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Author
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Topic: DOF coord system question
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Sv
Pilot
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posted 01-18- 11:29 AM
   
I am trying to write an AC3D plugin that lets you select 2 verts and it will display the DOF data to use to create a DOF that uses the line between the two verts as the axis and places the origin in the center.I am having trouble understanding how the DOF coords work. My understanding was that the DOF simply uses the parent model's coord system. But when I set the DOF origin to 0,0,0 in OPS, it does not move the DOF to the origin of the parent- what is the secret? I know that Hippie has a plugin that does this, only it actually makes the DOF update- I can indeed use that in a way, but I am learning how to code anyway. I am looking at his code now to try and figure this out, but understanding what is going on in AC3D is hard enough for me all ready  Thanks 
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-Sv =FC=
WWI in SDOE! IP: Logged |
Sv
Pilot
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posted 01-18- 11:53 AM
Ok, it looks like Hippie just displays the DOF prop list- that is what I was going to do. But now I remember another issue, OpenPlane studio can only handle binary DOF representation, right? So do I just need to update Hippie's OLC tool to write the DOF into the SM file in its binary form rather than in the prop list?As far as I can tell from the OP doc, I need to store the origin and axis etc. info as floats, and then leave the DOF prop list as a terminated string - whew - doea that make any sense? IP: Logged |
Sv
Pilot
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posted 01-18- 12:11 PM
Ok, Hippie's DOF tool messages you with DOF data that is not yet translated- so it is correct in the local coord system of the object I guess. When you export the aircraft from AC3D, the translation is applied.So what I want to do is use the first bit of his code to get the DOF axis and origin, and then add a new part that does the needed translations. The result will be the correct DOF values to add to OPS. Hippie is also using one vert as an origin, I will want to set the final origin between the two verts- in the end what I'm after is a hing tool for control surfaces and especially wing warping hinge DOFS- these are tough because of the diagnal seam and the fact that the wings have more thickness. I also relize that I need to cap the open seams of the wings so you never see a gap when warping them - I will prbably use a triangle on both sides of the center wing section- then I can leave the leading and trialing triangle wing sections open at the seam... What I am wanting to do is load the aircraft in AC3D, then select the two verts that define the vertical center of the wing seam - then use this new tool to find the correct DOF values. IP: Logged |
ArgonV
Pilot
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posted 01-18- 01:35 PM
Sv, if you do this, I will kiss your feet! As it is now... DOFing in OPS is a pain in the arse!!!!  Either the model isnt centered or the rotational DOFs dont stay rotated at the angle you told them to.... an d I hav eno idea why!  If you do this, I will learn Ac3d just to figure out the DOF cords and axis.  IP: Logged |
wakeup tailgunner
Pilot
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posted 01-18- 02:16 PM
If your looking into it, check out my post on DOF's and the AC3D plugin. Whatever hippie's plugin does, it does it wrong at the moment. For some reason, the centres are not where they were. I noticed this with the smoke from engines. Set co-ords to 0,0,0 and the smoke should come from the centre of the part. It comes from the model centre when OL's have been exported. I think this affects the dof's too on the current plugin. Everything else seems to work, bar the fact that you can't update the dof in OPS. Fix the screwy centres and the rest should be easy ..... IP: Logged | |
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