#lights, etc
6 messages in this thread
I have a couple of questions, mostly to anyone who can answer them. I am
new to 3D Studio, and just finished the tutorials, so maybe I missed
something along the way. Is there an intensity variable for the
light sources? I tried to attempt some neon using the self-illuminating
button, but it isn't very bright and doesn't look a lot like neon. It isn't
bright enough. I wanted to have the neon reflect (for lack of a better
word), the light coming off the neon, that is, but it doesn't seem to work
that way. I don't know how clear that is, but I hope it is enough.
Second, I need a surface mesh (I don't know what to call it exactly) of
ground, basically. Instead of a flat surface, I would like a gently rolling
surface, like hills. I am not sure how to go about this without wasting a
great deal of time, so any help is appreciated.
Last: when is the next version of Animator Pro coming out and what can we
look forward to? (true color, maybe?)
Tim, you're talking about two different things when you mention an
"intensity variable for light sources". First, light sources have sliders
that control their color and intensity (I'm sure you're familiar with
these). That's way different from the intensity of a self-illuminated
material, which has absolutely nothing to do with the light sources (which
is why it's called self-illuminated). The SI materials take the intensity
of the diffuse color and use that, so if your diffuse color is very bright,
the SI material will be very bright in your scene. I'm not sure exactly
what the neon effect you're looking for is, but if you want it to "glow"
the way neon tubes do in atmosphere, you might be interested in the
GLOW.IXP process that I'll be shipping soon. (have you sent you IPAS card
in?)
Regarding your surface mesh question… There's a program called GIFDXF
available somewhere here on the forum that can make rolling landscapes for
you out of Gif files, as can many other utilities. I'm sure one of the
GIFDXF users on the forum can help you out more in that area.
Finally, re AA Pro… there's a new version coming this quarter, but I
can't comment on it until it's formally announced.
– G
your GLOW.IXP program sounds exactly like what I was trying to explain
about with the neon. I did send my IPAS card in almost two weeks ago, so
when is the catalog shipping? Thanks for the rest of the info.
If you sent your IPAS card in within the last two weeks, it's probably
sitting here waiting to get input for the next run (which is scheduled to
go out at the end of next week). You should still get the catalog before
we're ready to ship (which looks like 11/9 or 11/10).
(Of course, if you made the big catalog run by the skin of your teeth,
you'll get your catalog between tomorrow and mid-week next week. They're
being mailed from Houston first class today and tomorrow.)
– G
How are you dealing with overseas mailing. As I can't find the IPAS card I
presume I have sent it. I am still trying to get a copy of the sigraph demo
tape here in the UK. Do you provide (PAL) copies direct. I am a bit out on
a limb here.
Martin
Martin, the IPAS cards aren't being packed out in copies of 3DS that are
sold outside of North America, but that doesn't mean you can't order them
from overseas. If you want a catalog, email your name, address, and 3DSr2
serial number to me and I'll send you one. It includes information about
how to order from overseas.
Regarding the Siggraph tape, you'll have to contact the UK Autodesk office
regarding PAL copies.
– G