I thought I'd give a quick update on this...
I was finally able to create the .ILD files & animations, but they're not quite what I wanted or expected.
After going through the Laser animation "pinball machine" (well, that's what it felt like)
I now have a much better understanding as to why the .ILD format is frowned upon. And the wisdom of Norty303 was spot on! (which is why I'm replying to his post).
The .ILD files do work, but the time an effort to create (can't use existing), clean-up and animate is very tedious and time consuming.
Now armed with new information and knowing what questions to ask, it looks like Pangolin's FB3-SE product is a good fit and I don't have to open up my lasers to use it, as I previously thought.
I talked (emailed) Pangolin and they were very willing to work with me in either exchanging my FB3-QS for the FB3-SE or a new FB3-SE at a "Can I see if this works?" price. (Nice guys there). Going the FB3-SE route will save me **ALOT** of time and frustration (well worth the extra $$, which really isn't that much in the long run).
So, that's where I stand.
I just wanted to say "thanks" for all the help and good advice, even though I didn't listen and still went in the wrong direction.
I still think Pangolin's approach to not support .ild is a bad policy. Why not just export the simple/crappy .ILD graphics and we'll quickly come around to the way-cool .LDS.
And to all the Newbies out there, listen to these guys here on the forum. They know their stuff!
Doug
(The end results will be running mid sept. I'll post a video then)