CompuServe Thread

Paul, Yes, sometimes i have the same problem, even though i have a system with 64 MB RAM, only dedicated to 3DS3. I found out that it has sometimes (not logic at all) to do with the IFL-file (when i have more than 999 entries in my IFL-file than it gives me this message) When i do the rendering in two steps, everything is OK. MAYBE THIS HELPS Theo

Hi Paul, << During the rendering process I receive an error message (NO RAM FOR BITMAP). Now one would obviously think that my 8meg of Ram is insufficient, but this is geometry I have rendered countless times without error. >> I searched for previous related threads but I don't have any. I seem to remember this from last Nov or Dec. I'll look a bit deeper into my archives. If someone has a previoius post, please feel free to jump in.. I'd like to know if this is R3 or R4, what scene info reported, what Info Status is reporting and if you are using IFL's? jonas[adesk]

Hi Paul, I've received that error in the past when I start working with hi-resolution texture maps. Varying resolutions of the maps will require different amounts of memory to be used for rendering. The resolution you are rendering at can also be a factor. You mentioned that you've done successful renders before. Assuming that your texture maps resolution stays the same, what resolution has produced a successful rendering? What resolution is failing? Also, what shade mode was active for the successful render? A Metal shade mode will use more memory than a Gouraud mode. Another thing that may be affecting the problem is the amount of memory that is used already. Upon entering 3DS, you have X amount of ram available. You may do some successful test renders, which uses and doesn't free memory, then try a final rendering and receive the message. Try rendering the model at your desired resolution after exiting 3DS, to free all memory, and re-entering 3DS. Load the model and render with all memory available. I hope this helps, Bob

>>no ram… Perhaps another thing to consider: since your last successful render, have you installed ANY other software that might be taking a bit more memory from your system? (such as a driver, or changing some configuration parameter such as FILES or BUFFERS) Since 8-megs is at best marginal, your system may benefit from a separate 3DS boot configuration following the old adage "less is more" – boot without anything extra (CD-ROM, etc) to free up memory. Also, have you added/changed any maps, shadow-casting spotlights, or resolutions? BTW, my Gateways have around 40 megs each, and that is still occasionally not enough. JKJ

Paul, Have you started using Smart Drive or something like that possibly? If you've rendered this in the past then either something has changed or something is wrong. Because the message you're getting isn't typical of a hardware problem (unless you count not having enough RAM <g>) I'd venture to say you've changed something. It doesn't matter if you're rendering a single test frame or a 500 frame animation. Memory usage will be pretty much the same for both of them. Go through your setting and make sure you're not rendering to a higher resolution, using a projector light, a new refmap, etc. etc. etc. It could be anything. Try rendering to VGA 320×200 and see if it works. Leave more info. if you have problems and I'm sure you'll get an answer. Good luck. Dave Mennenoh