Creating a Preview - Revision history

Jlowe at 20:50, 7 March 2013

2013-03-07T20:50:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:50, 7 March 2013
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	[[Category:HLS]]		[[Category:HLS]]
	~~[[Category:DIYC Index]]~~

Jlowe: Completing information

2013-01-25T04:39:21Z

Completing information

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:39, 25 January 2013
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	**Right-click on canvas - This begins drawing a segment at the exact point previously stopped.		**Right-click on canvas - This begins drawing a segment at the exact point previously stopped.
	*When drawing elements, the "active" type of drawing being done will be in green, while all others are in red. In the example picture, "Line" is green because it has been selected.<br /><br />		*When drawing elements, the "active" type of drawing being done will be in green, while all others are in red. In the example picture, "Line" is green because it has been selected.<br /><br />
			*To '''Move''' display objects, left-click the move square for the object, then drag it in the display window.
	[[File:Preview-Toolbar-Activedrawing.png]]<br /><br />		[[File:Preview-Toolbar-Activedrawing.png]]<br /><br />

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	*Video Tutorial [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?24988-HLS-How-to-Create-a-1344-Channel-MegaTree-and-Preview-in-less-than-15-Minutes]<br /><br />		*Video Tutorial [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?24988-HLS-How-to-Create-a-1344-Channel-MegaTree-and-Preview-in-less-than-15-Minutes]<br /><br />

	~~The next sections are still under development.~~

	====Drawing Custom Objects====		====Drawing Custom Objects====
	----		----
	~~#Use of~~ custom objects		*Custom objects are free-form drawings that can take on any shape. Some examples would include candy canes, snowflakes, custom light objects, etc.
	~~#How~~ to ~~draw~~ and ~~input channels~~
			*'''Drawing a Custom Object:'''
			**Open the Preview and load or create a Preview window.
			**Select ''Custom'' from the menu and left click to start drawing. Left-click again to end drawing.
			**Press SPACEBAR to complete drawing.
			**The ''Custom Object'' window will appear.
			<br /><br />[[File:Custom-Object.png]]<br /><br />

			*'''Drawing and Assigning Channels to Custom Objects:'''
			**Begin drawing the object in the window. Left-clicks fill in a square. Left-click again to remove.
			**Right-click a square to assign a channel.
			**An unassigned square will be red; a square with an assigned channel will be green.
			**Name the custom object and hit OK.

	<br /><br />		<br /><br />

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	**Mega-strings are up to four strands of single-color lights that operate as one, such as a window outlined in R,G,B,W).		**Mega-strings are up to four strands of single-color lights that operate as one, such as a window outlined in R,G,B,W).
	**Assign colors as normal. Place all colors into the same ''Preview Group'' and assign ''Preview Numbers''.		**Assign colors as normal. Place all colors into the same ''Preview Group'' and assign ''Preview Numbers''.
	**~~TODO~~: ~~Link~~ to ~~later section on how to draw those~~ as ~~one~~ in the preview ~~window~~.		*Select ''Manage Channels'' -> ''Set Display Group to Work On'', then select your mega-string display group and select OPEN.
			*This will open the channels in the sequence window.
			*Open Preview
			*Draw Object as described in previous sections.
			<br /><br />[[File:Megastring-Assignment.png]]<br /><br />

			*Once you press SPACEBAR, Assign lights to the preview, as seen in above picture.
			*Select "Multiple Non-RGB Strings treated as ONE".
			*Press "Add Another Channel" until you have the number of channels for your megastring (maximum 4).
			*Assign the channels to the preview.

	**Joe's video on mega-strings: [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?25001-HLS-Preview-Using-Custom-Display-Objects\|here]		**Joe's video on mega-strings: [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?25001-HLS-Preview-Using-Custom-Display-Objects\|here]

	*Setup the R,G,B,W (or whatever) strings into a ''Display Group'' together. (See: [[Creating a Preview#Assign_Channels_to_a_Display_Group\|Display Groups]]).
	*Select ''Manage Channels'' -> ''Set Display Group to Work On'', then select your mega-string display group and select OPEN.
	*This will open the channels in the sequence window.
	*Open Preview (See LINK)
	*Draw Multi-Line Segments (See LINK)
	~~ETC~~
	<br /><br />		<br /><br />

	===How to "Draw Once, Use Everywhere"===		===How to "Draw Once, Use Everywhere"===
	----		----
	~~#Keeping~~ the display preview ~~for many sequences~~<br /><br />		*The value of the Preview is truly realized by setting it up once, then using it for all of your sequences. You can do this through the Display Groups.
			*Always have ONE display group per element that is never duplicated elsewhere. The number goes to 5000, so feel free to space it out if needed.
			*When opening the preview, simply "Pick Preview" to select a preview you have already set up.<br /><br />

	===Stepping Through a Sequence with Display Preview===		===Stepping Through a Sequence with Display Preview===
	----		----
	~~#Number keys and~~ window focus, ~~etc~~.		*It is possible to step through a sequence using the display preview frame by frame.
			*'''Tip:''' To use these commands, the main window GRID must have "window focus", not the preview window. So, the preview window stays visible on top, but you click the main window to give it "focus".
			*On the top menu, select Preview->Select Preview Control File and select the preview file you want to use.
			*Check "Sigle Step" and "Display Preview" checkboxes.
			*Use the Right Mouse on the Ruler to set your RED marker.
			*With the GRID in focus (NOT the Preview Screen):
			**ZERO key will start the Preview Time line at the RED Mark.
			**NINE key will advance the time tic by one.
			**EIGHT key will decrement the time tic by one.
			<br /><br />

	~~<br /><br />~~

	----		----

Jklingert at 17:08, 23 January 2013

2013-01-23T17:08:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:08, 23 January 2013
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	'''Next:''' [[Adding a Beat Track]]		'''Next:''' [[Adding a Beat Track]]

			[[Category:HLS]]
			[[Category:DIYC Index]]

Jlowe: Formatting cleanup

2013-01-23T15:01:54Z

Formatting cleanup

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:01, 23 January 2013
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	''This tutorial is based on version 11V.''		''This tutorial is based on version 11V.''

	====Preparing Channels for Preview====		===Preparing Channels for Preview===
			----
	*'''Ensure that channels are properly added to the sequence, rgb channels are identified, and colors are setup in the Channel Manager.'''		*'''Ensure that channels are properly added to the sequence, rgb channels are identified, and colors are setup in the Channel Manager.'''
	**See [[Setting up Channels]] for more detailed instructions.<br /><br />		**See [[Setting up Channels]] for more detailed instructions.<br /><br />
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	[[File:PreviewGroups.png]]<br /><br />		[[File:PreviewGroups.png]]<br /><br />

			===Assign Channels to a Display Group===
	====Assign Channels to a Display Group====		----
	*To be able to display, draw, and preview channels, they must be assigned to a display group.		*To be able to display, draw, and preview channels, they must be assigned to a display group.
	*Click ''Manage Channels'', then select ''Select Channels and Assign to Display Group''.<br /><br />		*Click ''Manage Channels'', then select ''Select Channels and Assign to Display Group''.<br /><br />
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	[[File:Display-Group-Creation2.png\|Prompt to add a new group]]<br /><br />		[[File:Display-Group-Creation2.png\|Prompt to add a new group]]<br /><br />

	====Creating the Preview Window====		===Creating the Preview Window===
			----
	*'''Warnings and Limitations:'''		*'''Warnings and Limitations:'''
	**All images in the Preview must be in bitmap format (extension of .bmp). Windows paint will allow conversion of files into this format.		**All images in the Preview must be in bitmap format (extension of .bmp). Windows paint will allow conversion of files into this format.
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	**You can then draw and manipulate the selected preview file.<br /><br />		**You can then draw and manipulate the selected preview file.<br /><br />

	====Placing channels onto the Preview window====		===Placing channels onto the Preview window===
			----
	*With HLS, you draw onto the display window first, then assign channels/groups to the drawing.		*With HLS, you draw onto the display window first, then assign channels/groups to the drawing.
	*Some keyboard and mouse commands are fairly standard across various drawing components:		*Some keyboard and mouse commands are fairly standard across various drawing components:
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	====Drawing Line Objects====		====Drawing Line Objects====
			----
	*Line objects could be: roof lines, window frames, doorways, or any other display object composed of straight lines.		*Line objects could be: roof lines, window frames, doorways, or any other display object composed of straight lines.
	*Select the Line button on the Preview Toolbar to begin drawing a line item.		*Select the Line button on the Preview Toolbar to begin drawing a line item.
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	====Drawing Triangle Objects====		====Drawing Triangle Objects====
			----
	*Triangle objects could consist of mini-trees, flood lights, or other objects.		*Triangle objects could consist of mini-trees, flood lights, or other objects.
	*Select the Triangle button on the Preview Toolbar to begin drawing a triangle object.		*Select the Triangle button on the Preview Toolbar to begin drawing a triangle object.
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	<br /><br />		<br /><br />

	====Drawing Arch ~~Elements~~====		====Drawing Arch Objects====
			----
	*Arch objects can consist of a strand of pixels or regular light segments.		*Arch objects can consist of a strand of pixels or regular light segments.
	*Select the Arch button on the Preview Toolbar to begin drawing an arch object.		*Select the Arch button on the Preview Toolbar to begin drawing an arch object.
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	<br /><br />		<br /><br />

	====Drawing MegaTree ~~Elements~~====		====Drawing MegaTree Objects====
			----
	*A MegaTree can be composed of single color strings, mega-strings, dumb rgb strings, or pixel strings. The orientation can vary from up and down to make a pie shape, up and over, run from bottom to top, run from top to bottom, etc. It's important to understand how HLS can represent mega-trees when planning the physical display.		*A MegaTree can be composed of single color strings, mega-strings, dumb rgb strings, or pixel strings. The orientation can vary from up and down to make a pie shape, up and over, run from bottom to top, run from top to bottom, etc. It's important to understand how HLS can represent mega-trees when planning the physical display.
	*HLS will always draw a megaTree as a 360° tree. The orientation will always start with the first strand at the 9 o'clock position and work in a Counter Clockwise direction. The strings must run in one direction: bottom-top or top-bottom. Default is Bottom to top. To go the other direction, select "Run in reverse" when assigning channels.		*HLS will always draw a megaTree as a 360° tree. The orientation will always start with the first strand at the 9 o'clock position and work in a Counter Clockwise direction. The strings must run in one direction: bottom-top or top-bottom. Default is Bottom to top. To go the other direction, select "Run in reverse" when assigning channels.
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	The next sections are still under development.		The next sections are still under development.

	====Drawing Custom ~~Elements~~====		====Drawing Custom Objects====
	?		----
			#Use of custom objects
			#How to draw and input channels
			<br /><br />

	===Drawing Mega-strings as one display object===		===Drawing Mega-strings as one display object===
			----
	*'''Setting up "mega-strings" as a single display item:'''		*'''Setting up "mega-strings" as a single display item:'''
	**Mega-strings are up to four strands of single-color lights that operate as one, such as a window outlined in R,G,B,W).		**Mega-strings are up to four strands of single-color lights that operate as one, such as a window outlined in R,G,B,W).
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	<br /><br />		<br /><br />

			===How to "Draw Once, Use Everywhere"===
	====How to "Draw Once, Use Everywhere"====		----
	#Keeping the display preview for many sequences<br /><br />		#Keeping the display preview for many sequences<br /><br />

	====Stepping Through a Display Preview ~~With the Keyboard=~~===		===Stepping Through a Sequence with Display Preview===
			----
	#Number keys and window focus, etc.		#Number keys and window focus, etc.

Jlowe at 05:28, 23 January 2013

2013-01-23T05:28:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:28, 23 January 2013
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	====How to "Draw Once, Use Everywhere"====		====How to "Draw Once, Use Everywhere"====
	#Keeping the display preview for many sequences<br /><br />		#Keeping the display preview for many sequences<br /><br />

			====Stepping Through a Display Preview With the Keyboard====
			#Number keys and window focus, etc.

			<br /><br />

	----		----

Jlowe at 05:23, 23 January 2013

2013-01-23T05:23:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:23, 23 January 2013
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	''This tutorial is based on version 11V.''		''This tutorial is based on version 11V.''

	~~This page is under significant revision.~~
	~~Many spots are "placeholders" until information can be generated.~~
	~~Skip to the "Original Preview" section for the information on using the older preview in HLS.~~

	====Preparing Channels for Preview====		====Preparing Channels for Preview====
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	*Video Tutorial [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?24988-HLS-How-to-Create-a-1344-Channel-MegaTree-and-Preview-in-less-than-15-Minutes]<br /><br />		*Video Tutorial [http://doityourselfchristmas.com/forums/showthread.php?24988-HLS-How-to-Create-a-1344-Channel-MegaTree-and-Preview-in-less-than-15-Minutes]<br /><br />

			The next sections are still under development.

	====Drawing Custom Elements====		====Drawing Custom Elements====
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	#Keeping the display preview for many sequences<br /><br />		#Keeping the display preview for many sequences<br /><br />

			----

	===Original Preview===		===Original Preview===

			This is for the original version of the Preview.
			Versions 11K and above use the new Preview.

	Next we will create a sequence preview (simulator). Select the '''Manage Channels''' tab at the top and then the Edit Sequence Paint selection. The screen should then look like the one in Figure 1-29. Note the channels (outputs) are shown on the left in their configured color. Also note the asterisks to the left of the first channel. The asterisks show that channel 1 is the active channel for drawing now. The arrow up and arrow down keys on the keyboard can be used to switch channels for drawing. '''If the up or down arrow key does not seem to switch channels for drawing hit the ESC key.'''		Next we will create a sequence preview (simulator). Select the '''Manage Channels''' tab at the top and then the Edit Sequence Paint selection. The screen should then look like the one in Figure 1-29. Note the channels (outputs) are shown on the left in their configured color. Also note the asterisks to the left of the first channel. The asterisks show that channel 1 is the active channel for drawing now. The arrow up and arrow down keys on the keyboard can be used to switch channels for drawing. '''If the up or down arrow key does not seem to switch channels for drawing hit the ESC key.'''
	Figure 1-29.<br />		Figure 1-29.<br />

Jlowe: /* Drawing Mega-Tree Elements */

2013-01-23T05:19:57Z

Drawing Mega-Tree Elements

@@ Line 176: / Line 176: @@
 <br /><br />
-====Drawing Mega-Tree Elements====
+====Drawing MegaTree Elements====
-#Specifics with pixel trees
-#General display/physical string arrangement details: Start 9 o'clock position and work CCW.
+*A MegaTree can be composed of single color strings, mega-strings, dumb rgb strings, or pixel strings. The orientation can vary from up and down to make a pie shape, up and over, run from bottom to top, run from top to bottom, etc.  It's important to understand how HLS can represent mega-trees when planning the physical display.
-#How to handle trees that are 180, 270, etc.
+*HLS will always draw a megaTree as a 360&deg; tree. The orientation will always start with the first strand at the 9 o'clock position and work in a Counter Clockwise direction.  The strings must run in one direction: bottom-top or top-bottom. Default is Bottom to top. To go the other direction, select "Run in reverse" when assigning channels.
-#Link to excellent video tutorial
 ====Drawing Custom Elements====

Jlowe: Drawing Arches completed

2013-01-23T03:54:55Z

Drawing Arches completed

@@ Line 108: / Line 108: @@
 **If each line segment is it's own channel, select the "Non-Pixel - Assign Each Segment" box. Otherwise, do not check any boxes.
 **Click in the Name field to select the appropriate channel(s) for the line and any relevant segments.
 **Click OK, OK to complete the channel assignment.
 <br /><br />[[File:Assign-Light-to-Preview-Group-STD.png]]<br /><br />
@@ Line 115: / Line 116: @@
 **Click in the Name field to select the pixels for the line.
 **Select the first pixel and click OK.
 **Click OK, OK to complete channel assignment.
 **'''Note:''' "Assign Channels in Reverse" is used if your pixels are running from right to left (for example, if power is distributed from the center).
@@ Line 123: / Line 125: @@
 *Triangle objects could consist of mini-trees, flood lights, or other objects.
-Select the Triangle button on the Preview Toolbar to begin drawing a triangle object.
+*Select the Triangle button on the Preview Toolbar to begin drawing a triangle object.
 ====Drawing Arch Elements====
-#Drawing arches with the Arch element
+*Arch objects can consist of a strand of pixels or regular light segments.
-#Drawing rgb arches
+*Select the Arch button on the Preview Toolbar to begin drawing an arch object.
-====Drawing Tree Elements====
+====Drawing Mega-Tree Elements====
 #Specifics with pixel trees
 #General display/physical string arrangement details: Start 9 o'clock position and work CCW.

Jlowe: Completed: line drawing

2013-01-23T03:09:23Z

Completed: line drawing

Show changes

Jlowe: Completed creating a display preview section.

2013-01-23T01:40:33Z

Completed creating a display preview section.

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:40, 23 January 2013
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	**All images in the Preview must be in bitmap format (extension of .bmp). Windows paint will allow conversion of files into this format.		**All images in the Preview must be in bitmap format (extension of .bmp). Windows paint will allow conversion of files into this format.
	**Image resolution '''cannot''' be larger than your screen. Doing so could lead to you not being able to access the commands as the image would cover your entire screen.		**Image resolution '''cannot''' be larger than your screen. Doing so could lead to you not being able to access the commands as the image would cover your entire screen.
	**When editing a new preview, immediately move the ''Edit Preview Toolbar'' to a bottom corner of your screen. This will help prevent the preview window from covering the toolbar once it has been re-sized.		**When editing a new preview, immediately move the ''Edit Preview Toolbar'' to a bottom corner of your screen. This will help prevent the preview window from covering the toolbar once it has been re-sized.<br /><br />

	*'''Preparing a Background Image:'''		*'''Preparing a Background Image:'''
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	**Select ''Preview'' on the menu bar, then select ''Edit New Preview''.		**Select ''Preview'' on the menu bar, then select ''Edit New Preview''.
	**Move the ''Edit Preview Toolbar'' to the bottom corner of your screen.		**Move the ''Edit Preview Toolbar'' to the bottom corner of your screen.
			**On the ''Edit Preview Toolbar'', select ''Set Resolution''.
			**This will open the ''Setup'' window, as shown:<br /><br />
			[[File:Preview-Setup-Window.png]]<br /><br />

			*'''Using the Setup Window:'''
			**Set the resolution width value to your display image.
			**Set the resolution height value to your display image.
			**Click the Background Image button and select your display image.
			**Adjust brightness, if desired (negative numbers make it darker).
			**Test settings when you make changes.
			**Once satisfied, select ''Lock Resolution and Image'' to finalize display preview. A warning will open asking for confirmation. Click Yes.
			**On the ''Edit Preview Toolbar'', select ''Pick Preview''.
			**Select New, and name your Display Preview.
			**Once done, select ''Save'' and close ''Preview Toolbar''. You will be asked to confirm. Click Yes.

	~~#Inserting Image~~		*'''Managing Multiple Previews:'''
	~~#Resolution size~~		**More than one Preview can be setup.
	~~#Managing Multiple previews~~		**To choose the one you want, simply click ''Preview'' -> ''Edit New Preview'' -> ''Pick Preview'' -> Select your choice, and click ''OK''.
			**You can then draw and manipulate the selected preview file.

	====Placing channels onto the Preview window====		====Placing channels onto the Preview window====