Long time max file save issue

The solution of long time max file save problem, quote RangEmotions (Russian forum):

We faced the problem, - max files in several scenes started to save for a longtime (about 10-15 minutes). We had tested lots of solutions, but nothing hadsolved this problem. The 12kb file was creating and after it ten minutes ofwaiting.

The solution was found: you need to open your file and go to MAXScript / Runscript and run the following scripts by turns.

script_01 + script_02

Looks like this problem appear mostly in 3ds Max 2011, and SP1 and HotFix4 not fixed it. I read also in 3DBG.com (Bulgarian forum), that above solution not help in some cases. The folks at 3DBG report for some Windows registry mess in Max 2011, and the current solution they found at the moment is - to reinstall Max but to new folder location.

DotNet Demystified - Part 1 - Top of the Class

LoneRobot post the first part of a series of beginner's DotNet tutorials for Max scripters. The focus of explanation in Part 1 is on the difference between a class and an object.

Backburner issue tips

The problem: "You're rendering an animation using Backburner and you notice that all the machines seem to wait for a particular machine before they finish their frame and request a new one."

The solution: read at Autodesk MaxStation blog.

Custom Manipulator

Renato Polimeno share his custom scripted manipulator plug-in for 3ds Max 2008 and higher at ScriptSpot.

Composite 2012 rumor

Looks like the lack of official news regarding Composite 2012 start a rumor that there maybe no new features but fixes only. Read the original news at MaxUnderground. For details follow the link to Autodesk's Area discussion posted at the end of the news.

Multi Camera Preview

A self explained script. Viewport preview for multiple cameras. Check at ScriptSpot for details.

3DSpeedy - tips & tricks

3DSpeedy is a new resource of bite size tips & tricks for 3D users spanning all programs. The blog started by Erik Jensen (Max) and Nick Hopkins (Cinema 4D). They encourage users of all programs to contribute to their community.

Dual Quaternion Skinning in 3ds Max

Raylight XrayBlendSkin plugin for 3ds Max 2008 - 2011.

Bitmap2Script

New script for converting bitmaps to scripted funcion was posted by Urmila Ghadge at CGTalk forum. It's a modification of the example code into maxscript manual with 3 major improvements:

• the bitmap is exported with the alpha channel
• the alpha is converted into a mask for transparency
• you can directly render the bitmap from a max scene.

It's a beta version, ie his author expect testers feedback.

Using Backburner to automate tasks other than rendering

A 2 parts script automation tutorial (part 1, part 2) at the Autodesk MaxStation blog, that start with base example usage of 2 DOS (command prompt) automation tasks - executing MaxScript from DOS (3dsmax -U MAXScript myscript.ms) and sending job to Backburner from DOS (cmdjob -jobName "test" -manager mysever ...), and the main idea of that tutorial is to send scripting tasks to Max via cmdjob. Actually the cmdjob is build and good for processing a list of tasks, and maybe I have not a luck then use it for runing scripts. However, cmbjob is very useful utility.

Ozone 5 Personal Learning Edition

Many news comes today from E-on Software - Carbon Scatter for 3ds Max is shipping, Ozone 5 PLE (free fully functional version of Ozone 5) available for download, also new training materials and special offers announced.

3D snow creation tips

Bertrand Benoit publish his 5 tips for handling snow creation.

3ds Max 2012 discussion

A discussion about 3ds Max 2012 started at CGTalk.

RTTassist v1.1

RTTassist version 1.1 is released and now supports 3dsmax 9 plus some new features added. What's new in version 1.1 (posted at CGTalk thread):

• 3dsmax 9 is now supported.
• Automatic and manual check for updates.
• New "Projection List" dialog showing the Reference Geometry list of all Low-Poly objects in one place.
• Progress bar now show the progress of UV area calculations when using "Smart".
• "Show preview" checkbox added in the "Combine Maps" dialog.

Setting Up MAXScript OLE Automation

Same named topic into the MAXScript Reference (Setting Up MAXScript OLE Automation) is intended to guide you how to reg your Max as OLE Server, but as I found the instructions their as incomplete and also see zero help about online, finally decide to wrote short PDF doc (uploaded in my tutorial page) with hope to helps all peoples who needs this nice Max feature.

Autodesk announced 3ds Max 2012

Autodesk announced the latest version of 3ds Max, Maya and Softimage. With all respect to the Excalibur (XBR) initiative to restructure 3ds Max and 3ds Max Design, after reading user comments (at MaxUnderground), looks like Max 2012 will disappoint more people than before. The new features sounds promising though so nothing bad to try before buy.

Procedural gears setup

New video tutorial by Paul Neale.