Page 921 - Kitab3DsMax

Chapter 35: Animating with the Expression Controller and Wiring Parameters
The three arrow buttons between the two tree lists let you specify the connection direction. These buttons
connect the parameter in one pane to the selected parameter in the opposite pane. The direction determines
whether the parameter in the left pane controls the parameter in the right pane, or vice versa. You can also
select the top bidirectional button to make the parameters mutually affect each other. Below each tree list is
a text area where you can enter an expression. An expression is a mathematical statement that follows a spe-
cific syntax for defining how one parameter controls the other. These expressions can be any valid expres-
sion that is accepted in the Animation Controller dialog box or in MAXScript.
Cross-Ref
You can learn more about creating and using expressions in Chapter 22, “Animating with Constraints and Simple
Controllers.” n
After an expression is entered, click the Connect button to complete the wiring. Based on the connection
direction, the Master radio button indicates which object controls the other. You can also use this dialog
box to disconnect existing wired parameters. You can use the icon buttons at the top of the dialog box,
shown in Table 35.1, to Show All Tracks, to find the next wired parameter, and to refresh the tree view.
TABLE 35.1
Parameter Wiring Dialog Box Icons
Button Description
Show All Tracks

Next Wired Parameter

Refresh Tree View

After the wiring is completed, the Parameter Wiring dialog box remains open. You can try out the wiring by
moving the master object. If the results aren’t what you wanted, you can edit the expression and click the
Update button (the Connect button changes to an Update button).
Note
When you select objects to be wired, the order in which the objects are selected doesn’t matter because in the
Parameter Wiring dialog box you can select the direction of control. n
Once you’ve made a connection in the Parameter Wiring dialog box, the track name for the controlling
object turns green and the track name of the object being controlled turns red. If you make a bidirectional
connection, then both tracks turn green.

Manipulator helpers
To create general-use controls that can be wired to control various properties, Max includes three manipu-
lator helpers. These helpers are Cone Angle, Plane Angle, and Slider. They are available as a subcategory
under the Helpers category of the Create panel or in the Create ➪ Helpers ➪ Manipulators menu.

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