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View Full Version : A fishy tail

Brian Goodall
07-14-2003, 10:29 AM
Dear all

Using Lightwave V6.5.

I have created a 3D fish (tripled). All I would like to happen is the tail needs moving left and right, as though its going to propel itself forward. I would like about one third of the body's length to move with the tail. I thought IK would be the solution. I have a root null, 3 bones (set to different lengths) and between bones 2 and 3 I have a goal null (the goal null sits at the back of the tail, with bone 3 sticking out from the tail). The bones can only move along the heading axis. What I can't get to happen is when I move the goal null from left to right the fish body and tail do not move at all. I've looked through the Lightwave manuals plus Lightwave 6 by Dan Ablan and I'm afraid I am still non the wiser as to why my fish won't move as I would like it to.

Can somebody explain in idiot proof language/logic how I can create my desired effect. I will be extremely greatful.
richpr
07-14-2003, 06:08 PM
I saw it explained in one of the other very recent fish threads... The yellow cartoon fish I think... Either WIP/Finished or on CGTalk... It shows the fish swimming and showing expressions on it's face...
stib
07-14-2003, 09:56 PM
..and have you set the controller of the objects in the motion options to IK?
That's all I can think of, but I'm a complete newbie..
roguenroll
07-15-2003, 05:51 AM
http://www.digitalanimators.com/HTM/Tutorials/photo_fish_2.htm
Brian Goodall
07-15-2003, 06:04 AM
many thanks guys

Especially to roguenroll. I'm looking through the TUT directly after keying in this response.
roguenroll
07-15-2003, 06:29 AM
http://www.digitalanimators.com/2001/09_sep/tutorials/photofish.htm

pt. 1 is good too, might get a few ideas
Brian Goodall
07-15-2003, 06:48 AM
Going through both TUTs. Once again many thanks, will be a few hours until I know if I can get my model to work, using the additional info.
Brian Goodall
07-15-2003, 09:23 AM
After trying the TUTs recommended - guess what - I still can't get the model to deform using the bones. I'm freaking out now, I know I'm doing something stupid but can't work out what. Please can somebody help me!!!!!!!!!!!!
Brian Goodall
07-15-2003, 11:30 AM
I new it must be something stupid - page 4.18 of the Lightwave manual!! I needed to activate my bones to deform the object. Its surprising how you can read something over and over and still miss the obvious. The penny has now dropped!!!

I'm ending this thread now, thank you to all who contributed.

Until next time!!!