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Frequently Asked Questions
What is SPOT™?
What are the computer system requirements for SPOT™?
How does SPOT™ work and what programs will be installed on my computer with the install package?
Do I need to know Excel or Radiance to use SPOT™?
Where does SPOT™ save my work?
What are all the numerous files created by SPOT™ and do I need to save them?
What are “Radiance Advanced Options” and should I use them?
What are average run-times for SPOT™?
What geometrical inputs are allowable for my space?
Can I input a geometry directly from Autocad?
How will the results be presented and will SPOT™ create an image of my space?
Can I model more than one space at a time?
Is there any technical support provided for SPOT™?
SPOT™ Users forum
www.archenergy.com/mailman/listinfo/spot
This url provides a forum for all issues related to the Sensor Placement + Optimization Tool (SPOT™ ) software. It is a forum for all questions and answers related to the software, for bug fix and software update postings, and for general discussion related to SPOT™ , daylighting and photosensor control systems.
What is SPOT™?
SPOT™ stands for Sensor Placement + Optimization Tool. It is a software package that helps architects, engineers, lighting designers and electrical contractors establish the correct photosensor placement relative to the proposed daylighting and electric lighting design and to analyze overall lighting design performance.
SPOT™ was developed for designers, design engineers, building scientists, contractors, facilities managers, and commissioning agents to provide a relatively simple way to test and evaluate the selection and placement of a photosensor(s) during design in order to promote optimal daylight harvesting, increased energy savings, and higher occupant satisfaction in the built space.
What are the computer system requirements for SPOT™?
Windows 2000, Windows NT, or Windows XP
Excel 2000 (or higher)
800 MHz or higher processor
128 MB available disk space
How does SPOT™ work and what programs will be installed on my computer with the install package?
SPOT™ basically runs as an Excel interface on top of a Radiance engine using Python as the scripting language. SPOT’s install package includes:
SPOT™ Excel Template
An abridged version of Radiance for Windows
Python v 2.3
Numarray (a matrix module to Python)
Do I need to know Excel or Radiance to use SPOT™?
No. A working familiarity with Excel may be helpful, but it is not necessary. Radiance will be largely invisible to the majority of users, and only runs behind the Excel interface. Advanced Radiance users may use the “Advanced Options” page to interact with Radiance through the Excel interface or directly by manipulating the Radiance files, but this is NOT required in the execution of SPOT™ and is not recommended unless you are a skilled Radiance user.
Where does SPOT™ save my work?
SPOT™ automatically creates a file with your project information when you advance the project with the button. It saves the project information in a folder automatically named with the Project Name. This folder is located in the “Parent Directory” that the user establishes on the opening page of SPOT™. After launching SPOT™ it is necessary, as with most programs, for the user to periodically (frequently) save his or her work using the save icon, or “save” from the pull down menu to insure no information is lost.
What are all the numerous files created by SPOT™ and do I need to save them?
These files are support files created by Radiance. They store the inputs used by SPOT™ to run the calculations. Should you delete these files you will need to re-start a project from the beginning so that these files are recreated.
What are “Radiance Advanced Options” and should I use them?
The default SPOT™ settings have been optimized to minimize the run-time (calculation time) of the program. The Advanced Radiance Options allows the experienced Radiance user to manipulate the default settings in Radiance if he or she desires to refine a particular setting for advanced study. This page is intended for people familiar with Radiance and its methodology. However, others are welcome to experiment with the settings to learn more about the influence of various inputs on the results. Be aware, that changing the settings may increase run-time and decrease the accuracy of the results.
What are average run-times for SPOT™?
This depends upon on the computer system on which SPOT™ is running. On newer machines, typical run-time may be 20 to 30 minutes, the majority of which will occur for the final calculations performed between the Photosensor Generator page and the Photosensor Analyzer page.
What geometrical inputs are allowable for my space?
SPOT™ builds the geometry for the user based on the numeric information input into the Excel interface. Currently, the interface creates orthogonal geometries and can accommodate windows, skylights, and interior and exterior lightselves.
Can I input a geometry directly from Autocad?
No, SPOT™ cannot currently perform this function.
How will the results be presented and will SPOT™ create an image of my space?
Results will be created in Excel tables and graphs formats, which the user can either print or copy and paste into other reports. A Radiance image will be created of the space modeled and will be saved as a .jpeg in the project directory.
Can I model more than one space at a time?
No, SPOT™ is designed to analyze a single space in isolation.
Is there any technical support provided for SPOT™?
Send an e-mail to spotsupport@archenergy.com.
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