IK rig will not move???

[Brian Goodall]

I'm using V6.5 and as far as I am aware have created my IK set up correctly.

ShoulderJoint(Un affected by decendants),LeftBicep(IK),LeftForeArm(IK),LeftHand Rot(KeyFrames). LeftWristGoal is placed at the fat end of LeftHandRot and is a child of LeftHandRot.

LeftHandRot in 'IK and Modifier' (Motion Options) is talkig to LeftWristGoal with a goal strength of 80, Full-time IK and 'Keep Goal within reach' is ticked also.

Everything to me seems OK until I try and move the LeftwristGoal. It doesn't move, it seems as its trying to move the rig, but can't.

Could anybody tell me where I'm going wrong.

Many thanks in advance.

[Dodgy]

Don't parent your goal to something in the chain. You'll get a looping Ik system. You could parent it to the ShoulderJoint though.

[Brian Goodall]

Dodgy you are a star. Thank you very much.

I'm now getting into Boning, Point weighting, IK, animation etc., because I have to get a character to interact within an interactive CD-ROM programme being created by the company I work for.

I have noticed you are from Leeds UK. I am wondering if you know of any good companies that specialise in targeted learning for Lightwave. I reside in Cambridge.

I am finding it a big struggle having to read books that seem to contradict each other, but more importantly I haven't found a source that explains the theory of how Lightwave interprets what is exactly going on with boning, point weighting and IK rigging. I feel I would gain more knowledge faster if I could speak to someone (teacher). How did you gain your experience?

[Dodgy]

Pretty much read the manual and taught myself :) That wasn't the answer you were looking for was it? LOL
Umm, the main trick is trying stuff with simple scenes first to get an idea of what's going on. The user group guys I meet with recommend a couple of books like Inside LW and 1001 tips and tricks which you can get from Amazon. Inside LW takes you through several projects to teach you things...

I like figuring out stuff myself, but whatever suits you :)

[Brian Goodall]

Appreciate your advice and reply.

I have Inside Lightwave (6) by Dan Ablan and Lightwave 3D 7 Character Animation by Timothy Albee.

The other book you mentioned '1001 tips and tricks ' sound a good one to get to add to my library of reference manuals. I will certainly be visiting Amazon.

Your previous advice has certainly fired my enthusiasm once more, as it got me over a big hurdle in knowing how things work.

Many thanks once more.