Software Documentation

Table of contents

  1. Initial Setup

    1. 1
      Licensing FAQ1
    2. 2
      Features FAQ2
    3. 3
      System requirements — What computers run Finale 3D?3
    4. 4
      Download and installation4
    5. 5
      Account setup5
    6. 6
      Finale Inventory prices and features6
  1. Getting Started

    1. 1
      Getting started basic instructions7
    2. 2
      Pyro Points8
    3. 3
      Creating and exporting a script for your firing system9
  1. Inventory and Effect Management

    1. 1
      Inventory management basic instructions10
    2. 2
      Importing inventory from a file11
    3. 3
      Importing effects from Finale Business12
    4. 4
      Importing supplier catalog into Finale 3D13
    5. 5
      Effect columns in Finale Inventory vs. Finale 3D14
    6. 6
      Inventory compatibility with Finale Business (and how to fix cakes)15
    7. 7
      Saving a backup file of your effects list16
    8. 8
      Exporting quantities, and deducting from inventory17
    9. 9
      Case and assortment quantities, and breaking apart assortments18
    10. 10
      Synching with sales orders in Finale Inventory19
    11. 11
      Chains-count-as-one vs. chains-count-as-N20
    12. 12
      Updating prices or other fields in a Finale 3D effects database from Excel or a CSV21
  1. Effects Overview

    1. 1
      Effects basic instructions22
    2. 2
      Why is ‘Type’ so important? What depends on it?23
    3. 3
      Effects window columns24
    4. 4
      Per-show effects25
    5. 5
      Effects coordinate system: pan, tilt, spin26
    6. 6
      Prefire27
    7. 7
      Chain duration (and prefire)28
    8. 8
      How can I tell if an effect is a chain?29
    9. 9
      Create cake by combining effects30
    10. 10
      Timing of shots within a cake31
    11. 11
      Cake and candle duration (and prefire)32
    12. 12
      Programmer documentation: What happens when I insert a chain into the script?33
    13. 13
      Programmer documentation: Representation of chains in the script34
    14. 14
      Programmer documentation: Effect Data and Motion Data35
  1. Visual Descriptive Language (VDL)

    1. 1
      Glossary of VDL Effect Terms36
    2. 2
      VDL colors37
    3. 3
      VDL effect adjustment terms (Big, Bright, R45, L45, etc.)38
    4. 4
      Creating or importing a simple "placeholder" cake simulation39
    5. 5
      Creating a chain with one or more effects40
    6. 6
      VDL timing adjustment terms (PFT, LFT, DLY, DUR, CDS)41
    7. 7
      Cake descriptions42
    8. 8
      Exact simulation syntax43
    9. 9
      Firing patterns for cake and slice rows44
    10. 10
      Specifying the height, duration, and fan angle of effects in the cake (HTM, DUR, Degrees)45
    11. 11
      Creating an aerial shell cake with arbitrary prefire time46
    12. 12
      The difference between AND, PLUS, and AMPERSAND47
  1. Firing System Addressing

    1. 1
      Addressing basic instructions48
    2. 2
      Specifying module numbers for each position49
    3. 3
      Addressing with sorts and constraints and custom fields50
    4. 4
      What do the constraint choices on the addressing dialog do?51
    5. 5
      Special constraints52
    6. 6
      Special sort terms53
    7. 7
      Wildcards in constraints54
    8. 8
      Conditional sorting based on effect type55
    9. 9
      Sharing modules across multiple positions56
    10. 10
      Locking addresses57
    11. 11
      Preventing chains from splitting across racks58
    12. 12
      Addressing algorithm59
    13. 13
      Multiple e-matches on the same firing system pin60
    14. 14
      Cross-loading chains with angled shells or using fan-racks61
    15. 15
      Cross-loading chains with straight-up shells62
    16. 16
      Dividing a show into sequences for semi-automatic firing using the "Track" field63
    17. 17
      Restricting modules to racks or rack clusters64
    18. 18
      Using piggyback slats or modules that fire in parallel65
    19. 19
      Using the Section field in position properties66
    20. 20
      Slats, virtual slats, and splitter boxes67
    21. 21
      Virtual slats68
    22. 22
      Multiple firing systems (i.e., Universes) in the same show69
    23. 23
      Starting with module 1 instead of module 070
    24. 24
      Custom module specifications71
    25. 25
      Excluding flames or other simulations from receiving firing system addresses72
    26. 26
      Excluding a position from receiving firing system addresses73
    27. 27
      Fill down with "backfilling allowed" option74
    28. 28
      The Start Module, and Pre-Assigned Rails fields on positions75
    29. 29
      Addressing groups76
    30. 30
      Sorting positions across multiple blueprints or sections77
  1. Racks

    1. 1
      Rack layout basic instructions (Pro version)78
    2. 2
      Rack counts (Hobbyist or Pro version)79
    3. 3
      Loading effects that already have firing system addresses into racks80
    4. 4
      Addressing based on layout of racks (Rack Number)81
    5. 5
      Using "Rack Type" to control what types of racks are used for what effects82
    6. 6
      Rack Type part numbers -- forcing an effect into a specific kind of rack83
    7. 7
      Renumber racks84
    8. 8
      Avoiding gaps in module number sequences when sorting by angle (Same Rack)85
    9. 9
      Variable tube size racks with row length constraint; and effects' rack row length consumption86
    10. 10
      Rack dimensions and other physical specifications87
    11. 11
      Min/max size range constraints for racks88
    12. 12
      Racks with pre-wired pins89
    13. 13
      Racks with pre-wired rails90
    14. 14
      Shoot sites with every tube pre-wired to the firing system91
    15. 15
      Sorting racks to adjust the order of rack assignments92
    16. 16
      Sleeving effects into different size mortars or different kinds of racks93
    17. 17
      Tube angle range constraints94
    18. 18
      Tube loading order95
    19. 19
      Rack "row" and standard orientation96
    20. 20
      Reverse tube loading order97
    21. 21
      Using the “Rack Type” field for fan racks98
    22. 22
      Rearrange effects in adjustable angle racks to avoid collisions99
    23. 23
      Circle racks100
    24. 24
      Tiltable row racks101
    25. 25
      Tiltable holder racks (fan row racks)102
    26. 26
      Pre-wired pin options103
    27. 27
      Why is this tube red?104
    28. 28
      Multi-load single-shot racks105
  1. Scripting

    1. 1
      Script window columns106
    2. 2
      Randomize107
    3. 3
      Make into sequence108
    4. 4
      Make into fan109
    5. 5
      Effect macros110
    6. 6
      Spread out based on effect durations111
    7. 7
      Dragging a sequence to start from another position112
    8. 8
      Scripting manual shows113
    9. 9
      Copy/paste114
    10. 10
      Copy/paste and the fill handle115
    11. 11
      Keyboard shortcuts116
    12. 12
      Filter / search expressions117
    13. 13
      Pin counts and warning dots118
  1. Table Editing

    1. 1
      Copy/paste and the fill handle119
  1. Importing Shows

    1. 1
      Importing shows basic instructions120
    2. 2
      Importing chains121
    3. 3
      Importing drone shows122
    4. 4
      Programmer documentation: Drone show file format specification (vviz)123
  1. Reports and Labels

    1. 1
      Labels basic instructions124
    2. 2
      Report font size and column widths (Hobbyist)125
    3. 3
      Copying report and label templates, and other blueprints between shows126
    4. 4
      Why don't my labels align with the stickers?127
    5. 5
      Rack labels128
    6. 6
      Conditional formatting129
    7. 7
      Text wrapping130
    8. 8
      Position groups in reports -- how to fit multiple position names in a single row131
    9. 9
      Chain Specifications report132
    10. 10
      Wiring Script report133
    11. 11
      Safety Distance report134
    12. 12
      Pinboard Cue Sheet report135
    13. 13
      Default pathnames136
    14. 14
      Print batch137
  1. Site Layout and Rack Layout Diagrams

    1. 1
      Site layout diagrams basic instructions138
    2. 2
      Rack layout diagrams basic instructions139
    3. 3
      Site layout diagrams for very large shows140
    4. 4
      Print-time options141
    5. 5
      Position name filters and diagram tag filters142
    6. 6
      Text box variables143
  1. Charts

    1. 1
      Sound level charts basic instructions144
    2. 2
      Recording sound level measurements for effects145
  1. Simulation Videos

    1. 1
      Is it possible to add camera motion to fake 3D background image scenes?146
    2. 2
      Camera animation147
    3. 3
      Combining simulation video from Finale with other video148
  1. Timecode

    1. 1
      Timecode basic instructions149
    2. 2
      What is timecode?150
    3. 3
      Synchronizing events to music in a production you control151
    4. 4
      Synchronizing events to music in a production controlled by others152
    5. 5
      SMPTE timecode frame rates and drop frame153
    6. 6
      SMPTE 29.97 NDF (non-drop frame)154
    7. 7
      FSK timecode frame rates and alignment155
    8. 8
      The "Analyze timecode in soundtrack file..." function for SMPTE and FSK156
    9. 9
      Negative timecode157
    10. 10
      Concert soundtracks containing multiple SMPTE timecode sections158
    11. 11
      Segments159
  1. Scenery and Positions

    1. 1
      Background images basic instructions160
    2. 2
      Sky dome, trompe l'oeil, and ground images161
    3. 3
      Racks and positions coordinate system: heading, pitch, roll162
    4. 4
      Renaming positions163
    5. 5
      Importing models164
    6. 6
      Excluding terrain from Sketchup models165
  1. Firing Systems

    1. 1
      ActionBase166
    2. 2
      Apex167
    3. 3
      Cobra168
    4. 4
      CSV169
    5. 5
      Dance Of Fire170
    6. 6
      Explo171
    7. 7
      Finale Generic CSV (full show export format)172
    8. 8
      Fire Control G2173
    9. 9
      Fire Pioneer174
    10. 10
      FireByWire175
    11. 11
      Firelinx176
    12. 12
      Firemaster177
    13. 13
      FireOne178
    14. 14
      FireOne CSV179
    15. 15
      fireTEK180
    16. 16
      Galaxis181
    17. 17
      IGNITE182
    18. 18
      Happiness183
    19. 19
      MainFX184
    20. 20
      Jingduan185
    21. 21
      Megafire186
    22. 22
      Merlin187
    23. 23
      Mongoose188
    24. 24
      Pin Board189
    25. 25
      Piroshow190
    26. 26
      Pirotex191
    27. 27
      PyroDigiT192
    28. 28
      Pyrodigital193
    29. 29
      Pyrodigy194
    30. 30
      PyroLEDA195
    31. 31
      Pyromac196
    32. 32
      PyroMaster197
    33. 33
      Pyromate198
    34. 34
      Pyroneo199
    35. 35
      PyroSure200
    36. 36
      Pyrotronix201
    37. 37
      RFRemotech202
    38. 38
      RJ Equipamentos203
    39. 39
      ShangYi-TECH204
    40. 40
      Show Director CSV (full show export format)205
    41. 41
      Showven FXcommander and PyroMote206
    42. 42
      StarFire207
  1. Exporting Assets and Data

    1. 1
      Voice cues basic instructions208
  1. DMX

    1. 1
      DMX basic instructions209
    2. 2
      Assign DMX channel ranges to fixtures210
    3. 3
      Slave fixtures211
    4. 4
      Standard Effect IDs and Standard Fixture IDs212
    5. 5
      Fixture cloning -- changing a fixture's type and converting its effects213
    6. 6
      Detect and fix overlapping effects214
    7. 7
      Detect and fix PAN problems with Move-To effects215
    8. 8
      Move-In-Black (MIB) and Move-To216
    9. 9
      Reset Fixture217
    10. 10
      Supported firing systems and controllers (DMX)218
    11. 11
      Creating DMX fixtures and effects219
    12. 12
      Programmer documentation: Creating fixture definitions and effects manually220
    13. 13
      Programmer documentation: User-defined fixture definitions221
    14. 14
      Programmer documentation: The DMX Patch field222
    15. 15
      Programmer documentation: Special VDL terms for DMX effects like "Move-To" and "With Strobing"223
    16. 16
      Programmer documentation: DMX setup events -- preparing channels before the effect begins224
  1. Light Instructions

    1. 1
      Light fixtures basic instructions225
    2. 2
      Strobing226
    3. 3
      Standard Effect IDs for lights227
    4. 4
      Supported light fixtures (and Standard Fixture IDs)228
  1. Light Fixtures

    1. 1
      Tomshine Moving Head Gobo Spotlight [027, 028]229
    2. 2
      ADJ Inno Pocket Spot Pearl Moving Head Spotlight 9CH [082]230
    3. 3
      U `King RGBW Moving Head Spotlight 11CH [029]231
    4. 4
      U `King Two-Bar RGBW Spider Light [065]232
    5. 5
      EasyDancing 36x1W RGB Par Light 7CH [005]233
    6. 6
      Generic Light Fixture ON/OFF and Dimmer 1CH [068, 069]234
    7. 7
      Cobra 36x1W RGB Par Light235
    8. 8
      ADJ Flat Par QWH12X RGB Par Light236
    9. 9
      beamZ BBP60 RGB UV Par Light [041]237
    10. 10
      Thomann Fun Generation LED Pot 12x1W RGBW Par Light238
    11. 11
      SpecialFxIt 18*12W IP65 RGBWAU Par Light [060]239
    12. 12
      Moka SFX MK-P18 RGB Wall Washer Par Light240
    13. 13
      OPPSK Disco Ball Combo241
    14. 14
      BETOPPER 54X1.5W RGB LED Par Light242
    15. 15
      Rockville Battery Strip 24 RGBW Light Bar [071]243
    16. 16
      OPPSK Wall Washer Light Bar [073]244
    17. 17
      Karma LED Par120 Par Light [074]245
    18. 18
      Rockville BestPAR60 Par Light [076]246
    19. 19
      Chauvet Scorpion Dual247
    20. 20
      MARQ Gesture Spot 100 15W LED Moving Head Gobo Spotlight 11CH [052]248
    21. 21
      High End Uno Moving Head Spotlight 15CH [077]249
    22. 22
      YF Beam 230 Moving Head 16CH [081]250
    23. 23
      Beam 230 7R Moving Head Gobo Spotlight 16CH [085]251
    24. 24
      U `King B242X 30W LED Moving Head Gobo 9CH [087]252
    25. 25
      Anonymous Small Steel Gun 120W Moving Head Gobo Spotlight [059]253
    26. 26
      Chauvet SlimPAR 56 Par Light254
    27. 27
      Chauvet EZpar 64 Par Light 8CH [079]255
    28. 28
      Rockville Battery Par 50 Par Light 6CH [080]256
  1. Flame, Spark and Fog Jet Instructions

    1. 1
      Flame fixtures basic instructions257
    2. 2
      Non-DMX firing systems and flame fixtures258
    3. 3
      Supported flame, spark, and fog jet fixtures (and Standard Fixture IDs)259
    4. 4
      Standard Effect IDs for flames and sparks260
    5. 5
      Safety channels261
    6. 6
      Variable duration flame and special effects262
    7. 7
      Example: Explo X2 Wave Flamer with Pyromac firing system263
  1. Flame, Spark and Fog Jet Fixtures

    1. 1
      Explo X2 Wave Flamer264
    2. 2
      Showven Circle Flamer265
    3. 3
      Spark Fabrica SF-180 Tornado Flamer 6CH266
    4. 4
      Galaxis G-Flame267
    5. 5
      Le Maitre Salamander268
    6. 6
      Showven uFlamer269
    7. 7
      Moka H-E01 Genius Flame Machine270
    8. 8
      Generic DMX relay and dimmer flamers271
    9. 9
      Showven Sparkular And Sparkular Cyclone [014, 015]272
    10. 10
      Showven Sparkular Jet 2CH [086]273
    11. 11
      Specialfx.it ML-CS01 Cold Sparks Machine [061]274
    12. 12
      Spray The Fire275
    13. 13
      Explo GX2 Flamer276
    14. 14
      MagicFX Stage Flame277
    15. 15
      MagicFX Sparxtar278
    16. 16
      Hansol Hurricane-AW Wave Flamer 19CH [083]279
    17. 17
      Moka E11 Cold Sparks Machine 2CH [084]280
    18. 18
      Explo GX3 Power Flame281
    19. 19
      MagicFX Flameblazer282
    20. 20
      ADJ Fog Fury Jett RGBA Fog Jet [045]283
    21. 21
      Showven Sonic Boom Plus Smoke Jet Fog Jet 14CH [062]284
    22. 22
      Tengchang Party Fog Jet [066]285
    23. 23
      Showven Sonic Boom X Smoke Jet Fog Jet 11CH [070]286
    24. 24
      AtmosFEAR Hex Jet Fog Jet [063]287
    25. 25
      Froggy's Fog Hyperion D6 Fog Jet [064]288
    26. 26
      Anonymous RGB Fog Jet 7CH [072]289
    27. 27
      Chauvet Geyser RGB Fog Jet 8CH [078]290
    28. 28
      Hansol Volcano291
    29. 29
      Auvi Spark292
    30. 30
      MagicFX Flamaniac293
    31. 31
      Anonymous 5 Head Flamer 7CH294
    32. 32
      Showven uFlamer Vulcano 5-Head Flamer295
    33. 33
      Moka H-E03 3 Head Flamer296
    34. 34
      Moka H-E04 Hi Flame Flame Machine 7CH [076]297
    35. 35
      Spark Fabrica SF-Z5 Fly Spark 6CH298
    36. 36
      Spark Fabrica SF-X2 Spark Spin 4CH299
    37. 37
      Hansol Sunshine 5 Head Flame System300
    38. 38
      Sigma Services FireFly flame projector301
  1. Languages

    1. 1
      Supported languages302
    2. 2
      Making a language translation file303
    3. 3
      Explanations for some of the phrases to be translated304