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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 a supplier catalog into Finale 3D12
    4. 4
      Effect columns in Finale Inventory vs. Finale 3D13
    5. 5
      Saving a backup of your effects14
    6. 6
      Exporting quantities, and deducting from inventory15
    7. 7
      Case and assortment quantities, and breaking apart assortments16
    8. 8
      Synching with sales orders in Finale Inventory17
    9. 9
      Chains-count-as-one vs. chains-count-as-N18
    10. 10
      Updating prices or other fields in a Finale 3D effects database from Excel or a CSV19

  1. Effects Overview

    1. 1
      Effects basic instructions20
    2. 2
      Why is ‘Type’ so important? What depends on it?21
    3. 3
      Effects window columns22
    4. 4
      Per-show effects23
    5. 5
      Effects coordinate system: pan, tilt, spin24
    6. 6
      Prefire25
    7. 7
      Chain duration (and prefire)26
    8. 8
      How can I tell if an effect is a chain?27
    9. 9
      Create cake by combining effects28
    10. 10
      Timing of shots within a cake29
    11. 11
      Cake and candle duration (and prefire)30
    12. 12
      Programmer documentation: What happens when I insert a chain into the script?31
    13. 13
      Programmer documentation: Representation of chains in the script32
    14. 14
      Programmer documentation: Effect Data and Motion Data33

  1. Visual Descriptive Language (VDL)

    1. 1
      Glossary of VDL Effect Terms34
    2. 2
      VDL colors35
    3. 3
      VDL effect adjustment terms (Big, Bright, R45, L45, etc.)36
    4. 4
      Creating or importing a simple "placeholder" cake simulation37
    5. 5
      Creating a chain with one or more effects38
    6. 6
      VDL timing adjustment terms (PFT, LFT, DLY, DUR, CDS)39
    7. 7
      Cake descriptions40
    8. 8
      Exact simulation syntax41
    9. 9
      Firing patterns for cake and slice rows42
    10. 10
      Specifying the height, duration, and fan angle of effects in the cake (HTM, DUR, Degrees)43
    11. 11
      Creating an aerial shell cake with arbitrary prefire time44
    12. 12
      The difference between AND, PLUS, and AMPERSAND45

  1. Firing System Addressing

    1. 1
      Addressing basic instructions46
    2. 2
      Specifying module numbers for each position47
    3. 3
      Addressing with sorts and constraints and custom fields48
    4. 4
      What do the constraint choices on the addressing dialog do?49
    5. 5
      Special constraints50
    6. 6
      Special sort terms51
    7. 7
      Wildcards in constraints52
    8. 8
      Conditional sorting based on effect type53
    9. 9
      Sharing modules across multiple positions54
    10. 10
      Locking addresses55
    11. 11
      Preventing chains from splitting across racks56
    12. 12
      Addressing algorithm57
    13. 13
      Multiple e-matches on the same firing system pin58
    14. 14
      Cross-loading chains with angled shells or using fan-racks59
    15. 15
      Cross-loading chains with straight-up shells60
    16. 16
      Dividing a show into sequences for semi-automatic firing using the "Track" field61
    17. 17
      Restricting modules to racks or rack clusters62
    18. 18
      Using piggyback slats or modules that fire in parallel63
    19. 19
      Using the Section field in position properties64
    20. 20
      Slats, virtual slats, and splitter boxes65
    21. 21
      Virtual slats66
    22. 22
      Multiple firing systems (i.e., Universes) in the same show67
    23. 23
      Starting with module 1 instead of module 068
    24. 24
      Custom module specifications69
    25. 25
      Excluding flames or other simulations from receiving firing system addresses70
    26. 26
      Excluding a position from receiving firing system addresses71
    27. 27
      Fill down with "backfilling allowed" option72
    28. 28
      The Start Module, and Pre-Assigned Rails fields on positions73
    29. 29
      Addressing groups74
    30. 30
      Sorting positions across multiple blueprints or sections75

  1. Racks

    1. 1
      Rack layout basic instructions (Pro version)76
    2. 2
      Rack counts (Hobbyist or Pro version)77
    3. 3
      Loading effects that already have firing system addresses into racks78
    4. 4
      Addressing based on layout of racks (Rack Number)79
    5. 5
      Using "Rack Type" to control what types of racks are used for what effects80
    6. 6
      Rack Type part numbers -- forcing an effect into a specific kind of rack81
    7. 7
      Renumber racks82
    8. 8
      Avoiding gaps in module number sequences when sorting by angle (Same Rack)83
    9. 9
      Variable tube size racks with row length constraint; and effects' rack row length consumption84
    10. 10
      Rack dimensions and other physical specifications85
    11. 11
      Min/max size range constraints for racks86
    12. 12
      Racks with pre-wired pins87
    13. 13
      Racks with pre-wired rails88
    14. 14
      Shoot sites with every tube pre-wired to the firing system89
    15. 15
      Sorting racks to adjust the order of rack assignments90
    16. 16
      Sleeving effects into different size mortars or different kinds of racks91
    17. 17
      Tube angle range constraints92
    18. 18
      Tube loading order93
    19. 19
      Rack "row" and standard orientation94
    20. 20
      Reverse tube loading order95
    21. 21
      Using the “Rack Type” field for fan racks96
    22. 22
      Rearrange effects in adjustable angle racks to avoid collisions97
    23. 23
      Circle racks98
    24. 24
      Tiltable row racks99
    25. 25
      Tiltable holder racks (fan row racks)100
    26. 26
      Pre-wired pin options101
    27. 27
      Why is this tube red?102
    28. 28
      Multi-load single-shot racks103

  1. Scripting

    1. 1
      Script window columns104
    2. 2
      Randomize105
    3. 3
      Make into sequence106
    4. 4
      Make into fan107
    5. 5
      Effect macros108
    6. 6
      Spread out based on effect durations109
    7. 7
      Dragging a sequence to start from another position110
    8. 8
      Scripting manual shows111
    9. 9
      Copy/paste112
    10. 10
      Copy/paste and the fill handle113
    11. 11
      Keyboard shortcuts114
    12. 12
      Filter / search expressions115
    13. 13
      Pin counts and warning dots116

  1. Table Editing

    1. 1
      Copy/paste and the fill handle117

  1. Importing Shows

    1. 1
      Importing shows basic instructions118
    2. 2
      Importing chains119

  1. Drone Shows

    1. 1
      Importing drone shows120
    2. 2
      Programmer documentation: Drone show file format specification (vviz)121
    3. 3
      Exporting VVIZ from Verge Aero122
    4. 4
      Exporting VVIZ from Drone Show Software (DSS)123
    5. 5
      Exporting VVIZ from Skybrush Studio for Blender124

  1. Reports and Labels

    1. 1
      Labels basic instructions125
    2. 2
      Report font size and column widths (Hobbyist)126
    3. 3
      Copying report and label templates, and other blueprints between shows127
    4. 4
      Why don't my labels align with the stickers?128
    5. 5
      Rack labels129
    6. 6
      Conditional formatting130
    7. 7
      Text wrapping131
    8. 8
      Position groups in reports -- how to fit multiple position names in a single row132
    9. 9
      Chain Specifications report133
    10. 10
      Wiring Script report134
    11. 11
      Safety Distance report135
    12. 12
      Pinboard Cue Sheet report136
    13. 13
      Default pathnames137
    14. 14
      Print batch138

  1. Site Layout and Rack Layout Diagrams

    1. 1
      Site layout diagrams basic instructions139
    2. 2
      Rack layout diagrams basic instructions140
    3. 3
      Site layout diagrams for very large shows141
    4. 4
      Print-time options142
    5. 5
      Position name filters and diagram tag filters143
    6. 6
      Text box variables144

  1. Charts

    1. 1
      Sound level charts basic instructions145
    2. 2
      Recording sound level measurements for effects146

  1. Simulation Videos

    1. 1
      Is it possible to add camera motion to fake 3D background image scenes?147
    2. 2
      Camera animation148
    3. 3
      Combining simulation video from Finale with other video149

  1. Timecode

    1. 1
      Timecode basic instructions150
    2. 2
      What is timecode?151
    3. 3
      Synchronizing events to music in a production you control152
    4. 4
      Synchronizing events to music in a production controlled by others153
    5. 5
      SMPTE timecode frame rates and drop frame154
    6. 6
      SMPTE 29.97 NDF (non-drop frame)155
    7. 7
      FSK timecode frame rates and alignment156
    8. 8
      The "Analyze timecode in soundtrack file..." function for SMPTE and FSK157
    9. 9
      Negative timecode158
    10. 10
      Concert soundtracks containing multiple SMPTE timecode sections159
    11. 11
      Segments160

  1. Scenery and Positions

    1. 1
      Background images basic instructions161
    2. 2
      Sky dome, trompe l'oeil, and ground images162
    3. 3
      Racks and positions coordinate system: heading, pitch, roll163
    4. 4
      Renaming positions164
    5. 5
      Importing models165
    6. 6
      Excluding terrain from Sketchup models166

  1. Firing Systems

    1. 1
      ActionBase167
    2. 2
      Apex168
    3. 3
      Cobra169
    4. 4
      CSV and DMX CSV170
    5. 5
      Dance Of Fire171
    6. 6
      Explo172
    7. 7
      Finale Generic CSV (full show export format)173
    8. 8
      Fire Control G2174
    9. 9
      Fire Pioneer175
    10. 10
      FireByWire176
    11. 11
      Firelinx177
    12. 12
      Firemaster178
    13. 13
      FireOne179
    14. 14
      FireOne CSV180
    15. 15
      fireTEK181
    16. 16
      Galaxis182
    17. 17
      Happiness DBW03183
    18. 18
      IGNITE184
    19. 19
      Jingduan185
    20. 20
      MainFX186
    21. 21
      Megafire187
    22. 22
      Merlin188
    23. 23
      Mongoose189
    24. 24
      Pin Board190
    25. 25
      Piroshow191
    26. 26
      Pirotex192
    27. 27
      PyroDigiT193
    28. 28
      Pyrodigital194
    29. 29
      Pyrodigy195
    30. 30
      PyroLEDA196
    31. 31
      Pyromac197
    32. 32
      PyroMaster198
    33. 33
      Pyromate199
    34. 34
      Pyroneo200
    35. 35
      PyroSure201
    36. 36
      Pyrotronix202
    37. 37
      RFRemotech203
    38. 38
      RJ Equipamentos204
    39. 39
      SBC Spectra Series205
    40. 40
      SBC TX3600P206
    41. 41
      ShangYi-TECH207
    42. 42
      Show Director CSV (full show export format)208
    43. 43
      Showven FXcommander and PyroMote209
    44. 44
      StarFire210

  1. Backup and Restore

    1. 1
      Restoring shows and My Effects from backup files211

  1. Exporting Assets and Data

    1. 1
      Voice cues basic instructions212

  1. DMX

    1. 1
      DMX basic instructions213
    2. 2
      Assign DMX channel ranges to fixtures214
    3. 3
      Slave fixtures215
    4. 4
      Fixture cloning -- changing a fixture's type and converting its effects216
    5. 5
      Troubleshooting DMX fixtures217
    6. 6
      Detect and fix overlapping effects218
    7. 7
      Detect and fix PAN problems with Move-To effects219
    8. 8
      Move-In-Black (MIB) and Move-To220
    9. 9
      Reset Fixture221
    10. 10
      Supported DMX fixtures (and Standard Fixture IDs)222
    11. 11
      Supported firing systems and controllers (DMX)223
    12. 12
      Creating DMX fixtures and effects224
    13. 13
      Programmer documentation: Creating fixture definitions and effects manually225
    14. 14
      Programmer documentation: User-defined fixture definitions226
    15. 15
      Programmer documentation: The DMX Patch field227
    16. 16
      Programmer documentation: Special VDL terms for DMX effects like "Move-To" and "With Strobing"228
    17. 17
      Programmer documentation: DMX setup events -- preparing channels before the effect begins229

  1. Light Instructions

    1. 1
      Light fixtures basic instructions230
    2. 2
      Strobing231

  1. Flame, Spark and Fog Jet Instructions

    1. 1
      Flame fixtures basic instructions232
    2. 2
      Non-DMX firing systems and flame fixtures233
    3. 3
      Safety channels234
    4. 4
      Variable duration flame and special effects235
    5. 5
      Example: Explo X2 Wave Flamer with Pyromac firing system236

  1. Languages

    1. 1
      Supported languages237
    2. 2
      Making a language translation file238
    3. 3
      Explanations for some of the phrases to be translated239