Archive for the ‘pet projects’ Category

I started making button faces, and most of the functions are actually working now as well as the animation scaling (kind of a must for a moddable object). There is something iffy going on with the syllable counter, so that’s another thing I have to fix.

Ideas for button faces are welcome.

Quick post for today’s work. Because I’m gonna need a good chunk of memory to make the chat restrictor work, I’ve tried several approaches to “gut out” the sections of the TB code that i don’t actually need.

This made me realise that having the “collar” as the master code branch might not have been such a great idea after all… it would have been a lot better if the master branch was a bare bone TB system with the locking code only.

But what’s done is done I suppose.

I’m almost certain that I have enough memory to handle all the configuration file loading from the core script.

I’ve done more detailing on the cylinder part. I might settle on a metallic look instead of the “shiny grey” I had initially planned. Added a few rivets for accent and a couple of other things no one will notice and did some inworld testing.

I also did some tests for the animation sequences.

Not a huge progress, i have a grade A headache so that will do until it gets better. Detailed the button “box” and added some pointless greeble on the hinges.

I’ve completed an early draft of the normal maps. I had to redo a large chunk of the high poly because creased edges wouldn’t behave. I really like the look of the rotating lock dial but I’m not so sure about the “lock/unlock” symbols.

I also normal mapped a small “high security” keyhole in the top of the unit, it is just drawn on the rotating dial so the lock will rotate with the colored discs.

I think it’s a nice touch.

With some really tight UVs. Next step: Detailing the high polygon model and making suitable materials.

It blooms like a spring flower! Awww 😀

Between the headaches and the depressive state I’m still trying to get out of this creative rut and the train isn’t going anywhere at the moment. I figured I would try something different.

A few months ago I was prototyping some code for a chat restriction device, but it was just that: a prototype.

This is an attempt at giving it a shape, like the ATM. It is kind of a weird “man machine” interface. It has a protective cover and some kind of internal piece that slides out.

The idea is that the controls would be on a pair of folding “petals” when the internal piece slides out.

Lets see where this leads me… I guess.

Yesterday was good but not that good, so I worked some more on those motor thingies. I think it’s better.

I’ve spent a lot of time today working on the undercarriage. I’m also pushing the model to high-resolution I will rebuild a low-res over it at the end. I tried two different frame designs and the second one appears to do the trick.

One small issue: its way too wide for the ladder and brake tanks.