ParamBlock Operator
The ParamBlock Operator is one of, if not the most powerful
and versatile operator offered by thinkingParticles.
This operator gives you full and unlimited access to every single parameter
in your 3ds Max scene, and most importantly, it lets
you create any number of input data or output data stream ports based
on the parameters and values of selected 3ds Max object.
These ports can then be used by other operators or conditions to trigger
even other operators.
One example of this operator's usefulness is being able to have particles
change color or size or speed based on the position or radius of a selected
object. Another example would be to use a selected object's material color
or specular level to drive the rate of particle emission. The uses are
just about endless.
Operator Inputs
ON - (Bool) This input data
stream determines whether the operator is considered 'on' or 'off'. You
can connect other operators to this input channel such as a Bool
Helper to activate/deactivate the whole operator.
Time - (Time) This input data stream is used to define the local
time for the operator when the user wants to override the default system
time.
Operator Outputs
No Operator Outputs.
Rollout Menu
Pick Object - Click this button to enter the Pick Object mode.
You may choose any valid 3ds Max object including Lights, Meshes, Particle
Systems or Dummy objects.
When an object is selected, you'll then be presented with a list of all
of the parameters it supports as shown below.
In this case, a sphere has been chosen, and you are given the ability to
access its parameters and assigned materials. 3ds Max has a really advanced
system of handling parameters by their real names as they appear in the
scene. When you click on a parameter that is supported by thinkingParticles,
the two buttons beneath the window will change to Add Input
and Add Output respectively, and you can then add an
input or output to your ParamBlock operator.
Be aware that there are some objects in 3ds Max that will show one
or more blank parameter names when used for the ParamBlock operator.
This is not a mistake within thinkingParticles - the parameter simply
has no name. Even TrackView will display the same blank fields.
No Input - When you choose any of the parameters from
the list, this button will change to read Add Input.
Clicking on it at this stage will add an input data stream for the selected
parameter within the ParamBlock operator. This newly created data port
behaves exactly like any other built-in connector.
In the image below, the sphere's X Position was chosen and the Add
Input button was clicked. Three things happen at this point:
1. The X Position row gets a red arrow that points to the input side of
the operator (as shown above).
2. The ParamBlock operator now sports an additional input data stream (as
shown below).
3. The Add Input button now turns to Rem Input.
This can be used to remove unwanted input data streams later if it is
determined they are not needed.
If you select a parameter within the list that already has an input data
stream created, the button will change to read Rem Input,
which you can use to remove the created input data stream.
No Output - When you choose any of the parameters from the list,
this button will change to read Add Output. Clicking
on it at this stage will add an output data stream for the selected parameter
within the ParamBlock operator. This newly created data port behaves exactly
like any other built-in connector.
In the image below, the sphere's X Position was chosen and the Add
Output button was clicked. Three things happen at this point:
1. The X Position row gets a red arrow that points to the output side of
the operator (as shown above).
2. The ParamBlock operator now sports an additional output data stream
(as shown below).
3. The Add Output button now turns to Rem Output.
This can be used to remove unwanted output data streams later if it is
determined they are not needed.