Using Photometric Toolbox

Photometric Toolbox is a software tool used to prepare, view and evaluate photometric data used with lighting application software, such as AGi32. PTB can analyze photometric data from any manufacturer or distributor, as long as it is in a recognized format.

Tools

Begin by loading the photometric files you wish to use into PTB. You may load photometric files individually using the Open Tool or use PTB's Instabase Tool to select files from an organized, image-rich database display. Up to 25 separate photometric files may be loaded into Photometric Toolbox to be evaluated.

Create a new photometric file by using the New Tool. This Tool provides an easy to use wizard that guides you through each required portion of the photometric format.

View the photometric distribution (in 2D or 3D) with the View Tool. This tool allows you to understand how the luminaire was tested and its photometric shape.

The Reporting Tools allow you to evaluate your photometric file using a multitude of appropriate criteria. The IES Reporting Tools provide evaluations for your photometric files based on IESNA criteria.

• The Indoor Report Tool provides analysis information relevant to interior applications - zonal lumens, CU tables, efficiencies, polar curves, etc.
• The Road Report Tool provides analysis information for exterior lighting applications - CU curves, cutoff classifications, efficiencies, Isoline diagrams, etc.
• The Flood Report Tool analyzes photometric data found in floodlighting luminaires and provides detailed analysis - NEMA classifications, field and beam information, efficiency, Isocandela curves, etc.

Edit an existing photometric file if needed with the Edit Tool. This tool allows you to prorate the luminaire, change the keywords used and make many other modifications when required.

The Compare tool allows three different photometric files to be evaluated and compared on a side by side basis with user defined criteria. The Compare Tool allows you to easily discern performance differences between competitive luminaires or simply have better data to judge the best solution for your application. Compare is delivered with standard report formats including a “Dark Sky” format that includes relevant photometric metrics for night skies, glare and trespass. Report types can be customized with your own preferences and saved for repeated use. Compare also includes overlay capability for 2D polar candela graphs and 3D wireframe or new solid format light distribution representations.

The Template Tool is used to generate Iso-Illuminance templates for a single luminaire or luminaire arrangement. This tool allows you to create custom luminaire layouts with multiple heads and off axis aiming, as desired. Large format output (up to C size printouts) and DXF export is also included.

The Convert Tool converts Type C to Type B photometry and vice versa. It also allows you to specify new luminaire positioning angles and recreate the photometric web using the new rotation values.

You may open as many instances of a tool as needed. For example, use the View Tool to view three different photometric files at once. Simply select the photometric filenames you wish to display (select the checkboxes to select) and click the View Tool. Each photometric file will be opened in a separate window!