[REQ] Rope/wire plugin

solo · 16 Apr 2016, 16:44

I am looking for a plugin that I know does not exist, I need to drape, position ropes and wires around obstacles. Right now it's a painfully slow process using current tools.

Here is something close to what I'd love. (turn down the volume and see around 40 seconds what I mean)

Thoughts?

tuna1957 · 16 Apr 2016, 16:56

I'll second solo on this. would cheerfully pay $$

solo · 16 Apr 2016, 17:18

@pixero said:

Isn't there a script called catenary curve or something?
I believe it was made for hanging wires or such.
Might be useful.

Edit: I found this: https://extensions.sketchup.com/nl/content/wire-tool

I have that, it just hangs wires, I need it to go around poles, walls, off ledges etc.

Pixero · 16 Apr 2016, 17:18

Isn't there a script called catenary curve or something?
I believe it was made for hanging wires or such.
Might be useful.

Edit: I found this: https://extensions.sketchup.com/nl/content/wire-tool

What would be really cool is a spline FFD that could deform geometry in realtime

pilou · 17 Apr 2016, 22:20

Helix along curve ?

baz · 18 Apr 2016, 03:20

@tuna1957 said:

I'll second solo on this. would cheerfully pay $$

Yep, me too.

KENTUCKY · 20 Apr 2016, 16:45

I was asked to help on a ropes course project a while back. I was trying for a 3 strand rope. I never did come up with a good method and they ultimately just used sketchup line work for their illustrations.
I felt like I was getting close to a good workflow a few times.

I think Helix around curve could be modified create multiple helix and then a line to tube ruby could be used. The problem I had was easily creating multiple helix for multiple strands that worked correctly with the diameter of the rope. The helix has to be adjusted based on the diameter of the rope

I think I attached my test file? I tried anyway.
Hope that helps someone.

rope test

pilou · 20 Apr 2016, 17:06

@unknownuser said:

The helix has to be adjusted based on the diameter of the rope

Like in reality!

File works fine!
(next time save "as V6" for a more large audience!

Bob James · 21 Apr 2016, 18:08

@kentucky said:

I attached a screen shot of a very quick try.

solo · 21 Apr 2016, 19:00

@kentucky said:

Would it be possible to use a slightly modified version of the ivy plugin for wrapping rope around an object? You can get a single strand by playing with the parameters.
I attached a screen shot of a very quick try.

You forgot the screenshot.

Ivy idea sounds good, maybe a little lack of control but still better than nothing.

KENTUCKY · 21 Apr 2016, 20:19

Would it be possible to use a slightly modified version of the ivy plugin for wrapping rope around an object? You can get a single strand by playing with the parameters.
I attached a screen shot of a very quick try.

faust07 · 22 Apr 2016, 11:06

This could be a solution: LSS Arch 1.5.9. Demo https://youtu.be/5e6SXCSwQg0

the second half of the video.

JQL · 22 Apr 2016, 11:58

Damn! That's an impressive plugin! Will try ASAP!

cotty · 23 Apr 2016, 12:28

Maybe this plugin can be a start?
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=80%26amp;t=64302#p589620

Pixero · 23 Apr 2016, 17:52

@faust07 said:

This could be a solution: LSS Arch 1.5.9. Demo https://youtu.be/5e6SXCSwQg0

the second half of the video.

What! I never heard of this plugin. Looks fantastic!

Pixero · 24 Apr 2016, 14:50

Here is perhaps a solution:
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=80%26amp;t=64796
http://www.sketchrope.com/

nektares · 29 Apr 2016, 00:10

Maybe this, on first step just draw a rough aproximation of where you want the rope to go.
on step two adjust it and then convert it with bz toolbar to catmull spline
and then the final step just tube along path or follow me along the generated catmull spline.

AcesHigh · 3 May 2016, 14:09

Nektares, this seems quite complicated for more complex geometry, like the part where the rope goes around that tube. And it may not end up realistic. A more complex scene with a rope might be too complicated for this method to work.

@Solo: aside Ropefall, which is subscription based, have you thought of using some BLENDER? Export model to Blender, do the rope, re-import rope to Sketchup?

Not the best workflow, but maybe better than pay a subscription plugin, specially if you do not need ALL THE TIME to work with complex ropes.

here, a tutorial on ropes in Blender. With the added benefit of already creating realistic ropes with the strands twisting, etc

404 Not Found

(www.cgmeetup.net)

juju · 3 May 2016, 14:48

@aceshigh said:

aside Ropefall, which is subscription based

the plugin author has since changed to optional perpetual licence...

baz · 4 May 2016, 11:00

@nektares said:

Maybe this, on first step just draw a rough aproximation of where you want the rope to go.
on step two adjust it and then convert it with bz toolbar to catmull spline
and then the final step just tube along path or follow me along the generated catmull spline.

[attachment=0:18pbu3s6]rope_test1.jpg[/attachment:18pbu3s6]

That's a goer for me, I hadn't realized that BZ could convert straight lines. For my needs that works plenty good.
Thanks.