universally unique. In the kind popup choose "RGBA". Click the Next button.

3) Fill in the data about your symbol. Perhaps something like the following:

Type: Spectra Cyc
Full Name: Altman SS-CYC-100
Symbol ID: custom (already filled in for you)
Inventory: (how many do you have?)
Lamp:
Watts: 100
Color Frame: SCyc
Field X: 38
Field Y: 82
Candela: 387
Beam X: 38
Beam Y: 82
Weight: 11
More Info:
Device Params:
Mix Type: rgba
Default X Offset: 0
Default Y Offset: 0
Default Z Offset: -0'-9" (for hanging below a pipe)

4) Click "Finish" (but you are not done yet). You will have added a symbol to the current plot's key. It should be selected in the Inspector's symbols tab. That would suffice for an ordinary conventional fixture. But for the multi-channel LED, you need to assign the device addresses.

5) With the new symbol selected in the Inspector's symbols tab, choose View->Device Info. In the upper "Addresses" section, click the + button to add an address. In the "Key" column, use the popup to select "Red". Repeat this, adding addresses for "Green", "Blue", and "Amber". If you want to use the Spectra Cyc's mode with a master fade channel, then you would add a fifth address for the key "Intensity".

6) Save the plot and your new Spectra Cyc symbol is ready for use. If you use the symbol tool to draw one of your new symbols, you can copy and paste it into another plot and all the key information will travel with it. Or, you can export the key from this plot and import it into another.

This information applies to the latest build version of LXBeams. Older versions had a similar command to Format->Convert->Selection to Symbol called Path to Key Wizard. This required the extra step of converting the graphics that you wanted to make into a symbol into a path object before converting them to a symbol.

The Latest build version of LXBeams also has the symbol editor built-in. So if you want to tweak your symbol, you can double-click it in the Inspector's Symbols tab (or choose 'Entry Info...' from the popup menu). Then, in the lower left corner of the entry info sheet, choose "Edit Symbol..." from that popup menu. The symbol editor gives you very precise control over all the points that make up your symbol's graphic path.