Turbo Forum :
Okay..........here's the $2 question of the day !!!!
When designing custom lights (using Google Sketchup), how
do I designate where, on the surface of the light(s) are where
the bulbs are ?
I was practicing designing a 3-light Chandelier. It's basically
something similar to a wrought-iron chandelier.
When I import it into TFP, I'd like those 3 "spots" on the
design to be where the light is coming from.
I COULD just download it from the Warehouse. But, where would
the "challenge" be ?
garystan
Hi Garystan,
The image below should give you the basic idea how to add custom lights with multiple bulbs.
The custom object will only obtain light characteristics if you select it in the Lighting section of the Catalogue and choose the object on the Basic tab. Any other way and it will not emit light.
To position the bulbs you need to play with the X, Y and Z coordinates but be aware that on some fittings the X and Y cooprdinates are reversed: Normally Y moves the light source from front to back and X moves it left or right. With the 2 light fitting in the image these are reversed.
X is normally the horizontal distance relative to the object. For two lights this would probably be half the width of the object, use negative and positive figures to move right or left. (Left is Positive and Right is Negative when facing a wall fitting). NOTE: In the fitting used in the image this is the Y coordinate.
Y is normally the distance front to back of the object. Normally the light bulb should be in front of the light fitting not inside it as this can cast unnatural shadows. For a wall light, if you find the light is too bright on the wall itself, move the bulb further away from the fitting with this coordinate. Make sure it is in front of the light fitting (NEGATIVE figure) not behond it or the light bult itself may be inside the wall or in another room!! NOTE: In the fitting used in the image this is the X coordinate.
Z is the height relative to the object (Positive figure will move it up and Negative down). If the light is too bright on a ceiling use this to move the light bulb down from the fitting - ideal for downlights and other recessed lights!)
Obviously with 3 or more lights you will have to play with the X and Y coordinate looking at the light fitting from above. When entering the distances use a small increase or decrease initially and move the fitting around so you can see for sure which way the bulb is moving. It may move off the display completely if you need to move the bulb some distance from the fitting. For example, for downlights I have the bulb set half way between the fitting and the floor, so the red cube will not be visible in the display.
I hope this helps and answers your questions.
Allan
Allan :
Thanks for your reply. Also, thanks for the further insight into
X Y Z Coordinates. I kind of understood it, but your definition
made it that much clearer.
Thanks,
garystan