Jamie's Jewels

Entries for 20 Free 3ds Max iPhone covers close on the 1st July

Hi All

Just a quick reminder that the closing date to win a free 3ds Max iPhone cover is fast approaching.

Don’t forget that entry is very simple, all you have to do is complete the following information telling me your favourite feature in 3ds Max, and email me your response. 20 of the entries will then be randomly picked and receive a nice gift in the post…..Simple!

 

Your Name:
Your website:
3ds Max Feature:
Reason why you love it:

 

Closing date for entries is: Friday 1st July 2011.

You can view the full guidelines and original posting here.

Please note: All submissions will be posted on this site after the closing date.

Happy Max’ing

Guest Blog: Using the Apache web version of Backburner monitor (on your iPad)

Hi All

Todays guest blog posting is from Alex York of Atelier York Studios. Alex has kindly wrote an article on setting up the apache web version of 3ds max‘s backburner monitor. But why would would you want to do this? Well, it enables you to access this data from any internet enabled device, anywhere in the world. Alex has even got this happily working on his Apple  iPad. Surely that’s reason enough to try it? (See the screen shot below – click to enlarge.)

 

First of all, who is Alex?:

Atelier York is an architectural visualization studio based in London, UK, with over five years of experience in the field, working with some of the world's largest architectural practices, interior designers and developers, from Foster & Partners to Richard Rogers Partnership, MMM Architects to John Pawson and Barton Willmore amongst many others. Founder Alex York is a council member of the Society of Architectural Illustration. Alex’s work has been published in the Architects Journal, Building Design, 3D World and in various architecture/design books and publications, both in print and online.The studio's specialities include computer-aided 3D design for the architecture industry, architectural photography and digital image manipulation, covering everything from luxury high-end residential projects to offices, public realm and planning work (masterplans, eye-level planning shots etc.)"

The Article:

“Backburner Web Monitor is (or can be) a very nice way of accessing backburner from any machine on your network or any machine/ipad/iphone/smartphone from anywhere in the world.

This guide is for Windows 7 64-bit systems but it’s easy enough to tweak the directories if you’re running a 32-bit system. Quite a bit of this has been copied from Autodesk guides and reworded to work with 64-bit systems and the new Apache folder structures introduced in recent versions. It looks long and complicated but it literally only took me 30 mins or so from start to finish and is well worth the effort.

Here’s how to get it installed and access it with auth mode enabled (rather than read-only - what’s the fun in that?!):

*NOTE: I don’t accept any responsibility whatsoever for what you do while going through this guide. If your network dies, your machine melts or you spill your coffee all over your 3d Connexion as a result of any of this, it ain’t my fault. Do carry on!*

1) install Apache from http://httpd.apache.org (you want the version without SSL eg. httpd-2.2.19-win32-x86-no_ssl.msi)

2) install it with all the default settings

3) open a web browser and type (without inverted commas) “localhost”. You should see “It Works!” If not, re-install and check your installation settings.

4) install backburner as normal (or skip this step if you already have it installed). But double-check that it’s working normally. Start your Manager.

5) Navigate to the folder where Backburner is installed, by default C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\Backburner.

Copy the entire backburner_html folder to C:\Program Files (x86)\Apache Software Foundation\Apache2.2\htdocs.

Rename the backburner_html folder you copied in step 2 as backburner.

Copy the following files from C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\Backburner to C:\Program Files (x86)\Apache Software Foundation\Apache2.2\cgi-bin:

monitorCGI.cgi

monitorCGI.cfg

6) Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Apache Software Foundation\Apache2.2\cgi-bin, and then open the monitorCGI.cfg file in an XML or a text editor such as Notepad.

Locate the following line in the monitorCGI.cfg file:

<!-- Default Manager Hostname -->

<Manager>localhost</Manager>

Replace the value for localhost in this line with the full computer name of the workstation running Backburner Manager. For example, my main workstation running the Manager is called GIGABYTE.

Locate the following line in the monitorCGI.cfg file:

<!-- Port that the manager is running on -->

3234</Port>

If necessary, replace the value in this line with the port number used to communicate with Backburner Manager. Check the Backburner Manager General Properties dialog or the backburner.xml file if you are unsure what port number is being used by the Backburner Manager; see Configuring Backburner Manager. Note: The default Backburner Manager port number is 3234. Changing this port number is not recommended.

Save and close the monitorCGI.cfg file.

7) Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Apache Software Foundation\Apache2.2\cgi-bin.

Create a copy of the monitorCGI.cgi file in the same folder, and then rename the copy monitorCGI-auth.cgi. Your folder should now contain two files named monitorCGI.cgi and monitorCGI-auth.cgi.

Create a sub-folder called auth in the main Apache folder. You should have a C:\Program Files (x86)\Apache Software Foundation\Apache2.2\auth folder. Next, set up a password file for the Backburner Web Server in this folder.

Open a command prompt (DOS) shell, and then navigate to the bin folder by typing the following:

cd “C:\Program Files (x86)\Apache Software Foundation\Apache2.2\bin”

You use the htpasswd.exe utility in this folder to set up usernames and passwords for all Distributed Queueing System users.

Create a password file that contains the username and password of the first user. Type:

htpasswd.exe -b -c ..\auth\backburner.auth <username> <password>

where <username> and <password> are the respective username and password.

A text file called backburner.auth is created in the folder. This file contains the list of usernames and encrypted passwords for all network users.

Set the username and password for remaining users by typing the following for each network user:

htpasswd.exe -b ..\auth\backburner.auth <username> <password>

8) Go to C:\Program Files (x86)\Apache Software Foundation\Apache 2.2\conf and open the file httpd.conf in notepad. Enter the following at the END of the file, save and close.

<Location /cgi-bin/monitorCGI.cgi>
AuthType Basic
AuthName Backburner
AuthUserFile “C:\Program Files (x86)\Apache Software Foundation\Apache2.2\auth\backburner.auth”
<Limit GET POST>
</Limit>
require valid-user
</Location>

8) RESTART THE APACHE SERVER.

(Click to enlarge the above image)

9) To test the Backburner Web Server from a machine on the local network, open a Web browser and enter the following in the address line:

http://<machinename>/backburner

If the Backburner Web Server is working, the Web Monitor appears in the browser. All users on the network can use this Web address to access the Backburner Web Monitor.

10) To get this all working on any machine/device remotely (not on the LAN) you need to firstly go into your router settings (i.e. Belkin/Netgear/Bebox etc.) and set up port forwarding to forward port 80 (the default Apache port) to point to your workstation that is running Manager. In my case, port 80 now forwards to GIGABYTE.

11) You now need to open Windows Firewall from Control Panel and go to Advanced Settings on the far left. On the far left of this window click “Inbound Rules”. On the far right, click “New Rule” and add port 80 for both UDP and TCP. You should end up with TWO port 80 rules, allowing both to be incoming.

12) now find out your WAN IP from your router (or go to whatismyip.com and it will tell you). Open a web browser and go to *yourwanip*/backburner. If everything has worked, you will be presented with your login screen. Log in and.... Enjoy! “

You can contact Alex here: (or why not just say thanks for the article)

Web: www.atelieryork.co.uk
Email: studio@atelieryork.co.uk

 

A big thanks to Alex for supplying this information, and I hope its inspired you to try this version of backburner in your studio.

Happy Max’ing

Recommended Reading: Skillsets guide to VFX skills + 3ds Max in Films

Hi All

I want to make you aware of a detailed and very interesting document that highlights skills required for VFX projects. This 39 page document hopes to change what new entrant skills are available for the UK industry, and most importantly accelerate this change.

Click here to view the PDF.

Whilst were talking about VFX, it;s important to remember that VFX is a strong area for 3ds Max, as many of the films and moves you watch have watched include 3ds Max VFX work. Maya of course, is the standard tool of choice for general film 3d CGI due to its ability to be highly customised in the larger studios. 3ds Max, in conjunction with its extensive wealth of third party plugins, plays an important role in creating many of the effects you’ve seen in recent blockbuster movies. The below two link names but a few of them.

3ds Max in Film  - click here

& Ken’s list on the AREA here.

Happy Max’ing

Well done 3ds Max– you go straight to top of the class

3ds Max 2012 is a very strong release, but don’t take my word for it, take that of gamedev.net. There recent review of 2012’s new features and workflows gave it an outstanding…..

 

5/5    

 

OK, so the above isn’t subtle, but a 5/5 is amazing to get in this difficult industry. Clearly demonstrating the thought and care that has gone into this latest release, from all in the development and product design teams. This is what makes 3ds Max the number one selling professional application out there on the market, and why many of you continue to passionately care about this product.

 

 

The review covers areas including:

• Nitrous Viewports
• PhysX MassFX tools
• Substance smart Textures
• UV editor updates
• iRay

as well as some of the other improvements.

 

 

Click here to read the full online article.

Happy Max’ing

3ds Max Service Pack 1 is available for download

I am pleased to announce that the 1^st 3ds Max 2012 Service Pack (SP) is now available for download, both in 32-bit and 64-bit flavours. This SP is targeted to many areas of 3ds Max functionality including continued performance and stability improvements. It is also worth noting that the SP includes a completely re-written core to CAT (Character Animation Toolkit).

 

 

Download Links:

• Autodesk 3ds Max 2012 Service Pack 1
• Autodesk 3ds Max Design Service Pack 1

 

Product Areas which have been addressed include:

• Animation
• CivilView
• Viewport Canvas
• InfoCenter
• Nitrous
• Quicksilver
• The Ribbon
• SDK
• Unwrap UVW
• Viewports
• And of course, CAT

As with any additional download I recommend you view the below readme before installing on machines. If your in a large studio, then please check with your TD first.

This 7 page document is full of useful information and is certainly an important read for all.

 Readme download link (PDF – 161kb)

 

 

I also want to take this opportunity to say a special thanks to all of you who continue to provide user feedback and improvement suggestions for 3ds Max. This information is always greatly appreciated.

Happy Max’ing

Visit 3dworld to win a 3ds Max Entertainment Creation Suite worth £6300

Afternoon All

 

Those lovely people at 3dworld are running another competition to win your choice of either a 2012 3ds Max or Maya Entertainment Creation Suite. The normal retail price of a ‘Premium’ edition is £6300, so its certainly a nice prize to walk away with.(The total price of the individual products you get in the suite box are approximately £9300.)

This simple to enter prize draw, closes on August 15th, so ensure you take the time to fill out the online form. but, don't delay, as if your like me then you’ll probably forget and kick yourself for missing out on this opportunity.

You can learn more about the suite offerings and how they can enhance your workflow by visiting the below link, or download the trial on the left hand side of this web page.

You can view detailed product information and FAQs below.

 FAQs (pdf - 95Kb)

 Qualified Hardware (pdf - 273Kb)

 System Requirements (pdf - 57Kb)

 

What's in an Entertainment Creation Suite? – click here 

“The Autodesk Entertainment Creation Suite 2012 Premium gives artists and production facilities access to a broad range of creative toolsets. It offers a choice of either Maya 2012 or 3ds Max 2012 as the flagship suite, plus:

• MotionBuilder 2012, the real-time character animation software
• Mudbox 2012, for digital sculpting and painting
• Softimage 2012, the leading production tool for high-performance 3D character animation and visual effects”

Finally, (and most importantly) to enter, please visit this link: click here

Happy Max’ing

My Favourite 3ds Max Short-cut keys

Hi All

Short-cut keys are something I could not live without in 3ds Max. Like in any application, It’s incredible to think how much time these little keys save me throughout a working day (and working night).

So here’s my list of the keys which have become my friends over the years. I’m sure many of these you already know, but my personal top 5 have to be:

• The most used for me has to be ALT+W for maximising and minimising my viewports. This one simple combination gets used so much that the text is missing off these keys on my home keyboard.
• A very close second is F4, F3 for Show edges in the viewport and Smooth & Highlights >Wireframe toggle, respectively.
• For years I used the quad menu, in its ‘standard’ mode without releasing that you can bring up different quad menus for the take your performing. This is an incredible time saver, and one I highly recommend trying. Below are the shortcuts for the tailored options available:
  • V=Viewports mode
  • Ctrl+Right Mouse Button=Modelling mode
  • Shift+Right Mouse Button=Snap mode
  • Alt+Right Mouse Button=Animation mode
  • Alt+Ctrl+Right Mouse Button=Lighting and Rendering
• F1=HELP!!! the most important and underused key in 3ds Max. There is a wealth of information within the help files, and this continues to be an overlooked area. On many occasions, when contacted for help from customers, my “impressive and intellectual” responses are simply copied from the help files. But shush, don’t tell anyone that I’m a fraud and aren’t as intelligent as I appear.
• N=autokey mode toggle for creating animations. This is by far one of my most used shortcut keys in 3ds Max.

 

 

Now let’s have a look at some of the others I commonly utilise, and have come to rely on:

F9=render last

F10=open render dialogue window

o=toggle render to texture window

m=open/close material editor windows

Shift+f=show safeframes

7=show statistics

8=toggle environment and effects dialogue window

6=open/close particle view window

Alt+6=Show main toolbar

/=animation playback (slash key)

Alt+Ctrl+Q=open last used scene explorer

h=select by name

w=move selection

e=rotate selection

r=scale selection

c=camera view

p=perspective view

t=top view

l=left view

g=toggle the viewport grid on/off

s=snaps toggle

a=angle snaps toggle

Ctrl+c=create camera from perspective view

F5/F6/F7=lock movement along X,Y and Z axis respectively

Ctrl+i=select inverse

Ctrl+d=deselect

Ctrl+a=select all in scene

Ctrl+v=create clone of selection

Ctrl+x=expert mode toggle

home=jump to start of animation timeline

end=jump to end of animation timeline

Ctrl+R=arc rotate mode in the viewport

Middle Mouse Button= Viewport Pan

Alt+Q=Isolate selection

d=disable viewport

Alt+x=display object as see-through

Ctrl+n=create new scene

Ctrl+s=save file

Spacebar=lock selection

Shift+c= hide/unhide cameras

Shift+s=hide/unhide shapes objects

Shift+w=hide/unhide space warps

Shift+g=hide/unhide geometry

Shift+h=hide/unhide helper objects

Shift+l=hide/unhide light objects

Page up=Select parent

Page down=Select child object

i=pan viewport whilst drawing a spline

scroll middle mouse wheel=viewport zoom

z=zoom selected object

Ctrl+Alt+z=zoom extents

F11= open MAXScript listener window

and last but not least,whilst in edit poly mode:

1=Vertex mode 2=edge mode 3=border mode 4=poly mode 5=element mode

There are many more short-cut keys in 3ds Max than I have listed above, so I recommend once you’ve grasped the ones above that you explore the others which exist. Also, bear in mind that many of the keys are also context sensitive and will be dependant on the task or mode your in. By spending some time learning these keys you will certainly gain this time and more back throughout your projects.

Of course, the flexibility of 3ds Max allows you to customise any of the keys to behave how you prefer them to. For me, I generally leave them as standard out of the box, however will customise the quad menu and interface. This ensures I can stay productive when using someone else’s machine for a short while.

As always, please feel free to add some comments below regarding the keys you rely on and would recommend to other users…..

You may also be interesting in having a look at Gary’s excellent dark UI package. Click here to explore.

Happy Max’ing

Event Notification: 'Animation in Education' - 23 June

Hi All

I will be presenting the 2012 3ds Max Entertainment Creation Suite at a special Education Event in Birmingham on the 23rd June. This is being organised by Academia and promises to have some interesting sessions including one by Chaos Group, showcasing Vray for 3ds Max.

Some of the many workflows covered will be focusing on:

• The new Nitrous Viewport improvements and considerations
• UVW unwrapping workflows
• Xbox Kinnect interoperability
• Motion Builder single-step workflows
• and the extremely powerful MassFX tools

You can find out more and register via this link.

Happy Max’ing

The 2011 3ds Max Master Nominations are now open

Morning All

I’m sure you all have someone that you look up to within the 3ds Max community. So this is the time of you year when you get to recognise the person who has been influential in your use of 3ds Max. Obviously its great to win a Masters award, but I’m sure just being nominated will make that person’s day….

The deadline for submissions is August 16 with voting starting on September 8th. However, please submit ASAP, after all 5 minutes out of your day, surely makes up for all the help and inspiration the nominations have provided over the years.

Click here to submit your nominations.

When considering your nomination, please remember the below criteria. They should be someone who has:

• “…Push the technical and aesthetic boundaries of computer graphics in creation of personal or commercial work.
• Further the field of computer graphics through mentoring, technical contributions to the industry, writing plug-ins and scripts, or guiding artists and students in the industry.
• Be recognized by the industry as a thought leader and expert in their field.
• Use a licensed copy of Maya, 3ds Max, Softimage or Mudbox, or a combination of these software packages…”

Don’t forget that the 2011 Master nominations are also open for Mudbox, Maya and Softimage.

Happy Max’ing

Do you want a free 3ds Max iPhone cover?

Hi All

After three weeks of some welcome vacation, (and some business travel). I have returned to a lovely box of goodies sat waiting for me. So it’s only right that I share all of these with you.

I'm sure you will agree the best type of giveaways are those that are extremely limited edition. So how about some 3ds Max icon branded iPhone covers, so you can be the envy of your office?

Here's what you could get your hands on shortly:

 

There are 20, yes 20 (after all it was “Max’s” 20 year anniversary last year), of these covers that need a new home with two different designs on the back, shown above. The covers come in two sizes fitting a 3G or 4G iPhone.

So how do you get your hands on these 3ds Max prizes?

Your probably eager to get your hands on one of these, Well it’s easy, all you have to do is email me using this link with a short description of ANY feature in 3ds Max / Design that you can’t live without and why it’s so important to your workflow. This could be anything ranging from the new Nitrous viewports in 2012, to the powerful ‘Substitute’ modifier.

20 of the entries randomly picked will then receive a nice gift in the post.

To make this even easier, just copy and paste the below information into your email, filling out the obvious parts of the table. (Please also specify if you require a 4G/3G cover and I will try my best to accommodate you.)

The important bit:

 

Your Name:
Your website:
3ds Max Feature:
Reason why you love it:

 

Closing date for entries is: Friday 1st July 2011.

Please note: All submissions will be posted on this site after the closing date.

 

A special thanks to Daniel Pero of FutureCad, Autodesk’s Value Added Distributor based in Sweden, who kindly supplied all these striking gifts. Thanks Daniel.

Happy Max'ing