Software Documentation

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, 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
    Multiple e-matches on the same firing system pin59
13. 13
    Cross-loading chains with angled shells or using fan-racks60
14. 14
    Cross-loading chains with straight-up shells61
15. 15
    Dividing a show into sequences for semi-automatic firing using the "Track" field62
16. 16
    Restricting modules to racks or rack clusters63
17. 17
    Using piggyback slats or modules that fire in parallel64
18. 18
    Using the Section field in position properties65
19. 19
    Slats, virtual slats, and splitter boxes66
20. 20
    Virtual slats67
21. 21
    Multiple firing systems (i.e., Universes) in the same show68
22. 22
    Starting with module 1 instead of module 069
23. 23
    Custom module specifications70
24. 24
    Excluding flames or other simulations from receiving firing system addresses71
25. 25
    Excluding a position from receiving firing system addresses72
26. 26
    The Start Module, and Pre-Assigned Rails fields on positions73
27. 27
    Fill down with "backfilling allowed" option74
28. 28
    Addressing groups75
29. 29
    Sorting positions across multiple blueprints or sections76

1. Racks

1. 1
   Rack layout basic instructions (Pro version)77
2. 2
   Rack counts (Hobbyist or Pro version)78
3. 3
   Loading effects that already have firing system addresses into racks79
4. 4
   Addressing based on layout of racks (Rack Number)80
5. 5
   Using "Rack Type" to control what types of racks are used for what effects81
6. 6
   Rack Type part numbers -- forcing an effect into a specific kind of rack82
7. 7
   Renumber racks83
8. 8
   Avoiding gaps in module number sequences when sorting by angle (Same Rack)84
9. 9
   Variable tube size racks with row length constraint; and effects' rack row length consumption85
10. 10
    Rack dimensions and other physical specifications86
11. 11
    Min/max size range constraints for racks87
12. 12
    Racks with pre-wired pins88
13. 13
    Racks with pre-wired rails89
14. 14
    Shoot sites with every tube pre-wired to the firing system90
15. 15
    Sorting racks to adjust the order of rack assignments91
16. 16
    Sleeving effects into different size mortars or different kinds of racks92
17. 17
    Tube angle range constraints93
18. 18
    Tube loading order94
19. 19
    Reverse tube loading order95
20. 20
    Using the “Rack Type” field for fan racks96
21. 21
    Re-arrange effects in adjustable angle racks to avoid collisions97
22. 22
    Circle racks98
23. 23
    Ladder racks99
24. 24
    Fan row racks100
25. 25
    Pre-wired pin options101
26. 26
    Why is this tube red?102

1. Scripting

1. 1
   Script window columns103
2. 2
   Randomize104
3. 3
   Make into sequence105
4. 4
   Make into fan106
5. 5
   Effect macros107
6. 6
   Spread out based on effect durations108
7. 7
   Dragging a sequence to start from another position109
8. 8
   Scripting manual shows110
9. 9
   Copy/paste111
10. 10
    Copy/paste and the fill handle112
11. 11
    Keyboard shortcuts113
12. 12
    Filter / search expressions114
13. 13
    Pin counts and warning dots115

1. Table Editing

1. 1
   Copy/paste and the fill handle116

1. Importing Shows

1. 1
   Importing shows basic instructions117
2. 2
   Importing chains118
3. 3
   Importing drone shows119
4. 4
   Programmer documentation: Drone show file format specification (vviz)120

1. Reports and Labels

1. 1
   Labels basic instructions121
2. 2
   Report font size and column widths (Hobbyist)122
3. 3
   Copying report and label templates, and other blueprints between shows123
4. 4
   Why don't my labels align with the stickers?124
5. 5
   Rack labels125
6. 6
   Conditional formatting126
7. 7
   Text wrapping127
8. 8
   Position groups in reports -- how to fit multiple position names in a single row128
9. 9
   Chain Specifications report129
10. 10
    Wiring Script report130
11. 11
    Safety Distance report131
12. 12
    Pinboard Cue Sheet report132
13. 13
    Default pathnames133
14. 14
    Print batch134

1. Site Layout Diagrams

1. 1
   Site layout diagrams basic instructions135
2. 2
   Site layout diagrams for very large shows136
3. 3
   Position name filters and diagram tag filters137

1. Charts

1. 1
   Sound level charts basic instructions138
2. 2
   Recording sound level measurements for effects139

1. Simulation Videos

1. 1
   Is it possible to add camera motion to fake 3D background image scenes?140
2. 2
   Camera animation141
3. 3
   Combining simulation video from Finale with other video142

1. Timecode

1. 1
   Timecode basic instructions143
2. 2
   What is timecode?144
3. 3
   Synchronizing events to music in a production you control145
4. 4
   Synchronizing events to music in a production controlled by others146
5. 5
   SMPTE timecode frame rates and drop frame147
6. 6
   SMPTE 29.97 NDF (non-drop frame)148
7. 7
   FSK timecode frame rates and alignment149
8. 8
   The "Analyze timecode in soundtrack file..." function for SMPTE and FSK150
9. 9
   Negative timecode151
10. 10
    Concert soundtracks containing multiple SMPTE timecode sections152

1. Scenery and Positions

1. 1
   Background images basic instructions153
2. 2
   Sky dome, trompe l'oeil, and ground images154
3. 3
   Racks and positions coordinate system: heading, pitch, roll155
4. 4
   Renaming positions156
5. 5
   Importing models157
6. 6
   Excluding terrain from Sketchup models158

1. Firing Systems

1. 1
   ActionBase159
2. 2
   Apex160
3. 3
   Cobra161
4. 4
   CSV162
5. 5
   Dance Of Fire163
6. 6
   Explo164
7. 7
   Finale Generic CSV (full show export format)165
8. 8
   Fire Control G2166
9. 9
   Fire Pioneer167
10. 10
    FireByWire168
11. 11
    Firelinx169
12. 12
    Firemaster170
13. 13
    FireOne171
14. 14
    FireOne CSV172
15. 15
    fireTEK173
16. 16
    Galaxis174
17. 17
    Jingduan175
18. 18
    Megafire176
19. 19
    Merlin177
20. 20
    Mongoose178
21. 21
    Pin Board179
22. 22
    Piroshow180
23. 23
    Pirotex181
24. 24
    PyroDigiT182
25. 25
    Pyrodigital183
26. 26
    Pyrodigy184
27. 27
    PyroLEDA185
28. 28
    Pyromac186
29. 29
    PyroMaster187
30. 30
    Pyromate188
31. 31
    Pyroneo189
32. 32
    PyroSure190
33. 33
    Pyrotronix191
34. 34
    RFRemotech192
35. 35
    RJ Equipamentos193
36. 36
    Show Director CSV (full show export format)194
37. 37
    Showven FXcommander195
38. 38
    StarFire196

1. Exporting Assets and Data

1. 1
   Voice cues basic instructions197

1. DMX

1. 1
   DMX basic instructions198
2. 2
   Assign DMX channel ranges to fixtures199
3. 3
   Slave fixtures200
4. 4
   Standard Effect IDs and Standard Fixture IDs201
5. 5
   Fixture cloning -- changing a fixture's type and converting its effects202
6. 6
   Detect and fix overlapping effects203
7. 7
   Detect and fix PAN problems with Move-To effects204
8. 8
   Move-In-Black (MIB) and Move-To205
9. 9
   Reset Fixture206
10. 10
    Supported firing systems and controllers (DMX)207
11. 11
    Creating DMX fixtures and effects208
12. 12
    Programmer documentation: Creating fixture definitions and effects manually209
13. 13
    Programmer documentation: User-defined fixture definitions210
14. 14
    Programmer documentation: The DMX Patch field211
15. 15
    Programmer documentation: Special VDL terms for DMX effects like "Move-To" and "With Strobing"212
16. 16
    Programmer documentation: DMX setup events -- preparing channels before the effect begins213

1. Light Instructions

1. 1
   Light fixtures basic instructions214
2. 2
   Strobing215
3. 3
   Standard Effect IDs for lights216
4. 4
   Supported light fixtures (and Standard Fixture IDs)217

1. Light Fixtures

1. 1
   Tomshine Moving Head Gobo Spotlight [027, 028]218
2. 2
   ADJ Inno Pocket Spot Pearl Moving Head Spotlight 9CH [082]219
3. 3
   U `King RGBW Moving Head Spotlight 11CH [029]220
4. 4
   U `King Two-Bar RGBW Spider Light [065]221
5. 5
   EasyDancing 36x1W RGB Par Light 7CH [005]222
6. 6
   Generic Light Fixture ON/OFF and Dimmer 1CH [068, 069]223
7. 7
   Cobra 36x1W RGB Par Light224
8. 8
   ADJ Flat Par QWH12X RGB Par Light225
9. 9
   beamZ BBP60 RGB UV Par Light [041]226
10. 10
    Thomann Fun Generation LED Pot 12x1W RGBW Par Light227
11. 11
    SpecialFxIt 18*12W IP65 RGBWAU Par Light [060]228
12. 12
    Moka SFX MK-P18 RGB Wall Washer Par Light229
13. 13
    OPPSK Disco Ball Combo230
14. 14
    BETOPPER 54X1.5W RGB LED Par Light231
15. 15
    Rockville Battery Strip 24 RGBW Light Bar [071]232
16. 16
    OPPSK Wall Washer Light Bar [073]233
17. 17
    Karma LED Par120 Par Light [074]234
18. 18
    Rockville BestPAR60 Par Light [076]235
19. 19
    Chauvet Scorpion Dual236
20. 20
    MARQ Gesture Spot 100 15W LED Moving Head Gobo Spotlight 11CH [052]237
21. 21
    High End Uno Moving Head Spotlight 15CH [077]238
22. 22
    YF Beam 230 Moving Head 16CH [081]239
23. 23
    Beam 230 7R Moving Head Gobo Spotlight 16CH [085]240
24. 24
    U `King B242X 30W LED Moving Head Gobo 9CH [087]241
25. 25
    Anonymous Small Steel Gun 120W Moving Head Gobo Spotlight [059]242
26. 26
    Chauvet SlimPAR 56 Par Light243
27. 27
    Chauvet EZpar 64 Par Light 8CH [079]244
28. 28
    Rockville Battery Par 50 Par Light 6CH [080]245

1. Flame, Spark and Fog Jet Instructions

1. 1
   Flame fixtures basic instructions246
2. 2
   Non-DMX firing systems and flame fixtures247
3. 3
   Supported flame, spark, and fog jet fixtures (and Standard Fixture IDs)248
4. 4
   Standard Effect IDs for flames and sparks249
5. 5
   Safety channels250
6. 6
   Variable duration flame and special effects251
7. 7
   Example: Explo X2 Wave Flamer with Pyromac firing system252

1. Flame, Spark and Fog Jet Fixtures

1. 1
   Explo X2 Wave Flamer253
2. 2
   Showven Circle Flamer254
3. 3
   Spark Fabrica Moving Head Flamer255
4. 4
   Galaxis G-Flame256
5. 5
   Le Maitre Salamander257
6. 6
   Showven uFlamer258
7. 7
   Moka H-E01 Genius Flame Machine259
8. 8
   Showven Sparkular And Sparkular Cyclone [014, 015]260
9. 9
   Generic DMX relay and dimmer flamers261
10. 10
    Showven Sparkular Jet 2CH [086]262
11. 11
    Specialfx.it ML-CS01 Cold Sparks Machine [061]263
12. 12
    Spray The Fire264
13. 13
    MagicFX Sparxtar265
14. 14
    MagicFX Stage Flame266
15. 15
    Explo GX2 Flamer267
16. 16
    Hansol Hurricane-AW Wave Flamer 19CH [083]268
17. 17
    Explo GX3 Power Flame269
18. 18
    Moka E11 Cold Sparks Machine 2CH [084]270
19. 19
    MagicFX Flameblazer271
20. 20
    ADJ Fog Fury Jett RGBA Fog Jet [045]272
21. 21
    Showven Sonic Boom Plus Smoke Jet Fog Jet 14CH [062]273
22. 22
    Tengchang Party Fog Jet [066]274
23. 23
    AtmosFEAR Hex Jet Fog Jet [063]275
24. 24
    Froggy's Fog Hyperion D6 Fog Jet [064]276
25. 25
    Showven Sonic Boom X Smoke Jet Fog Jet 11CH [070]277
26. 26
    Anonymous RGB Fog Jet 7CH [072]278
27. 27
    Chauvet Geyser RGB Fog Jet 8CH [078]279
28. 28
    Hansol Volcano280
29. 29
    Auvi Spark281
30. 30
    MagicFX Flamaniac282
31. 31
    Anonymous 5 Head Flamer 7CH283
32. 32
    Showven uFlamer Vulcano 5-Head Flamer284
33. 33
    Moka H-E03 3 Head Flamer285
34. 34
    Moka H-E04 Hi Flame Flame Machine 7CH [076]286
35. 35
    Hansol Sunshine 5 Head Flame System287
36. 36
    Sigma Services FireFly flame projector288

1. Languages

1. 1
   Supported languages289
2. 2
   Making a language translation file290
3. 3
   Explanations for some of the phrases to be translated291