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Creating a smooth/slow beacon effect

S

Shagster22

Messages
172
Country
netherlands
hey all,
i want to create a beacon for a bridge, you know, one of those slow/fading in and out red beacons. Ive been messing with it for a while, but i cant get the "fade in=" and "fade out=" to work. The only thing that gets close is when i change the "X/Y/Z scale rate=" parameter, but then it just grows and then stops and grows again, and stops again etc. I have the right colour, but i just cant seen to get it to fad in AND out --> the timing is right, should fade in for one second and then fade out for one second (total time is 2 seconds). I just had one particle (particle.0) cause i only need one i think. Any help is appreciated! How to get it to fade in/out....
 
Here, try this. The made this by having 2 emitters and adjusting the fade out, lifetime of the particle(not the emitter), and setting a delay. Just copy and paste.

Dave

[Library Effect]
Lifetime=5
Version=2.00
Radius=200
Priority=0

[Properties]
Spot=1
Tower=1
Map=1

[Emitter.0]
Lifetime=0.00, 0.00
Delay=2.00, 2.00
Bounce=0.
No Interpolate=1
Rate=2.00, 2.00
X Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Y Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Z Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Drag=0.00, 0.00
X Particle Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Y Particle Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Z Particle Velocity=0.00, 0.00
X Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Y Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Z Rotation=0.00, 0.00
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Pitch=0.00, 0.00
Bank=0.00, 0.00
Heading=0.00, 0.00

[Particle.0]
Lifetime=1.50, 1.50
Type=19
X Scale=2.00, 2.00
Y Scale=2.00, 2.00
Z Scale=0.00, 0.00
X Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Y Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Z Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Drag=0.00, 0.00
Color Rate=0.00, 0.00
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Fade In=0.00, 0.00
Fade Out=0.50, 0.50
Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Static=1
Face=1, 1, 1

[ParticleAttributes.0]
Blend Mode=2
Texture=fx_2.bmp
Bounce=0.00
Color Start=255, 20, 0, 180
Color End=255, 20, 0, 0
Jitter Distance=0.00
Jitter Time=0.00
uv1=0.00, 0.00
uv2=0.50, 0.50
X Scale Goal=0.00
Y Scale Goal=0.00
Z Scale Goal=0.00
Extrude Length=0.00
Extrude Pitch Max=0.00
Extrude Heading Max=0.00

[Emitter.1]
Lifetime=0.00, 0.00
Delay=2.00, 2.00
Bounce=0.00
No Interpolate=1
Rate=2.00, 2.00
X Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Y Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Z Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Drag=0.00, 0.00
X Particle Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Y Particle Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Z Particle Velocity=0.00, 0.00
X Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Y Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Z Rotation=0.00, 0.00
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Pitch=0.00, 0.00
Bank=0.00, 0.00
Heading=0.00, 0.00

[Particle.1]
Lifetime=1.30, 1.30
Type=19
X Scale=1.00, 1.00
Y Scale=1.00, 1.00
Z Scale=0.00, 0.00
X Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Y Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Z Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Drag=0.00, 0.00
Color Rate=0.00, 0.00
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Fade In=0.00, 0.00
Fade Out=0.50, 0.50
Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Static=1
Face=1, 1, 1

[ParticleAttributes.1]
Blend Mode=2
Texture=fx_2.bmp
Bounce=0.00
Color Start=255, 70, 0, 255
Color End=255, 70, 0, 0
Jitter Distance=0.00
Jitter Time=0.00
uv1=0.00, 0.00
uv2=0.50, 0.50
X Scale Goal=0.00
Y Scale Goal=0.00
Z Scale Goal=0.00
Extrude Length=0.00
Extrude Pitch Max=0.00
Extrude Heading Max=0.00
 
Thanx dave,
I finally got the hang of how these different variables work! Finished the effect, very much like i wanted it to be :D ! thanx!
 
LOL, one more problem:
I would like to have the effect turned off over day, but on during dawn/dusk/night. Im using gmax ATM to place my effects, and i use the Attach Tool to attach my effects. I read that i have to add the following:

Dawn=1;
Day=0;
Dusk=1;
Night=1;

Adding that in the "parameters" section of the Attach Tool. And when i did that, i added it like this:

Dawn=1; Day=0; Dusk=1; Night=1;

Well, the effects still show, but they also show over day. Also when i remove the spaces and do this:

Dawn=1;Day=0;Dusk=1;Night=1;

They still show. Does anybody know how i can set that the effect (beacon) doesnt show over day? Thanx in advance!
 
You can do 1 of 2 things for this.

!. since your using attachscript in gmax, it wont allow to put all the time of day conditions at once so you can create 3 different objects that you will attach effects to. Then under the parameters section you will put the condition for only one time of the day....

box 1 would be fx_your effect and in the parameters type NIGHT=1
box 2 would be fx_your effect and in the parameters type DUSK=1
box 3 would be fx_your effect and in the parameters type DAWN=1
you dont have to add one for day time

so now you have your main object, and anywhere you want your effect to show up you will have three small boxes or whatever shape you are using each with the same effect but different parameters for the day.

There is also problems with this method as far as seeing the effects when approaching the lights from more then 10 meters away.Here is the thread
http://www.scenerydesign.org/forum/showthread.php?t=830&highlight=effects and also check this one out http://www.scenerydesign.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1129


2. The other is to add them directly to xml file and place them directly to your scenery that way. The good thing about this way is that you wont have the problems as you did when you use attachscript method.

Dave
 
Last edited:
ablitos said:
[Library Effect]
Lifetime=5
Version=2.00
Radius=200
Priority=0

[Properties]
Spot=1
Tower=1
Map=1

[Emitter.0]
Lifetime=0.00, 0.00
Delay=2.00, 2.00
Bounce=0.
No Interpolate=1
Rate=2.00, 2.00
X Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Y Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Z Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Drag=0.00, 0.00
X Particle Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Y Particle Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Z Particle Velocity=0.00, 0.00
X Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Y Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Z Rotation=0.00, 0.00
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Pitch=0.00, 0.00
Bank=0.00, 0.00
Heading=0.00, 0.00

[Particle.0]
Lifetime=1.50, 1.50
Type=19
X Scale=2.00, 2.00
Y Scale=2.00, 2.00
Z Scale=0.00, 0.00
X Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Y Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Z Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Drag=0.00, 0.00
Color Rate=0.00, 0.00
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Fade In=0.00, 0.00
Fade Out=0.50, 0.50
Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Static=1
Face=1, 1, 1

[ParticleAttributes.0]
Blend Mode=2
Texture=fx_2.bmp
Bounce=0.00
Color Start=255, 20, 0, 180
Color End=255, 20, 0, 0
Jitter Distance=0.00
Jitter Time=0.00
uv1=0.00, 0.00
uv2=0.50, 0.50
X Scale Goal=0.00
Y Scale Goal=0.00
Z Scale Goal=0.00
Extrude Length=0.00
Extrude Pitch Max=0.00
Extrude Heading Max=0.00

[Emitter.1]
Lifetime=0.00, 0.00
Delay=2.00, 2.00
Bounce=0.00
No Interpolate=1
Rate=2.00, 2.00
X Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Y Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Z Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Drag=0.00, 0.00
X Particle Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Y Particle Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Z Particle Velocity=0.00, 0.00
X Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Y Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Z Rotation=0.00, 0.00
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Pitch=0.00, 0.00
Bank=0.00, 0.00
Heading=0.00, 0.00

[Particle.1]
Lifetime=1.30, 1.30
Type=19
X Scale=1.00, 1.00
Y Scale=1.00, 1.00
Z Scale=0.00, 0.00
X Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Y Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Z Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Drag=0.00, 0.00
Color Rate=0.00, 0.00
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Fade In=0.00, 0.00
Fade Out=0.50, 0.50
Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Static=1
Face=1, 1, 1

[ParticleAttributes.1]
Blend Mode=2
Texture=fx_2.bmp
Bounce=0.00
Color Start=255, 70, 0, 255
Color End=255, 70, 0, 0
Jitter Distance=0.00
Jitter Time=0.00
uv1=0.00, 0.00
uv2=0.50, 0.50
X Scale Goal=0.00
Y Scale Goal=0.00
Z Scale Goal=0.00
Extrude Length=0.00
Extrude Pitch Max=0.00
Extrude Heading Max=0.00
Click to expand...


I just don't get it ... how to make it slower an MUCH brighter
 
I just don't get it ... how to make it slower an MUCH brighter
Click to expand...

Hello,

Just adjust the particle lifetime and change the colour and lifetime of the particle ;) .

That should work.

Nath.
 
Last edited:
You could use the fade out and fade in parameters..as well as lifetime parameter in the particle section. To make it brighter, you could change the color...or play with the rate parameter which might help.

Dave
 
Hello,

Here is a tip:

Open microsoft paint and goto colors up the top and in the new window (the color window) click on the long button that says Define Custom Colors>> then choose your color then you will see red, green, blue values just type these into your effect particle color.

Hope this help's.

Nath.
 
Hm ... first a missunderstanding: I do not want to change the color, I just want to make it to generate more light.

Let me see (please correct me, if I'm wrong):

As far as I understand the effekt, there are two emitters for the two colors - red (corona) and yellow (center).

Life time and Fade out control the time, the light lasts:
"Lifetime=1.30, 1.30" and Fade "Out=0.50, 0.50" means, that the flash lasts 1.30 seconds and after 50% of the time, the light starts to fade out

The delay of the emitter controls the time from one flash to the next:
"Delay=2.00, 2.00" means, that a flash will start every two seconds.

The Rate of the emitter controls the brightness of the light - how much light particles are emitted in one second.
When I change the rate of both emitters to 10.00, 10.00, there is more light, but it does not fade out properly anymore.

Please help.
 
Last edited:
Hello,

The rate = How many particles are emitted per second.

Change the colour to a brghter red NOT change the colour to blue or pink etc. :D

Fade in & out works as % Example:

0.50 = 50% of the particle's lifetime & 0.25 = 25% of the particle's lifetime 1.00 = 100% of the particle's lifetime.

Delay: if delay = 2.00 then the emitter will delay for 2 seconds before it start's to emit particles again.

The reason there is 2 parameters in the lifetime, fade in, fade out etc. is to make it random of you were to put it like this: 1.00, 1.00 then the particle or emitter would last for 1 all the time if it was set to: 1.00, 2.00 then it would be random it would last between 1 second and 2 seconds any time between these parameters it would last for.

I hope this help's.

Nath.
 
Ok - once again a missunderstanding:
I do NOT want to change the color, I want to make the light visible from a greater distance and that should be acchieved by a higher rate - correct?
That's what I wanted to say by using "brighter" ... perhaps I use the wrong word, English is not my first language ... :(


@2242:
I do understand the two values for the parameters. but is has nothing to do with my problem. I do not want to put any randomization in it.

I have written:
The Rate of the emitter controls the brightness of the light - how much light particles are emitted in one second. [...]
The delay of the emitter controls the time from one flash to the next:
"Delay=2.00, 2.00" means, that a flash will start every two seconds.
Click to expand...
You write:
The rate = How many particles are emitted per second. [...]Delay: if delay = 2.00 then the emitter will delay for 2 seconds before it start's to emit particles again.
Click to expand...

Almost all points you mention are already in my post -
I don't understand, what you want to tell me with this ... :confused:
Is it just to tell me, that I understood everything correctly?

The problem still is the same:
If I push up the rate to 10 or 20 for example, the light stays bright all the time - please try it.
 
Delay does not what 2242 and I think of it - it's just a pause at the beginning of the effect - how to control the "timing" of the flash?

EDIT: Found out, the effect get's visible from greater distance by giving x-scale and y-scale a higher value.
 
Last edited:
Got it!

X-, Y- and Z-Scale control the size and therefore the "visiblity range"

Rate controls the speed if flashing, but it works inverse! If I use a LOWER value, I get light blinking slower!
The time, the light lights ( ;) ) is controlled by the lifetime of the particles: The longer, the longer the light.
 
Hey,

Yes i was just letting you know that you were right and just added a few more things just to be sure you know ;)

And it seems like you do.

Nath.
 
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