Tutorials
Spotlights
Ever wanted to create your own version of the combine spot light?
With much trial and error, this tutorial was formed (to help you not have to go through the same crap!)
Spotlights:
The following tutorial should produce results much like this:
or indeed:
First, create your spotlight or light source. This can be anything from a neon strip light to a inset light fitting in the ceiling to - a spotlight. I've used a prop_static for the benifit of this tutorial - model name: props_wasteland/light_spotlight01_lamp.mdl
Place the model but don't orientate it to shine the direction you want just yet. That come later. Next, place a light_spot at the bulb end, and set it up to shine in the direction the spotlight is facing. For my searchlight model, this is already set up. I just had to move the light_spot into a decent position on the model. Give the light a suitably high brightness (800 for mine).
Finally, add a point_spotlight, and position it at the same place as the spotlight. Alter the beam width, length and colour to get the desired beam effect.
3D view:
From above:
To position and orientate the search light properly, simply group the 3 entities and use the rotate handles (click the entities twice to get the round corner handles, and move them till the light it orientated for how you like. This saves hours in calculating angles and all that!
Compile and enjoy the light in all it's volumetric glory!
Rovient