The missing coordinate

The missing coordinate (X,Y,or Z) is the coordinate whose value cannot be entered by clicking on the screen. The easy way to determine which coordinate is the missing coordinate in a wireframe view is to move the mouse around. Look at the Status bar at the bottom of the working area. You will see only two values changing. The value that is not changing is the missing coordinate for that view or workplane. The missing coordinate is dependent on the plot type and the workplane selected. In the following example, Y is the missing coordinate as its value is set at 0’0”.

inset_0.jpg 

Once entered, this value affects all subsequent objects inserted in the current view. For example, if the missing coordinate is set to 5’ in a plan view, all objects are placed 5 feet off the floor (X,Y,5) until the missing coordinate is changed again. Please note that the missing coordinate is not a move tool. Objects will not be moved to the missing coordinate value. The missing coordinate only affects subsequent inserts.

To enter a value for the missing coordinate
  1. Use TAB on your keyboard or click the Missing Coordinate tool on the CAD Options toolbar.

inset_34.jpgThe Missing Coordinate button.

CADCoordinateBox.png 

  1. In the CAD coordinate box, type the value for the CAD coordinate.
  2. The Focus Coordinate tells WYSIWYG where to place the cursor (i.e., at which missing coordinate) when manually focusing fixtures. If you type any value other than 0 in this box, you will notice that the beam's centreline extends past the crosshairs when you drag the beam around with your mouse. This represents the distance between the Focus Coordinate and the floor (or whatever is stopping the beam).
  3. If you want to use only the CAD coordinate for focusing and placing/editing objects, select the Use only one missing coordinate checkbox.
  4. To automatically adjust the missing coordinate with any 3D coordinate value that you enter on the Command Line, select the Automatically adjust with Command Line checkbox.
  5. Select the Show head height checkbox to display the coverage of beams at the head height selected in the Head height box.
  6. In the Head height box, type a value to check the light coverage at a certain height (the height of the performer).

Note: This box is enabled when the Show head height circle checkbox is selected.

  1. When you are finished with your selections, click OK.

Example:

a.Change to the plan view in your drawing.

b.Use TAB, and then type a value of “0" for the missing CAD coordinate.

c.Insert a few objects on the stage. All of these objects are drawn resting on the stage.

d.Change the missing CAD coordinate to a height of 10’.

e.Insert a riser by clicking the Riser button on the toolbar.

f.Although we are in a plan view the riser has been drawn at the height of 10', as specified in the missing coordinate dialog box.

g.Change to a side view and you will see that the riser has been placed above the stage.

Tip: If you select the Show head height circle checkbox, and then type a value in the Head height box, all subsequently focused fixture’s beams will display both the coverage at the specified head height, as well as the footprint of the beam on the surface below.