Anim with no bones

[TheAgent]

is it possible to create an animation with no bones? just an object that animates forward and is exported to UDK? just curious

Never mind i tried it doesnt work xD

[Eildalior]

Hi TheAgent

I never tried to expert an animation without bones, but basically the SDK always use bones to animate the mesh into the engine.
Then, if you want to animate a basic and simple mesh, like a box, a door... I think you can directly animate in the UDK ? With a script or an other tool.

Sorry I have not already use the UDK, I am currently on a Netbook xD Yeah I do not want to burn my laptop xD

Also, you can try to animate an object and to export the animation to check if it is possible ^^

[iniside]

I think it can be done by morph targets, but really I'm not sure.

[TheAgent]

cool thanks haha its just that im trying to animate pistons and its alot easier to do it without bones, bones just stretch and sscrew it up. but thanks!

[Eildalior]

Hehehe. Yeah I understand your problem and idea. But if you want to create a robotic spider for example, with several pistons... ^^ you nust use bones.
So, I know if you get the proper way to create your rig, and if you use the right constraints... it will easier to animate.
I believe you can use Directionnal constraint in XSI for this work.

[TheAgent]

cool then i do have a mechanical siper boned by the way! i just havent done anythign with it, maybe i should post a screeny? :] but if you have any other suggestions on how to set up the bones for pistons i will greatly be happy!

Thanks!
Edit: Im also using Maya and 3ds Maxthough

[chorlion40]

ok, just make the pistons in 2 parts, the cylinder and the rod, then place them in the map as movers and use matinee to animate them

[Henrik]

Morph targets can work for some kinds of anims.
For bones it's just a matter of making sure your bone setup is logical and the pistons are properly skinned to eliminate deformation.

[TheAgent]

ok, just make the pistons in 2 parts, the cylinder and the rod, then place them in the map as movers and use matinee to animate them

Thats exactly what i did! : D

[chorlion40]

aren't i smart