topic Re: Maxscript listener assistance in 3ds Max Programming Forum

Maxscript listener assistance

Anonymous — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 16:49:44 GMT

I am new at maxscript and always have wanted to use it but don't know how. Now I have a redundant application that I would like to try to use maxscript listener to do it. or write a script. (if I knew how)

Here is what i would like to do.

1. select an object

2. quadify selection (listener does not pick this up)

3. uvw map, box, uncheck Real-World Map size

4. assign material map called "stainless"

5. end

Can someone help me with this?

thanks

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

drew_avis — Thu, 07 Dec 2017 21:11:56 GMT

Hi there, that's great that you're learing MAXScript. Not everything gets picked up by the Macrorecorder, so you have to start digging through the MAXScript help to figure out what's possible and how to do it. For your script, see if this gets you started:

t = teapot()
convertto t editable_poly
select t -- select the node
q = Quadify_Mesh() -- create a Quadrify modifier
addModifier t q -- add the modifier to our node
u = UVWMap() -- create a UVWMap modifier
u.realWorldMapSize = false -- same as unchecking "Real World Map Size" checkbox
addmodifier t u -- add it to the node
mat = scenematerials["stainless"] -- find the scene material named "stainless"
-- note: this must exist on an item in the scene
t.material=mat -- apply the material to the node

My script creates a node and selects it, yours would start with something like:

myNode = $

Where $ gets the selected node.

Hope that helps,

Drew

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 12:46:37 GMT

Thanks @drew_avis I tried to run your script just as a starting point but I get MAXScrip FileIn Exception error

--NO ""convertTo""function for unefined

I even commented the line # 2 "convertto t editable_poly" out and is still get the same error.

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 13:29:05 GMT

delay my last I think I am just starting to talk to it lol

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 13:54:07 GMT

myNode = $
--convertto $ editable_poly
select $ -- select the node
q = Quadify_Mesh() -- create a Quadrify modifier
addModifier t q -- add the modifier to our node
u = UVWMap() -- create a UVWMap modifier
u.realWorldMapSize = false -- same as unchecking "Real World Map Size" checkbox
addmodifier t u -- add it to the node
mat = scenematerials["stainless"] -- find the scene material named "stainless"
-- note: this must exist on an item in the scene
t.material=mat -- apply the material to the node

I am getting this...

undefined
-- Error occurred in anonymous codeblock; filename: S:\APEC COMPANY DOCUMENT SHARED FOLDER\Engineering\Mechanical Engineering\Assembly & Maintenance instruction\Standard Equipment\Coater\MC-70T\downloads\quad&assignmat.ms; position: 69; line: 3
-- No ""select"" function for undefined
-- MAXScript callstack:
-- thread data: threadID:11424
-- ------------------------------------------------------
-- [stack level: 0]
-- In top-level
Quadify_Mesh:Quadify Mesh
-- Error occurred in anonymous codeblock; filename: S:\APEC COMPANY DOCUMENT SHARED FOLDER\Engineering\Mechanical Engineering\Assembly & Maintenance instruction\Standard Equipment\Coater\MC-70T\downloads\quad&assignmat.ms; position: 168; line: 5
-- No ""addModifier"" function for undefined
-- MAXScript callstack:
-- thread data: threadID:11424
-- ------------------------------------------------------
-- [stack level: 0]
-- In top-level
Uvwmap:UVW Map
false
-- Error occurred in anonymous codeblock; filename: S:\APEC COMPANY DOCUMENT SHARED FOLDER\Engineering\Mechanical Engineering\Assembly & Maintenance instruction\Standard Equipment\Coater\MC-70T\downloads\quad&assignmat.ms; position: 330; line: 8
-- No ""addModifier"" function for undefined
-- MAXScript callstack:
-- thread data: threadID:11424
-- ------------------------------------------------------
-- [stack level: 0]
-- In top-level
stainless:Standard
-- Error occurred in anonymous codeblock; filename: S:\APEC COMPANY DOCUMENT SHARED FOLDER\Engineering\Mechanical Engineering\Assembly & Maintenance instruction\Standard Equipment\Coater\MC-70T\downloads\quad&assignmat.ms; position: 509; line: 11
-- Unknown property: "material" in undefined
-- MAXScript callstack:
-- thread data: threadID:11424
-- ------------------------------------------------------
-- [stack level: 0]
-- In top-level

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 14:00:04 GMT

this is what i want to replace with a script.

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 16:16:23 GMT

I hope you read the latest first. My previous post on this topic can be ignored.

Here is where i am at @drew_avis

Using your program other then the first couple lines. I have managed to get to this point. (please see attached)

I have a couple questions at this point;

1. What would be the syntax to prompt me for a selection then equal that select to "T"?

I have tried to put in your suggested myNode = $ and the next line saying t = $ but that don't work.

2. I noticed that it does not select "box" nor does it un-select "Real-world map size" in the uvw map

Thanks this is really helping me!

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

drew_avis — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 18:30:35 GMT

Hi there, so I think you're getting close. I think you have 2 options for dealing with the selection:

1) Assume that an object is selected before you run the script. You can verify this when you get the node, and exit with a message if you don't have something selected. This would look something like:

if selection.count != 1 then (print "Please select one object and run again.")
else (
myNode = $
-- etc

)

2) Attach a callback that detects when nodes are selected and runs when only one is selected. You are getting into more advanced territory here. This would look something like:

fn doSomeStuff = 
(
	if selection.count == 1 then (
		myNode = $
		print myNode
		callbacks.removeScripts #selectionSetChanged id:#doStuff
                -- now do some stuff
	)
	else print "Select one object please"
)

callbacks.addScript #selectionSetChanged "doSomeStuff()" id:#doStuff

Let me have a look at why the UVW map options aren't being set.

Drew

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

drew_avis — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 18:36:18 GMT

Huh, I can't reproduce what you're seeing with the UVW Map modifier. The mapping isn't box because we don't set it in the script. In this version I set it, and it looks ok. Are you seeing any errors in your listener when you run this script?

t = box()
convertto t editable_poly
select t -- select the node
q = Quadify_Mesh() -- create a Quadrify modifier
addModifier t q -- add the modifier to our node
u = UVWMap() -- create a UVWMap modifier
u.realWorldMapSize = false -- same as unchecking "Real World Map Size" checkbox
u.maptype = 4 -- set to box
addmodifier t u -- add it to the node
mat = scenematerials["stainless"] -- find the scene material named "stainless"
-- note: this must exist on an item in the scene
t.material=mat -- apply the material to the node

Drew

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 18:49:49 GMT

would it be to much trouble for you to tell me in English what each line is doing?

For instance I look at it and I wonder what the ! is for?

Next question myNode = $

Is the selection assigned the tag $ as its variable name? Can I then tell max that T = $

is two == a typo? if not how would you say that phrase in English?

if selection.count == 1 then

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 20:27:21 GMT

no errors. it it checked the box this time. It did not un-check real-world map size however.

$Box:Box002 @ [0.000000,0.000000,0.000000]
$Editable_Poly:Box002 @ [0.000000,0.000000,0.000000]
OK
Quadify_Mesh:Quadify Mesh
OK
Uvwmap:UVW Map
false
4
OK
stainless:Standard
stainless:Standard

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

drew_avis — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 21:42:34 GMT

So the != and == and = can be confusing when you're first getting into scripting / programming.

! is not, so != is "not equal". Similarly, == is "is equal". Finally a single = is assignment, so x="hi" assigns the string "hi" to variable x.

In MAXScript, $ will hold the currently selected node or nodes. You can check how many things are selected by looking at selection.count. In our example, we only run if selection.count is 1, otherwise we print a message.

Once you pick up little things like this, the learning curve gets less steep. BTW these concepts are not just for MAXScript, most scripting languages have similar syntax.

Hope this helps,

Drew

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

Anonymous — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 12:45:47 GMT

awesome! this is great info.

Now let me ask you this. Is there a quick reference sheet somewhere that looks something like this on all of the commands? Or maybe someone may have made one?

This would be extremely helpful. If I go to the scriptscript help section of max and type "if" i get nothing.

		example
=	equal	x="on"
!	is not
!=	in not equal	x!="on"
==	is equal

Looking on Youtube if found this. Attached is an example of what I am looking for. Should this be a new idea suggestion to AutoDesk or has someone already suggested this?

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

istan — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 16:08:07 GMT

> BTW these concepts are not just for MAXScript, most scripting languages have similar syntax.

not only scripting languages.. luckily C/C++ uses the same syntax.. only basic/vbs is totally different, which is driving me crazy sometimes..

but MXS implemented only half of C++ as it is not supporting && and ||

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

Anonymous — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 16:18:27 GMT

Thanks @istan. I am starting to discover that. Too bad I don't already know some of the other languages.

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

Siger_ — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 17:26:44 GMT

For logical expressions MXS uses AND OR NOT

Comparison expressions: == != > < >= <=

Much less than C language group, but still something 🙂

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

istan — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 08:46:34 GMT

Well, for a C++ programmer since decades, such language "anomalies" always waste my time.

Such an enhancement of MXS would be more than simple, but AD has absolutely no focus on this anymore. I am also waiting for a MXS debugger since decades. Even C++ development is smarter by using the "Edit/Continue" feature in a debug session.

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

drew_avis — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 16:31:22 GMT

Hi, we don't really have a "quick reference" for MAXScript, but you might find interesting the "Learning MAXScript" section, which can be read straight through as an introductory tutorial, and will help you get started:

http://help.autodesk.com/view/3DSMAX/2018/ENU/?guid=__files_GUID_4C14F474_CD23_4001_93DF_0F0F9A6025C7_htm

Drew

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

Anonymous — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 16:39:07 GMT

Can someone please tell me what the script syntax would be for this? Nothing shows up in MaxScript listener. Also it gives me lower poly count then quadrify mesh will.

Re: Maxscript listener assistance

Anonymous — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 18:30:47 GMT

ok I have everything working except the quadrify all

macros.run "Modifier Stack" "Convert_to_Poly"
$.material = meditMaterials[4]
modPanel.addModToSelection (Uvwmap ()) ui:on
$.modifiers[#UVW_Map].maptype = 4
$.modifiers[#UVW_Map].utile = 1
$.modifiers[#UVW_Map].vtile = 1
$.modifiers[#UVW_Map].length = 1
$.modifiers[#UVW_Map].width = 1
$.modifiers[#UVW_Map].height = 1
$.modifiers[#UVW_Map].realWorldMapSize = off
$.modifiers[#UVW_Map].utile = 1
$.modifiers[#UVW_Map].vtile = 1
$.modifiers[#UVW_Map].wtile = 1
$.modifiers[#UVW_Map].length = 23.495
$.modifiers[#UVW_Map].width = 22.86
$.modifiers[#UVW_Map].height = 22.86

I found a script that i believe may work. The function is called quadify not quadrify but here it is. now i just need help on how plug it in with mine.

It kind of blows me away to think i need all of this..

fn QuadifyAll obj uv:cb_uv.checked mtl:cb_mtl.checked fID:cb_fid.checked oID:cb_oid.checked =
(
local idList = #(), facesList = #()
local tnt = Bomb strength:0 gravity:0 chaos:0 seed:0 spin:0 detonation:0f minFragmentSize:2 \
maxFragmentSize:2 fallOffEnable:off isHidden:on isSelected:off
bindSpaceWarp obj tnt ; sliderTime = 5f
local objTemp = snapShot obj
delete #(tnt, obj)
if fID do
(
for i in 1 to objTemp.Faces.count do appendIfUnique idList (gfm objTemp i) ; sort idList
if idList.count > 1 do (for i = 1 to idList.count do append facesList #())
if facesList.count != 0 do
(
for i = 1 to objTemp.Faces.count do
(
idx = finditem idList (gfm objTemp i)
append facesList[idx] i
)
)
)
meshop.autoEdge objTemp #{1..(objTemp.Edges.count)} 24 type:#SetClear
meshop.weldVertsByThreshold objTemp #{1..(objTemp.Verts.count)} 0.001
if idList.count != 0 do
(
for i = 1 to facesList.count do
(
for j = 1 to facesList[i].count do sfm objTemp facesList[i][j] idList[i]
)
free facesList ; free idList
)
if mtl then objTemp.material = objMat else objTemp.material = undefined
if oID do objTemp.gbufferchannel = objID
select objTemp ; objTemp
)
on pb_PickObj picked p_obj do
(
if p_obj != undefined do
(
CenterPivot p_obj ; ResetXForm p_obj
convertToMesh p_obj ; select p_obj
pb_PickObj.text = p_obj.name
objMat = p_obj.material
objID = p_obj.gbufferchannel
pb_doit.enabled = on
)
)
on pb_doit pressed do
(
if isValidNode (pickedObj = getNodeByName pb_PickObj.text) do
(
if getCommandPanelTaskMode() != #create do max create mode
undo off with redraw off
(
if cb_uv.checked then
(
addmodifier pickedObj (Unwrap_UVW ())
objTemp = QuadifyAll (snapShot pickedObj)
swap pickedObj.baseobject objTemp.baseobject ; delete objTemp
select pickedObj
)
else
(
objTemp = QuadifyAll pickedObj
objTemp.name = pb_PickObj.text
)
if rb_pm.state == 1 then convertToPoly selection[1] else convertToMesh selection[1]
)
CenterObject pickedObj
pb_PickObj.text = "Pick Object"
pb_doit.enabled = off
)
)
on quadAllRoll close do (gc())
)
createDialog quadAllRoll 150 146 style:#(#style_titlebar, #style_sysmenu, #style_toolwindow)