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A:M Forum Rules
GENERAL FORUM GUIDELINES
The A:M Forum is for technical support and the sharing of tips and ideas between users/prospective users of Hash software. It is moderated constantly by technical support representatives.
DO'S!
-Ask questions about the software.
-Assist other users... everyone was new at this once.
-Inform people of your version/platform when asking for help.
-Share resources; tutorials, models, textures, tips and techniques (link to useful websites).
-Post links to your work, or where your art is being used online (on websites, in games, toons', etc.)
-Search the A:M Forum and FAQ. The question you are about to ask may have already been answered.
-Organize and inform others about user groups, IRC chats, image and animation contests, job opportunities, etc.
-Discuss what you are working on and let everyone know about magazine reviews and articles that relate to your projects.
DON'TS!
-Do Not be rude or disrespectful or mean to other forum members in any way. Personal attacks will be removed.
-Do Not post bug/crash reports to the list (send bug/crash reports to http://www.hash.com/reports.
-Do Not complain about forum content. Complaints or suggestions can be sent directly to hash@hash.com
-Do Not reprimand other forum members for violating forum rules, that's the moderators job, which (unless you are a moderator) you are not.
-No complaining or whining on the forum or distribution of misinformation.
-No flames of any kind.
-No Off Topic posts. (Posts in the Off Topics section should be related to A:M in some form or fashion or benefit the A:M community as a whole).
-No soliciting of any kind without prior approval.
-No threads or comparisons related to other 3D Applications.
-No "Wish list" or feature requests, they should be sent to www.hash.com/reports for categorizing and prioritization (User requests define the future development of the software).
-No "me too!" posts
-No discussion of Hash Internal Affairs (finances, advertising, PR.)
-No posting of private email to the forum unless permission of the author is granted. (Private correspondence should remain private)
-No very general questions like: "how do I make a good 3D model" make your questions as complete and concise as possible.
If you have questions as to whether it's appropriate, send it to: support@hash.com, We'll be happy to let you know whether it is, or is not appropriate.
User Led Forum Considerations
Firstly and foremostly, please remember this is Martin Hash's forum and that it is every A:M User's primary resource for information about A:M. In order to remain relevant we need everyone's continuing support and interest.
Secondly, understand there is a distinction between A:M (the program) and the A:M forum. There are some topics and issues that are outside the scope of this forum and most can be deduced by reading through the forum guidelines. These include such things as Hash Inc internal policies, business practices, trade secrets, and specific plans for the future not yet publicly released. Each of these would be fascinating topics of their own but are better reserved for private communications with a representative of Hash Inc.
Related to the second, is purchasing, customer service and other areas outside the purview of the common user who may have no interest in such things; subjects relating to money exchanging hands are beyond the scope of the A:M Forum and often can lead to conflicts of interest between users and/or Hash Inc. (If Hash Inc cuts you a deal on volume purchasing it's really no one else's business). Likewise, individual complaints about a product or service are best remedied by going direct with Hash Inc representatives empowered to make decisions. Please allow them them the time necessary to resolve your specific issue and consider the cost of customized solutions.
This last area is likely the source of much confusion because many see the A:M Forum as the official outlet for Hash Inc... and it is. But the forum is not designed for conducting business and private matters best resolved by going to Hash Inc directly. Similarly, bug reports are best resolved by entering them directly into the A:M Reporting system.
Many problems can be easily addressed at the user level just by asking fellow users in the forum. If someone at Hash Inc suggests the forum as a source, it is very likely a problem can be easily resolved. For tougher issues there is even more reason to take the issue directly to the source... you don't want the issue discussed... you want it resolved quickly.
Finally, remember that we want to pass this forum on to future moderators and generations of A:M Users in the absolute best condition possible. A:M is just that good a program and is worthy of our consideration.
Thanks for making the A:M Forum a great community.
4,155 topics in this forum
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- 7 replies
- 674 views
Could anybody tell me how to make an object look like it's moving realistically. U know like those blue suits and they add the CG character to those actions? HELP
Last reply by Rooky Animator, -
- 1 follower
- 20 replies
- 1.5k views
Hi again, I seeem to be having a problem grasping combining actions to render a movie of a few minutes. I understand the concept of the shift-keyframe to go from say the resolute walk and have the character perform other actions in a new choreography action. I also added a dialog action with a new choreography action and that works fine. That all takes about 9 seconds. Here is the character flow I have so far. - Character walks across the screen (resolute walk) - Character sits in a chair and turns head to face front - Character speaks and the mouth is animated That all works fine and I couldn't be happier. Now, I need the character to turn his hea…
Last reply by greg, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 319 views
Ok, I'm getting there on this project.... What is better, to make one long path for the character to move on, or different paths to move on? I have a character carrying in books, setting them down and leaving, and returning with another book. Should I create one path for the character to follow or make new paths each time they enter? When I try to add another constraint the program does not like it very much! Anyone used more then one path?
Last reply by bighop, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 311 views
I added an action to my time line and it disappeared. I do have the path ease set so the model stops on at the end of the path, so the new action can take over. But it is not there for me to edit. Anyone with any ideas?
Last reply by bighop, -
I'm still new at all this, but to all you that have helped me and all you that probably will in the future (haha), a big heartfelt thanks to all the information you guys have given me. Hope all your holidays are great! Steven
Last reply by flashawd, -
- 1 follower
- 10 replies
- 482 views
Ok.. i'm attempting to add a light to my lamp so I can have it turn off/on, etc. However, I can only move the light left or right or back or forward. I can't move it up or down?? I press the "N" key but the only option is left or right. What is going on? Anyone?
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 3 replies
- 444 views
sorry 2 bother u guys but, is it just me, or should i say my pc? or is the video tutorials at http://www.hash.com/VM/ not working.? let me know thx:)
Last reply by LIGHTBEING, -
- 2 replies
- 312 views
Hi folks, I am having some difficulty in using an .mov-file as rotoscope or layer. I can see it working as a sequence in the imagefolder but cant set the range in the chor somehow. Whenever I write some bigger values in there it jumps back to a one frame range. What can I be possibly missing here? Thanks for your help.
Last reply by Dhar, -
- 4 replies
- 305 views
Hi - I am working on a new gorilla character and creating several hair systems - is it possible to turn the hair systems "off" - while the rest of the character is being modelled. I wanted to do all the work of moving and brushing the hair particles, but didn't want to have to remove the hair systems off parts of the model while creating the rest of it - or even during an animation - it will be way to slow to animate him, with the hair turned on - didn't know if I had to do everything else with the model and do the hair last. Thanks - Eric
Last reply by flashawd, -
- 22 replies
- 1.2k views
Afternoon everyone. I'm getting back into this again after the clean up here in California from the fires. So, I apologize if i'm rusty or sound stupid, but, I have an animation (simplistic), using the lamp (the pixar looking one). I want to animate it (which i've done so far). I want to have that light bulb turn on or stay on. How do I add a light source to the lamp? Thanks!
Last reply by Steven547, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 281 views
Ok, this is driving me nuts. I've been working on this for a few days now: I'm making an introduction for a video my 4th graders are going to make. The animation is just an intro I'm doing, not the whole movie. I watched the video "constraints and compensate mode" prior to doing this: 1. I made the two models. The idea is the eraser model is going to carry in models I made of of our textbooks. 2. The Eraser model has the Hash 2001 rig, and it works...that is a whole another story. 3. I made the path, and constrained it to the model of the book. 4. I added the action the model, and it works fine Now as the model walks, the book moves rather odd. …
Last reply by bighop, -
- 8 replies
- 542 views
I have been on and off the video tutorials for the last 6 months, part of it being my problem to get AM to work. I followed video tutorial http://www.hash.com/ftp/VM/EX13BackBone/ about three times, and found that while I build the model, AM would somehow swap LEFT and RIGHT bones (arms and legs) in the middle of session. After my second try, I realized even if the bones were swapped (reversed), if I saved the model and re-open it, the bones revert back to it's proper orientation. However, when I opened up ACTION mode for each of the three models I built, the LEFT and RIGHT ankle seemed to be stuck in the same motion (when I moved RIGHT foot, LEFT foot would simulta…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 3 replies
- 249 views
Hey all, I'm having a bit of trouble with Bones. When I select CPs to attach to a Bone, is there anyway I can DEselect CPs if I make a mistake? I tried every possible key+mouseclick combo I could think of... And is there any way to attach a group from the model hierarchy to a Bone? I'm running A:M 12.0n I understand there is a later version for the YETI CD, but the FTP site is a mess. Multiple version scattered around and I haven't got a clue which one to download. Thanks for your help.
Last reply by Luuk Steitner, -
- 1 follower
- 8 replies
- 662 views
Hi everyone. I'm trying to model this very basic shape, whatever it is, and I somehow made a 3-point patch, I've no idea how, but I need to do it again, I checked on boards and in TAOM but there's no mention of 3-point patches. All I got is "a patch must be composed of at least 3 points, but no more than 4." If I draw a simple 3-point spline, it won't make a patch when I change to Shaded mode, but this one does, I copied the three splines and pasted them a little farther in my image to show what I mean. Another thing I noticed about that is that the copied version seems to be, very clearly, fatter than the original. The shape wasn't altered in any way. I th…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 5 replies
- 489 views
Hi there, I am struggeling to import liveaction into A:M. When i select a file that i have recorded and try to import as a rotoscope it comes up with the following error: This happens for avi and mov. Can someone please help me elliot
Last reply by elliotclem1, -
- 3 replies
- 399 views
Well, hello ...I've been searching and I asked this question too into another post without very luck for now but I think the reason could have been it has gone unnoticed there, so... I'll try new luck here. I'm treating to take advantage of Expressions in general for some automatic movement tasks and specially of that command called "Rand()" but I have a doubt about how could I modify his "temp", do you know how I could get more quick or slow variations with that Rand() value? I mean, I know I can vary the "Amplitude" in this way Rand()*100-50 (in example), but I can't figure how could I vary the "wavelength" to control the velocity with that random movements are ge…
Last reply by itsjustme, -
- 4 replies
- 488 views
Hi Everyone, The other night I was working on a scene and the software crashed for some reason. Fortunately, I wrote down all of the Key Frame information, prior to the crash. It was then that I thought, what would of happened if I didn't write it down. Is there a way to save or print this information, for future use or in case of a crash? Thanks, Bob
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 10 replies
- 775 views
Well, although I love Expressions, it seems that always I try to take advantage of them something is going wrong, so I think the best thing I could do is treat to joint all my headaches in an only one theath, and... well, here in the first: In this case I wanted to resolve my pourpose by Relationships but for some reason it seems I can't add a Relationship to a Constrain value... So I'm treating to apply a simple Expresion from one value in a Constrained bone to another one in to another Constrained bone, I mean, one value is managed by another similar value, at first sight it seems nothing could be wrong, isn't? But as you can see here... ConstrainEaseValue_Exp…
Last reply by itsjustme, -
- 5 replies
- 447 views
Hi guys, I've finding the odd bug in my version of AM, 13.0, e.g. when scaling a spline I get, "error loading string:-1". Is there a software patch that fixes this and any other bugs and, if so, where can I find it? Many thanks. Andrew
Last reply by Fuchur, -
- 2 replies
- 358 views
Hi Everyone, In TWO, I have noticed that each of the animators needed to properly locate their character in the scene before animating so that the character did not jump in location from animator to animator. Does anyone know how they did that? Thanks, Bob
Last reply by Jentham2000, -
- 1 reply
- 339 views
i'm working on putting live action with cg but every time i want to load a rotoscope it says that the AVI file does not contain a video stream? what do i do?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 26 replies
- 1.8k views
Hello, another newbie question ...Well, that's all, I've been looking for a surface option or a material with no luck... Do you know how could I add some blur to an object or a group of patches? There must be a way, isn't?? Well, I hope... THANKS!
Last reply by Ramón López, -
- 1 follower
- 14 replies
- 951 views
Hi Everyone, Someday I hope to make my own commercial, and perhaps even a short clip. I know I am WAY ahead of myself, but I am curious.... When creating a clip, do you create 4 or 5 choreography projects and then paste them together? If so, can it be done in A:M or is something else required? What techniques does someone use and has anyone ever made a tutorial or training vid for this. Also, I would someday like to add text in the clip such as subtitles and a tag at the end. Can it be done in A:M or is something else required? What techniques does someone use and has anyone ever made a tutorial or training vid for this. Thanks again, Bob
Last reply by Jentham2000, -
- 3 replies
- 446 views
We are trying to open the door for Shaggy to walk through later but it starts opening at the first keyframe.
Last reply by Short Circuit, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 350 views
Hi Everyone, I am working on a project and I need to adjust the lighting from the default in the choreography window. I have the reference manual, but I can't seem to find examples of what each type of light does, and how to use it. Do you know if there is a Tutorial available, or maybe a secondary website from one of the members? Thanks, Bob
Last reply by Jentham2000, -
- 4 replies
- 419 views
Hi Everyone, What is the best way to get a quick sample clip when Rendering? Are any of the video formats faster? I have just been choosing "LOW" for the resolution which seems to be quicker. Regards, Bob
Last reply by Jentham2000, -
- 1 reply
- 349 views
sorry to annoy you guys yet again, but i have another question... how do you do teardrops on a face and such?
Last reply by Dhar, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 571 views
I'm getting good at modeling. Well, decent, anyway. Now I'm trying to set up rigs. I'm very young and naive in the way of animating my models. (These are my babies, and I'm trying to teach them to walk!). But I'm trying to get a grasp on it so I can become like many of the wizards who reside here. So, I'm learning to rig and I'm getting the concept. I think I can rig a character pretty well from all of the learning resources I've found here. But the part that is confusing me is the constraints. I "get" the concept and how to do it, but I have to set up an action in order to get that option. Is there a way to set up a constraint such that every time I import that cha…
Last reply by zandoriastudios, -
- 2 followers
- 8 replies
- 984 views
It's probably something really stupid that everyone knows how to fix but me, of course, I'd really appreciate any help. I've attached a file to show my issue, see the little black things on the side of my mode? I want them gone, makes rendering fuzz, how do I fix it? Thanks in advance for any help. untitled.bmp
Last reply by phatso, -
- 2 followers
- 12 replies
- 1.7k views
Hi Everyone, Somewhere in my past searches, I found the 1998 Manual. For a newbie, it explained some of the various terms and methods that most users seem to know but I am unaware of. I know that some of things have chanegd, but, having the very basic knowledge can make the learning process easier and greatly speed up the learning curve. Does anyone know of a link where I can find them? Thanks, Bob
Last reply by Jentham2000, -
- 5 replies
- 591 views
Hi Everyone, Attached is my first render of an idea that I am working on. The House and Thom were modeled by others. My portion is the Letterbox Chor, and my first time using a video editor to place the text in the bottom corner. For a newbie, I am happy so far. Not satisfied, just happy to make somehting useful. My question is, how do I add a textured background or clouds to this shot? I looked in Camera 1 but it looks like you can only change the color. Also, would anyone know how to extend the grass/sidewalk on the right and left sides of the house. Thanks again for help.... Regards,Bob Comm1.mpg
Last reply by Jentham2000, -
- 2 replies
- 410 views
I am following the guide by David Rogers, and when I make my patches the outer edges of splines turn into hexagon shapes. Like when making a sphere, it is round but with the hexagon look to it. I hope someone understands what i am saying, meaning i hope i am explaining it clearly and in the right way. thanks for any help. Steve
Last reply by phatso, -
- 6 replies
- 831 views
Does any one know a way to animate a bicycle chain. I've puzzled over this for some time. I even tried placing a bone in each link with not much luck. All the other parts are working fine, but it just looks silly with the chain not moving. Camillo
Last reply by Camillo, -
- 7 replies
- 860 views
I'm looking for an online group! I'm a begginer (Learning) So please tell me if you want to invite me to a group! thnks
Last reply by thebestkiller, -
- 3 replies
- 374 views
Hi Everyone, I have short chor project that I would like to render in a Letterbox Format. I believe I am looking for 720 x 480 resolution or similar. Is there a way to set this, or hopefully is there a letterbox option or button? Thanks again, Bob
Last reply by Jentham2000, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 813 views
i am trying to render a movie with one of my alien models, and it's about 2 minutes.... and the estimated render time is 200 hours O_O is it supposed to do this? if so, then..... well, i don't know what i'll do.
Last reply by heyvern, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 490 views
Hello, Somehow I solved the problem of the character not mouthing the words from my previous post. I'm not sure what worked but the character now does mouth the words from the voice action. However, when I render the clip which is about 11 seconds long a couple of things are not right. First I have a picture in the camera shot which I imported. When I move through the frames in A:M the image is visible when I want and not visible as I've set the active option in the properties. However, in the AVI render the image does not appear. Also in the rendered AVI the dialog is greatly speeded up. Probably at least three times normal speed. But when flipping through t…
Last reply by greg, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 336 views
Hello, I've been working a lot on the 2001 rig, now I have been reading about a squetch rigg? What is this? Is this only with the V14? Do I have to relearn everything?
Last reply by bighop, -
- 2 replies
- 348 views
Hi all The latest sticking point I've been having with a small project I've been working on. I just finished creating one of the first 3d set pieces I've been experimenting with In this case a stairway. (Yes I know It has a way to go but bear with me) Anyway what I want to do is animate a tracking shot going up the stairs. The problem I'm having Is I mostly have figured out how to manipulate the camera and I think some of my attempts are working. But so far I haven't even figured out how to look through camera 1 so even If I'm doing everything else right for the render I'm flying blind. All suggestions are welcome and with any luck this isn't too stupid a que…
Last reply by Montanto, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 522 views
is there a tutorial to show how to model a cartoon eye like bugs bunny, i look every were cant find what i am loking for thank you very much in advance
Last reply by pitbull, -
- 6 replies
- 588 views
Hi all! I've got this skeleton I'm working on and I want to make the surface look older. I'd like to keep it simple and found some of the tutorials rather complex (like UV mapping). Anyone have a good suggestion on how to weather his joints? It looks like the weathering option is gone from version 13; is there something similar?
Last reply by agep, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 421 views
Hello all, I made a simple model, not so simple that I couldn't apply the 2001 rig to it. I'm using v13. I assigned all the bones, but the leg and foot bones disappear when I try to make an action. Also, the "Hip orientate" does not seem to stay with the leg bones, is it suppose to? Is there any other option other then rigging again?
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 277 views
Hello, I know this have been covered before, but I'm not getting it. I followed the tutorial several times, but it does not work for me. I made a simple model. I followed the steps for bounding the bones. But when I apply an action to it, it freaks out! Does v14 resolve any of this? I know I must be missing something, but I have no idea what. Any help would be great! **The biggest problem is the legs, the knees bend backwards. I didn't rotate any bones, so I don't know how that could happen.
Last reply by bighop, -
- 1 follower
- 6 replies
- 546 views
I build a model for a book. I then did a save as, so I could use the base model for other books. I got this message:
Last reply by bighop, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 432 views
Hi, I've gone through the "Combining CG Characters With Live Action Tutorial" here (http://www.hash.com/users/ed/tutorials/fpm/fpm.htm). I have built my shadow-catching models to scale (using a ruler on the real scene) and placed them correctly in reference to the camera. I have all the correct image properties on the shadow-catching objects and have turned Front Projection ON, but when I render them, I can see them as DARK distortions to the scene. I want the shadow, but not the CG objects darkening the areas in which they appear. I have tried bringing the "falloff" down as close to zero as possible, but the CG shadow-catching objects don't disappear into…
Last reply by NancyGormezano, -
- 5 replies
- 551 views
Hi! Yeah, that is... All my raytraced proyected shadows seem to me like a bit "sharp" and I think there must be a light option to avoid it in the same way I can add blur (or smooth) to my Z-Buffered shadows, isn't? Although I've been study all the options unsuccessfully and finally I don't know if really I won't be missing something about all this... Ohhh, this damned A:M curse! Always a newbie... THANKS!
Last reply by Ramón López, -
- 3 replies
- 411 views
i was wondering...what is a proxy model?
Last reply by LIGHTBEING, -
- 1 follower
- 8 replies
- 499 views
Hello again, I'm making progress with A:M but of course now I get to the hard part adding a voice. I have a choreography where at the end I want to have a character, Eddie for the time being, say a sentence. I've watched the "Can you say that" tutorials and I think I'm doing things correctly. I've created a new action in my choreography for Eddie, imported my WAV file, created the dope sheet and moved the words so that it synchs up. I've saved the action and then put it into the choreography where it is supposed to go on the timeline. However, Eddie's lips don't move. The audio file plays but no lip movement. Earlier in the choreography I did make Eddie smile …
Last reply by greg, -
- 0 replies
- 270 views
I've created an action from a BVH motion capture file and tailored it to work well with the Gala female model from the A:M library. The animation looks fine in the action window and also looks right if I apply it to the Gala model in the Choreography on frame 0. If however I move the action to start on frame 100 in the choreography it no longer works correctly. The model slides all over the place and all of the translations and rotations seem wrong. The further the action is away from frame 0 in the choreography the worse the effect is. I want to be able to apply more than 1 Mocap derived action to the model within the choreograpy, the 1st action will work fine on fr…
Last reply by cookey, -
- 2 replies
- 388 views
Hey guys, So, I've been trying to figure out how to stop hair from passing through my characters face. I've read a post that said, turn on object collisions in dynamics. I did this, but it only keeps the hair from passing through the scalp. I changed the collision radius, but the higher number I go, the hair becomes a crazy mess. It looks like my character is under water. Thanks. Justin
Last reply by jmart714,