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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.
4,164 topics in this forum
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Hello - Perusing WillP's post on CloneDisc issues in the FAQ forum I thought I'd ask what the procedure is to load A:M on either my HD or a memory stick so that I can run the software without loading the CD. Is this what programs like CloneDisc are for? What is the best solution? Thanks, Chris
Last reply by cribbidaj, -
- 1 reply
- 486 views
when I import a model into a new project, I lose sight of the already posed actor that came from the A:M actor library. Where did it go? how do I get it back? Is there a size difference from the imported model and the A:M actor?
Last reply by KenH, -
- 1 follower
- 13 replies
- 1.4k views
Hello! I am currently in the process of starting a team for web-based cartoons and (in the near future) games. I'd like full length 20-30 minute cartoons, and completely full length games. After looking around, this was the most expensive thing I could buy for that purpose. Now, two months later, I need an audio program to go with it. What would you guys suggest? I need it to have a full range of sound effects (explosions, mystical magic sounding stuff, mechanicle gears moving, etc), along with the ability to create music (preferably click and drag), and finaly voice acting. I'm very completly serious about this, and if I have my way you guys'll be hearing about…
Last reply by Inzane Productions, -
- 1 follower
- 13 replies
- 1.3k views
hey everyone, I just wanted to post my first model in AM, and get your opinions. This is going to be a surfer character in a :30 second commercial south park like spot. So I will be exporting out to 2D. It took me roughly 3 days of frustration to learn the finer points of modeling in splines, but once you get used to it....well it is great. This model was made freehand, no rotoscoping. I do have a character sketch I am going by but since it is a simple toon, I didnt want to roto it. I started this around 10am yesterday and this is what I have so far. I have to confess, I hijacked the hands from another model, I just dont have time to model hands lol. So I …
Last reply by Dhar, -
- 2 replies
- 545 views
Please can someone help me?I am doing a birthday card for a friend and have come to a standstill. As you can see from the quick render screen the picture(wip)is ok.But when i do a render to file the Thom model on HAPPY disapears and the HAT ends up on the floor. I am using the current version of V13a. Please someone tell me this is just a silly newbie mistake. [attachmentid=17679] [attachmentid=17678] [attachmentid=17680] P.s.I am not worried about the skydome problem as this is just a tempory item.
Last reply by youngman, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 854 views
What are nurbs? Thanx
Last reply by the_black_mage, -
- 2 replies
- 594 views
As of last night, after making several long renders, I got this error message. What is it telling me to do? [attachmentid=17651]
Last reply by Kelley, -
- 1 reply
- 648 views
i have some characters that need bones i want to use them in movie 1st chara is a monster 2th a ninja 3th the man under mask 4th old guy 5th old werewolf i will post pictures of them so that u can see if you can handle it and then i will post the models I hope you guys can help me its very important btw this is what i need pose sliders at eyes hands mouth the model has to be able to move smooth and fight like a martial artist
Last reply by stinkyu111, -
- 2 followers
- 26 replies
- 3k views
Yes lord, I just ordered the new D. Rogers Book ... should be here tomorrow. After reading his A:M 2002, I had to have this one ...
Last reply by vf124, -
- 2 followers
- 2 replies
- 539 views
Dear AMasters, I have downloaded the v13 release and am seeking how to's for the new features listed. Does anyone have any direct links that demonstrate how to use the features. In addition, are there any forum locations or links on how to output alpha channels and how to use the compositing feature I have heard is included? Is there a master technical reference for the new features? I am using Zbrush to create displacement maps for Maya. Has anyone used this tool for Animation Master? Thank you, Michael Angelo
Last reply by artunemedia, -
Cap wizard
by Robert- 1 reply
- 576 views
The link to cap wizard from Brian Levine seem to be dead. Is there a new link??
Last reply by chris, -
- 2 replies
- 635 views
I'm encountering a bug (or perhaps a feature) where, during animation, characters and objects leave 4 ghosts behind them in addition to their current state. These don't appear to be a rendering problem as they appear as solid 3D models appearing on even intervals. This hadn't been happening until a while ago, and I'm not sure what I did (maybe an accidental key command?) to cause it. This picture is an example of what I'm talking about, from the "take a walk" tutorial, as this serves as the best example. From what I can tell, it leaves one of these ghosts behind on every keyframe, though I could be wrong. This problem occurs on all projects with any a…
Last reply by phort99, -
- 1 follower
- 11 replies
- 1.3k views
Hi, I,ve just produced my first animation, and it looks great. However, i would like to render to an AVI or TGA sequence to be able to mix in a video stream input. I found that the rendering procces render the animation with the Choreography background, i I don't know how to get rid off the background Another question is that if I want to render to an AVI file with the Alpha (Key) channels enabled, i would need two AVI files: one with the animation itself, and another whit the "alpha" animation. Is there any way to do that with A.M? Thanks
Last reply by Gerry, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 508 views
This is really driving me nuts! ATM I only have my workstation to render with, so I do my rendering when I got to bed, and work with the footage the next morning. Each time (twice now) I have tried to render at some point the program just stops. I check my PC and the program is turned off, and I have not movie. I use Avid Express to edit with so I export to Quicktime at DV resolution @ 29.97 fps. I am exporting using the 2D render, and for shot stills it works. Is there an issue with QT render? Or could it be my virus software? PLEASE HELP!!!
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 9 replies
- 1k views
I was working on a little short animation where a character throws a boomerang... and ran into some problems on making the boomerang spin. Basically I want to be able to position the boomerang in several different places (ex: I want the boomerang over here, at this angle) and then use the curves or some sort of pose to control the speed and direction with which the boomerang spins along its axis as it travels between these points. I was thinking of some sort of rig for the boomerang that allows me to make its position and orientation seperate from the spinning. I've tried several things with no success... I don't really know whats going on... but it seems that t…
Last reply by rossk, -
- 5 replies
- 808 views
Hi all, I have been doing the tuts the video ones as well as reading and after the 3rd I decided to play with the actors and there bones a bit to get used to them. I can't load certain actors though I get "The parameter is incorrect" even thought I get the right file for hair and such things. I tried restarting A:M and my computer as well as checked my drivers, they are up to date... Any idea's? I await your wisdom Thank you ahead of time
Last reply by LuLu, -
- 12 replies
- 1.1k views
I might be jumping the gun on this question and will find the answer soon-- I'm working through the tutorials in the David Rogers book (BEST BOOK EVER, based on the first 1/3, at least--the tutorials are very instructive and logically arranged) and I just modeled my first realistically-muscled appendage (a leg). To keep spline density low, the tut focuses on using spline bias manipulators to define the musculature. On the tut, however, the only cps whose bias is manipulated belong to the spline rings going around the leg. Is it standard/advisable, when modeling, to adjust bias on splines running lengthwise, as well? Is there a reason to stick with bias manipul…
Last reply by C-grid, -
Hi. I am trying to find information re: eyes. I understand how to make spheres and modify them to look like eyeballs. How do you make them more realistic? Decals? Materials? I appreciate the help. V 12.0
Last reply by fanng, -
- 1 follower
- 8 replies
- 934 views
were do you get newton physics i have v12
Last reply by Vong, -
- 3 replies
- 594 views
I am looking for a lobster model for a project i am working on. I also need a guitar. I any one has these or knows where i can get them please let me know. i don't think i am that far along to model them myself. thanks!
Last reply by cuboos, -
I got it :)
by LuLu- 2 replies
- 445 views
I got my copy of A:M in the mail woohooo! Now for my full blown first silly question. I am doing the video tuts and the problem is when I go from front view to side I often lose my model and can't find it. So enlighten the simple one what silly thing am I not doing that makes my model leave from view upon changing view? I have tried the buttons and read the book..so I either missed it or its a big secret! please tell Happy animating
Last reply by LuLu, -
- 2 replies
- 550 views
I was trying to resize a model (the Jason model on the Extra's CD). I wanted to have everything move proportionately (bones, vertices, etc). I was able to select the model bone in the PWS, select the whole model, and scale while holding down the ctrl key. All the bones and vertices sized accordingly - great. However, the bones no longer kept their control pts - not so great... Anyone know how to resize and keep the bones control pts? Arthur
Last reply by walasek, -
- 3 replies
- 536 views
I am doing the Flower Power exercise using AM 12.0v on a Mac OS X (10.4.6), and I have noticed that I am having difficulty making a complete group from a lathed object. I create a seven point spline, then I choose the control point nearest the X axis and hit Lathe. It makes a nice round stem. Then I try to group the control points manually (selecting a big box well around the entire stem), but I can't capture all the control points on the screen. Most points are green, but some remain red. I try Select All to capture all the control points before grouping, and it appears to work (all control points are green). I name the Group using the F2 key. Then…
Last reply by Milk, -
- 15 replies
- 1.5k views
I've seen mention of the plugins on this page ( http://www.innovateenterprises.com/AM/ ) in several posts here on the forum. First I tried the LWO13 and OBJ13 plugins using A:M 13beta2. I opened a new model window and clicked file/plug-ins/import/ and tried to import LWO and OBJ. In both cases, no new window ever popped up to let me choose a file to import. When those didn't work, I went back and opened up A:M version 12.0v+ and tried using the LWO12.hxt. This time a window did pop up to let me pick a file. Then it asked at what angle control points should peak. After that I got the following error message: "Not a Lightwave object (Missing LWOB tag)". …
Last reply by walasek, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 615 views
I just needed to know what size I would need to put in to render a poster size picture. About 10" by 14" Thanks for the help before hand.
Last reply by brainmuffin, -
- 7 replies
- 820 views
Hey everybody. I have been on the search for a while now for something to explain computer animation. I have done some stop motion projects but I would reall like to get into computer animation soon. So could you guys give me some info or places where I could get some info about computer animation. By the way I want to know about the technical stuff first because I can animate on paper and Stop Mot but I don't know all the technical stuff for computer animation. This infromation will probaly be a factor in whether or not I save up to buy infromation master. Thanx everbody.
Last reply by Muff, -
- 4 replies
- 701 views
I created a company logo using AM and would like to export it so that I can import my model into Digital Image Pro so that I can work with there gradient tools. Is there a plug-in out there that I can use to export an AM model into a picture format such as .png, .jpg, .bmp? Or for another imaging program such as AI? As of right now I have been using screen print platinum to take a screen shot of my images. If AM can import files from other programs such as AI, should we be able to export the models as an AI file also. Nicole
Last reply by Muff, -
- 2 replies
- 486 views
Is the Extras CD intended to be used as a place to import from, or can the files be easily copied to an HD as a library to be resident on the PC? Thanks.
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 2 replies
- 521 views
Hi there! i'm an official newbie. i just install Animation:Master on my computer today and i've finished 2 exercises already. i decided to explore the software and see what kind of things i can do. i clicked "new project" and i wanted to create a model but it said there was an unnamed file or something and that i couldn't create a model. can anyone give me tips on how to fix this? eDen
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 3 replies
- 593 views
ok i have seen some stuff in the forum that V12 can do can any one tell how to do the newton plugin and the AO setting?
Last reply by the_black_mage, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 542 views
I was having many problems with crashes and nonworking features; a moderator suggested I upgrade to the newest version. I upgraded from V12 to V13 and all the crashes went away and the features now work... but the libraries have disappeared. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Last reply by Rodney, -
- 2 replies
- 493 views
is there a way i can make a wrecking ball type object and make it crash through a house several times and destroy it?
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 1.2k views
Is there anyway to render this and like be able to animate with it?
Last reply by brainmuffin, -
- 1 reply
- 456 views
so whats happened to the image contest? have hash pulled the plug on it. its like half the years gone by and no word.....
Last reply by Paul Forwood, -
- 3 replies
- 646 views
Hello, I'm looking for a way to adjust a model via it's bone hierarchy, and then apply those changes back to the original model. In case that doesn't make sense, here's what I'm trying to do. I'm exporting models (via amxtex) for use in a role playing game. One particular model needs to be of a dead body. The body doesn't need to be animated, so I don't need to export an animation, but I do need to move the limbs around to suit the position I want. I also want to add some other static scenary objects to the model before exporting. Thanks, Scott
Last reply by C-grid, -
- 1 reply
- 499 views
Is there any way to delete a pose from the pose slider box? I delete it but it still remains, and I want to reduce clutter. This is really wierd, but I went as far as to delete the whole relationships folder for one of my characters, however, the "deleted" poses are still listed in the pose slider box!
Last reply by robcat2075, -
- 7 replies
- 655 views
I have spent the whole day trying to render an action as simple as "a character waving" but was unsuccessful and feel like giving up. I have the V11.1 CD and was working on Exercise 4: IT's a Pitch and noticed that my rendered file only show the last frame, which is pretty much a "still frame" of the last pose. It wasn't an animated file of the six poses I created following the tutorial exercise. So I tried doing a simple action, "waving" and rendered an avi file, and the same problem persist...showing only the last pose in a equally still pose. So I tried searching for help here and this problem seem to have not been addressed. I want to try all those other…
Last reply by Fran, -
- 2 replies
- 531 views
Hello everybody, I've been using AMv7.1 for a long time. Now, I'm moving to a newer version (v12), but I've looking for some preferences in the render window that I haven't found... Those preferences are BLOOM and FILM GRAIN. Even when I set the render window to advanced I haven't been able to find those properties. Can anyone help me? Thanks a lot
Last reply by Miguel Esteve, -
- 2 replies
- 591 views
i put two lights in my tripod and i set volumetric on but it wont make visible light any help with this? heres a pic [attachmentid=17370]
Last reply by johnl3d, -
- 9 replies
- 853 views
I'm starting from scratch working through the David Rogers book. When it comes to making a torus without rotating the to-be-lathed circle, but instead moving the pivot point, I'm unable to get the pivot PRECISELY where I want it. I can move the x/y/z position in the manipulator properties window, but is there a precise way to rotate the pivot axes, to make SURE it ends up rotated 90 degrees (or otherwise) and not 89? Is there something I can hold down when rotating so that it automatically snaps in 5 (or other) degree increments, or somewhere in the PWS where it shows the rotation? Also, when translating the pivot, is there a way to restrict the translation to one axi…
Last reply by C-grid, -
- 3 replies
- 463 views
when i make modals and i try to make a modal or a group reflecive it wont be come reflective want do i do to help this?
Last reply by cuboos, -
- 3 replies
- 747 views
When I open A:M, I get a message that says, "Error running scripts on this page. Do you want to continue running scripts on this page?" Then, while I'm working, I keep getting an annoying ding-a-ling chime. Over and over. What's happening here Johnnyb
Last reply by JohnnyB, -
- 4 replies
- 502 views
I have created a model containing various groups with surface attributes assigned. When I choose the name of the model itself in the project workspace, various surface attributes are assigned in it's properties as well. When I right-click on the surface property (or properties) of the model, only "new relationship" and "properties" appear in the drop-down box. How can I set the model's surface to "not set" and preferably (but not necessarily) leave the groups' surface attributes intact? Thanks, Chris
Last reply by KenH, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 795 views
Ok i have shaggy walking along a path....at the end of the path i want him to, stop, turn, and face the camera. Now i'v put my Transition to next action "ON" i'v put hold last frame to "OFF" Put my blend method to "Add" I'v even tried to make a new choreography action...but no matter what i do....it changes what happens in his walk cycle "Which i dont want anything to change in his walks cycle!" Hope someone can help.
Last reply by Robert-Jank, -
- 2 replies
- 476 views
I'm pushing my first TSM2 Rig [Cheech Wizard] around to see what I can make him do. I got him to walk up five steps, across the platform, and nearly walk off. [Panel#1] He rocks back on his feet [Panel#2] looks around to his right [Panel#3] and then faces front once more before jumping off [Panel#4]. When he swings 'round to his right...when the right leg is at full extension...it immediately starts forward, ending up as seen in Panel #4. Looking at that, I decided that it needed a pause before starting the swing back. I thought I'd copy the Key Frame at Panel #3, Paste it in, and then drag it forward 10 frames or so. I put the scrubber over the Key Frame and Copy..b…
Last reply by Kelley, -
- 2 replies
- 568 views
Hi, all I apologise in advance if this is the wrong forum for such a simple question, but the fact is I've ben emailing Hash support since Feb 06 and had no response. My Problem is simple: I've been a sporadic Hash user for years and last year I threw out my original Hash '97 or '98 manual-- forgetting that it was the only place where my Hash serial # was written. Now wishing to upgrade (and to make hash work with Tiger... what's up with that?) I need to reclaim that serial number. How the heck do I do that? Anyone kind enough to respond may email me directly at reubenm@netvigator.com and may count on my hospitality if ever visiting Hong Kong...! Cheers, …
Last reply by C-grid, -
- 9 replies
- 1k views
Hello.. I'm wondering if anyone else has had this problem and/or if there's a fix for it? I'm working through the manual tutorials so I can follow through and get my AM diploma :-). However. I'm stuck on the first lesson, "You're The Director". If you'll look at the attached screenshot, when Keekat's Dynamic Pose is at 100%, his right foot is not positioned as it is in the picture, but instead gets sorta "rolled" to one side. What's more, when I put the slider back to 0%, that same foot remains in the same position, even while everything else goes back to the default pose. What to do? I'm using version 2005/Sasquatch (12v+) Thanks! EDIT: Ran…
Last reply by martin, -
- 1 follower
- 6 replies
- 917 views
I have some live-action footage I am using in an animation. The footage used a green screen and in After Effects I eliminated the green to leave only the actors and an alpha channel. I imported the footage into AM as a TGA sequence. So far, so good. I want the footage to be lit by a klieg light that has volumetric turned on. The problem is that the volumetric effect is lighting up the transparent part of the footage somewhat brighter than background objects, so the actors appear to be in a rectangle that is unnaturally brighter than the surrounding scene. I don't understand what is causing the klieg light to (apparently) reflect off the transparent part of the…
Last reply by RoyBU, -
- 1 follower
- 13 replies
- 1.4k views
Hey im Lucas and i recently got A:M Im trying to find the tuts, anyone help please? I may 13 but i still wana learn How you all doin?
Last reply by dude, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 598 views
I was here a bit about a year and a half ago, and I'm getting back into animation again (finally cancelled my World of Warcrack account). I just wanted to say hi. Quick question about the excercises for the Art of certificate. Is it OK to go beyond what is specified in the excercise? For example, here [attachmentid=17244] is my Ex1, where I was playing with the camera angle going over rabbit's shoulder to look at Kee Kat in the dynamic pose. Will I get my golden checkmark for this, or should I play it a little closer to the guidebook? -Andy
Last reply by Rodney,