Hi Everyone - I got this error last night and VWD wouldn't start up. Only... I don't have a demo version? Please send help.

OK, so it doesn't expire November 1...

Top of the queue, we'll get the latest beta version out ASAP. I thought we had another month. Very sorry for the interruption.

The current real release is delayed pending known issue fixes. Gérald is actively working on it and sending me updates to test regularly.

Please stay tuned!

VWD_dan

Thank you very much, Dan!

Hello all,

The updated V2.x (v2.1.88.6290) beta version is available to everyone who has purchased VWD 1.x (From Renderosity or directly from Gérald). This version has full functionality, including updates since the previous Beta, and expires on December 28, 2019.

If you were already registered with us for the previous beta, you should have received an email notification at the same address. If you did not receive that notification, please let us know, and please check the same account you used to download the previous beta version. The package should be available in your account. (Note that because it is a beta, we cannot distribute it here at Renderosity. The real release will be sold here and distributed via your normal Renderosity account.

Remember to download the latest version, as your other products may also be available there as well. (V2.1.88.6290 - aprx 30Megs)

If you own VWD 1.x and you wish to try this time-limited, but fully functional beta version, PM us here or send your request to us (with an order number or Rendo username so we can confirm your ownership) to support@virtualworlddynamics.net and we'll get you a copy.

More information on the actual update (features, etc.) to come.

Thanks all!

VWD_dan

Thank you so much, Dan!!!

Leonides02 posted at 3:51PM Fri, 11 October 2019 - #4366695

Thank you so much, Dan!!!

Per the other beta-related thread, there's already been an update since the above note was posted, fixing a wind issue and some GPU processing improvements. Keep an eye on that thread, my sig, and/or the vwd website support page for the latest versions. They should always be available in your VWD file-repo if you are following the beta. We are trying not to spam folks, but be sure they know when updates are available. If you want notifications, please let us know (pm/support@virtualworlddynamics.net/forums/etc.)

cheers,

VWD_dan

So, if I purchased VWD V1 from Rendo, am I eligible for the Beta?

MikeO posted at 4:37AM Wed, 27 November 2019 - #4371356

So, if I purchased VWD V1 from Rendo, am I eligible for the Beta?

Yes - we can't 'share' betas here at Renderosity (only formal updates), so we need your email address - PM me here, or send us a note with your order number and preferred email address to support@virtualworlddynamics.net, and we'll set you up to grab the latest beta.

cheers,

VWD_dan

Thanks Dan!

Done! I think...first time I even PM'd anyone.

By the way. I see mention of an expiration date. Does this mean I'll have to update something at that time?

Hi MikeO,

Got your PM and sent you the links and info. Yes, this beta will expire, but we should have a full buy-able release version available by then. The beta was made 'public' because of the DS 4.11 update that broke the DS-to-VWD gateway product (not ours). Our new version interacts with DS natively - so DS 4.11+ users can keep using VWD - while helping us improve it.

Let us know how things go for you.

cheers,

VWD_dan

Thank you very much, VWD Dan!

I finally have some time to try it out!

-MikeO

Wow! So much has changed since V1! Much more streamlined and robust! Congratulations!

Now, in v1, we could Space bar pause the simulation, and then, if I recall correctly, we could Shift-click on the dynamic actor and pull/tug vertices to adjust on the fly.

Has this process changed? Or am I mistaken on the steps?

I did not find the instruction in the new documents, but then I was skimming through them quickly.

Thanks again!

Never mind! It's still there! :-P

Still haven't found it in the documents, however. Hopefully it's in there somewhere.

MikeO posted at 3:30PM Sat, 07 December 2019 - #4372397

Never mind! It's still there! :-P

Still haven't found it in the documents, however. Hopefully it's in there somewhere.

Thanks for the updates/feedback!

I'll take a look and see how it's written up right now (or not... ;) - this is why we like the betas. The program docs became a re-write because so much has been added and updated since V1. I fear some things were missed and in some cases might even be incorrect! Feedback encouraged!

Glad you got it working, and let us know how it goes for you. (sample renders are always enjoyed by everybody!)

cheers,

VWD_dan

What a joy it is to work with VWD! There is a bit of poke through of the inner layer of the coat in a place or two, but I think I can find adjustments to minimize these everntually.

One adjustment I can't figure out however: One coat flap is following the front leg as if it were "one" with the other flap. What parameter could lesson that effect and make it react more independently to gravity?

MikeO posted at 2:35PM Fri, 20 December 2019 - #4373862

What a joy it is to work with VWD! There is a bit of poke through of the inner layer of the coat in a place or two, but I think I can find adjustments to minimize these everntually.

One adjustment I can't figure out however: One coat flap is following the front leg as if it were "one" with the other flap. What parameter could lesson that effect and make it react more independently to gravity?

Hi there MikeO, (VWD_dan here w new ID)

Thanks for the nice comments about using VWD. It looks like you are making great headway - The top image is going to be great!

Re: the 'sticky' coat flap - I ran into this exact same issue as I worked through VWD's functions.

Big idea:

VWD has two kinds of virtual springs: By-Neighborhood and By-Extension

• By-Neighborhood uses virtual springs to connect vertices that are near each other in any way - simply by distance

• By-extension uses virtual springs only between 'connected' vertices on the mesh

What you are seeing is the effect of virtual springs between the flaps of the coat - by neighborhood, keeping the flaps 'connected'.

The fix: Only use by-extension springs on this item,. or on this section of the item.

Both kinds are often used on the same item or vertices at the same time, so if you only use one kind, you may have to 'up' the stiffening amount (0.001?) - depends on the mesh density too.

Often, the by-neighborhood is critical to making hair layers work together naturally (stiffer, curly hair) - so there are places where each spring-type (or a mix) can really allow for the 'perfect' (or most correct) result.

I can't tell you how the cloth assistant presets set things up, but I would bet by skipping the assistants, using 'by-extension' (and stiffer) in the first import step, then going to the force and springs tab and selecting and applying specific stiff/soft values to other areas of the coat (if even needed), you can get your desired result.

I hope this helps!

VWD_dan (VWD3D)

Thanks VWD Dan!

Wonderful explanation of the different effects! And when to use them.

I’ve been reading the pdf manual as well, and it is much more clear to me this time.

Great news regarding the new release, by the way! Can’t wait to get my hands on it!

So, will this BETA version “expire” now that the new version is out?

MikeO posted at 2:25PM Tue, 24 December 2019 - #4374329

Thanks VWD Dan!

Wonderful explanation of the different effects! And when to use them.

I’ve been reading the pdf manual as well, and it is much more clear to me this time.

Great news regarding the new release, by the way! Can’t wait to get my hands on it!

Thanks for the feedback MikeO! The new docs are a bit mechanical since the actual functions/features need to be described properly before their intention and use can make much sense. Usage and magic are next in the queue.

So, will this BETA version “expire” now that the new version is out?

Yes... The plan is for the current beta process to end and our smaller feature-updates will be published periodically through the Patreon mechanism, then consolidated as major releases here at Renderosity.

Renderosity publishing model is far better for full/tested products (not betas or constant updates), but our development style is more 'agile' and a bit ad-hoc, which the Patreon supports very well, so we'll use both models to keep VWD moving forward.

At least that's the plan!

Let us know how your scene progresses. It's making me wonder what story is behind it - (book, graphic novel, ?)

cheers,

VWD3D / VWD_dan

Hello,

Now, my priority will be to create tutorials.

An unpredicted event in my family forced me to delay this creation.

Now, I am ready to start this work. If you have some wishes, please, feel free to tell us.

VWD3D posted at 5:15PM Thu, 02 January 2020 - #4374337

MikeO posted at 2:25PM Tue, 24 December 2019 - #4374329

Thanks VWD Dan!

Wonderful explanation of the different effects! And when to use them.

I’ve been reading the pdf manual as well, and it is much more clear to me this time.

Great news regarding the new release, by the way! Can’t wait to get my hands on it!

Thanks for the feedback MikeO! The new docs are a bit mechanical since the actual functions/features need to be described properly before their intention and use can make much sense. Usage and magic are next in the queue.

So, will this BETA version “expire” now that the new version is out?

Yes... The plan is for the current beta process to end and our smaller feature-updates will be published periodically through the Patreon mechanism, then consolidated as major releases here at Renderosity.

Renderosity publishing model is far better for full/tested products (not betas or constant updates), but our development style is more 'agile' and a bit ad-hoc, which the Patreon supports very well, so we'll use both models to keep VWD moving forward.

At least that's the plan!

Let us know how your scene progresses. It's making me wonder what story is behind it - (book, graphic novel, ?)

cheers,

VWD3D / VWD_dan

Having a hard time for some reason trying to post a comment as intended. Above is the latest endeavor.

I had written a lengthy post detailing my difficulties and successes but it disappeared. Suffice to say, I ended up with an image I'm happy with for now.

Thanks for the advice! And for your kind comments and intrigue for the image. It is intended to be a graphic novel someday, but these days the project is mostly a place to play and experiment with new tools like VWD!

-MikeO

VirtualWorldDynamics posted at 6:11PM Thu, 02 January 2020 - #4374454

Hello,

Now, my priority will be to create tutorials.

An unpredicted event in my family forced me to delay this creation.

Now, I am ready to start this work. If you have some wishes, please, feel free to tell us.

I think a tutorial clearly showing the import process, especially highlighting how to designate by-neighborhood and/or by-extension. I was unclear if I was understanding the process correctly, and am still unclear what happens if "both" are selected.

Then what happens in the Forces and Springs section, especially if the "other" method is applied here. I assume it overwrites the original imported method, but I'm just guessing.

Thanks! And congratulations on the development of this Tool!

-MikeO

Hello MikeO,

Understanding the springs generation is very important.

I will do this tutorial in priority.

 Gérald