EnigmA Amiga Run 1997 July/EnigmA AMIGA RUN 20 (1997)(G.R. Edizioni)(IT)[!][issue 1997-07 & 08][EAR-CD IV].iso/lightwave/tips/lwfaq2.txt

Text File | 1996-12-09 | 19KB | 475 lines

+======================================================================+
|                             Lightwave 3D                             |
|                      FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS                      |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
|                              Written By                              |
|                           Michael B. Comet                           |
+======================================================================+

    This is the Frequently Asked Questions posting for the Lightwave
3D Mailing list and Newsgroup.  This posting is sent every so often to
answer general questions that users of the 3D rendering software,
Lightwave 3D by NewTek may have.  It is aimed toward all users,
especially newcomers to the program.

    If you find any errors or have answers to other frequently asked
questions that you would like to have included in this posting, please
send e-mail to: [e-mail].

    - Mike C.

========================================================================

               COPYRIGHT & DISCLAIMER

The Lightwave 3D FAQ is Copyright 1995 Michael B. Comet.
  All Rights Reserved.

No portion of the Lightwave 3D FAQ my be duplicated in part or in whole,
by any means electronic or otherwise without prior written consent of
the author.  The Lightwave 3D FAQ may not be sold either individually
or as part of other material.  The Lightwave 3D FAQ may be distributed
via electronic mail, Usenet news and other internet resources so long
as no charge is incurred for the actual document itself.

There is no guarantee regarding any information presented in this
document either implicit or implied.  The information may not be
correct, useful or helpful.  The reader accepts ALL responsibility for
actions pertaining to reading this document regardless of consequence.

========================================================================

Date          : July 24, 1995 Mon.
Issue Number  : 2
What's New    : Section 1, #2: Added Lightwave PRO Magazine
                Section 1, #2: Added LIGHTSPEED Magazine
                Section 1, #2: Corrected address and phone for VTU oops!
                Section 1, #5: LW Plug-In Information
                Section 1, #7: Transfering scenes from PC to Amiga
                Section 3, #3: Fading Lens Flares Info.
                Section 3, #4: How to copy surfaces
                Section 3, #5: Figuring sizes in Layout

Current Version of LW as of this FAQ:  LW 4.0 Pre-release

------------------------------------------------------------------------

CONTENTS:
=========

    SECTION 1 - Support/Products/Sites
     1] How do I reach NewTek?
     2] Lightwave related: References/Help Books/Magzines/FTP sites.
     3] What is the Lightwave Newsgroup and how can I obtain it?
     4] Is there any documentation regarding the 3D Object File
        format for Lightwave Objects?
         5] How can I write my own Plug-Ins for Lightwave?
         6] I am having problems installing LW from the CD-ROM!
         7] I am having problems transfering scene files from the PC to
            the Amiga

    SECTION 2 - Lightwave Modeler
     1] How do I merge multiple layers into one layer?

    SECTION 3 - Lightwave Layout - Surfaces and Textures
     1] List of common Index of Refractions (and not so common too!)
     2] I texture my object and save my scene, but next time I
        load the scene the settings are gone!
         3] My Lens Flares fade behind objects I don't want them too!
         4] How can I copy a surface and paste it onto another?
         5] How can I measure the size of my object to figure out
            texture sizes?

    SECTION 4 - Lightwave Layout - Animation
     1] I move my objects into position, but they keep "forgetting"
        where they were.
     2] I have problems setting bones for my object.  My object
        keeps resizing or changing.
     3] Can I click on an item to select it in Layout?
     4] Whenever I create a preview wireframe animation, my objects
        don't show up, but I can see Lightsources and paths.
     5] How can I copy a keyframe for an item?

========================================================================
           SECTION 1 - Support Products/Sites
========================================================================

1] How do I reach NewTek?

    NewTek, Inc.
    Executive Offices
    1200 SW Executive Drive
    Topeka, KS 66615

    Voice:            913-228-8000
    FAX:              913-228-8001
    Customer Service: 800-847-6111
    Dealer Sales:     800-368-5441
    Dealer FAX:       [phone]

    TECHNICAL SUPPORT

    Voice:            913-228-8282
    FAX:              913-228-8222
    BBS:              913-271-9299

    Those with World Wide Web access might also wish to look at
    http://www.newtek.com/
    which has product information and pricing.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

2] Lightwave related: References/Help Books/Magzines/FTP sites.

  REFERENCES AND HELP BOOKS:

    "Lightwave 3D Layout Reference and Modeler Reference", NewTek Inc., 1995
           (Yes....read the manual!)

  MAGAZINES:

    These are some good graphics magazines, some focus on Lightwave, the
Video Toaster or general graphics.  If anyone has some other suggestions
please mail me the pertintent information.

    "LightWavePRO"
    Avid Media Group
    273 N. Mathilda Ave.
    Sunnyvale, CA 94086
    800-322-2843
    408-774-6770
            (LightWavePRO is the definitive LightWave Newsletter/journal
    for the LightWave user.)

    "LIGHTSPEED: The video Magazine for the Lightwave enthusiast"
    2763 West Ave L Suite 172
    Lancaster  CA 93636
    Voice: (800) 764 - 8696
       or  (805) 726 - 3545
            (Lightspeed is a new video magazine series released
    monthly that users can subscribe to.  Each issue contains many
    tutorials, product reviews, and animations.  Run Time per video is
    approx. 90-120 mins in length.  Each issue also contains tutorials
    and reviews by different people so you get a variety of styles and
    techniques.)

    "Video Toaster User"
    Avid Media Group
    273 N. Mathilda Ave.
    Sunnyvale, CA 94086
    800-322-2843 USA
    408-774-6770
        (A magazine focusing specifically on NewTeks Video
    Toaster device.  Also has a Lightwave column.)

    "Computer Artist"
    P.O. Box 3188
    Tulsa, OK 74101
    Voice: (918) 831 - 9405
    FAX:   (918) 831 - 9555
    (A magazine specifically for computer artists.  Articles on
    software and methods from Amigas, PC's and MAC's)

    "Computer Graphics World"
    P.O Box 122
    Tulsa, OK 74101-9845
    (800) 443 - 6632
    (918) 835 - 3161 ext. 400
    (918) 831 - 9497 (FAX)
        (A general computer graphics magazine focusing on the
    latest technology from PC's to SGI's)

    "AV Video"
    Montage Publishing Inc.
    P.O Box 16925
    North Hollywood, CA 91615
     or
    701 Wetchester Ave.
    White Plains, NY 10604
    Voice: (914) 328 - 9157
       (800) 800 - 5474
    FAX:   (914) 328 - 9093
    (An audio/video and computer magazine.  Has articles about all
    types of video and graphics applications including the Amiga and
    Video Toaster)

  FTP SITES:

    Those with internet access can use FTP to retrieve and send
Lightwave Objects, Scenes, Surfaces and more.

    FTP Site:  tomahawk.welch.jhu.edu
    Path:      /pub/lw

    New items should be placed in the appropriate directory under
/pub/lw/incoming

------------------------------------------------------------------------

3] What is the Newsgroup and how can I obtain it?

Obtain access to Usenet news on the internet.  Then run your
newsreader software and use the USENET newsgroup for Lightwave:

    comp.graphics.apps.lightwave

There is also an older group named though you should now use '.apps.':

    comp.graphics.packages.lightwave        (obsolete)

    Once again this group is setup so that people may post questions,
answers and related discussions about Lightwave 3D.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

4] Is there any documentation regarding the 3D Object File format for
   Lightwave Objects?

    For documentaion on the 3D Object file format FTP to:

    FTP Site:   ftp.netcom.com
    Path:       pub/lw/lwsdk
    Filename:   fmtLWOB

------------------------------------------------------------------------

5] How can I write my own Plug-Ins for Lightwave?

You need to get the LightWave Server Developer Kit (LWSDK) which
contains headers, libraries, samples and documentation for plug-in
development.  The LWSDK is available for the Amiga OS, SGI IRIX, and
Win32 on Intel, MIPS and Alpha platforms.

The LWSDK is supported on the "lwplugin-l" mailing list.  To subscribe
to the list, send a message to "[e-mail]" with the message
body (subject is ignored):

    subscribe lwplugin-l <optional-email-address>

You will receive a informational message when you subscribe explaining
the list and how to get the LWSDK by FTP.  To get the informational
message without subscribing, send a message to the same address above
with the message body:

    info lwplugin-l

------------------------------------------------------------------------

6] I am having problems installing LW from the CD-ROM!

    Some CD-ROM drives have a problem reading certain files off of the
LW 4.0 Pre-release CD-ROM.  To do a complete install, run the LW install
again, but do not select PostScript Fonts.  Then manually copy the
fonts over from the CD-ROM when the installation completes.  Some
PostScripts fonts such as "Unitus" may not copy over.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

7] I am having problems transfering scene files from the PC to the Amiga

   The PC and Amiga handle Carrige Return and Line Feed characters
slightly differently.  You need to convert CR/LF <-> LF.  If you are
using CrossDOS turn on the file filter to do this.  CrossDOS will also
handle Control-Z EOF markers that DOS uses.  You can also strip out
the CTRL-M's on the Amiga side.

========================================================================
          SECTION 2 - Lightwave Modeler
========================================================================

1] How do I merge multiple layers into one layer?

    Bring each layer you want to merge into the foreground.  (ie: Shift
click the foreground layer button for each layer).  Then select "Cut"
to remove all data and keep it in memory.  Then select "Paste" to
place all the data into the first selected foreground layer.

========================================================================
       SECTION 2 - Lightwave Layout - Surfaces and Textures
========================================================================

1] List of common Index of Refractions (and not so common too!)

     (All items except Vacuum are in alphabetical order)
     (STP = Standard Temperature and Pressure)

     MATERIAL                      Index
     -------------------------------------
     Vacuum ...................... 1.00000 (exactly)

     Air (STP).................... 1.00029
     Acetone ..................... 1.36
     Alcohol ..................... 1.329
     Amorphous Selenium .......... 2.92
     Calspar1 .................... 1.66
     Calspar2 .................... 1.486
     Carbon Disulfide ............ 1.63
     Chromium Oxide .............. 2.705
     Copper Oxide ................ 2.705
     Crown Glass ................. 1.52
     Crystal ..................... 2.00
     Diamond ..................... 2.417
     Emerald ..................... 1.57
     Ethyl Alcohol ............... 1.36
     Flourite .................... 1.434
     Fused Quartz ................ 1.46
     Heaviest Flint Glass ........ 1.89
     Heavy Flint Glass ........... 1.65
     Glass ....................... 1.5
     Ice ......................... 1.309
     Iodine Crystal .............. 3.34
     Lapis Lazuli ................ 1.61
     Light Flint Glass ........... 1.575
     Liquid Carbon Dioxide ....... 1.20
     Polystyrene ................. 1.55
     Quartz 1 .................... 1.644
     Quartz 2 .................... 1.553
     Ruby ........................ 1.77
     Sapphire .................... 1.77
     Sodium Chloride (Salt) 1 .... 1.544
     Sodium Chloride (Salt) 2 .... 1.644
     Sugar Solution (30%) ........ 1.38
     Sugar Solution (80%) ........ 1.49
     Topaz ....................... 1.61
     Water (20 C) ................ 1.333
     Zinc Crown Glass ............ 1.517

------------------------------------------------------------------------

2] I texture my object and save my scene, but next time I load the
   scene the settings are gone!

    Surface settings are saved with the object file not the scene file.
After surfacing your object in layout, choose the "Object Panel" and
then "Save Object" (or save all objects).  Choose Yes to overwrite the
objects with the new coloring.  Next time you load the scene or load
the object into another scene the surfaces will be correct.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

3] My Lens Flares fade behind objects I don't want them too!

        Lens flares can fade out behind objects.  To do this simply
set "Fade Behind Objects" button in the Lens Flare panel.  However any
object with 'Cast Shadows' turned OFF will allow the flare to show
through (ie: it won't fade).  Thus by making say the glass in a bulb
not cast shadows, a flare inside will still show.  However if you move
the bulb behind an object that casts shadows the flare will fade behind.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

4] How can I copy a surface and paste it onto another?

        There is no actual cut and paste operation.  However you can
save the surface you want, select the new surface and then load the
previous settings into place.  The usual way to do this is to select
the source surface and then to save the surface to a name such as
'temp.srf'.  Then select the target surface and load temp.srf.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

5] How can I measure the size of my object to figure out texture sizes?

    There are two ways.  Once is to manually build several grid objects.
Basically create a flat cube in modeler with a set size and set number
of sections.  When you load it into layout you can use this as a
reference.  Under the 'Object' panel you can turn on "Polygon Edges" so
that the grid even shows during rendering.

    Another easy way is when starting to set your texture or imagemap,
select the default "Planar Texture" and then choose "Automatic Size".
Lightwave will then set the center information to the center of the
surface and the size to the size in meters of the surface.  Note this
works on a per surface not a per object basis.

========================================================================
          SECTION 4 - Lightwave Layout - Animation
========================================================================

1] I move my objects into position, but they keep "forgetting" where
   they were.

    In order for Lightwave to remember the postion, rotation, size other
other settings of objects during an animation you must make a keyframe
for that object.  To do so, select "Create Key".  Then select either
"Selected Item" or "All" depending on if you want to create a keyframe
for just the selected item or for all items.

   An improtant note: Even if you create a key frame for an object
Light or Camera, if you go back later and alter it's position, rotation
or other setting you must choose "Create Key" again.  Otherwise the
item will be set back to it's last "key" setting.

    This is why there is no UNDO function in Layout.  If you wish to
undo a change, simply go back or forth to another frame without
choosing "Create Key".  When you return to the frame, the item will be
reset to it's last settings.

    HOWEVER, if you want to be able to simply change an item that
already has a keyframe set without having to select "Create Key" again
for that frame, choose "Auto Key Adjust" from the Option menu in Layout.
This sets Layout to always remember the last settings for an item when
you alter it in a keyframe.  Note that the only undo ability will be to
reload a saved scene in this case.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

2] I have problems setting bones for my object.  My object keeps
   resizing or changing.

   In order to place bones for your object there are 4 basic steps.

   1. Add a bone
   2. Position the bone, and resize it using REST LENGTH not size.
   3. Create a Keyframe for the bone
   4. Press 'r' to active it and set it's rest information.

   There are 2 important notes.  If you want to change the size of
the bone for setup, use the "Rest Length" operation, not the "Size"
operation.  Otherwise when you press 'r' the object will suddenly
grow or shrink.

    Also, you should set a keyframe for the bone, or it will be reset
to it's default settings.

TIP for adding Child Bones:

    Because child bones are added relative to their parent bones, it's
often easier to add 1 parent bone first and get it setup to the proper
size and rotation.  Then go and add a child bone or bones.  If you
do this, the child bones size will probably be more appropriate.  On
the other hand if you add all your bones at once, you will have to set
the Rest Length for each.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

3] Can I click on an item to select it in Layout?

    Yes, you should press the SHIFT key and click on objects origin.
The origin is the location of the object that rotations take place
around.  Note this is in Lightwave 4.0 and you must click fairly close
to that position.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

4] Whenever I create a preview wireframe animation, my objects don't
   show up, but I can see Lightsources and paths.

    In the Windows version of Lightwave, some display cards have a
problem with their video driver software.  This causes objects to
not appear when you create a wireframe preview.  To remedy this you
should contact your display card manufacturer to obtain a new version
of your graphics drivers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

5] How can I copy a keyframe for an item?

    Go to the key frame you wish to copy.  Select "Create Key".
Now, change the frame number for the create key dialog to the frame
you wish to copy to.  Click Ok.

========================================================================
END OF LW3D-FAQ