Category Archives: SimSpray Administration

Admin Portal

Note: The Admin Portal is a password protected area where Instructors can perform administrative functions.  Tap the Admin button on the Home page to open the Admin portal.

The following options are available from the Admin portal:

License

License information is visible using the License option.  Select the License option then tap the Proceed button to open the License page.

Content

Administrators Manage Learning Content using the Content option.  Select the Content option then tap the Proceed button to open the Content Management page.

Users

Administrators Manage Users using the Users option. Select the Users option then tap the Proceed button to open the Users page.

Paint, Blast or Coat

Administrators can tag favorite Parts on the Parts page by selecting the Free Paint, Free Blast or Free Coat option and proceeding to the Parts page.    

Update Software

Administrators apply SimSpray™ software updates using the Update Software option. Tap the Update Software button to run a SimSpray™ software update.

Change Password

Administrators change the Admin Password using the Update Software option. Tap the Change Password button to change the Admin password.

Tracking Options

Note: requires 3.x hardware.  See Versions.

Administrators can change the Room Shape of the motion tracked zone or Rebind the Gun.  Tap the Tracking Options button to access Tracking Options.

Frequency

Note: requires 2.x hardware.  See Versions.

Administrators can change the motion tracking  Frequency by using the Frequency toggle button. Tap the Frequency toggle button to change the Frequency the SimSpray tracking system operates on.

User Management

This is an administrative function performed from the password-protected Admin portal.

Instructors manage Users from the User Management page of the Admin portal.

The User Management Page

Select Users on the Admin portal to access the User Management page.

Creating a User

Instructors can create Users.  Users can also create a User profile from the Login page.

To Create a New User:

  1. On the User Management page tap the User Controls Add User button.
  2. On the New User page enter the User credentials you want to assign for the Username.  Then click the white text box next to Password and enter the Password you want to assign for this User.  Then tap the Proceed button.

The new User is created and is displayed in the Users List.

Editing a User

Instructors can edit User credentials.

To Edit a User:

  1. On the User Management page select the User you want to edit from the Users list then tap the User Controls Edit User button.
  2. Confirm you want to edit the User by tapping the Yes button on the Edit User message box.
  3. On the Edit User page, edit the User credentials then tap the Proceed button.

The edited User is displayed in the Users List.

Deleting a User

Instructors can delete Users.

To Delete a User:

  1. On the User Management page select the User you want to delete from the Users list then tap the User Controls Edit User button.
  2. Confirm you want to delete the User by tapping the Yes button on the Delete User message box.

The deleted User no longer displays in the Users List.

 Exporting Users

The Lesson Progress file includes a list of Users and Lesson Progress.  Instructors can export the Lesson Progress file to a USB flash drive.

To Export Users:

  1. Insert a USB flash drive into one of the USB slots:
    • On the front of the SimSpray front (requires 3.x hardware – see Versions)
    • On the computer or USB HUB (requires 2.x hardware – see Versions).
  2. On the User Management page tap the User Controls Export Users button.

The Lesson Progress file is copied to the USB flash drive.  Instructors can remove the USB flash drive and bring it to another, non-SimSpray computer.

Tracking Lesson Progress

Tracking Lesson Progress On the User Management Page:

Tracking Lesson Progress Using the Lesson Progress File:

The Lesson Progress file provides Instructors with detailed Lesson Progress data and a means to retain this data for safekeeping.

To export this info, insert a USB flash drive into an available slot on your SimSpray unit, go to the User Management screen in the Admin portal, and select Export.   After the file has saved, remove the USB flash drive and bring it to another, non-SimSpray computer.

The Lesson Progress file data includes:

  • List of Users
  • Percentage of Lessons a User has passed (Completion Percent)
  • What Lessons a User has performed
  • Highest Lesson Score received from all of the User’s attempts of the Lesson
  • Whether the User passed or failed the Lesson

Instructors can save and retain Lesson Progress files at various points in time to create a timeline of User progress.

The Lesson Progress file is a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file that can be imported into Excel, Google Sheets or other common spreadsheet applications.  Instructors can view and retain this file to assist them in tracking User progress.

Lesson Progress File Layout

The image below shows an example of a Lesson Progress file format imported into Excel and the available data contained in the file.

Content Management Recommendations

If customizing Projects or Lessons:

  1. First make a custom project. Use the project filtering on the left to choose the type of Project, Process, and Part.
    • Remember that a Project can only be defined for exactly 1 Project, Process, and Part. E.g., Users will need to make a different Project for an Airless Flat Panel than for an Airless Vertical Panel.
    • Keep the Mil Build range approximately 50% of the value. Lower than this, and there will be more spots of blues and reds when getting green in the Coverage Map Mode.
    • In v2.2.x software, adjusting Mil Build value does NOT change the amount of paint coming out of the Gun. Decreasing the Mil Build value (while keeping all the same values as the default Projects and Gun settings) will cause Coverage Map Mode to build up much quicker, meaning green can occur as soon as 1 pass and red can occur as soon as 1-2 passes, instead of 3 passes on the same location on the Part. To adjust Mils and get blue on the first pass, green on the second, and red on the third, other adjustments would need to be made. See Amount of Paint in Preparing to Paint.
      • Custom Projects in liquid painting (Air-Assisted Airless, Airless, or HVLP) can produce too much (red) or too little (blue) coverage or the Travel Speed ideal may not be able to be adjusted to the wanted Speed. Adjustments can be made, within some bounds, by changing the tip size, technique parameters, and/or mil build ideals. Due to the complexity of how these parameters can affect how much paint goes onto the Part at any time, some combinations may not be supported.
    • In v2.0.x and v2.1.x software, the Mil Build value for each coat of a single Project should be similar. E.g., if a first Coat has a value of 1 mil and the second Coat has a value of 10 mils, it is likely that the second Coat will either have more blue or more red in Coverage Map Mode even when painting properly.
    • In v2.2.x software, adjusting the knobs on the back of the liquid painting Gun adjusts the Travel Speed value and Cue. If Users intend on adjusting the knobs on the back, Users will need to enter a Travel Speed value higher or lower to get to compensate. See Live Gun Adjustments in Preparing to Paint.
    • After making the Project, test it. Make sure the user can get a reasonable score. If not, make the ranges wider for low scored items.
  2. Second, make a custom Course.
    • Before any Lessons are added, a custom Course is required.
  3. Third, add custom Lessons.
    • Select a custom Course. Any Lessons now created will go to this, as it is currently selected.
    • A Lesson is associated with exactly 1 Project. Use Project Filtering to choose the type of Project, Process, and Part. Select the Project to become a Lesson. (A Lesson is a Project with a score, which Defects are shown, and which Visual Cues are available.)  Then click Quick Lesson. This takes the currently selected Project, makes a Lesson (associated with this Project) in the currently selected Course, and applies Lesson defaults (75 score, all Cues available, all Defects on, and the Lesson name being a snapshot copied from the Project name).
    • To make changes to the Lesson, select the Lesson. Then click on the Edit button under the Lesson Controls. The Lesson Controls only act on the currently selected Lesson.
    • In v2.0.x and v2.1.x software, do not copy VRSim default lessons. Your copy will be locked and uneditable.
    • If the underlying Project associated with a Lesson is changed (e.g., changing the Distance value), the Project changes will not necessarily be reflected in the Lesson until you exit the SimSpray software and start it up again. Because of this, make Project adjustments before adding them to Lessons.
    • Lessons cannot be reordered. Consider the Lesson order before adding Lessons. Adding a Lesson adds it to the bottom of the currently selected Course.

Managing Projects

Note: This is an administrative function performed from the password-protected Admin portal.

Projects are managed from the Content Management page of the Admin portal.  Select Content on the Admin portal to access the Content Management page.

Note: Not all functions are available for all Products or Project types.

Creating a Paint or Powder Coat Project

Instructors can create their own Paint or Powder Coat Projects.

– To Create a New Paint or Powder Coat Project:

  1. Use Project Filtering on the Content Management page to define your Project then tap the Project Controls New button.
  2. On the Project Creation page enter the Project Name.  Then click on the text box next to Instructor Name.  Enter the Instructor Name and then tap the Proceed button.
  3. Paint Projects: On the Project Settings page use the Coat Controls to add one or more Coats to your Project, adjust Coat Settings and select the Tip Sizes you want to include in the Project.  Tap the Proceed button to save the Project and return to the Content Management page.  
  4. Powder Coat Projects: On the Project Settings page adjust Project Settings and select the Tip Sizes you want to include in the Project.  Tap the Proceed button to save the Project and return to the Content Management page.

Note:  If no Tip Sizes are selected, all Tip Sizes will be available in the Project.

Your Project is created and available for Users to perform.

Copying a Project

Instructors can copy any Project.

– To Copy a Project:

On the Content Management page, locate and select the Project you want to copy using the Project Filtering options then tap the Project Controls Copy button.

Your copied Project is added to the Projects list.

Editing a Project

Instructors can edit Projects they created.  Default Projects (indicated with lock icons) cannot be edited.

– To Edit a Project:

On the Content Management page, locate and select the Project you want to edit using the Project Filtering options then tap the Project Controls Edit button.

On the Project Creation page edit the Project Name and/or Instructor Name then tap the Proceed button.

On the Project Settings page edit Coat Settings and Tip Sizes.  Tap the Proceed button to save the Project and return to the Content Management page.  

Your edited Project is now available for users to perform.

Deleting a Project

Instructors can delete Projects they created.  Default Projects (indicated with lock icons) cannot be deleted.

– To Delete a Project:

  1. On the Content Management page, locate and select the Project you want to delete then tap the Project Controls Delete button.
  2. Confirm you want to delete the selected Project using the displayed message box.

The deleted Project is removed from the Projects list.

Managing Courses and Lessons

Note: This is an administrative function performed from the password-protected Admin portal.

Courses and Lessons are managed from the following pages of the Admin Portal:

  • Curriculum (software v3.3+)
  • Content (software v3.2.2-)

v3.3+

Curriculum Editing

v3.2.2-

Creating a Course

Instructors can create their own Courses.

Note: creating courses is supported for Blasting starting in v3.1.x software.

– To Create a New Course:

  1. On the Content Management page tap the Course Controls New button.
  2. On the Course Creation page enter the Course Name and then tap the Proceed button.

Your Course is created and displayed in the list of Courses and Lessons.  To complete building a Course, Add Lessons to it.

Copying a Course

Instructors can copy any Course.

– To Copy a Course:

  1. On the Content Management page, locate and select the Course you want to copy then tap the Course Controls Copy button.

The copied Course is now available in the Courses and Lessons list.

Editing a Course

Instructors can edit the Course Name of Courses they created.  Default Courses cannot be edited.

– To Edit a Course:

  1. On the Content Management page, locate and select the Course you want to edit. Then tap the Course Controls Edit button.
  2. On the Course Creation page, edit the Course Name. Then tap the Proceed button.

The edited Course is now available in the Courses and Lessons list.

Deleting a Course

Instructors can delete Courses they created.  Default Courses cannot be deleted.

– To Delete a Course:

  1. On the Content Management page, locate and select the Course you want to delete. Then tap the Course Controls Delete button.
  2. Confirm you want to delete the selected Course by using the displayed message box.

The Course and all Course Lessons are deleted and removed from the Courses and Lessons list.

Managing Lessons

– Creating a Lesson

Instructors can create a new Lesson from any Project. There are two ways to create a new Lesson.

– Using Quick Lesson button:

This creates a Lesson from the selected Project and includes all cues and defects, sets the passing score to 75 and names it the Project name.  

  1. On the Content Management page, locate and select the Course you want to add a lesson to.
  2. Locate and select the Project you want to use for your new Lesson using the Project Filtering options. Then click the Quick Lesson button.

The new Lesson is now available in the Courses and Lessons list.

– Using the Lesson New button:

  1. On the Content Management page, locate and select the Course you want to add a Lesson to.
  2. Locate and select the Project you want to use for your new Lesson.  Then tap the Lesson Controls New button.
  3. On the Lesson Creation page:
    • Enter the Lesson Name.
    • Select Cues to use in the Lesson or give Users ability to decide.
    • Select Score Required to pass this Lesson.
    • Tap the Proceed button.

The new Lesson is now available in the Courses and Lessons list.

Copying a Lesson

Instructors can copy any Lesson.

– To Copy a Lesson:

  1. On the Content Management page, locate and select the Lesson you want to copy.  Then tap the Lesson Controls Copy button.

The copied Lesson is now available in the Courses and Lessons list.

Editing a Lesson


Instructors can edit the following parts of a Lesson they created:

  • Lesson Name
  • Included Cues
  • Included Defects
  • Target Score

Default Lessons cannot be edited.

– To Edit a Lesson:

  1. On the Content Management page, locate and select the Lesson you want to edit. Then tap the Lesson Controls Edit button.
  2. On the Lesson Creation page, edit the available options. Then tap the Proceed button.

The edited Lesson is now available in the Courses and Lessons list.

Deleting a Lesson

Instructors can delete a Lesson they created.  Default Lessons cannot be deleted.

– To Delete a Lesson:

  1. On the Content Management page, locate and select the Lesson you want to delete. Then tap the Lesson Controls Delete button.
  2. Confirm you want to delete the selected Lesson by using the displayed message box.

The Lesson is deleted and removed from the Courses and Lessons list.

Tracking Options

v3.x

Note: requires 3.x hardware.  See Versions.

In the Admin portal, click Tracking Options to change the Room Shape or to Rebind Gun.

Room Shape

Note: Available in 3.0.x-3.3.y.

The center of the virtual Part is located in the center of the Room Shape.

Changing the Room Shape changes the zone that is being motion tracked.  By default, most Users use “A,” is it requires the least space.  However you may want to use “B” or “C” for larger parts or processes that require more space, such as Blasting.

Select a Room Shape, and select Apply.

Make sure the physical environment is free of objects within the selected Room Shape.  This will allow Users to use the space without fear of accidentally hitting objects in the physical room.

Rebind Gun

If the VIVE Tracker gets dissociated from the physical Gun it is attached to, click Rebind Gun, move the associated Gun for the current Product you are in (e.g., move the Blasting Gun if in Blasting) while in the motion tracked space and until the on screen indicator fills up, and then press Apply.

Changing Frequency

v2.x

Note: requires 2.x hardware.  See Versions.

SimSpray uses a magnetic tracking system for motion tracking.  If there are multiple magnetic tracking systems in the same space (e.g., other SimSpray units nearby), you will need to use the Frequency button to change which frequencies your SimSpray operates on.  Systems that are in close proximity to one another must be set to use different frequencies from one another, since systems using the same frequency in the same area will interfere with one another.

Using the Frequency button can also help improve your motion tracking experience if there is significant electromagnetic interference in the environment.

Note: This functionality is only available for SimSpray units with the 2nd Generation Tracker Stand (see SimSpray Hardware Components).

Symptoms and Causes of Electromagnetic Interference

See the Electromagnetic Interference section of the Motion Tracking Best Practices and Troubleshooting <link>.

Solutions – How to Change Frequency

  1. Go to the Admin portal.
  2. Tap the Frequency toggle button to change the frequency the SimSprayTM tracking system operates on.
  3. Log out.
  4. Get into the Live Scene and test if this resolves the symptoms seen.

If not, then go back to the Admin portal and do the same steps for all available frequencies.  Available frequencies are indicated by the pips under the Frequency button.

Interference between 1st and 2nd Generation Systems

Note: requires 1.x and 2.x hardware.  See Versions.

If you have a 1st Generation System in the same area as a 2nd Generation System (see Hardware Components), it is possible for them to interfere with one another.  In this situation, we advise setting the 2nd Generation System to use frequency B, C, or D, as frequency A is known to interfere with 1st Generation Systems.

Tagging Favorite Parts

Note: This is an administrative function performed from the password-protected Admin portal.

Instructors tag Parts as ‘Favorite’ to include them in the favorites filter on the Parts page.

To tag Parts as favorites:

  1. Select the Free Paint, Free Blast or Free Coat option from the Admin portal.
  2. Select the Free Paint, Free Blast or Free Coat option from the Modes page and proceed to the Parts page.
  3. Tap a Part, and tap the Mark Favorites to toggle the Part as a Favorite.

 

Viewing Your License Features

Note: This is an administrative function performed from the password-protected Admin portal.

Your SimSpray™ is licensed for the features you purchased.  Visit the License page from the Admin Portal to view your licensed SimSpray™ features.

The License Page

The License page displays all SimSpray™ features and the SimSpray™ features you are licensed to use.