ERCO like Light rig with Vray IES

[Björn Radler]

I got stuck on setting up a simple light rig like the ERCO idrop Files where the whole lamp follows the light target.

Maybee some one could explain how to setup the IK.

I tried to use a HD solver but i wasnt able to achieve such a simple result like in the ERCO files.

Looking forward for some help


Best regards

Björn

[Morne]

no "IK Rigging" required.

Just put your "light source" in the middle of your "lamp model". Now "select and link" your model to your lamp source. Done.
Move either the light source or your light target and the model will rotate as it should

[Björn Radler]

Thats not what i meant....simply linking the light to lamp is no problem. i want to set up the rotation of the lamp parts with several axes.

Ive attached a simple image wich illustrates the problem.

Best regards

[Pixelab]

You need a different object by part, then put the pivot on the pivot of each object, then link each object to his parent and it should work. This is the easy way.

ERCO objects are a bit different, they're assemblies.

IK is required if you want to move the target of the lamp and have the different sub object ot rotate accordingly. For this you should use assemblies, read "Using Assemblies" in 3dsmax help file and you should have your answer ! (I didn't but I've planned to do it since a long time)

Phil

[Neilg]

In link info (pivot/ik tabs) theres an option for locking inherited rotation. by linking your light to a base object, then linking that to a surround and locking certain axis' you should be able to do it.

edit - just saw your image - you need to break them up into components and set them up with the right pivots, but I think that should work.
edit2: no, it wont. hah.
Someone (da_elf?) did a tutorial on this ages ago, but i didnt watch it and cant find it.

[Björn Radler]

Using assamblies only explains how to set up wire parameters for dimming etc. How to set up the IK seems not to be explained in detail. I Have to read it in detail when i finished todays tasks.

Meanwhile it would be great if someone comes up with a solution for the IK part

[Pixelab]

Ok, if you find it, let us know here. Meanwhile you've revived my curiosity on the subject

[Björn Radler]

I still wasnt able to figure out how i have to setup the ik chain. But i still hope that somebody who knows reads into this thread. i keep on trying in the meantime.

[Björn Radler]

I still wasnt able to figure out how i have to setup the ik chain. But i still hope that somebody who knows reads into this thread. i keep on trying in the meantime.

At last I got it. Including all confusing parts (after a long night). Turned out to be very simple. I will try to post a quick followup later today.


Best regards

Björn

[Björn Radler]

I´ve posted A Quick Video Tutorial on Vimeo.

Its without sound since my kids Freaked out a little in the background .

But it should be easy to follow.


Best regards

Björn


http://www.vimeo.com/24831766

[JohnVK]

I´ve posted A Quick Video Tutorial on Vimeo.

Thanks for that, Björn! That's a very nice way of solving this puzzle!

I was following this thread and was trying a setup with scripted controllers that feeds rotation to the proper object and make sure the rotations only happen on the object that needs that particular rotation. But I like your method much better! Way simpler!

Again, thanks for posting your solution! Much appreciated!

Its without sound since my kids Freaked out a little in the background .

LOL!

[Pixelab]

Great! Many thanks Bjorn !!

[peterguthrie]

nice video, thumbs up from me!

[pailhead]

It's been a while since i've fooled around with IK. Do you have any idea why it's acting funky? When i move the target in a 180 degree range, it works fine, as soon as it touches 0 or 180 it just goes crazy, and then in the other half, it flips, or wont follow like shown in the picture.

[pailhead]

Top view. Bottom one is almost close to being paralel, the other one is a few units moved over the paralel line.