The numbers in parenthesis represent the number of lights in the rig.
There are 3 files per rig. A model, a light and an action file.

To use a skylight rig, simply import the model and the light in the 
Objects folder and import the action in the Actions folder. Drop the 
skylight model into the choreography and drop the skylight action onto 
the skylight model in the choreography. Scale the model to your 
convenience.

The model file is simply a bunch of bones where the light is positionned.
There is only one light file and the same light is positionned repeatedly
at each bone position. As generated, the light files are setup as bulbs.
In the model file there is a target bone. This way, it is possible to 
change the light to a klieg or a sun and the light will always point to 
the target bone. By default this target is positionned at 0,0,0.

Since there is only one light file, it is easy to modify its parameters.
As generated, the light parameters are set so that it can be used as a 
main light with a skydome set at 50% transparency. To use the skylight 
as a replacement for the ambiance setting, you will have to decrease the 
intensity of the light. 

The 69 light skylight is prepared to be included within the demo project. 
It is set to be used with a skydome (a skydome is a hemisphere model that 
fits right under the skylight and that can be used with material to color 
the lights of the skylight). The light has a width of 350cm and cast 2 
rays. 2 rays is a litle bit short and produces a lot of grain in images 
but I setted it that way so that it doesn't take to long to render. 
Normally, 5 rays is better and 7 rays is what I use. It depends on the 
scene. In dark scenes, the grain is more apparent. 

All the other skydomes have been setup to be used without skydomes. If 
you want to use them with skydomes, you will have to either decrease the 
width of the light (otherwise the shadow falloff will prevent the skydome 
from filtering the skylight lights) or increase the number of rays cast.

To better understand the effects of number of lights and number of ray 
casts, see my tutorial at 
http://www.micro-intel.com/users/ypoissant/tutorials.htm.

A last note : Use at your own risk. This will increase your rendering 
times to unforeseen length especially when you use multi ray-casts and 
antialiasing.

Good luck, have fun and keep me informed of any discovery you make with 
this setup.

Yves Poissant
ypoissant@micro-intel.com
http://www.micro-intel.com/users/ypoissant
2001-02-14