multiple copy's on a path constraint question

[Anonymous]

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

[Anonymous]

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.

[leeminardi]

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

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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

 Video to follow.

[Anonymous]

seems strange I have to do it this way.

[leeminardi]

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

[Anonymous]

sure thing

[leeminardi]

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

[Anonymous]

sure can 

[leeminardi]

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.

[Anonymous]

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!

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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

Have a good weekend!

[leeminardi]

Looks promising.  Good luck.