[Plugin] Chronolux for Sketchup
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Link to download Chronolux installer for Windows chronolux_1_1_beta.exe
Link to download zip archive chronolux_1_1_beta.zipDescription: Extension for Google Sketchup written on Ruby. Its goal is to test insolation duration and SVF.
Usage:
- install the program using installer or unpack files from zip-file:
- "chronolux_ext.rb" and "Chronolux" folder unpack to Google Sketchup "Plugins" folder
- "chronolux.strings" and "chronolux" folder from "Resources/en-US" unpack to Google Sketchup "Resources/en-US" forlder
- enable "LSS Chronolux Toolbar" Sketchup Main Menu>>View>>Toolbars>> LSS Chronolux Toolbar
- open a Sketchup model, where insolation and/or SVF testing is to be made (model has to be geo-located)
- add some test points to perform insolation and/or SVF testing
ver. 1.0. video:
[flash=640,480:2a6ahgcy]http://www.youtube.com/v/RBAOkZTbvGM?version=3&[/flash:2a6ahgcy]Visit program web-site for more info.
Terms and Definitions
Duration of Insolation at a given point is the time period while direct sunlight reaches the test point.
Insolation is the solar radiation that reaches the earth's surface. It is measured by the amount of solar energy received per square centimetre per minute. (Note, that Chronolux does not calculate insolation, but only its duration).
SVF (sky view factor) is the extent of sky observed from a point as a proportion of the total possible sky hemisphere. (A Dictionary of Earth Sciences | 1999 | AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY).
WVF (window view factor) is the extent of sky observed from a point as a proportion of the total possibly observable sky from a point through a window (despite of shadowing objects outside the window).ver 1.0 beta 1
fixes- resource file (chronolux.strings) has a proper syntax now
- some patches were added in code to avoid encoding issues in localized versions
ver 1.1 beta
New features:- Interactive Resize Tool
- Pick Test Surface Tool
- Pick Window Face Tool
Updates:
- Global Settings dialog
- Time Settings dialog
Fixes:
- Refresh command works properly even if test points were added inside a group
- Report maker generates report without duplicating information about SVF and WVF
ver. 1.1 video
[flash=640,360:2a6ahgcy]http://www.youtube.com/v/b7gfkdtlkxQ?version=3&[/flash:2a6ahgcy] - install the program using installer or unpack files from zip-file:
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Dear Kirill,
The video link doesn't seem to be working when viewed here, but works if you go to your website.
This looks to be a very useful plugin for building design and the positioning of renewable energy systems. I will watch its development with interest.
Thank you for all your hard work.
Kind regards,
Bob -
ThaaaaAAAAAAAnnnnnNNNNk You !
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thanks kirill 
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Hi, kirill:
Long time, no see
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Fiat lux!
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Hi, Pilou:
Long time, no see you, either.
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@Mitcorb
I have made some translations for the French Section !
Next will be the "Doh Tread"!
In French "Aaaaaaaaaahhhh bon sang, mais c'est bien sûr!" (not yet started : sure next week! 
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Hi to all! Thanks for kind words! It's so great to be here again!
Did anyone try to install? Or demo video is the only reason to thank at the moment
I use free installer for Windows programs Inno Setup. It works well on my laptop I'm going to test it tomorrow at work as well (yes, the whole thing is not tested yet too...). -
Wow! Welcome back, kirill!
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All I get is "Invalid Parameters" when trying to view the video.
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@unknownuser said:
All I get is "Invalid Parameters" when trying to view the video.
I edited his video tag so it now works
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Cheers TIG.
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'SVF and Insolation'.
I would like to learn more about this, I've done a google on the terms above but I can't find out what they mean, any pointers?
Ta, baz -
Awesome tools !! Thanks a lot!!
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Is there any way it can take transparent materials in account?
In my tests it acts as if a glass surface is opac. -
@unknownuser said:
Is there any way it can take transparent materials in account?
Yes it is possible. It's necessary to set "Handle transparency" flag in "Global Settings" dialog to "Yes". It is also necessary to pay attention to "Transparency threshold" value.
!["Handle transparency" flag in "Global Settings" dialog.](/uploads/imported_attachments/LgeC_handletransp.png ""Handle transparency" flag in "Global Settings" dialog.")
This flag is set to "No" by default because it takes a little bit more time to handle transparency so when it's set to "Yes" it slows down script processing. -
have you tested it on mac? perhaps all one has todo for it to run on mac is to perform a manual installation. if this is the case, could you please instruct us on how to make a manual installation? should I place the whole thing in my plugins folder?
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@edson said:
should I place the whole thing in my plugins folder?
NO...
the manual installation requires placing different folders in different locations.
the 'Help' button in tools won't work from inside SU so I suggest you 'first' open the 'Help Pages' in safari to check if you want to instal it.
to do this 'unzip' Chronolux 1_0 beta.zip and you'll have a new folder Chronolux 1_0 beta,
follow the path to Chronolux 1_0 beta/Resources/en-US/chronolux/index.html and double click to open in Safari.If you still want to instal manually he's a pic of the paths...
I haven't tested the whole thing yet, but you do need to turn on the toolbar in 'View' >> 'Tool Palates'
john -
thanks, john. it seems easy enough o install. I will give it a try soon.
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