3D Model in xLights, what other setup before I start?

[slw2206]

I've been tinkering with xLights for a while now, but yesterday I was finally able to get my .obj for the house and insert it on the grid.

Looking for some feedback from you guys on what else would you setup before you start importing props and setting up sequences? I don't have any trees in my front yard, but there are 2 driveways (one on the left that goes to the garage, another on the right that angles away and runs to my barn+stable). Is there anything else you would recommend I do before populating the canvas?

Thanks guys!

 

[merryoncherry]

Take the google maps overhead and put it as an image under the house. That would cover your driveways, trees, and such. But not to worry ... you can always do these things later.

 

[slw2206]

I'll have to see how I can align that and make the image happen. I could do this stuff later, but I've got time to tinker around with this stuff now. Will see if I can import a Maps pic (and since I'm out in the country, if it's even remotely current )

 

[slw2206]

Almost got it perfect. Can tweak the scale just a little more and have the front walk line up centered.

 

[merryoncherry]

Did you set a ruler object yet?

 

[Cranzy]

Did you set a ruler object yet?

Agreed, set the ruler up if you have not yet done so.
Then on the layout right click anywhere and click reset so it goes back to the default camera angle and post a screenshot. Just want to check the orientation of the 3d model.

 

[slw2206]

MMk, ruler set on the dormer over the windows which is exactly 14 feet.

Then I clicked reset and this is the resulting view.

 

[merryoncherry]

No excuses left, start putting on blinky.

 

[slw2206]

No excuses left, start putting on blinky.

Haha never any excuses. Now I can start mapping lights in somewhat realistic dimensions and envision what the show may look like.

I just had my 2nd batch of 5,000 lights come today, so the total is at 10,000. That should be enough for Year 1 after I add a Mega Tree (because light shows aren't real shows unless a 20' tree is involved).

 

[merryoncherry]

Yes but it is only March so we will see if you can restrain yourself

 

[slw2206]

I can tell you the answer to that now... as you've noticed it's only March

 

[slw2206]

So except for the peace stakes that I need to make models for, here's what we've got so far. These props aren't scaled properly or in their final home, but I wanted to get everything on the canvas before I start moving all the puzzle pieces around.

 

[merryoncherry]

Put the dimensions in as you add them, ruler makes this easy. Then they are scaled... easier to do before copy+paste than after...

 

[Cranzy]

Nice. As @merryoncherry said, putting the dimensions in on the props is easy now (as you have the ruler setup), do this on the properties window under Dimensions.
I see from your screenshot you have 2 sets of candy canes, that face different directions. Did you horizontally flip them in the model data or did you just rotate them in 3d? The correct way is to go into the model data, right click and flip horizontal.

 

[slw2206]

Already done. I noticed that if I change the dimensions on the first of a set of props and then select all of them, right click, and match them to size... it auto-updates all the props to match. That made changing the candy canes very easy.

@Cranzy - I flipped them by using 180 degree on the Y axis in the model data