Cineversity

Hi folks, I have a question, simple for you guys,I want to connect a deformer , as a child to say, a tall cube, using Xpresso to control it’s strength-I suspect using range-mapper to control the strength-ultimately, I’ll create user data/slider, I am so close, but far- my setup is not working-would you be so kind as to enlighten me?, thank you
PS-can I presume that t6his approach would be similar to using other deformers as well?

Hi Craig,

I assume that you have create a User-Data slider. With the Deformer and the User-Data, you can just use the option to create a “Set Driver”/“Set-Driven” expression.

If you have any problems setting this up, please share a scene-file, then I will include any connection you may need/want.

The simplest answer to your “P.S.” question is: if a parameter is animate-able, is normally possible to use XPresso for it.

All the best

Sassi

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/31514862/Xpresso-bend.c4d

Hi Dr. Sassi, please let me know if you can see this-based upon my past, I have had trouble with this;)-I know that this is an easy solution, but I for got some things-I want to create user data to control bend strength, that’s all, thank you

Thanks for the file, Craig.

YOu have used the Deformer for the input of the Range-Mapper as well.

1. Drag the XP-Null into the Xpresso Editor.

2. Click on the Red square of the XP-Null node and go to the User Data. Then to your “bend” data.

3. Drag the wire from the Input Deformer to the new connector that you have created in “2”

Test ;o)

I can attach the file, but try it first 1,2,3. :o)

All the best

Sassi

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/31514862/Xpresso-bend-solved.c4d

I think I did it?

Hey Craig, Sounds great!

Edit: I used the download link from my “notification-e-mail. That one worked. /edit

:o)

Let me know if there is another question!

Have a good one

Sassi

you’re the best-of course, being flaky, I noticed, after the fact, that your setup was different from mine, but why did mine work? is it just a matter of a variation on a theme?-I guess the key to solve this is ” dragging the Xpresso null” into the Xpresso editor, since that had the user data attached to it-now I guess I can use this as a springboard to more complex stuff-; )

Craig,

The idea is always to keep a few question as base knowledge—instead of detailed information like a library. One question here could be: “How is the information flow?”. This question allows to check many situations in c4d, and one of my favorite things to share in training.

It is in both versions the same, roughly—the information from the User Data goes to the Deformer>Strength. It flows only one time through the Range Mapper. This instance (or node) can change the data or not at all, depend on the settings. Sometimes we like to have an option to change the information during its way through CINEMA 4D. Othertimes we like to feed several targets with one User Data, but each needs a different range of numbers to work properly, then a Rang-Mapper works great. Another way to alter the information flow is to use a spline(curve) in the Range Mapper, then we change the progress of the data and how it grows. Lots of options.

I hope that little tour was not to long. Let me know if you need more, though.

All the best

Sassi

thanks again, I’m sure I’ll be soliciting more info/knowledge from you down the road ; ) -best, CZ

You’re welcome, Craig.

Let me know!

My best wishes for the project.

Sassi