Object Merge

[AndrewFernie]

Is there a routine available for use in plugins that is equivalent to the Merge command on the object menu?

Thank you,
Andrew

[lisa]

If there's not a direct method in the header, all registered functions can be called via the tcl_command function... even functions you've added yourself via plug-ins.

To find the list of commands available, use the 'ac3d list' command. Any commands that start with ac3d go to the ac3d command interpreter. Everything else goes to the tcl command interpreter.

The command for merging is "ac3d object_merge".

Hope that helps!

-Lisa

[AndrewFernie]

Yes, that did exactly what I was after. Also a useful general technique for me to keep in mind for the future.

Thank you,
Andrew

[Phil BoBo]

In using the 'ac3d list' command, where does it print the list of commands?

I called that command but it didn't seem to do anything.

[lisa]

Depends on how you call it, easiest way is from telenet, in which case it will output the list to your terminal. (Turn on networking in AC3D in the options panel).

[fabrizio fracaroli]

What should I do to undo the effect MERGE?
I'm making a plane for a flight simulator, this is my first plane.
I did that all parts of the landing gear were united Across the effect "MERGE".
But now, to make the animations I believe the parts should be separated. there is any way to undo this effect "MERGE"?
I already saved the file.

[Stiglr]

Fabrizio:

I've had to do exactly the same thing. Here's how.

Say it's a landing gear, and you want to articulate it with shock absorber oleo effects, and have the wheel turn when it's rolling on the ground. And when you start assume the entire gear leg and tire in are one merged piece called "gear_left".

1) Isolate the gear by "hiding" or "locking" every other part of the plane.

2) Go to surface mode. Be sure that "select through" is selected.

3) Drag the cursor to select all the surfaces of the top half of the gear leg (use a knife to cut it if it's one single leg).

4) Surface > Cut Away Object. Then go to Object mode and name that "upper_gear_l (for, upper gear leg left).

Repeat 3 and four to separate any parts that will be animated independently. In the models I do, it usually ends up being a) upper gear leg b) lower gear leg/axle and c) wheel.