hamaPatch FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Hamakazu's hamaPatch.

Q: How do I use my hamaPatch materials from one scene file in another (rendering with some form of POV-Ray)?

A: In version 2.4 click File on the menu and choose insert. Choose the hamaPatch file containing the desired material and when the pop-up box appears uncheck every option except "materials" and delete whichever inserted materials you do not want.

Q: How do I import DXF, 3DS, etc. format to hamaPatch?

A: First use a program such as Crossroads 3D, 3DWin or whatever graphic file format converter you prefer. Open the desired file and save it or export it as 3DS format. Then use IOB Object Browser to convert the 3DS file into Animation Master .mdl format. Animation Master .mdl objects can be imported into hamaPatch as spline patch models for you to edit. This is not a great way to do it though, if your file is large you may be waiting for quite some time while hamaPatch loads it and many times there are several holes in the model. I usualy only use this method to bring part of the object in and then build a totaly new identical object in another layer using the imported one as a guide.

Q: How do I create holes in my hamaPatch models?

A: When creating a model hamaPatch creates a face anytime there exist 3 or four points which appear to be in more than one spline. So to create a hole in an object simply make the shape of the hole out of more than four points and build it into or onto your model. Now when hamaPatch reads the model it will not create a face there because there are more than four points. Download Example Scene File Read viewing instructions and process description in zip file.

Q: Why is it that when I export my hamaPatch models to sPatch and open them I am sometimes missing parts?

A: hamaPatch allows for several hundred layers/patch objects, but sPatch only allows for eight so if you export a hamaPatch object with more than eight layers then any layer after the eighth one will be dropped on export. In order to remedy this, use the Cut and Paste tools to combine objects in the same layers until all objects reside in only 8 layers total.

Q: I set my renderer by choosing the appropriate button on the Render toolbar, but when I click render it says "fail to render". What do I do?

A:You must turn on the Dialog Window, choose the etc. tab click the plus sign next to Configuration and choose Path Setting. Then click the button reading ... under the renderer you wish to use and set the correct path. Or choose POV-Ray Setting to select the desired version of POV-Ray and set its path.

Q: Why do the points not snap to the grid like in sPatch?

A: You must turn on Grid Lock (Snap). In the View window click Show and highlight Grid Lock from the options that expand downward. To the right, more options will appear. Choose the desired axes for Grid Lock to occur in or choose All. You must redo this process and choose None to turn Grid Lock off. Grid Lock will remain on even if you turn off the display of the grid or change to a Perspective view.

Q: Where is the shaded preview button?

A: There is no button, but rather a short process you must perform. In the View window click Show and turn off everything excpet Surface. Next click the Light heading and choose Enable Light (for preview) and select the lighting you wish to use from the three choices below this option. You might want to choose Window - Full Screen from the menu and turn off any other windows blocking your view, then play with the model using the Camera tools.

For other questions or further explanation please contact draven2561@hotmail.com.

Documentation by Jonathan Lee Jan. 18, 2005.

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