Random tip: A stack of logs without obvious repetition

Ecuadorian

I "arrayed" the logs while they were in a vertical position. SketchUp has the ability to create arrays without any additional tools:
[flash=640,505:2z4ntaeg]http://www.youtube.com/v/Yk6ok7S8goA&fs=1[/flash:2z4ntaeg]

Let's say you want to array logs in a triangle with 10 logs on each side.

First, copy a log a distance equal to its diameter. Since you need 9 copies for a total of 11, type 9X and hit the Enter key before doing anything else.
Now place a construction line at 60º with the protractor tool. Remember, equilateral triangles have 60º on each angle. It doesn't matter where you place the line as long as it forms a 60º angle with the line of logs.
Select the first line of logs, select the move tool, and copy them along the construction line, again a distance equal to the log diameter, and type 9x afterwards.
Rotate your view so you can do a rectangular selection of the unwanted logs...

...and delete them. C'est fini.

I highly recommend watching all the official SketchUp videos. They have lots of tricks.
http://sketchup.google.com/training/videos.html

Fletch

@ecuadorian said:

...This is straight SketchUp output...

how did you know I needed this EXACT model right now?! thanks for sharing!

Ecuadorian

Ok, I wanted to add more randomness but I lost interest, I'll let you figure that part out. Here's the file, feel free to play with it and contributing your "random tips".
SketchUp 6.0
EDIT: Scroll down for finished model.

agamemnus

I'm don't think you saw my edit, Ecuadorian, so I'll ask again -- did you manually copy/re-position each log in that first batch (before throwing 'em gently), or did you use a tool to do that? If so, what tool? I'm having some trouble even doing it manually because of the reference points -- the logs try to position themselves somewhere else... easier with top-down and parallel projection view though. (when copying)

Ecuadorian

...
I have just described the exact process for copying them in an array, and in the first page I gave the instructions to randomly rotate and scale them. You have to do all this while the logs are in a vertical position, before positioning them for SketchyPhysics.

agamemnus

@ecuadorian said:

:? ...
I have just described the exact process for copying them in an array, and in the first page I gave the instructions to randomly rotate and scale them. You have to do all this while the logs are in a vertical position, before positioning them for SketchyPhysics.

I didn't see your last post.

Edit: I see. Your original model looked a little more randomly positioned. I guess all the different sizes make it look that way.

I manually made a few logs (30 or so), but they are jumping up outwards in the first frame (even though they are close to each other) so they end up all displaced towards the end. I'll try an equally-positioned set and see what happens.

Edit 2: Yes, jumping out again. Some falling through the catching mesh. Not sure what to do. Maybe not enough polys per log?

Edit 3: Used the same log model as yours (increased the size a bit), but still jumping.

Ecuadorian

Weird. Could you please repost your model so I can have a look?

agamemnus

Ok, here is my logs model.

logs6.skp

Ecuadorian

Ok, I see that the logs are intersecting between them and this seems to be causing some kind of explosion effect. Make sure to use Chris Fullmer's plugin as I described in my first post: Min scale 0.9, Max scale 1.0. If you use a higher scale the logs will start to intersect.

agamemnus

I also tried that... maybe I am adding the geometric shape wrong. I removed everything but 1 log and it still jumped...

Dunno.. I removed all plugins except Sketchyphysics 3RC1 and it still jumped...

Non-intersecting logs attached...

logs6b.skp

Chris Fullmer

My random scale tool seems to be causing jumping issues for some people. I have not yet looked into it Sorry if its affecting your workflow. Hopefully I'll get a chance to check it out soon,

Chris

Ecuadorian

As far as I know, the current version does not support friction settings.
Weird what happened to your logs...

agamemnus

I went around the jumping issue by re-grouping every log individually after using "scale and rotate multiple" (whew!).

But now I have another question! Is there a way to add friction in Sketchyphysics? I don't want the logs to rely on the artificial "rope" -- the walls to keep them from rolling off the ground. I want them to adjust a little and then stop moving due to friction.

Edit: Maybe the "magnet strength"? But how do I adjust properties of all objects at the same time as opposed to individually?

Fletch

here's the 'final' where I used the logs. thanks again Miguel!

agamemnus

@fletch said:

here's the 'final' where I used the logs. thanks again Miguel!

Wow, that looks fun. What are you using it for?

TIG

@fletch said:

here's the 'final' where I used the logs. thanks again Miguel!

Had I know the intention you could have had these...logs.skp

Gaieus

And this is exactly the case when projected material works pretty well on the sides, too.

Ecuadorian

@tig said:

Had I know the intention you could have had these...[attachment=1]logs.png[/attachment~

Fletch

@tig said:

@fletch said:

here's the 'final' where I used the logs. thanks again Miguel!

Had I know the intention you could have had these...[attachment=1:rtt0x3zm]logs.png[/attachment:rtt0x3zm][attachment=0:rtt0x3zm]logs.skp[/attachment:rtt0x3zm]

wow! 2 gifts in the same thread! Thanks a ton, TIG!

You can see the 'final' image in the House and Pool thread (using Miguel's logs, I didn't see your component here 'til just now.