path constraints with multiple objects - tank tracks

[BrandonD]

If you create one track piece and add a path constraint and then make an instance of that piece, you can adjust it globally in the path percentage parameter and they'll will move exactly the same - only offset. Repeat that and you're set. In fact, with some very simple scripting you could make the whole track by offsetting each by a set amount:

a = 1
for every track object in the list do
(
blah = object.pathpercentage.key += a
a+1
)

[ninjacore]

ok, thats a nice piece of advise, but i'm having trouble actually making the tack object itself.

for some reason the peices turn upside down if i use a path constariant in motion panel.

OH GOD!!! WHY WONT SOMEONE HELP ME???????? AAAARRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

ahem...:bounce:

[TMortan]

Check allow upside down in your path options to fix your flipping problem.

[BrandonD]

PathDeform is another good way to do tank tracks.

[jadedchron]

OH GOD!!! WHY WONT SOMEONE HELP ME???????? AAAARRRRRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH


i think brandon helped quite nicely :)

[ninjacore]

everything is ok!!


i finally figured it all out. i was just having these little problems with the strething of my tracks, but thats hidden anyway.

Also, the i was selecting the path deform modifier from the World List. that seemed to make a diffrence.

i'll show a WIP render of my tank in the WIP gallery!

thanks guys:thumbsup:

[Smay]

Uhm, PathDeform isn´t a good choice. It deforms the geometry of your chains and can do a lot of mess. I think the solution with the script should be the best and easiest way. I made it different a while ago but it was a lot of work. I added a path constraint to my chains and used WireParameter to control theire "%along path"-value. Each chain was wired to the chain in front of it and at the end I could move the base chain (which I colored differently) to move the whole track. A lot of boring work ;). Expressions did the rest to adjust the speed of the chain-movement and the wheels rotation so in the final result I just had to push the tank forwards ;).
And this is how it looks like:
http://www.nuckel.net/images/kette.avi
(Was a test. Tank from DeEspona Infografica, downloaded at www.3dup.com)

[ninjacore]

Thats a kick ass tank Smay.

I want to use a more stable method, but i'm not too sure exactly what Brandon means by offsetting an instance globally! Plus i havnt done any MaxScript before.

Smay mentioned expressions. Would i be able to use an expression controller to link all the wheels and the tracks to gether, and use a dummy to move them? If so, how in gods name would i set that up?

Help is appreciated! :buttrock: :thumbsup:

[ninjacore]

ok, i just tried making a box go around a circle to test everyones advice.But i'm still having trouble

How do i use brandons script? i created a new script and entered what he wrote, but it says "unknown" to "pathpercentage".

also, i tied the wire parameter thing smay mentioned, but the objects are still moving sepratly, i have no control.

if someone can take the time to write i tiny step by step turorial on what i should be doing, it would really be appreciated cos i'm a dumbass.


:cool:

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