Best angle for lights?

[temetvince]

When I add lights to my craft in VAB, they are never parrallel to whatever I attach them to. Is this normal? Should I adjust them using the shift key?

Edited December 29, 2013 by temetvince

[iBeej]

I almost ALWAYS adjust lights. I found that 45 degrees is a good angle for spot lamps when aiming for ground illumination and 5-15 degrees for standard lamps when illuminating exterior craft surfaces. The lights are just really finicky and you have to play with them.

[Murph]

You might not actually want them to be parallel, but it depends just what you mean. As far as I can see, they emit a cone of light, so you get the largest area illuminated by having them angled a little outwards, as they tend to be by default. That's assuming you're attaching 3 or 4 of them around the body a rocket.

[Sirine]

You can switch on the light while at VAB.

[Clockwork_werewolf]

You can switch on the light while at VAB.

I think the point is you can use this to see what the light will illuminate and if it is pointing straight.

Yea all lights start a bit off centre about 10-15 degrees I think, so yea turn sideways rotate 2 or three times and rotate back for it to shine straight up or down. Useful if you want just one to point forwards or backwards for docking.

[temetvince]

Sweet. I've always wondered about this. Thanks!