• We frequently make minor adjustments to AutoLUX in response to user suggestions, etc. Unless noted otherwise, the current version may be downloaded at no cost. To see how v7.96 differs from earlier versions, consult the Update Log. To obtain v7.96, simply download and install AutoLUX, as if you were doing so for the first time. Your existing AutoLUX v7 will be overwritten by v7.96 -- no other action is required on your part, as your existing license authorization will function properly for the new download.

  Note 1: If you have modified the AutoLUX template file AutoLUX7.dwt, the menu file AutoLUX7.mnu, or the customization file AutoLUX7.cui, make backup copies prior to the download, since the installer will overwrite these files with the AutoLUX defaults.

  Note 2: If you are using AutoCAD 2000/2000i/2002, you will be downloading AutoLUX v7.93 -- to use AutoLUX v7.96 or higher, you must have AutoCAD 2004 or higher.

• Please be aware that if you are already a licensed AutoLUX v7 user and wish to download AutoLUX for a new AutoCAD version for the first time, you may need to pay an upgrade fee. Feel free to contact us for details.

• If you wish, you may Download and Install v7.96 now:

What AutoCAD version does AutoLUX v7 require ?

• Any AutoCAD version 2000 or higher.

Can AutoLUX be used with AutoCAD LT ?

• Probably not, although you may be able to find an LT add-on which will run the AutoLUX .arx file. However, we offer no support for AutoCAD LT users. Also, it may be a violation of your LT license to attempt to run .arx applications (such as AutoLUX) -- you should confirm this one way or another before proceeding.

What is AutoLUX Demo Mode ?

• Following installation but prior to licensing, AutoLUX runs in Demo Mode. In Demo Mode, AutoLUX runs identically to a licensed copy, except that the point calculations use a hypothetical candela distribution. Numerical results, statistics, contour plots, legend, etc. are all produced in Demo Mode. You are further encouraged to use "live" photometric candela files, as the catalog number, etc. extractions from candela files are fully functional in Demo Mode. (The installation package also provides sample candela files.) Thus, Demo Mode allows you to completely evaluate AutoLUX before deciding to buy. See Free Evaluation for details on how to purchase a license.

What photometric formats does AutoLUX handle?

• IES LM-63, CIBSE TM14, EULUMDAT, CIE 102, CIE 132, and INR. The user need perform no preliminary conversions -- AutoLUX reads these files directly.

Can AutoLUX be used with 64-bit AutoCAD?

• Yes, 64-bit AutoLUX is among the choices for downloading (click "Download AutoLUX" from the main screen on this website). Please note: 64-bit AutoLUX will be available for AutoCAD 2010+ only.

What target point limits does AutoLUX have?

1. There is no limit on the number of target points per grid.
2. Maximum 50 target "grids" -- one grid means one set of statistics (average, max/min, etc.)
3. Up to 5 light meter positions per grid -- horizontal lux is one position, vertical lux looking north is a 2nd position, etc.

How can I trim a rectangular array of grid points?

1. with the AutoCAD ERASE command (individual, window, polygon, etc.)
2. with the custom AutoLUX command PolylineErase -- pick an AutoCAD polyline (or create a polygon on-the-fly) and this command erases all points lying inside (or outside) it.

Must target points lie in planes parallel to the major coordinate axes?

• No. In fact target points do not have to form a plane. Target points can even be placed on a surface of revolution. Details are in the User's Guide (see Download).

Does AutoLUX have a "baseball" option ?

• Yes -- you define a single grid, check the 'baseball or softball field' box, and AutoLUX will compute separate averages for infield and outfield.

Can I use the normal AutoCAD editing commands on luminaires ? target points ?

• In general, Yes in both cases. When initially placing luminaires, it is most convenient to use the custom AutoLUX commands. However, once poles and luminaires are in the drawing, you may use the AutoCAD commands MOVE, COPY, ERASE, ROTATE, ARRAY, etc. to manipulate them. The exception involves floodlight aiming points -- when two or more floodlights are joined by the AutoLUX Symmetry feature, it is best to use only the AutoLUX commands to manipulate them.

  With target points, it is generally best to place them initially with the AutoLUX command GridXYZ. Once the + points are in the drawing, the customary AutoCAD editing commands (especially ERASE) may be useful. Note that in addition to AutoCAD ERASE, the AutoLUX command PolylineErase is especially useful, as it erases all points either inside or outside an AutoCAD polyline.

Does the AutoCAD UNDO command work with AutoLUX functions ?

• Yes.

Does 'transparent' mode with AutoCAD ZOOM and PAN work with AutoLUX ?

• Yes. For example, suppose you are using the AutoLUX command GridXY to place calculation points in your drawing. If you need an (x,y) position not currently visible on screen, you may remain in GridXY and use transparent ZOOM to make the desired region visible.

Does AutoLUX let me take advantage of symmetry on my layout?

1. For floodlighting applications, AutoLUX has the Symmetry feature which associates two or more floodlights and manipulates them as one. I.e., move one and the other moves as well; remove one and the other disappears also, etc.
2. For non-floodlight luminaires, take advantage of any symmetry using the AutoCAD commands ARRAY, MIRROR, COPY, etc.

Does AutoLUX account for the "tilt factor" with metal halide lamps ?

• Yes, provided the IES candela file specifies tilt factors per IES LM-63.

On parking lot applications, how many luminaires per pole can I have? Must each use the same photometry? Can the luminaires be at different mounting heights?

• Using AutoLUX's built-in symbols, the maximum is 12 luminaires per pole, each must use the same photometry, and all must be at the same mounting height. Using custom symbols (easy), AutoLUX allows 1 to 12 units per pole; each can use different photometry, and each can be placed at any mounting height.

If I define a poletop luminaire configuration in job A, can I save the definition for use in job B?

• Yes, it is easy to do this with either your own custom symbols or AutoLUX built-in symbols. Later, in any future drawing, you need only navigate to the saved definition and click on its name to make it available in the current drawing.
• For configurations which are used very often, you can go a step further and have the scheme resident in one or more template (*.dwt) drawings. Then, whenever you begin a new drawing using one of the templates, the desired poletop configuration is already defined in your drawing !

How many luminaires does AutoLUX allow on one job ?

• AutoLUX imposes no limit on the total number of luminaires in the job. However, these restrictions do apply:
  1. Using floodlights, you may use a maximum 18 different beamspreads.
  2. With non-floodlight luminaires, the limit is 99 different photometric distributions.

Can I use AutoLUX with an existing AutoCAD drawing ?

• Yes, absolutely.

Can I try out AutoLUX before I buy ?

• Yes, see Free Evaluation.

Is AutoLUX usable on my company's AutoCAD network configuration ?

• There are two modes of AutoLUX use on a network:

  1. Each computer on which AutoLUX is installed (on the computer's local hard drive) has its own license. This is similar to the case with a non-network (standalone) AutoLUX license -- the difference is that with the networked computer, Scheme definitions, candela files, AutoCAD itself, etc. may reside on a different hard drive elsewhere on the network and may thus be shared by multiple AutoLUX users.

  2. The site has a Floating Network License, where there are fewer licensed users than there are installed AutoLUX copies. E.g., the License is for 4 users but the network has AutoLUX installed on 9 computers. At any given time, any 4 users may run AutoLUX in Real Mode (the remaining 5 may run in Demo Mode if desired). Details:
     • "Logon" (first calculation) and "Logoff" (when you exit AutoCAD) are automatic and transparent.
     • An explicit Logout command makes your AutoLUX slot immediately available while you remain in AutoCAD.
     • The AluxAudit command lists all users currently logged in.
     • There is a "Repair" provision in case of power failure while logged in, etc.

  Pricing is in line with that for standalone licenses. For example, for a Floating Network License with 3 simultaneous users you would pay the same price as a user buying three standalone licenses. For details, see Licensing and Support, or telephone us at USA 303-776-8827.