Tim, as you had stated earlier in your post, it does say “Unsupported Shape Translation” when you select the ies file.  I would assume, then that it is trying to create some sort of shape that Max does not have available, or doesn’t understand.  IES files are used for a lot more than making realistic lighting in 3D, so it’s understandable that there are things that are not compatible.

You’ll either have to fake it, or find a new ies file that does work.  Another option, a long shot, is to contact the lighting manufacturer and see if they have something that IS compatible with Max’s lighting.

3ds Max Design 2012 64-bit - Subscription Advantage Pack / PU10
Dell Precision T5500, Dual Six Core Xeon X5650 @ 2.67GHz, nVidia Quadro 5000, 24 GB RAM, Win 7 Enterprise 64-bit
Minneapolis, MN, USA

Thanks all for the comments.  I will post an image of what I am working on when I get home tonight. 

I think I will need to create a second batch of lights that shine up onto the ceiling.  When I lit this in Scanline that is what I did.  I have been playing with MRay and the Web photometrics for learning purposes.

later.

Tim

I find Vray works better for me with ies.. just a thought

Windows 64 Ultimate, Max 9 to current, Quad Q6600, 8gig RAM, 1gig 4870 HD

It also costs a lot of money I don’t have unfortunately.

I’m still tweaking lights, will post another update soon.

lights are too bright here, but gives you an idea what I am working on.

Tim

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Looking really good Tim.  I wish it was a little bigger so we could see more detail.

And even though it’s nice to be accurate, we all take some artistic license to make things look good, even though it is not physically correct.  Faking a little lighting is pretty common.

3ds Max Design 2012 64-bit - Subscription Advantage Pack / PU10
Dell Precision T5500, Dual Six Core Xeon X5650 @ 2.67GHz, nVidia Quadro 5000, 24 GB RAM, Win 7 Enterprise 64-bit
Minneapolis, MN, USA

Here is another update.  I need to work on it some more because the render time is through the roof. 

I think I am going to ditch the photometerics and use basic Mr omnis and spots in an array.

Tim

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