Cineversity

Is there a way to make a zigzag formula spline? I’m no good with math, so that stuff goes over my head haha.

Hi Matt,

Yes, there is a way. Please have a look to this screen capture (files included)
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/cnz1jhNAP7W3IR7tnj0vfE1KKeYQnAahvipZh8EbsFJ

The first number in the rnd() function defines the range, the second the seed of the random rnd(1;t) in this case, as t is the value that is used in the Formula Spline. T is between Min and Max, and how often it is cycled is based on the Sample parameter.

As an alternative, you can set an Effector to Deform, and gain so much more options (file …_11.c4d), the name formula on the spline has no meaning, BTW.

Let me know if you have any questions.

All the best

Thanks Dr. Sassi. Do you know if there’s a way to make it more uniform? Looking for something simple, like this:

https://www.silhouette.pics/images/quotes/english/general/black-zig-zag-line-transparent-52650-102254.jpg

Matt,

A regular zig-zag, no idea why I got the image of a random one in my mind.
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/gRvR2b83ankx5khkrarTdYafW4rDwSBOlKbvPcOQKpq

Anyway, here are two ways with the Formula Spline and one with a Formula Effector set to Deform> Points.

In the two Formula Spline setups, the summary of the Tmin and Tmax requires a specific Sample amount. Formula.0 -10 to 10 requires 20, and Formula.1 requires twice the amount of samples.

There will be other combinations, but I guess this should work. Have an eye on the Interpolation of each Formula.

The Spline object/Formula Effector set up, uses each Spline Point as an ID. The mod() function gives out 0 or 1 for odd or even IDs. With that, the given Parameters (P.Y) is then set, as in multiplied. Note, the points are only moved up and down, they are not positioned otherwise.

Cheers

Thanks Dr. Sassi

These are helpful examples. I think I like the final example best for scaleability. Selecting all the points and doing a “Subdivide” adds more “peaks”. Is there a reverse function of subdivide? In case I wanted less peaks?

Matt,

I would say the best way to answer your question is suggesting the MoSpline.

Project file:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/5eHwLjhz2OhvTurxkR2Xgv5m0tR9LskFpjZwydEsLSX

See the HUD interface in the Editor, this is the hint where to find the adjustment. (MoSpline> Attribute Manager> Spline>Spline: parameters)

There are two options here. To use the MoSpline as the spline, you like to use. (Note that the MoSpline creates a kind of a “Rail-Scale” spline internally, this needs to be addressed in a Sweep for example.)

The other option is, to use the MoSpline as converter only, and have a Destination-Spline in the scene. This spline will be generated continuously.

All the best

This is very helpful! Thanks so much!

You’re very welcome, Matt, thanks for the kind feedback!

Enjoy your project.

P.S.: some tips and tricks:
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/share/mIwoj7ebv0bfRlkh36lVqgmJbswwBEr0czWR6OYqUcM