3D objects imported to TFP V16 using TC V19, TC V12, & XFROG Plants

[Jack Zimmer]

Hi Robert,

I did a 'Simple Extrude' of a 'circle' in TCAD and saved it as a 3DS file , I didn't explode, it is a Solid.

Both Basic and Advanced render worked fine. So, that is not the problem.

Jack

[Jack Zimmer]

Hi Robert,

To the circle simple Extrude, I added a polylines in a z pattern and then used a Sweep of a circle on the Z polyline. I didn't go through the work of doing anything to scale, I had to copy one section of Z sweep to do the upper half +.

The side Extrudes are on thier own layer set to blue,
The Sweeps are on another layer set to black.

All were saved as 3DS and imported in TFPlan.

Works fine with Advanced Render (but slow because Advance renders slow with Sun 'on'.

Jack

[funrob29]

The side Extrudes are on thier own layer set to blue,
The Sweeps are on another layer set to black.

All were saved as 3DS and imported in TFPlan.

Works fine with Advanced Render (but slow because Advance renders slow with Sun 'on'.

Jack

Did you import one 3ds. of the side Extrude and one of the Sweep, or one together and did you make them a Group ?

I'm exhausted  and ready to call it a night after re-creating and re-testing the frame with and without the awning all day.
Tomorrow I will post the results, NOT GOOD NEWS 

Thanks for your Help Jack

Robert

[Jack Zimmer]

Hi Robert,

The tcw file was just saved as a 3DS file and imported into TFPlan. I put 'parts' of a model on seperate layers and give them colors (materails don't export from TCAD).

Anything with the same color gets changed when you apply materials. So all four corner supports are blue , etc.

The model was not grouped. But it was imported as one unit and can be resized as such.

Jack

[funrob29]

Did you Import into  Exterior Accessory. I don't understand when you said model on SEPARATE LAYERS, TFPlan doesn't have Layer options, did you mean , example: Extrude pipe as a Exterior Accessory and the Sweep Z as a Exterior Structure ? 

Also they where Two separate 3ds file imported to TFPlan then you Duplicated 4 Post and 4 Z sides ?

Sorry But I want to make sure I understand, Cause so far I have tried as you suggested and my results are Freaky to say the least

I'm trying again from scratch and see if maybe there was something wrong with the original drawing 

Robert

[Allan Chesney]

Hi Robert and Jack,

No doubt Jack will reply but since you are working on it now I MAY be able to throw some light on it. The Layers Jack referrs to would be layers in TCad. TFP does have layers (called Locations - first floor, second floor etc.- or whatever you want to call them) but Jack said he imported it as one 3DS file. The separate layers in the original TC model I think (Jack will confirm) were so that different parts of the model are assigned one colour each part, so it is easy to edit the colours in TFP. As in Jack's example image, all 4 legs are blue because all were on one Layer in TC - so all would change at once when assigned a texture in TFP - instead of you having to change each leg separately. (Obviously that needs some thought beforehand - lest you wanted to have one leg different - you couldn't)

Trying to understand this myself Jack so hope that is correct. Please explain if not, for both Robert and me!

Allan

[funrob29]

Thanks Allan You Got my confusion in Jack's Helpful suggestions!

I already always imported 3ds files separate for the same reasons you pointed out Allan. 

Robert

[Jack Zimmer]

Hi Robert,

The layers were in TCAD, zero layer is always left 'ON', then I transfered the outside supports to a new layer and the angled bars to another layer. They could have all been on one layer but as Allan says, by seperating them they can be better controled and have different textures applied in TFPlan.

TFPlan does have Layers, If you look at an objects Properites , under the Basic tab >bottom right 'Display' shows the layers of a BBQ in the attached.

I was wondering if when you did the Advanced Render you have made sure that 'Raytrace' is checked. First Radiosity is calculated, then if check, Raytrace.

If you do not have Raytrace checked, that may be the reason parts are missing.

Jack

[funrob29]

 Hi Jack


Raytrace has always been checked

(The layers were in TCAD, zero layer is always left 'ON', then I transfered the outside supports to a new layer and the angled bars to another layer. They could have all been on one layer but as Allan says, by seperating them they can be better controled and have different textures applied in TFPlan.) 

You Lost me there 
I will analized  your explanation and hope to make sence of it when my brain is fresh

I also Downloaded your sample image and try to figure out as well 

Thanks

I'm posting new Test Result Sample, Check them out 

Robert

[funrob29]

This are the result of the tests.

Robert

[funrob29]

This are the Program settings when rendering

Robert

[funrob29]

The layers were in TCAD, zero layer is always left 'ON', then I transfered the outside supports to a new layer and the angled bars to another layer. They could have all been on one layer but as Allan says, by seperating them they can be better controled and have different textures applied in TFPlan.

TFPlan does have Layers, If you look at an objects Properites , under the Basic tab >bottom right 'Display' shows the layers of a BBQ in the attached.


Jack

Hi Jack I analyze and I understand NOW

I follow your explanation and in the Component Display- Name is Material#2/ 2D is ON ( EYE OPEN) and 3D is ON 

And as I mention and posted in the Program setting Auto Raytrace  is checked 

But if you notice the only part that gets render is the circle that was either Extrude or Rail Sweep, if you look real close in my sample they appear as black or white small circles...

Robert

[Jack Zimmer]

As to your settings, the only ones that affect Rendering would be Hard Accel and the settings for Radiosity , which you have set to 5 and Raytrace which should be increased to 4 (+ of course the other settings in that dialog , Sun on, brightness etc (although brightness normally only affects lights not the sun- not sure about that with radiosity used outdoors)

Does your computer fail with Hardware Acceleration is checked ? 

You shouldn't need that off unless you have a 'weak' computer.

You are basically discussing two topics here. One is how to make a model and the other is how to render.

As far as rendering goes, I normally use Radiosity (advanced for interiors) , Basic for exteriors. Radiosity requires something to bounce the light around, like an enclosed room. So it can act up when used outdoors. I don't use it for outside renderings.

Jack

[Doug.S]

Suggest:  (to test render and PC setup, does not test CAD output/conversion/model build)

1. try renders tests with HA off...even if your PC is high end with great vid card, the vid card driver s/w can cause odd problems (or not)...check to see if you have latest or more recent driver. Sometimes the newest drivers start new problems...you may need to find a "sweet spot".
You can change HA on/off easily from within TFP at any time s/w is idle even with project .bld file open....For example may render better off or draw better off or off for certain tools...then "on" for rest of time or vice-versa.  (I used to do so on last/old PC)

2. Post test .bld file here for others, on other PC, to render to compare.

[funrob29]

As to your settings, the only ones that affect Rendering would be Hard Accel and the settings for Radiosity , which you have set to 5 and Raytrace which should be increased to 4 (+ of course the other settings in that dialog , Sun on, brightness etc (although brightness normally only affects lights not the sun- not sure about that with radiosity used outdoors)

Does your computer fail with Hardware Acceleration is checked ? 

You shouldn't need that off unless you have a 'weak' computer.

Jack

I checked Hardware Acceleration this Time with this small  size file but when rendering the larger projects in Basic or Advance there was issues and the program will stop working and close.

In the Test sample, look how the 4 White small circles in the Base and 4 Black small circle at the Top. the middle of the Pipe is not rendered.  

Robert