Configuration issue? Compatibility?

deanpierce

Does Animator still work with Twilight 2 free version?

I have both installed. Each works on its own--just not together.

Can someone point me in the right direction?

Thanks.
deanovermont

ntxdave

Can you give some more info about what is happening?

When you generate the video are you specifying that you want to use Twilight?

deanpierce

Hi ntxdave. Happy to explain or at least try. Sorry if TMI.

Steps I take after confirming both extensions are installed are:

Create a new file, which is empty except for 2D SketchUp "Chris" model
/View/animation/add scene named scene 1
Create a simple cube behind Chris for location reference
/File/save
/Extensions/Twilight Render V2/Render
a) Choose render preset "high" b) choose size "800x600" c) choose update content "all: d) Choose scene "Scene 1" e) Uncheck Fit view f) click render icon and confirme rendered image g)close window
Click Animator- clip editor icon
a) Click Add movement icon b) select Chris c)select translate movement icon d) create movement where Chris advances 10 feet in 2 seconds. Save movement.
a) Return Chris to starting position (0 seconds) b) add camera c) click capture current view d) set duration to 2 seconds e) save and name 'view 1' [Not sure I need to create a camera but I did anyway]
Click Play the Clip animation icon to confirm Chris slides along as planned.
Click Go to Beginning of animation icon to return Chris to time 0.
Click Save all data in model and model in Sketchup icon
Click Animator - Positioner icon and save position as position start [Not sure I need to do this but I did anyway]
Advance Chris to two seconds and save position as position finish [Not sure I need to do this but I did anyway]
Save file
Doublecick View 1 Camera and Choose static view. Click save all data to disk
CLick Generate a video for the Film icon
a) specify format of generated video (images sequence only) b) specify frame rate (24 fps) and dimensions *800 x 600)
Generate a test image and then generate full series. Everything looks good, except animator does not use Twilight for rendering.
I have noticed in another post that some installations have more options shown on the Generation of Videos dialog. For example, the person who posted https://sketchucation.com/forums/download/file.php?id=161491&mode=view/rokbox.jpg has two options, natural and VRay. I don't have any options listed between formats and frame rate, which is why I wondered about compatibility or configuration. So then I try:
/Extensions/ Twilight Render v 2/Animation Editor
a) Choose Render Preset Express/Animation/Medium+ Object Animation b) specify size 800x600 c) choose Update content all d) click Advanced
23 Under advanced I a) choose SketchUp Scenes b) set start and finish times as 0 and 2 c) set frame rate at 24 fps d) supply base file name
Click start rendering a new image icon
What ends up happening is I get 49 images that are all the same.

Any help appreciated.

deanovermont

ntxdave

Do you have do you have all scenes checked to be included in animations?

My laptop died so I cannot do any screen shots to show you.

Ok. I had a few minutes to rethink this. The steps you took at step 19 we’re what you need for an Animator rendering. You need to double check the Animator settings so that you see Twilight as an option. That is what is required in this situation. Using the Animation editor option in Twilight is only for generating animation based on scenes. It does not render Animator animations. Hope this clarifies it.

You should also go over and participate in the Twilight Render forum. They have a couple of really good support people.

deanpierce

@ntxdave said:

Do you have do you have all scenes checked to be included in animations?

My laptop died so I cannot do any screen shots to show you.

Ok. I had a few minutes to rethink this. The steps you took at step 19 we’re what you need for an Animator rendering. You need to double check the Animator settings so that you see Twilight as an option. That is what is required in this situation. Using the Animation editor option in Twilight is only for generating animation based on scenes. It does not render Animator animations. Hope this clarifies it.

You should also go over and participate in the Twilight Render forum. They have a couple of really good support people.

Thanks, ntxdave. I ended up purchasing the pro version and I'm up and running.

ntxdave

Glad to fear you have it working.

Hope my info about the difference in the way to use the tools was helpful as well.