Chain Maker is a little script that quick make an easy chain, pattern-limit free and ready to animate.
Installation :
Just place "chainMaker.mel" and "makeChain.mel" into your script directory (i.e MyDocsmaya*version*scripts)
Reboot Maya, then follow the instructions.
How to use :
- First, select the objects you want to be the patterns (in the order you want them to be placed) You can select more than one object before selecting the curve.
- Then select the curve you want to be the path
- Finally, run the script or type "chainMaker;" (without the quotes " " ) in the quick MEL command (so you can make a shelf button)
---- Ready for Animation ! ----
The script adds an Attribute "Roll" to the path Curve which controls the rotation of all the pieces. Integers corresponds to a complete revolution along the curve. (For instance, a value of 1 equals to 1 complete revolution, 2 equals to 2...)
Then you can connect the roll Attribute to the rotation of an object and make for instance a realistic-animated bike chain.
---- PARAMETERS EXPLANATIONS ----
Fit to Curve : (Default = Active) When active, it calculates automatically how many patterns are needed to fill best the curve (size of pattern objects are calculated in World Space, with minX / maxX bounding box coordinates).
Max Count : (Default = 4) When "Fit to Curve" is inactive, max Count is directly the number of duplicate that you want. The patterns will be spread regularly along the curve.
Delete Originals :(Default = Inactive) When active, delete original objects that have been used as patterns.
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Tested Maya 2008 x64 Extension 2 and Maya 8.5 x64
This script still in work, so if you have any comment or idea to improve it, don't hesitate !
Benyaminu
Please use the Bug System to report any bugs.
Please use the Feature Requests to give me ideas.
Please use the Support Forum if you have any questions or problems.
Please rate and review in the Review section.
Please use the Feature Requests to give me ideas.
Please use the Support Forum if you have any questions or problems.
Please rate and review in the Review section.
