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View Full Version : String problem in MAX...

CarlCampbell
11-16-2002, 09:58 PM
So far I've been using SimCloth to try and achieve the effect I want but if anyone would recommend havok or reactor over that, don't hesitate to tell me off :D

Anyhoo, here's the situation: What Im trying to get is for a string to be suspended from an object, say a mobile (those things that go round in the wind), and at the bottom of the string any sort of object like a plastic fish. I've connected the top vertices of the string to the mobile (that turns round and round) with Mesh Select then Link. After telling SimCloth to calculate how the string will sway with the mobile, I want the fish to sway with the string as if were connected to the bottom vertices of the string. How do I do this? How can I make it as if the fish was hanging from the moving string?

Carl :beer:
Dave Black
11-17-2002, 01:39 AM
Well, I never tried to get that effect with simcloth...well, that's not true...I labored greatly trying to figure it out, but the revelation never came...so I lied...perhaps I feel defeated by simcloth after all these years...sniff...sniff...

Anyway...

What I can tell you, is that I've used reactor rather extensivly, and can say that it does this function with great ease, and can even calulate it in real time. I cannot recommend reactor more. It's just the best dynamics solution available for max. As I'm sure you are aware, reactor has built in, special purpose rope calculations, and when used with it's contraints functions, can do exactly what you want.

If you have the cash, or are thinking about upgrading to Max 5(which includes reator), I'd go for it.

Regards, and good luck!

P.S.

If you figure out this delema, please post the answer for others, and so that it can be archived in the forums.
CarlCampbell
11-17-2002, 10:49 AM
Ok, I found out how to use the string. But what I really needed to know is how to attach an object to each end, so that the top object guides the bottom one and then the string in turn drags the bottom object. How do I do this?

Carl
Matt-Clark
11-17-2002, 01:12 PM
One way of doing it with simcloth is to use an attachment controller to link your object to a selected face on your string.
For more accurate results you'd have to weight the end verts of the string in simcloth to suggest that the object was heavier.



Quick example file (http://www.clarky85.freeserve.co.uk/swing.zip)
CarlCampbell
11-17-2002, 01:48 PM
Thats it! Thats exactly what I needed!
I've taken a look through the scene however, and I can't figure out how you nailed down those vertices..... Mind giving a little walkthrough of the scene?

Its great! :thumbsup:

Carl :beer:
CarlCampbell
11-17-2002, 01:57 PM
Oh, I found it now, an attachment constraint, of course! :bounce:
One other thing I just thought of is creating a new vertice group for the teapot, but the teapot doesn't inherit those vertex's movement of course. Anyways, got it now ;) Anything to be aware of in the Attachment Constraint params?

Carl :beer:
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