Using 3D controller to animate camera / example 3DS MAX?

j_friedrich · Post by **j_friedrich** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 11:54 am

Hi guys,

Just wanted to know if it's possible to animate the camera in Max using the controller? I would like to have the timeline running and animate the camera using the controller? Possible?

Thanks.

Jason

Barbara · Post by **Barbara** » Tue Jan 18, 2011 3:53 pm

Hi Jason -

You can use the 3Dconnexion pop-up menu to toggle between Camera and Scene Movement. To create an animation you can select Camera mode and enable Auto Key Animation in the pop-up menu.

For a screenshot of the pop-up menu see the manual under Supported Applications - Autodesk 3ds Max. [Start, Programs,3Dconnexion, Documentation - Manuals - English Manual - Supported Applications - Autodesk 3ds Max]
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Barbara

j_friedrich · Post by **j_friedrich** » Sun Feb 27, 2011 9:28 pm

Hi Barbara,

Thanks for the reply. Just another question....

The animation stops unless I move the controller to add more keyframes for the camera. I want the playback to continue even if I keep the controller static and then add more movement later in the timeline.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

j_friedrich · Post by **j_friedrich** » Sun Feb 27, 2011 10:09 pm

Hi Barbara,

Got it figured out....

Another question, why is the keyframe animation so choppy? Just curious if it's a max issue or the drivers for the controller. I've already done some research on the slow viewport issues...just wanted to hear you take on things...

Thanks.

Barbara · Post by **Barbara** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 7:54 am

Hello Jason -

Choppiness in the animation is not something I'm seeing other reports of. Have you checked that both the 3Dconnexion software and the video driver are the most recent versions? The 3DsMax plug-in was updated in the current 3DxSoftware Rel.3.11.3. Do you see the same behavior if you turn off the 3Dx driver and use the standard mouse ?
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Barbara

j_friedrich · Post by **j_friedrich** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 9:28 pm

Hi Barbara,

The drivers are current for nvidia along with the 3d mouse software. The movement in the viewport with the proper camera selected is smooth. No issues. As soon as I turn on auto-key, it's choppy when doing the 3d mouse movements. I am panning / dollying around a virtual news set that has 300,000 polys. Problem? Just curious as I want to narrow down the issue.
The machine I have is fast. However, I am not using a Quadro or Firegl that is specific for max.

Thanks.

j_friedrich · Post by **j_friedrich** » Mon Feb 28, 2011 9:36 pm

Hi Barbara,

Quirky problem....

If I start the autokey animation with the 3d mouse, it's choppy. However, if I start the autokey and using the standard mouse to start and just move around and THEN start moving the 3d mouse for keyframes, it's fine. Dunno...
I will work with it.

Thanks.

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