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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.
4,158 topics in this forum
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- 12 replies
- 742 views
Hello - I got this question all the way to the last part, and having trouble there. I am trying to play a 10 second video clip on a object (television) I created. I imported the video clip as a sequence of targa images, and set it as a decal on the (television). That worked great and when I scrolled across the timeline it played the video. The problem is when I pull the TV into a Chor it doesn't show the video when I render it. Not sure what I am doing wrong - is there a setting in the options that I am missing or something? Thank you - Eric
Last reply by MMZ_TimeLord, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 474 views
I tried this tutorial of a pumpkin I found online, everything going great until I hit the part where (as far as I got it right) I need to use a gradient to put on my pumpkin like some sort of skin? But the toturial didn't say how to access this gradient menu, and all I got from the Forums is just that. That gradient is some sort of a skin or colour thing I need to apply on my model? I'm using AM 2003 v. 10.5o. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I really wanna complete this model since it's my first one and it's lookig pretty kick ass... for a pumpkin... Thanks for the help.
Last reply by Telvak, -
- 7 replies
- 658 views
ok, i have this light, with lens flares, and when i render it, i can't see it, what do i do?
Last reply by PeterS, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 456 views
i'm trying to learn the v13s.... 1. can you scale a bone along with it's cp's when modeling? 2. how do i numerically and absolutely change the position of a cp when modeling? i thought there was a little triangle that would call up a box with the xyz coords, but i can't find that anymo. everyone old is new again.... -jon
Last reply by jon, -
- 1 reply
- 440 views
Ok after getting a new computer I Installed AM but never ended up using it until now. Now I'm confused where do i save things so that i can pull them up in the libraries?
Last reply by Newbert_Zero, -
- 8 replies
- 608 views
Hi, When I output an animation to either AVI or MOV format, and then bring it into a video editing program such as Sony's Vegas Movie Studio or Windows Movie maker, the video file (the animation I brought in) shows these really annoying lines. Take a look at the sample I've provided here. Why does it do this and how can I make A:M render a movie that does not show these lines? I've used both Multipass and no-multipass, tried VGA format, Super 35, and VistaVision. They all show the same problem. I am using A:M 2004 (V 11.0) if that makes a difference. Maybe the latest version of A:M would not do this? I don't mind purchasing it if it would fix the prob…
Last reply by TurboGorilla, -
- 4 replies
- 436 views
hi every one i lost the name of the extension to make swf from a:m scenes pleaz help me to find it out best regards from france steff
Last reply by stefff285, -
- 6 replies
- 770 views
I was trying to access the AM films section and it doesn't work. Is it down or is there another area to view animations created by AM?
Last reply by cribbidaj, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 585 views
When i make something, and i pess low quallity shading it looks for the most part fine and when i make it high quality it looks terible and theres all these andom lines that i didn't make. why is that and how do i prevent it from happening if you know? Pictures:
Last reply by Ganthofer, -
- 3 replies
- 428 views
I'd like to use the sweeper plug-in, and I can't seem to find it. From what I've read, it should be in version 13. I'm using 13s. When I right click - Plug-Ins - Wizards - all I have is "Terrain, Grid, Font, AI and Extruder". So, if anyone can help me find the plug-in, that would be super. EDIT: I've discovered that sweeper.hxt is in my hxt folder - so I HAVE it - I just can't get it to show up from within A:M.
Last reply by PeterS, -
- 22 replies
- 1.6k views
The production company I'm currently Interning for uses a combination of Maya and 3DS Max for all their 3D work. We work closely with sports teams and produce 3D logos for in Arena playback. To do this, we import Illustrator files as editable splines and texture and extrude the logo's faces. As i use A:M at home, I'd like to know if anyone has tried this function?
Last reply by SCDonnelly, -
- 13 replies
- 544 views
Hi - is it possible to add a video clip (.avi) to a chor scene - have it playing on a plasma screen tv somehow? Thanks- Eric
Last reply by flashawd, -
- 1 reply
- 338 views
I just upgraded my Animation Master program. I hope It's easier to use this program. I have been practicing on my jety v13, I did all the exerscies that came in the book; But I would like to learn faster. Does anybody know about taking a course on line? The video tutorials are ok. But I need something more explainatory.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 319 views
Hi All, New-user here with a first-time post. I'm having a problem with rendering in AM. It used to work fine, but then I lost some of the presets (I only have multipass, sterophonic, and real time left). Then it started locking up the whole program with a blank window when I hit render. Now, it renders in under a second and without the same quality despite being set on "final". Is there a way to reset the render presets, or do I need to reinstall the whole program. Or, any other ideas? Thanks, Pete
Last reply by Pete-NY, -
- 1 reply
- 260 views
I completed the CanCan exercise and in the render to file option I changed the range to be 3 seconds (300). After the CanCan was rendered they danced only for 2 seconds with the last second they just stood -- it didn't animate the last second. Am I doing something wrong? BTW I'm using version 9.5b. Could use your help!!!
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 3 replies
- 370 views
double edit: *Nose hello, im trying to attach the giraffe nose to the head in exercise 11. am i extending all the splines from the head to attach to the 5 nose splines? I have 5 splines making up the nose. do the top and bottom splines attach to the very top and bottom of the nose splines and then i should have 6 inner splines with each pair attaching to the corresponding nose spline? If im not making sense let me know and i will try again I searched this and didnt see what i was looking for. edit: is there a trick to attaching the splines without spinning around and moving until you finally get them to connect? thanks in ad…
Last reply by necromancer120, -
- 0 replies
- 269 views
Can someone please describe the radiosity settings and how they are used? Maybe even some examples?? Thanks.
Last reply by thetanman, -
- 1 follower
- 8 replies
- 977 views
I've learned that i need to upgrade to an ATI RADEON graphics card, rather than an NVIDIA graphics card. which RADEON card do you recomend? and do RADEON cards work ok in a computer having an intel VIIV DUAL CORE PROCESSER E6400?
Last reply by DarkLimit, -
- 19 replies
- 1.4k views
Ok.. I'm still confused on the "keyframe". I'm looking through my manual and not finding what or how to do what I want. I'm creating an action with a Penguin. He lifts his right foot, moves it to his right, THEN he is supposed to move his LEFT foot and move it to his right. However, his LEFT foot is moving at the same time his right foot is. Where do I find how or on screen, where is it, on how to lock this left foot until I want it to move? Thanks Steven
Last reply by Steven547, -
- 1 reply
- 347 views
I'm trying to put Kee Kat into a chair but his feet stay or at least his legs extend with his feet pointing toward the original location. How do I stop that? I tried deleting the foot target but that didn't work.
Last reply by Dhar, -
- 3 replies
- 372 views
A couple of prelim questions for a project I'm going to be fooling around with involving a tv showing images. I understand how to apply a video/image sequence as a decal, so that's not my question. I'm looking for a very refractive screen, more refractive than realistic, so the "projection" distorts as the screen rotates. Do I want to: --make a screen with transparent/refractive materials and place it in front of a flat patch with the video decal? --make a screen and apply the decal to the "back" of the screen? Also, how is refraction calculated? Would I want just a one-sided (2-dimensional), one-patch screen (well, it'd be a couple of patches to accommod…
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 377 views
Hi - I am a newbie to materials and how they work - I am looking through the tech ref and it is talking about Material Diplacement - they show 100% - 200% and it looks like actual bumps instead of just a flat surface. When I used Roughness and Roughness scale it doesn't give the bumpy look - just distorts the colors to make it look bumpy, but still has the flat look. I am not getting something here, can anyone clue me in. Here is a great example of a "real" look to everything I am looking to learn to do courtesy of Matt W Bradbury http://www.hash.com/users/amfeatu...pertiesRoom.jpg Thanks - Eric
Last reply by flashawd, -
- 5 replies
- 442 views
I'm in the process of building a set and it occurred to me to wonder if I should assemble all the pieces of the set into one model file that can be dropped whole into a cho, or should I keep the pieces of it in separate model files and then assemble all of those inside a cho file? The elements will all remain static (nothing will need to move around.) Will it make a difference?
Last reply by largento, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 948 views
Hello, I was in Fry's the other night and just happened to find a copy of the A:M software while looking at video editing applications (I do quite a bit of audio engineering and mixing and just got into video). Anyway, animation and modeling strikes me as fun. I have no goal for using the software other than something fun to do during spare time and if I were to get good enough, perhaps have some fun composing music for short animated videos. Anyway, to the question: I have no animation or modeling background, so how realistic is it that I would be able to learn how to use this software? More specifically, I guess I'm looking to figure out whether the time i…
Last reply by Bob Savage, -
Can anyone suggest some ideas to get a realistic looking carpet? Thanks - Eric
Last reply by flashawd, -
- 7 replies
- 562 views
Hi again, I need help making simple shapes e.g a box. At the moment i have to use the pre made ones. Someone please help me. I make a simple box shape by extruding but only a few sides are shaded the rest are see though. How can i go about this?
Last reply by elliotclem1, -
- 2 replies
- 385 views
Hi, i have a problem when i apply tranparency to a model with a decal, the problem is with the light, when i do a progresive render the light passes right through my model, but when i do a final render the light just stays there.....can someone help?
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 6 replies
- 738 views
I have a choreography where the Knight character is hanging from a wall, and he needs to swing his body up over the top. I've studied videos of "urban" climbers, who climb walls, buiding etc, and what they do is swing their legs so that they can hook one leg over the top of the wall. To do that the pivot point is centered at about the neck and shoulders. No matter what I've tried, I can't get the knight to swing properly. I have the hands constrained to the wall so that they don't move during the swing. I've tried swinging the model bone in an arc, and moving the feet and hips in an arc, both to no avail. Most of the time, the hands get really screwed up, and…
Last reply by Geophizz, -
- 1 reply
- 452 views
Just wondering, do any retail stores sell Animation Master? Is it exclusive to the Hash website and I saw a few posts about buying at expos and trade shows. Don't get me wrong I want Hash to get credited for the sale, just want to go right to store and buy when I can, if possible. Thanks.
Last reply by ssappington, -
- 6 replies
- 590 views
I was just wondering if I were to create my own models using the program for commercial use such as a video game or 3d movie, would I have to pay royalties of any kind to Hash Inc? If so what are the terms of use of the program? I tried using the search feature for "Commercial Use" and "Royalties" in the forums however it did not come up with a definitive answer to my question. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 4 replies
- 582 views
Hi all! I have made some spaceships that I have made shields for. And I need an effect when something hits the shield. Any ideas on how it should look? I have thought on a "rings on water" effect. But more ideas would be great! Thanks!
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 334 views
ive been having some trouble adding control points to a line lately sometimes it works just fine, but sometimes i just cant select it, or add to it why is this?
Last reply by zandoriastudios, -
- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 361 views
No matter which blending mode I choose, I don't see anything happen between actions. I just get a hard cut from one to the other. I tried overlapping the actions and then I had no actions at all. I had to delete all actions and start over. To me blending means to transition from action to the other, that probably not correct. None the less, I don't see any transition from one action to the other even when "Transistion to next action" is selected. Any insights?
Last reply by Mind's Clay, -
- 1 follower
- 6 replies
- 665 views
Greetings; I hope someone here can give me some advice. I am considering purchasing animation master. I am a professional clown and magician, so it would be fun for me to learn a new skill that will help me express my creative side, but I am primarilly considering buying it for my teenage kids. My son is deep into comics, not much of an artist but has lots of ideas he has trouble getting on to paper because he can't draw. My daughter just learned how to use a graphics program and loves creating new pages and posters. Both kids are comfortable with computers and drag and drop graphic software and with acid, the software I use to create music. Is animation master som…
Last reply by KenH, -
- 4 replies
- 379 views
AGGhh! Outbid with five seconds to go on AM on ebay. Looks like it will be a little longer before I get AM. OH well I will just have to save alot of milk money for awhile. lol! I will have AM one day, I just hate waiting.
Last reply by Stronghorn, -
copy error
by phatso- 1 reply
- 339 views
All of a sudden, paste keyframe mirrored doesn't work. I can paste keyframes the regular way, but when I try to do it mirrored, nothing happens. (No, it's not greyed out.) I'm using V12 (my upgrade hasn't arrived yet.) What am I doing wrong? While I'm at it - when I'm working on an action, the "play" button is greyed out. I have to click on "shortcut to...", then on a render button, then esc to get out of render. That makes the play button available. I've tried reloading the program, taking the CD out and putting it back, and everything else I can think of. Please do take pity on po' little me.
Last reply by phatso, -
- 0 replies
- 321 views
Greetings; I hope someone here can give me some advice. I am considering purchasing animation master. I am a professional clown and magician, so it would be fun for me to learn a new skill that will help me express my creative side, but I am primarilly considering buying it for my teenage kids. My son is deep into comics, not much of an artist but has lots of ideas he has trouble getting on to paper because he can't draw. My daughter just learned how to use a graphics program and loves creating new pages and posters. Both kids are comfortable with computers and drag and drop graphic software and with acid, the software I use to create music. Is animation master som…
Last reply by jedlie, -
- 1 follower
- 13 replies
- 899 views
Hi - I have no idea what I am doing, but the fire tutorial and a couple hours of playing around got me to the point of having the jet engine fire for my fan character I'm working on. It didn't come out half bad, but and suggestions to make it better would be more than welcome. http://www.flashanimationwebsitedesign.com...urningFan3.html My question is- I have a choreograph scene that I put my character in and also the object "smoke" which has the "fireMaterial" dropped on it. That is what I rendered 5 seconds of at the above link. I used the "smoke.mdl" and images for the sprites that goes along with the fire tutorial. The idea is to have the characte…
Last reply by flashawd, -
- 9 replies
- 572 views
im not new to animation master. just bones. im not very good at applying bones or manipulating them once there in. any tips?
Last reply by no_wang_involved, -
- 9 replies
- 930 views
I was wondering if anyone one would be interested in me making a tutorial. I don't claim to know all the ins and outs of AM but I have learned a lot working full time for the past 2 1/2 years. I mainly am a modeler, so I could do some tutorials showing how I built some things. I was thinking about some exercises for beginners, then move to more specific items like cars or buildings. So anyone interested? They would be free for all. Hopefully I could post them on the forums.
Last reply by Stronghorn, -
- 0 replies
- 317 views
hey, what did i did wrong with this one? rabbit seems like hes on a hurry! walk.mov
Last reply by adrian_ruvalcaba, -
- 6 replies
- 520 views
I have been toying around with a number of programs, recently I purchased a program called iclone studio. Do any of you know if AM is along the same line of program, well assuming you might know what iclone studio is. Anyway, it seems that it might have been wiser if I had found the program, AM first. Right now, it is not within my budget to purchase AM. But I intend to someday. I will keep exploring the forums and learning what I can. Thanks for aany advice in advance. Have a good day.
Last reply by KenH, -
- 6 replies
- 427 views
Hello guys... I have a basic question, so I thought it would be best to post it here. I want to combine live-action with a CG-character. The CG-Character is a simple one like Thom from the cd... (a bit more complex so, but doesnt matter...) The character is connected to a bunch of keys (key fob). A real person will throw the bunch of keys into the air and fetch it again, etc. There will be some detail-shots of the keys and the key fob. Now my question, What would you do: - Would you try to use a real key fob and key it away? After that, use the video as a rotoscope and add the 3d-character above? (I have a key fob which I painted violett/pink […
Last reply by itsjustme, -
- 1 reply
- 223 views
When you create an "object" (character) and you create a chor and drop the character in it gives you a "shortcut to object" under the chor section. When I click on the "+" to expand the sub options of the character in the chor section all I am getting is "model bone" and "user properties". I am looking for everything else (the groups of splines that make up the character". Is there a setting that I need to set to allow me to see these - or is it just something I am not getting? Thanks - Eric
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 4 replies
- 531 views
Are there any good tutorials that will help me learn to animate??? (Besides the ones in TAO:AM) What confuses me the most is the keyframes!! I do not understand them at all. For instance, how would you make something move really slow, then, make that object suddenly move fast. Everytime I ask this question, a person always mentions that it depends on the timing. Is this true? How do you even set the timing?
Last reply by phatso, -
- 2 replies
- 317 views
Ok....I'm heading out of town wed, and will be bringing my laptop to work on this program on the plane. My question is, if I create an action for a character (say the penguin mdl), can I then MOVE that action file I created to my desktop and apply the action to the same model, and it will work? In other words, create it on my laptop, then transfer it to my desktop when I get back. Steven
Last reply by Steven547, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 561 views
hi, i want to light up, a square patch, i know how to make a light bone, and i know how to make a klieg light, but i need the whole suare patch to light up without anything els around it lit up, i can light up the patch with the klieg light but it looks like a spot light is on it. i also know i can make the whole patch glow, but i dont want it to glow, i just want the square patch to be lit, can any one help? thx paul
Last reply by zandoriastudios, -
- 11 replies
- 887 views
Hello. I'm having trouble with the basic movement of my character. What I'm looking to do (and this is just me practicing), is have a character kick with his one leg, bring it down, then kick with the other. (This applies to arms as well.). However, after I create the movement with his one leg and begin the other, the 2nd leg begins to move at the very BEGINNING of the entire animated sequence (during playback) instead of AFTER the 1st leg movement. Any help? Suggestions? Thanks. Steven
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 360 views
Hello - The character I am creating for a client is a fan (burning fan) that is going to fly around with a jet pack on it's base. and I am having trouble w/ the Smooth Skinning. I want him to be able to bend left, right, back, forward, side to side, etc and have the shaft of the fan look the exact same throughout the movement. As you can see from the 15 second test animation of all the movement I did at the link below the smooth skinning attempt I did was pretty bad. http://www.flashanimationwebsitedesign.com...burningFan.html When you click on a bone and choose new SmartSkin it bends the bone at a 90 degree angle are you supposed to then fix the mesh at that…
Last reply by flashawd, -
- 7 replies
- 635 views
I am trying to use sprites to render a fire effect. I have some fire animations for the sprites. Is there a way to make them partly transparent with an alpha channel? I have an alpha channel for them but i cant figure how to load that into the sprite system. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Last reply by johnl3d,