I know I can call props through a .pp2 with Readscript, but can I do it with a pose file? I'd like to be able to add props to a scene, and pose them at the same time, but I can't seem to get it to work.

mac

I think you'll find that Poser makes a fundamental distinction between library actions which add geometry, and those which merely modify the scene. As far as I know, "modifying" actions cannot be persuaded to add geometry no matter how hard you hack them. However, you should be able to do it the other way around, by reading a pose file from a PP2.

Thanks, bob. I'm sure you're right. I had a strong suspicion geometry couldn't be added through a pose file.

One more thing. I've just tried a (.pp2) readscript which calls two of the same prop, but it only loads one. I'm fairly sure poser won't do this due to the _1, _2 business. Just wondering if you'd ever tried it. A .cr2 doesn't do it either.

I'm kind of annoyed because I have a terrific script for daz studio which can call up any number of props, including multiple instances, and pose them, all in one file. I'd like to find a way to do the same in poser. Do you reckon python could do it? If so, I could check with Ockham.

Thanks

mac

Poser Python certainly can do that - try the "Make Art" button which features in several of PhilC's utilities... Ockham has a script called Loader - "Multi-purpose helper to load lots of things at once." Sounds about right.

I haven't tried a dual PP2 load, but your theory about the numbering sounds plausible. LesBentley is offline following a house move; I'm sure he would know if there was an answer to that one.

Just thinking aloud here - a CR2 can load any number of props along with a figure. No ReadScripts are needed. A CR2 is effectively a mini-PZ3, except that it has no provision for lights (although even those might be hacked in). Might it be possible to use a dummy CR2 with nothing in it but prop references? You can only save parented props in a CR2 from within Poser, I think, but you could probably hack out the parenting afterwards if that isn't wanted.

Thanks, bob. Now that I think about it, python is probably the way to go. I'll check out those scripts you mentioned.

It would probably help if I explained what I'm trying to do. I'm building a pack which has a system of modular drainpipes, pipes and cables (on the exterior of a house). Each set has a number of basic components and the user fits them together to match the structure of their house (Room Creator, which is also modular).

My idea was to include a bunch of pre-prepared files, but rather than save entire collections of props, I thought of using Readscript to build the sets. Now that I have the daz studio script, a simple pose file which can load any number of figures or props, and pose them, I'm hoping to find a Poser equivalent. If there's no way to do it, I can always save prop sets in the poser version, but I always prefer to make both versions of a product as similar as possible. Not only that, since I mainly deal in complex scenes, a workable system like this would be useful to me for all sorts of other things.

Oh, and thanks for news on Les. I haven't spoken to him for a long time, but before I asked in here, I searched this forum for both the subject and his name. I'd forgotten just how many weird and wonderful things he's come up with - lol.

cheers

mac

PS If you use daz studio and want to try that script, it's here. There's a downloadable file with samples, ready to go.

http://forum.daz3d.com/viewtopic.php?p=1428914

A pose can be used to add geometry to a scene via a geometry insertion pose.  I don't think it can add the actor into which the geometry is to be inserted, however.  It has to be inserted into an existing actor in the scene.

Look especially at the LoaderLocate version.

http://ockhamsbungalow.com/Loader/LoaderLocate.zip

A simpler option, if you don't need 'infinitely flexible' locations,
would be to smart-prop the gutters to their proper spots and
package them together in the same PP2, like a pair of shoes.

Thanks ockham,

I downloaded LoaderLocate and I'll have a look at it.

I had a feeling I'd end up with python for this. My only hesitation is the things I keep hearing about some scripts not working from version to version.

mac

OK.  If you want to do this the Python way, get in touch with me.