Spline dir node broken?

[Timursq]

Hello,

 

It seems the Spline Dir node is no longer working for me on Max 2023.

 

Even with a clean new file, and new gfx object, max crashes as soon as the picker button is pressed. i've included a max file below.

 

Ive also noticed other problems with the picker in 2.2. For example when picking instanced meshes, I get an error when picking from the Scene Explorer, and it only works when picking from the viewports.

 

 

Thank you for any help.

 

 

Growfx_Spline_dir_error_01.max

[Timursq]

Also somewhat related: I am trying to make a twisting liana-vine. This is why I would like to use spline dir. Alternatively I could use the new Draw path node. However I do not see a way to adjust the actual mesh step size in order to smooth the sharp corners of the Spiral Dir node.

 

What would be the best way to achieve a twisting liana?

 

[Eduard]

Hello,

 

8 hours ago, Timursq said:

Hello,

 

It seems the Spline Dir node is no longer working for me on Max 2023.

 

Even with a clean new file, and new gfx object, max crashes as soon as the picker button is pressed. i've included a max file below.

 

Ive also noticed other problems with the picker in 2.2. For example when picking instanced meshes, I get an error when picking from the Scene Explorer, and it only works when picking from the viewports.

 

Thank you for any help.

Growfx_Spline_dir_error_01.max 728 kB · 0 downloads

Thank you for the report.

 

Yes, this picker issue with the Spline Dir node has already been found and fixed internally. However, the updated installers haven't been built for all 3ds Max versions yet.

The update for 3ds Max 2023 will be available a bit later, most likely in the second half of August.

Regarding the issue with picking instanced meshes from Scene Explorer, I'll check this as well. For now, if picking from the viewport works correctly, please use that as a temporary workaround.

Sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks for the feedback.

 

8 hours ago, Timursq said:

Also somewhat related: I am trying to make a twisting liana-vine. This is why I would like to use spline dir. Alternatively I could use the new Draw path node. However I do not see a way to adjust the actual mesh step size in order to smooth the sharp corners of the Spiral Dir node.

 

What would be the best way to achieve a twisting liana?

 

Draw Path is mainly intended for manually drawing branches/paths. At the moment, it doesn't have a separate step/resampling parameter for changing the path resolution after it has been drawn, so if you need a different step or smoother result, the path usually needs to be redrawn.

For the shape of the liana, you can try using the ObjectReact modifier if the vine needs to follow or react to some object.

If you need to add twisting to the geometry itself, then you can use the Twist modifier in the After Mesh Modifiers section, on the right side of the path node.

 

Thanks!