topic Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question in 3ds Max Forum

multiple copy's on a path constraint question

Anonymous — Thu, 31 May 2018 12:06:01 GMT

I have always struggled with this.

What is the best way to accomplish this? Array and copy just don't seem to work. Ideally it would be nice if the spacing tool was combined with the animated path constraint. Or better yet after the animated path constraint is applied then use the coping tool. Maybe this could be proposed in the Ideas forum? Has anyone had experience with this application? Someone will be my big hero on this one!!

Thanks

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

Anonymous — Thu, 31 May 2018 14:23:53 GMT

I created an array of buckets, attached them all as one, assigned pathdeform, then used transform space warps percent along path to get this result. not sure why it is so funky on the radius turn.

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

leeminardi — Thu, 31 May 2018 15:24:01 GMT

Mark, try the following:

Create 1 bucket and add a Path constraint and check the Follow box in the Path Parameters. Next select the bucket and click Tools, Array... and set the X incremental distance as desired and the 1D count to the number required. The type of Object should be Instance.

This provided a smooth result for me.

Lee

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

Anonymous — Thu, 31 May 2018 15:43:23 GMT

there must be something screwed up with my scene then. Check this out Lee. Not sure why they want to bunch up at the pulleys.

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

Anonymous — Thu, 31 May 2018 15:48:39 GMT

Constant velocity was not checked. I can make array work if do it in several arrays.

Video to follow.

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

Anonymous — Thu, 31 May 2018 15:51:29 GMT

seems strange I have to do it this way.

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

leeminardi — Thu, 31 May 2018 16:30:03 GMT

Can you post a Max file of just the bucket and spline?

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

Anonymous — Thu, 31 May 2018 16:53:47 GMT

sure thing

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

leeminardi — Thu, 31 May 2018 17:53:26 GMT

Can you save it in a 2018 or earlier version? I have yet to install 2019.

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

Anonymous — Thu, 31 May 2018 17:56:58 GMT

sure can

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

leeminardi — Thu, 31 May 2018 19:40:52 GMT

I reconstructed the spline and had something working well on the XY plane but then I rotated it to XZ plane and all hell broke out. I think there may be a problem with gimbal lock as the bucket goes around the corner.

When I used the array command to make the buckets I only made enough to fill a straight section of the spline. I then advanced the % Along Path parameter to array more copies of the bucket. After some adjusting I had nicely spaced buckets around the spline that moved smoothly with no bunching at the spline verticies.

I will look at it more when I have some time.

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

Anonymous — Thu, 31 May 2018 19:53:17 GMT

Thanks for your efforts @lee

I am having some luck. looking pretty need actually. i will post it but may not be until Monday.

My day is almost done and i get to start my 3 day weekend!

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

Anonymous — Thu, 31 May 2018 19:55:02 GMT

I found that you have to array a few times. Run the animation until the last bucket is on a straight then start a new array then repeat the above.

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

Anonymous — Thu, 31 May 2018 19:55:43 GMT

I found that you have to array a few times. Run the animation until the last bucket is on a straight then start a new array then repeat the above.

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

Anonymous — Thu, 31 May 2018 20:17:11 GMT

I have a long way to go but here is a sample Lee. Cant wait to get into the particles!

Have a good weekend!

Re: multiple copy's on a path constraint question

leeminardi — Fri, 01 Jun 2018 00:57:39 GMT

Looks promising. Good luck.