Projecting helix round a sphere problem

[flingster]

i followed your instructions and it seemed to work fine?
:shrug:


btw ditools has something in it to simplify splines by reducing the number of points so you wouldn't need the 8x subdivide...also has something called projector allowing you to place on surfaces....all that said i can still do what you asked about..

[flingster]

is this what you mean't?

[Erik Heyninck]

Sorry. This result I also get.

What I want is a helix that entwines from the bottom point to the topmost point of the sphere. That's why I gave the spline the same height as the sphere (200). It is remarkable that the height is changed into half, while, if I make the helix 400 high, it does not end up to be 200.

[flingster]

well i'm trying to also do it in ditools and having different problems...but maybe using wrong tool..using something called diprojector to place on sphere surface.
problem i was having is irregularity in spline surface..suddenly stops...also when you make the projector editable..you get a null and loose the spline!!!
:thumbsdow

[flingster]

if you move the axis of the helix to the middle first...and so make sure the helix is placed at equal length either side .eg with the sphere in the middle.
does this make any difference...i can get it to wrap around the middle..rather than collecting at either end.:shrug:

jeez...i might have to read my manual now...its buggin me!!
heh heh.

[flingster]

middle

[Erik Heyninck]

I tried it all, it won't work.

Sphere and helix both from Y=0 to Y=200
no deal.

There is, of course a way: one could use formula to make a spline, and that kind of helix can be described, but a/ I'm no mathematician, and b/ I want to know why this doesn't work.

[Per-Anders]

radial projection means it will project radially from the axis... i.e. it will shrink down towards the core, what you want to use is "XZ Radial", then it will wrap around the sphere perfectly from top to bottom (provided your spline goes from teh top to the bottom of the sphere that is).

[flingster]

thanks for that mdme_sadie...just out of interest in ditools...can you use the projector to do the same...and more importantly when i choose to make it editable..i just get a null and loose my spline how can you i keep the spline so i could use it in a sweepnurbs?? thanks again.

[Gunter]

hi flingster,
congrats to DiTools :)
Example projector2.c4d seems to fulfill the task, Erik asked for.
In general - creating spline from a drawn or projected chain:
Doubleclick PL-Tag, choose Active Tool. You´ll find the paint-tool there.
Choose Select All button, then click last button Selected to Spline.
That´s it, got a spline.
Choose Render Settings/Effects/Posteffect/DiSpDraw FX and render. Spline is "rendered" instantly.
Have fun,
Gunter

[flingster]

Gunter : ok i got that file...but in active tool...after i choose the Select All button....there is no last button called "Selected to Spline"? what am i doing wrong?

i want to be able to use the shaped..projected resultant spline in a sweep nurbs...but i can't get the spline...i don't want to use a post effect in render...although i didn't know about that feature so thanks for pointing it out...that said i can't get that to work either...:shrug:

its all going horribly wrong...:eek: :rolleyes: :eek:

[chromecity]

I know you probably want to get familiar with the new DiTools, but as far as getting a job done, I probably wouldn't resort to a plug-in for something the main app seems to do just fine. I approached it the same way mdme_sadie also suggested. An XZ Radial projection seems to do the trick without a hitch.

If you're interested, here's an example rendering (http://www.chromecity.com/HelixAroundSphere.jpg)...

...and here's the scene (http://www.chromecity.com/HelixXZRadialProjectedOnSphere.c4d) that rendered it. A version of the Helix before it was 'made editable' is also included in the file so you can see what exact parameters were used.

[Erik Heyninck]

Whoops...must have pressed the wrong button. Luckily I'm not a president of a nuclear country...

Anyway: thanks, Mme. Indeed, it works. I also tried with other objects too, and if I get it right, it's a question of choosing radial on the plane that corresponds with the axis of the height of the object ( ZX plane corresponding with the Y-axis for example).

Fascinating to find new options in cinema every day...

As for Ditools: I printed the list of what's inside...:eek: .

I tend to agree with Chromecity. In domains where I am more at home, I always advise beginners not to start with shortcuts or plugins as the basic application with its toolbars offers all that is needed. Example: pressing C works fine, but it is better if it comes with the knowledge that to be able to change the structure, the param. object has to be made editable.
That's why I try to do in C. what sometimes can be more easily done with the help of a plugin, if it comes to unused features.

Thanks again, and waiting for MeshSurgery!;)

[Gunter]

flingster, please try to mail Remo. I think, he will send 1.01:
DiTools@web.de
Gunter

[flingster]

Originally posted by Gunter
flingster, please try to mail Remo. I think, he will send 1.01:
DiTools@web.de
Gunter

cheers i thought i was going mad there for a minute.

chromecity/Erik: you know your right i just got carried away with my new plugin...started to use it for everything!!! heh heh.

[flingster]

UPDATE: ditools sorted me out with update 1.01 and works fine...thanks again gunter appreciate it. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

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