Hi guys, i am just designing a finale bigger  show. A lot of effect in a small time and i have to pick up the positions manually . Building a huge number of groups is not an always an option because it takes space and you have to search. So i have to change to the top view and select the effects , but it is not always easy to find them depending on the zoom level, the displayed effects and the smoke. (see example)     To see the effect and adjust the timing i have to change to front view again. This is repeating all the time. I know that i can use the positions window to select effects, but i like to be sure and see the layout. So my idea is to make a seperate screen with the position layout (same as design view from top but without effects) where you can select the positions. The result  should look like that     What do you think - will this be useful for you, too ? Leave a like if you think so Dirk

Personally I would use “virtual positions” in this scenario and also make sure the addresses are not overlapping. Addresses automatically do not overlap in the procedure explained by Drew since it is done after addressing. But to not waste modules and get gaps of unused outputs within a module you also have to tell F3D to split the products between different modules. You could for example use custom script field for that purpose and limit modules to a single custom script field.   Edit: I realized I might have misunderstood the scenario. in this scenario do you use the same modules etc for both controllers and just move the cable in between? Then my post above is redundant.   You use the word firing table, do you use PD? If so and second scenario, I would use caliber group manual firing instead.

Jim, are you saying the standard Galaxis G-Flame simulation that is part of Generic Effects looks bad?  Here's how the standard g-flame sim looks on my computer (a sequence of shots from left to right, showing the sim at different offsets in its lifetime).  Is this also what it looks like on your computer?  If so, reply-back with a picture or two (real world pic) of what you want it to look like and an explanation of what jumps out at you as the biggest difference, such as the sim currently being too white.  

Hello All, I just had a question emailed to me which I would like to share with everyone.  The question was:   "I know it is time consuming to set them up. But also they boost our creativity.  So is there a realistic limitation preference for you about quantities of single shots? For example something like 'beyond 1000 ss is difficult to set up and we prefer below that'...."   While we greatly appreciate those who are concerned about how much work it will take to produce these displays in real life, we are prepared to do so and do not want to hinder anyone's creativity any more than is necessary.  There are NO limitations on the number of single shots, shells, etc you may use in your show other than the overall budget constraints.  We have secured equipment and manpower through our friends within the industry if it comes to a point where our company does not own enough to do something.  Everyone is very excited about this happening in our country and will do what is necessary to pull it off (cannot begin to say how wonderful it has been to get the support we have gotten through this from so many friends).  

Hi Rovira, you can Group by selecting effects and then pressing 'G' on your keyboard!

Hi Rovira, unless I misunderstand your question, Grouping is SUPER easy, you just select the items and press 'G'!

Regarding the grouping: should be great to have a control to group the different effects. I have to click the right button to group them every time. Would be nice to have a more direct way to do it. Like … CTRL+G or similar.

Nice to hear it. So I'm not changing it, i like working on groups cause it looks more neat. Regarding the grouping: should be great to have a control to group the different effects. I have to click the right button to group them every time. Would be nice to have a more direct way to do it. Like ... CTRL+G or similar.

Hi Rovira, the "Sun" effects in your show appear to have a very short duration on the timeline because they are in a Group. If you select the effects, then use the Script menu (or press Shift+G) to ungroup them, you will see the full duration bars appear. Other effects don't behave the same way when Grouped so I need to look into this effect more, but preliminarily it seems like a bug. Fortunately the only issue is the appearance of the durations bars on the timeline, it's not affecting your show in any other way as far as I can tell.   Edit: found the issue, this effect had no 'Duration' in the Effects window. I just updated the effect duration in the catalog. To get the updated catalog, do a network sync. Then, to update the effect in your show, go to the Effects (menu) > Update Per-show effects...

I would like to take a quick moment to thank everyone who has expressed interest in participating in our competition and being patient with us as we navigate our way through this.  With this being our first effort doing something like this, there undoubtedly have been a few "bumps in the road" so to speak as far as clarifying rules, limites, etc.  Extra thanks to Drew and the rest of the Finale team for working with us on this project.  We are super excited about the potential for this overall.   Since we are entering the "home stretch" as they say, if anyone has any questions which require the quickest response possible, please post them here (so everyone can get the benefit of the answers) but if you feel the response isn't fast enough feel free to email them to me directly at timj@ipcdisplays.com since I will see them quicker as I am constantly checking my computer or phone throughout the day.   If someone happens to forget to post here first, I will come back and post their questions as well as any responses so all can see and benefit.   Again, thanks to all who have expressed an interest in our competition, cannot wait to see the entries :-)