Build Instructions

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• 1

  Preparing the server software

  1. Install node.js
  2. Clone the A-Painter socket server repo into a directory (e.g. C:\a-painter-socket-server)
  3. In the new directory, run

     npm install

     to install the missing dependencies. 
     

  4. Clone the A-painter into a directory inside the above created directory (e.g. C:\a-painter-socket-server\a-painter)

  You can now run the A-Painter application by entering the following URL in a WebVR enabled browser (such as those shown here: https://webvr.rocks/):

  http://localhost:3002/?room=theRoom

  (Note that currently both port and room name are hardcoded)

• 2

  Preparing the client software

  You can connect your Pi to the A-painter application as follows:

  1. If you need to setup a new distro for your Pi, you can follow something like this: https://www.w3schools.com/nodejs/nodejs_raspberrypi.asp

  1. Clone the VR LED painter socket client into a directory
  2. In the new directory, run

     npm install

     to install the missing dependencies. 
     

  3. Once the server is started as described above, start the following node application (for the Unicorn pHAT):

     sudo node app.js

     (apphd.js for the Unicorn HAT HD) (Note that currently the server host URL is hardcoded in the .js file)

  Now, the LED Array should light up with the corresponding brush info that is used in A-Painter.

• 3

  Making the long exposure shot

  Now that you can render light strokes, you can also make the long exposure shot. If you have no experience with this, you can resort to the following guide: https://www.digitalrev.com/article/how-to-setup-your-camera-for-long-exposure-photography

  Some other tips:

  • Keep in mind that using too many strokes during your shot can affect the performance of the A-painter application
  • You can drag and drop .obj models and pictures to your browser window where A-painter is running. You can use these as guides or help during your painting session.
  • I recommend using  OpenVR Advanced Settings (https://github.com/matzman666/OpenVR-AdvancedSettings) to adjust your painting environment, specially when using pictures and models as guides, as you can place them where you need them

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