pws Help Index
Projects - Fixtures - Add Fixtures
Clicking the "Add Fixtures" link opens the Add Fixtures section, where you can add groups of fixtures to your project.
This is the "manual" method of adding fixtures, you can also add fixtures by importing CSV spreadsheets or using the Vectorworks plugin.
Clicking the "Add Fixtures" link opens the Add Fixtures section, where you can add groups of fixtures to your project.
This is the "manual" method of adding fixtures, you can also add fixtures by importing CSV spreadsheets or using the Vectorworks plugin.
Pick a Position
Every Fixture (and item) in a project is contained in a Position.
Use the dropdown menu to select an existing Position, or choose "Create..." and enter a new position name in the "New Position Name" text box.
If the position name already exists, the fixtures will be added to the existing position and no position will be created. Any newly created position will be added to the active Project Part.
Select FixtureType
Use the dropdown to select an existing FixtureType to add to your project. Selecting a FixtureType will open the "Select Fixture Mode" section, which allows your to select a Fixture Mode.
For both Fixture Types and Fixture Modes, you have the option to create them on the fly, using the "Create new fixture type" or "Add a New Mode" links.
When adding a fixture on the fly, remember that only the Item Name is required, although you should at least add a DMX Footprint as well.
Same goes for adding a mode on the fly: Only a footprint is required, although a useful name is recommended
Same goes for adding a mode on the fly: Only a footprint is required, although a useful name is recommended
Group Fixtures of the same type into single Show Equipment Items
Fixtures also appear on your Equipment list. This checkbox determines if your Equipment items are grouped together on one line item or one line item is created for each fixture.
The default is to group Fixtures onto one line item, otherwise your Equipment List gets unwieldy.
Fixture Numbers
Enter the Fixture numbers of the Fixtures you would like to add. This is required.
A single fixture is created for each Fixture Number you enter.
You can enter a single number (101), multiple numbers separated by commas (101,102,103), or ranges of numbers using 'thru' or the dash symbol (101 thru 111) or (101 - 111)
You can combine ranges and commas (101 thru 111, 113, 115, 201 thru 211)
Note: You can add up to 150 fixtures at a time.
DMX Universe and Fixture Address
You have the option to patch your fixtures as you add them. Enter the DMX universe and Address here if desired.
Note: It's generally easier to use the Patch Worksheet to patch your fixtures.
Add
Click the "add" button when you are ready to add your fixtures.
Status (Added) Fixture Log
After adding fixtures, you'll see a new line appear in the status log.
The Status Line will first be yellow, showing the fixture numbers you entered. This means we're working on adding your fixtures.
The Status Line will turn either Green or Red after it's been processed. If it's green, the fixtures have been added without error. The text will also change to a list of every fixture number added, letting you verify that we understood the ranges and numbers you entered.
If the Status Line turns red, there was an error while adding your Fixtures. The error message should explain more, like insufficient permissions, or there was a typo in your fixture number ranges.