Lighting Software

[centaur21]

I am looking for a really robust and versatile lighting program to use on a large project I am working on.

I am looking for this software to do a few key things. If say a drafter has already created a CAD model in 3D, would I be able to import it with any problems and it remain in its 3D state? I am working on a project which is a multilevel platform, and I am to design the lighting layout for it. Some platform levels are very congested and 3D CAD models have been developed to show equipment, etc., layout. It would save me a great deal of time if I were able to import a level at a time, or even a portion of a level, in order to layout the lights and do the calculations.

Also, if a 3D CAD model which has been imported were in a basic frame only display even though the equipment is a solid object, would I be able to fill in the frame to make it a complete solid object or would it already have to be imported as a solid?

Thanks for your time!

 

[Senselessticker]

http://www.agi32.com/

I've never used this software, and I think it cost some $$$. I usually use Luxicon (free version by Cooper), or Visual (by Lithonia) and have given up on trying to import CAD models. I've found its faster to simply create a typical layout within the software.

Good Luck!

 

[centaur21]

Senselessticker, I am currently using Visual 2.0, which I find is pretty good, but was looking for something that might be better. I was just curious as to what was better out there.

You mentioned not being able to import CAD .dwg drawings into Visual. I have not had a problem with the exception of importing a CAD drawing that was already in 3D. But the problem was that I had to have the drafter explode the drawing a few times b/c before, it was importing it but parts were missing after the import. Therefore, the drafter exploded it a few times and it imported perfectly in 3D. This saves me much time b/c I don't have to build the 3D objects, only place the lighting and do the calcs.