Itoo Software Forum

RailClone => Tutorials => Topic started by: Paul Roberts on November 25, 2015, 10:59:37 AM

Title: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on November 25, 2015, 10:59:37 AM
Please post any question or comments about the Parameterising Windows tutorial here.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Rokas on December 16, 2015, 08:51:31 AM
link, please.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on December 16, 2015, 09:39:42 AM
Sorry, I posted this a little pre-emptively. It's not been released yet...
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Macker on January 13, 2016, 11:06:36 AM
What a superb tutorial, will definitely be making a lot of use of this.

Where is the script you used?
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on January 14, 2016, 11:14:05 AM
Hi, I'm glad you found it useful :)

You can find useful scripts for RailClone here (http://forum.itoosoft.com/index.php?topic=2928.msg11249#msg11249).

Thanks!

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Beavertron on January 19, 2016, 01:41:23 PM
This is an amazing feature and once setup can be used as a template file for future projects. However the setup of this is quite hard-core!! I certainly wouldn't be able to remember it a few weeks down the line. Its good to see the video and comprehensive instructions to go with it thanks for that.

Would be great to see as Railclone develops a more easy way of setting something like this up, more of these functions driven under the hood for example. Maybe to be able to model geometry and set the slice points and railclone takes care of the rest based on fewer parameters required. Just my thoughts, I wish I had the brain to be able to work out this level of setting things up. Really is amazing how clever this is.

Thanks
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on January 19, 2016, 07:40:51 PM
Hi!

Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad the windows tutorial and RailClone is useful. We're always interested in feedback and keeping RailClone simple enough to use for everyday work is of paramount importance to us. We'll look at how this process can be simplified in the future but an easy solution might be to ship with some ready made styles to which you can add your own geometry.

Many thanks!

Paul

Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Florian Albert on January 25, 2016, 03:07:13 PM
Hello Paul,

thanks a lot for this great Tutorial! I'm a newbie to this forum but I am using RailClone and ForestPack for quite a lot time. Both are very nice pieces of Software and I couldn't imagine daily work without them. THANKS for this too.

So let’s come to the related topic:
I'm wondering how to create a window stile similar to your stile in the tutorial but with two different types of windows. In most cases you have some windows you can’t open (with a fixed glazing) and others you can open. In most cases there is a repetitive order like two fixed windows followed by one that can be opened followed by another two fixed ones and so on… I tried a lot to get this working but without success. The easiest way seemed to be, to add the frame of the opening window to the default segment, but  then the frame get scaled and you get smaller frames in smaller windows and wide frames in very wide windows. As far as I can see this Problem could be easily solved, if it would be possible to link one Array into the input node of another. Am I right or is there already a way to achieve what I am trying to? I hope what I wrote is more or less understandable ;-)

Many greetings,

Florian

Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on January 26, 2016, 04:15:45 PM
Hi Florian,

Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad you find RailClone and Forest Pack useful for your work.

Creating patterns of fixed and open windows can be achieved using the techniques shown in that tutorial combined with additional Sequence nodes set to increment on X . These should be wired to the Default, Top, Bottom, and Evenly inputs before the existing Sequence operators (that Increment on Y). In this way you can create patterns of geometry on both the X and the Y axes.

(http://i.imgur.com/Y9B19LB.png)

I've attached a file for you to take a look at that is set up with 4 divisions and with sashes on the ends, I hope it helps. You can also see the additional segments needed to create this style.

If you have any further questions about these please let me know. As mentioned above, we'll also look at how this process can be simplified in the future.

Many thanks!

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Florian Albert on January 26, 2016, 05:11:39 PM
Hi Paul,

thank you very much! I did the “creating number sequences” tutorial this morning and got an idea how to achieve what I am looking for by adding some sequence nodes – but your response had been much faster ;-) still didn’t got it to work. I have to analyze what you have done in your stile - I’m still a little slow in understanding what’s going on in RailClone…
As far as I can see in this moment it will be a little tricky to export the “XEvenly Distance” the “YFixed Size” and some Sequence values to modify the “rhythm” of fixed- and window glazing. That is what I was intended to do. Have to think about it, looks like it will end up in a mess of if-conditions and carry me much further than I am capable of this moment ;-)

Thanks again, I will be back if I have some more explicit questions,

Florian
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Sbaur on February 03, 2016, 10:02:51 AM
Hi Paul

First of all thank you for the window tutorial, this is just what i needed.
So I started to make my own windows and everything is working fine except there is one thing which is bugging me.

My intention is to use the RailClone Windows as a starter-set and then i want to edit them with an EditPoly-Modifier.
The problem is that I get random vertices on the upper edge of the glass (the default segment in the 2S Array)

I have attached a screenshot of what i mean.

Is there any way to get rid of those extra vertices? the other parts of the mesh are all clean, so im hoping this "error" can be solved.

Kind regards

Stef
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on February 03, 2016, 10:16:35 AM
Hi,

I'm pleased the tutorial is helpful and you're getting good results :)

Those rogue vertices could be caused when the glass segment is sliced to fit the size of the array. Try changing Style > Operate On from Triangle to Quads and they should disappear.

(http://i.imgur.com/C4sw516.png)

I hope that helps.

Many thanks!

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Sbaur on February 03, 2016, 10:21:21 AM
Oh. My. Gosh.
 :o

Well this solution was a lot easier than i thought!
Thanks a lot.

Have a great day.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on February 03, 2016, 11:10:24 AM
Great! Glad it fixed the problem.  :)
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Sbaur on February 03, 2016, 05:48:28 PM
Hi Paul (or other fellow RailClone-Users)
I have another question as im making more and more windows with RailClone.  :)

I want to make a sliding window.
This is tricky: the left side is not symmetrical to the right side, because of the sliding part which is behind the fix part of the window. (See attachment)

For the corners it is no problem, i can link them to the appropriate segments, the same for the sides.

The X Evenly is the same like in the tutorial with the selector and the arithmetic-node with the expression:
if(YSplinePosition = 0,3,
if(YSplinePosition = 1,1,2))

Now the tricky parts: Top Side, Bottom Side and Default.
I also used a selector node with an arithmetic-node.
In the expression i can't get the selector to select the correct geometry for the sides.... it always selects just on of the geometry for both sides.

here is what my expression looks like:

if(XSplinePosition = 0,1,2)

With my weak programming skills, i understand this as:

If the spline position on the X-axis is zero, then use the first geometry, otherwise use the second geometry

Where am i going wrong?
I have added my StyleEditor in the attachment.

Kind regards

Stef
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on February 03, 2016, 06:47:55 PM
Hi Stef,

Check out my answer to Florian's post earlier in this thread (http://forum.itoosoft.com/index.php?topic=3320.msg13403#msg13403). It doesn't mention sliding windows but it is about how to create sequences on the X axis as well as the Y which I think is what you need here.

Your expression is correct but because the first default, bottom, or top segment always offset by the left side of the array, these segment are not at position 0. Instead you could try if(XSplinePosition < 0.5,1,2) to detect if the segment is in the first half of the window.

I hope that helps, let me know if there's anything else I can do.

Many thanks!

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Sbaur on February 04, 2016, 08:47:27 AM
Hi Paul

I tried:
if(XSplinePosition < 0.5,1,2)
and it works. Hurray!  ;D

I will definitely check the sequence tutorial, since im going to create more and more complicated windows.

So thank you very much once again.

Kind regards
Stef
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: HP3623 on February 15, 2016, 03:46:13 PM
Thanks, for the tutorial. Was definitely something I've missed in the existing ones.

I tried to do something similar keeping in mind the "rules" mentioned in the tutorial. But there is one issue, regarding the default section. I would like to keep the glass separated from the window geometry. But when I try it this way, the whole style failes and look really arkward. I even tried to set the glass section to exactly the same sizes which it would have when it was part of the window geometry, but that didn't work either.

Would be great if you could give me a tip.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: TL1895 on February 15, 2016, 04:19:18 PM
+1 for an alternate method that keeps the glass pane geometry as a separate segment...good idea
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on February 15, 2016, 08:16:07 PM
Hi!

Thanks for contacting us. This can be achieved by editing the process explained in the tutorial slightly:

- Slice the object as normal (except for the glass) and add the pieces in exactly the same way as the tutorial. The only difference is that the segments used for the horizontal bars (not the top and bottom though) should have the pivot aligned to the bottom of the tallest segment to ensure they align correctly.

(http://i.imgur.com/X4rZN96.png)

- For these segments, in RailClone change Alignment > Y to Pivot.

(http://i.imgur.com/x6PuADY.png)

- Finally, add the glass to the default Input as in the tutorial, but adjust the segment's Padding values so that the glass overlaps the surrounding frame. For the left, Right and Bottom this is straightforward but due to the negative padding on the bottom you'll find the glass is no longer tall enough to fill the void. To fix this, wire the existing Pane Height parameter to a new Arithmetic operator set to Add. Wire a Constant node to the second input and use this value to increase the height. Edit both the Constant value and the Top padding until the glass overlaps the correct amount without pushing the row above out of alignment

(http://i.imgur.com/Q2D51R0.png)

In this example I've hard coded the values but you could add parameters and expressions to help calculate them automatically if you prefer.

I've attached a file to demonstrate this approach. I hope that helps but please let me know if you need anything else.

Many thanks!

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Jens Andersen on March 11, 2016, 11:56:54 AM
Hi Poul

Thanks for a great tutorial, as others said, making it more intuitive for us with lacking math skills, would be great for the future development of RailClone  ;)

I'm editing the base window segments from your tutorial to fit my project better, but could you point me towards the needed tutorial/help file for adding simple "mutins" to this already complicated setup? - I'm doing a renovation project of a great looking building from around 1700.

As a bonus, I'd like to be able to distribute hasps and hinges on the side of the frames. Is this also possible?

Cheers and have a great weekend  :)
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on March 11, 2016, 03:14:54 PM
Hi!

Do you have an image, or even better a model, of the style you're trying to create? I can help create it exactly then.

Thanks!

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Jens Andersen on March 12, 2016, 10:17:23 PM
Here are some images of the look I'm going for:

Layout:
(http://i.imgur.com/F3MpPm6.jpg)

Details:
(http://i.imgur.com/nzrXzjW.jpg)

As you can see the windows differ in number of mullions and mutins depending of the window size.

If you have the time Paul, expanding on the tutorial's current RC Style, to add simple mutins would be perfect. Im fine with the mutins not being extruded from the frame, but just "overlapping". I could then just swap the geometry, when I complete the specific look I need.

Also, placement of hasps could just be a simple box object, so I could replace that box with say, a group or attached hasp object (just adjusting pivot I guess).

Allowing the options to add mutins and custom hasps/handles, would make your setup capable of almost all window types. That's some powerful stuff right there!

Man it would save us lots of time :)

Again, I'm not trying to get you to do all the work for me, but I figured adding these extra "features" (hasps and mutins) to the current available RC Style, would benefit a lot of the users here.
Your support is very much appreciated. Keep up the great work Paul!
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on March 13, 2016, 06:57:17 PM
Hi,

Thanks that's much clearer. As you suggest I've extended the existing style.

(http://i.imgur.com/0f0e8JH.png)

It uses more or less the same approach as shown in the tutorial and the previous posts. The trick is to create the patterns of mutins and mullions using Sequence operators. The node tree looks quite complicated but this is mainly due to the large number of segments required to parameterise a complex window like this. It is essentially a case of making sure the segments are wired in the right order to recreate the desired pattern, though with so many pieces needing to be kept in sync this can take a bit of working out!

I've also added a couple of other generators to illustrate how these can be used to add handles or hinges. To do this I've added some boxes to the Evenly Input and used a multiple of the evenly distance to that these elements only appear on the Mullions. There may be a few window sizes where the X Evenly columns are not perfectly aligned, but assuming that your windows will normally be multiples of the same or a similar mullion distance this should work for most cases. You can also get around this by adjusting the Generator's Adjust to End property.

Like I say, the graph looks a bit confusing so please let me know if you have any further questions.

Many thanks!

Paul.

ps. You might notice some of the segments are slightly misaligned. This is due to modelling a few sections a bit too fast :) when you replace them with your geometry the style should be fine.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Jens Andersen on March 14, 2016, 11:45:08 PM
Wow, looks great Paul. Also works well in file you've attached. Thank you very much for all your effort.

I wanted to follow along with your tutorial by slicing my own window model, but I run in to problems immediately. I suspect the problem lies with my model's xform, pivot, units, created in a different view or something like that.

Is there a best practice to completely reset a model before slicing starts?

I've made my model in a different file, might even be in the left view and in cm. Then merged it, rotated it to sit like your's. I've  tried resetting Xform, creating a new box, turning that to poly, attaching my model to it, delete box segment, reset pivot, again Xform etc etc. No effect.

It's like my "Bottom Side" segment won't scale, even though I set the array to "scale" instead of tile - as in the tutorials 6min15sec mark - and tried all the "Alignments" types. However, it works fine if I create a new simple frame and follow the tutorial.

(http://i.imgur.com/ZLE1q9W.png)

As you can see, I've also tried replacing your geometry with my own sliced up segments, but the "scale" result seems to be the same + your naming convension needs some love, so I've kinda given up on the replacing approach ;) Maybe I'm just too tired and doing something obviously worng...

Lastly, I'm getting a buggy behavior with the RailCloneSlicer script. The "bottom" and "top" row slicers doesn't update its position in the viewport. I have to untick and tick them to see the placement every time i change the value in "pos".
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on March 15, 2016, 10:16:44 AM
Hi,

before I write a more thorough answer to address your questions I wonder if you can upload your file so far so I can take a closer look at what's going on. If you'd prefer not to post it publicly please feel free to send it to support@itoosoft.com.

I'll write a more detailed response soon and double check the script too.

Thanks!

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on March 15, 2016, 03:11:59 PM
Hi,

Please find an attached version of my file with updated segment names, hopefully it's a bit clearer. Also could you let me know what version of Max you're using? I can't reproduce your problems so far with the slicing script.

Many thanks!

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Jens Andersen on March 15, 2016, 04:15:43 PM
Ah, I've just send you an email with the model. Should've pressed refresh here before I did :)

Thanks, I'll give the new Style a try with my segments.

I experienced the Slicer problems in max 2016 SP2. I'll install SP3 now and see if that does anything.

****EDIT****
Going through my slices again, I'm finding "free floating" verts several cm away from "the real" geometry! It seems like things are actually starting to scale correct, now I'm cleaning up the segments for stray verts (weird slicing I guess). And your new naming convention is helping a lot!
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on March 15, 2016, 07:23:05 PM
Hi!

Glad to hear it's all starting to make sense. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Cheers!

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Visualimo on April 13, 2016, 03:27:26 PM
Fist of all, many thanks for this tutorial !

I tried to test this tutorial and I have a problem with the start of the defaut, start & evenly sequence of the array.
I directly load the original end max file but I get the same error (as an attachment).

RC 2.6 & 3ds max 2013

Would be great if you could help me  :)
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on April 13, 2016, 05:18:30 PM
Hi,

You can fix that issue by changing the first segment attached to all the Sequence Operators in the style that are set to Increment on Y. This is needed because the bottom counts as the first row.

(http://i.imgur.com/pLpjCz1.png)

I hope that helps.

Thanks!

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Visualimo on April 13, 2016, 08:24:54 PM
Thanks a lot Paul ! works fine now :)
Railclone powaa ^^
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone-DH
Post by: TL1895 on July 12, 2016, 12:10:43 AM
Wanted to share a style Paul Roberts helped me with, honestly is was my model and he made the style work.
Anyway,  I hope it's helpful to learn from even thought it's a quick, sloppy base model.  It is based on a Marvin double hung Clad Ultimate series window.
Big thank you to Paul for once again saving my sanity!  :o
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: arch3d on August 01, 2016, 11:40:35 AM
Hi,
I am trying to do 2s array doors with dynamic Z value. After whole night of tests I  dont' have idea how to do equal divisions  in Z axis.

Thank for any help,
Regards
Michal
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on August 01, 2016, 12:02:17 PM
Hi Michal,

Please take a look at the attached sample file for a solution to this issue. Here's how I've solved it.

1 - It's important to add Transform operators for adjusting the Y Size of segments if you are going to drive the values with more complex equations. This is because segment's values can not always be edited directly using an equation or values exported from another segment. In most cases you will get a warning about this but it seems not in this case.
2 - To calculate the correct size for the segments you need to work out the height of the door minus the size of the top and bottom frame and any glazing bars. The number of glazing bars will be one fewer than the number of glass segments.
3 - The height after these values have been subtracted should then be divided by the number of door division. To write this full equation out in english would look something like this...

(Door Height - Top Frame Y Size - Bottom Frame Y Size - ((Door Divisions - 1)*Glazing Bar Y Size)) / Door Divisions

Expressed as nodes it looks like this:

(http://i.imgur.com/4Gd8rwI.png)

You could also write it as an expression, but I've avoided that in this case so as not to overcomplicate things.

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any further questions.

Many Thanks,

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: arch3d on August 01, 2016, 12:30:37 PM
Hi Paul,

Works great !!!

Now I get it - thank You for the explanation,
Michal
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: arch3d on August 02, 2016, 04:00:56 AM
Paul
I was wondering if is possible to do something like this: if i have one transome - i can dynamicly define z value, if i switch to two divisions i can edit height for top and bottom transom, if i have three i can define Z values for each and so on,

Thanks,
Michal
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on August 02, 2016, 11:35:18 AM
Hi Michal,

It isn't possible to dynamically add or remove Numeric nodes so you'd have to include all the values for the size of each panel in the Parameters rollout, even the ones you don't need. But apart from that it shouldn't be a problem. You can either add multiple segments to the Sequence operator, each with a different Y Size, or select from a list of sizes based on the segment's Y count. I've attached a sample file that illustrates the latter.

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any further questions.

Many Thanks,

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: arch3d on August 05, 2016, 05:50:04 PM
Hi Paul
Sorry for late respond. Thanks for help. You are genius:)
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Morne on September 15, 2016, 09:20:41 AM
Awesome tut!

I have a tricky one, how to make the window curved at the top?
Something like this:
http://cms.pm/uploads/thurrock.seesite.biz_--_393320817.jpg
http://image.made-in-china.com/43f34j00RNItACGWhLol/Modern-Curved-Top-Double-Glass-Aluminium-Doors-and-Windows.jpg
http://finishpointtrim.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Custom-Half-Round-Window.jpg
http://www.pioneermillwork.com/sites/default/files/misc/Integrity%20Wood%20Ultrex%20Round%20Top%201.jpg

I can settle for a simple solution where the windows don't need to open, basically exactly like the tut, but curved on top
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on September 19, 2016, 01:50:13 PM
Hi Morne,

Thanks for this question. It's a little tricky to use the technique show in this tutorial for curve topped windows but instead you could try combining some of the techniques show here with a couple of L1S generators to get a similar result. In this setup the L1S generators use the spline to create the frame and bevel the corners, while the A2S generator uses the spline to clip and fill in the centre. This allows you to create windows of different shapes - for example:

(http://i.imgur.com/nN9pQwZ.png)

There are a couple of limitations. First the frame is actually in the outside of the spline, this is to allow the clipping operation to slice the glass and glazing bar geometry so that it matches the frame correctly.

(http://i.imgur.com/2aTtWbm.png)

Also to selectively remove the sill you need to change the material ID of the spline segment at the bottom to a value greater than 1. You should also use Corner vertices only when the sill is removed, otherwise use Bezier-Corner verts. This is because of a Conditional operator I've used to remove bevels from the corners when the sill is removed.

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any further questions.

Many Thanks,

Paul


Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Morne on September 19, 2016, 01:53:54 PM
That's AWESOME!

Thank you very much Paul!
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: DerDena on March 09, 2017, 12:52:27 PM
Hi there,

all of a sudden my parametric windows have an extra window on the bottom side, so i just downloaded the files from the tutorials to check if maybe my files are broken, but it´s the same there.

Using Max 15 / RC 2.7

Here is a screenshot from the tutorial files attached.

Thanks for help,

Denis
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on March 09, 2017, 02:29:42 PM
Hi,

This is due to the way that sequences are counted. I think there's been a small change between versions and the bottom row is now counted correctly as the first in the sequence. To get around this you can just add 1 to the counter for the first input in each Sequence operator.

(http://i.imgur.com/f5EB706.png)

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any further questions.

Many Thanks,

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: DerDena on March 09, 2017, 02:49:20 PM
Hey Paul,

sorry for not reading carefully what you posted earlier. ;)

works perfectly.

Thank you so much,
Denis
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on March 09, 2017, 02:51:50 PM
Hi Denis,
No problem, I forgot that I'd already written a post about this question myself.

All the best,

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: psxcode on May 12, 2017, 10:49:46 PM
Hi Paul, I'm interested if it is possible to establish Arch-shaped window via railclone
but it has to be with double or even triple frames within a window like on the picture below.
Yes, to establish square or full circle element is pretty mere but what about  that
I would be grateful if you could help me a little bit
Thanks.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: KB2072 on November 05, 2017, 01:50:56 PM
Working through the tutorial, I have hit a problem that I am sure is simple, but cannot seem to troubleshoot. When typing the expression in the video, I get an error. A screen capture is included that shows the video on the right and the actual Railclone expression window on the left.

I have worked spaces, no spaces around the equal mark, but cannot get past this error. A little insight would be appreciated.

Max 2018 Update 20.0-20.1.0.1452
Railclone 3.0.9
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Michal Karmazín on November 06, 2017, 01:17:12 PM
Hi,

As mentioned in this "Parse error (https://forum.itoosoft.com/index.php?topic=4749.msg18437#msg18437)" tightly related post on our forum: "There's a new Expressions syntax in RailClone 3. Expressions now require you to add a return property before the expression and a semi-colon (;)at the end of the line. Please feel free to check the "Converting RailClone 2 styles for RailClone 3 (https://docs.itoosoft.com/railclone/converting-railclone-2-styles-for-railclone-3)" document, where you can find RC2 & RC3 differences."

In this case, the expression should have following format:

return if(YSplinePosition == 0, 3, if(YSplinePosition == 1, 1, 2));

Let me add, that when working with "older styles", the conversion of expressions RC2 > RC3 should be performed automatically. As the provided scene has been already saved in the latest version to "launch" again the conversion, it needs to be saved in any RC2 version (like the 2.7.5) and opened again in RC3 (like the 3.0.9).

Best regadrs,
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: KB2072 on November 06, 2017, 02:57:23 PM
Thank you.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: KB2072 on November 07, 2017, 03:55:10 AM
Thanks again for the direction. I have the concept working, however, my y evenly scales when it is spaced with the controls. I have researched and not been able to find the switch to keep Y evenly from scaling. Please direct my research and further reading.

I have experimented with several switches, but I am guessing and have not grasp the principal or controls for controlling the width of the Y evenly aspects. The idea is to have a "troweled joint" with a change in texture on the Y evenly, or a "sawn" joint with a matching Y evenly material. However, the joint width is widening along the Y evenly with the spacing / repeat of the Y evenly design.

Thank you again. Robert

Moderator, please move this if you would rather have it outside the discussion of the tutorial. - Thanks.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on November 09, 2017, 01:03:42 PM
Hi,

I've taken a look at your file and it would appear that the Y scale parameter was wired to the wrong segments. I've swapped them around a bit and it appears to be working correctly now. Please take a look and let me know if that's what you are after.

I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any further questions.

Many Thanks,

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: KB2072 on November 09, 2017, 02:44:34 PM
Perfect. Now to go back and study further. I'm working the tutorials Next steps and I'm having issues but I'll hopefully get a grip on it. Thanks for your patience in working with us Newbies.

by the way, it worked nicely with Megascans (see attached test render)
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: KB2072 on November 30, 2017, 05:17:23 PM
Paul,

I am having continuing problems with splines that are not rectilinear in nature for the Railclone pavement style that you helped me with. Attached is a current example. The Y evenly (I think) is not filling in in all areas.  I can send the file but hoped that perhaps there was an easy  (quick) fix. This example uses your style, no modifications by me.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: rob_aspray on December 10, 2017, 12:05:48 PM
Hi Paul,

I'm trying to create a style that's like the ground floor glazing in the tutorial file.

The project I'm working on has the same glazing but the top panel is just one unit. It would also be good to have the option of two doors.

I've tried to dissect your model but it seems to be beyond my limited capabilities.

I'd post the model but it wont go below 8mb.

Your help would be much appreciated.

Many thanks

Rob
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: rob_aspray on December 10, 2017, 12:12:00 PM
....managed to reduce the file size.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paulo R. Beck on March 23, 2018, 04:08:10 PM
Hello guys

My Top Evently Object does not appear.

Can someone give me a hint?  :'(
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: yann.terrer@gmail.com on June 14, 2018, 04:49:24 PM
very usefull tutorrial TKS!!!

I got a problem with the expression that doesn't work as shown in attached file, can you help me please?

many thanks
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Rokas on June 14, 2018, 04:53:06 PM
add return in first line start.
and ; at last line end.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: yann.terrer@gmail.com on June 15, 2018, 11:37:03 AM
Hi,

here is what i'm trying to do: a Round window with radial glazings. it would be greate to set parameters for the number of glazing and round  inner frames and to clip them with the different round frames.
is there any means to do that?

tks
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: hehJgunen on March 22, 2019, 07:02:54 PM
HI, is it any chance to make open windows?
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on March 22, 2019, 07:14:22 PM
With RailClone 3, it'd be a lot of work. In a future version of RailClone we are adding a few new features that should make that sort of thing easier.

Thanks!

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: hehJgunen on March 23, 2019, 03:41:09 PM
Great to hear it, can't wair for next release then :)
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: HS9343 on November 21, 2019, 10:11:29 PM
If I check "extend x/y to area" the projection option is greyed out. As understand it, I need to have four separate RailClone objects in order to have parametric windows on all sides of a building. Is there a smarter way to setup the windows to go all the way around the a building? thanks!
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on November 22, 2019, 10:45:03 AM
Hi!

Actually in recent versions of RailClone it is not necessary to create a different RC object for each side of the building. RailClone can rotate each window to match the spline. If a window faces in rather that out. reverse the spline to fix it.

The settings to enable this mode are as follows:

(https://i.imgur.com/K1UWZUu.jpg)

Hope that helps,

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: HS9343 on November 22, 2019, 04:09:56 PM
thanks....brilliant!
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Young chul yoon on December 27, 2019, 03:06:32 PM
Hi,

before I write a more thorough answer to address your questions I wonder if you can upload your file so far so I can take a closer look at what's going on. If you'd prefer not to post it publicly please feel free to send it to support@itoosoft.com.

I'll write a more detailed response soon and double check the script too.

Thanks!

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Target on June 29, 2020, 04:29:26 AM
I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any further questions.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: RB2300 on October 25, 2020, 07:15:29 AM
Hello please, I am trying follow tutorial and I have problem that first pieces is not same as in tutorial ... they are in angle... please can someone help me and tell me where is issue? Best regards Pablo
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: RB2300 on October 26, 2020, 04:22:40 AM
I have tried continue and see what happends after while... i see there is another problem at 9:22 min ... I put there your expression

if(YSplinePosition = 0,3,
if(YSplinePosition = 1,1,2))

and it shows me

Parse error. Expected ')' or ',' in argument list at line 1:
if(YSplinePosition = 0,3,
                      ^

it seems that you used old version and through period you updated your software and it doesnt work any more this tutorial because you changed it so much... But is ok i will try use your example file and use that script that works at least.

Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Rokas on October 26, 2020, 08:03:05 AM
Since the tutorial we updated RailClone a lot.

Expression editor functions has been expanded. And that required some changes how they are written.

Test expression "-1*(Input/4)" in v2 should be written in v3 and v4 like this:
return -1*(Input/4);
Basically all expressions should have "return" in start of "expression" and You should end them with ";"

Also in latest RC You need to use double equal "==" to make comparison.
example:
return if(XSplineMatID==12 | XSplineMatID==112 | XSplineMatID==45 ,1,2);


More examples can be found here (https://docs.itoosoft.com/railclone/converting-railclone-2-styles-for-railclone-3).
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: MJ1568 on November 04, 2020, 07:58:43 PM
Hello,

I followed exactly the steps in the tutorial. Everything is functional in the parameterising window only de x evenly is not doing what it has to supposed to do.
any idea what is going wrong?

And where can i find the script "Railclone Slicer"?

attached the working file.

thanks already!
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: MJ1568 on November 04, 2020, 08:21:15 PM
Just solved the problem! only with the script "Railclone Slicer" you can help me.

thanks!
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: MJ1568 on November 12, 2020, 10:42:32 AM
Hello

I followed the “Parametric window tutorial” But ended up with the following problem: the x and y evenly are lower then the rest of the window object?? Attached a jpg and max file.

Hope somebody can help!
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Rokas on November 12, 2020, 01:40:27 PM
it is all about Your segment pivots.
Set align their Y to the same plane.

(https://i.imgur.com/fhsjAeV.gif)
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Sknueppel on March 22, 2021, 03:55:36 PM
Hey there,
I got a question regarding the creation of a window handle.

I got several attempts in trying to get a handle onto the windowframe.
The first one, was to try it with conditional nodes. Like it was written in this forum.
If the position is greater than 49% and smaller than 51 percent please set it. but it didnt work out


So my question was to automatise the position in the middle of the spline.
But it didnt realy work, Then I tried it like in the tutorial for the window return if(Splinelength == 0,1, if splinelength ==1,2,3)); but didnt work either (I m pretty sure if just done something wrong.
I realy like this tool, but it shows me my limits pretty fast ^^

It would be gereat to get a Syntax that is asking the length of the spline and puts something in the middle (if this is possible)

Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Rokas on March 22, 2021, 04:27:09 PM
Thank You for attaching max file. it helps to help You.

There is an automatic syntax for You:
Quote
return Array_2S1.YSplineLength/2;

Attached modified file as well. Hope this helps
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Sknueppel on March 22, 2021, 04:54:05 PM
Thank you very much for the super quick reply,
 I ll have a look at it tomorrow.

Greetings
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: GM1860 on July 05, 2021, 08:08:09 PM
Hello.

I want to generate a similar window to the one in the tutorial but instead of using a rectangle I want to use just one line and epecify the height of the windows numericaly.
I have it almost done but not having a Y spline is giving me problems using the expression to distribute the 3 "XEvenly" pieces.
How can I do to distribute this pieces based on Y Size parameter insted of Y Spline?
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Dragan on July 05, 2021, 09:49:37 PM
It should act the same as with Y spline.
Can you share the scene file so we can take a look?
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: GM1860 on July 06, 2021, 10:16:42 AM
Ok, yes, now is working. I just forgot to check "Extend to Side" in X Evenly parameters.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Graph on February 08, 2022, 04:10:45 PM
Hi, master railcloning del fuego teams. I'm doing this tutorial but I want to use it to do some concrete pannel instead and using de X and Y spline marker (with a vertex control) to control in wich position each joint will be on the X axis and on the Y axis independentrly. I have almost done it, but i got some little problem. The x marker work great, but when I plug my node in the Y marker it does'nt work. And the worse part is that my node controling the Y axis (With the arithmetic expression) does not work always the same way. Sometimes it put my evenly segment (on evenly and at the end) and some other time it put only my end segment int the evenly place and at the end. And on top of that I have segment jonction that I really don't know where or how to put it in all of that puzzle. I really deaply wish someones can help me on that one because I'm gonna need that exact same kind of railclone for 4 or 5 another stuff i need to do. I'have attached some JPG in case, I hope it will be understandable. thanks in advance.

And by the way, The arithmetic expression in the video doesn't work for me. I had to download the files and in the downloaded files, the expression was the ones that i use and seems to work for me. And i don't know why  ;D
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on February 08, 2022, 04:20:14 PM
Hi!

From your screenshot it looks as though the Arithmetic node for the Y marker is missing return at the beginning. That may help. If not, feel free to send us your Max file and we'll take a close look.

Cheers,
Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Graph on February 08, 2022, 04:25:21 PM
Hi Paul, Here is my file. And sorry, my mistake, I didn't take the good screenshot. The expression is the same in my scene except that for the Y marker. I change the Y for the X. And this is the result I have. Thanks for the quick response. really appreciate
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on February 09, 2022, 10:13:05 AM
Thanks for the file. Please check out the attached. It uses a different approach involving a macro called Segment Y Role. Actually this is the way I would recommend from now on, the original window tutorial is a little out of date now and due to be re-recorded.

Although not a window, this coffered ceiling tutorial is more up to date and includes info on how to use the Segment Y Role macro. https://www.itoosoft.com/tutorials/creating-a-procedural-coffered-ceiling-with-3ds-max-and-railclone

I hope that helps,
Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Graph on February 09, 2022, 03:43:29 PM
Thank you very much. i'm starting to digging into that right now.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: ASD+Viz on August 30, 2022, 01:08:51 PM
Hi! Am new to using Railclone. Finally after three weeks of scratching my head I did get the Parametric Window Tutorial. I am still to use it in a project yet but it was worth the time. Just wanted to understand how I can Add a Sub X evenly and a Sub Y evenly inside my existing Window without disturbing the outer frame.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on August 31, 2022, 09:03:57 AM
Hi!

Glad to hear you're making strides learning RailClone. Is that image your current window, or what you'd like to be able to achieve?

Many thanks,

Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: ASD+Viz on August 31, 2022, 03:45:06 PM
Hi Paul, This is what I want to achieve. I wish I was able to do this in Railclone. :) I am an Architect and this is the client reference but I do not know how to convert your sample window into this.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: Paul Roberts on September 01, 2022, 12:56:44 PM
Hi, please take a look at the attached sample file that uses several more modern techniques than the original tutorial, including

- Uses two generators, one for the frame, and one for the glazing
- Uses markers on the X and Y Spline to add the main frame divisions
- Uses nested generators to add the glazing inside the frame. To get the size we use the recently added XSectionAdjustedLength attribute
- Uses the segmentYRole macro to target where the evenly columns intersect with the sides and one another.

I hope it helps. It's quite an advanced style, so please let me know if you have any questions.

Best,
Paul
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: ASD+Viz on September 03, 2022, 05:30:54 PM
Hi Paul. I will get back to you in some time. Thank you for your quick response.
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: morphing_21 on November 30, 2022, 03:43:01 AM
Hi!
I'm new to Railclone, but I already started to try to use it, and I managed to finish the parameterising windows tutorial!. My question is:

Now, how can I make a window with also a Y evenly column. It's a sliding window from left to right in the top quadrant, and in the bottom quadrant a fixed rectangle window. I have already tried to add the segments but they are messy. I think the problem has to be with the expression maybe.

Thanks  :D
Title: Re: Parameterising Windows with RailClone
Post by: OQ4451 on May 16, 2023, 12:34:56 AM
Hi!
I'm new to Railclone, but I already started to try to use it, and I managed to finish the parameterising windows tutorial!. My question is:

Now, how can I make a window with also a Y evenly column. It's a sliding window from left to right in the top quadrant, and in the bottom quadrant a fixed rectangle window. I have already tried to add the segments but they are messy. I think the problem has to be with the expression maybe.

Thanks  :D

not sure if you are still looking for an answer (its been so long) but i came across your post...while looking for the same, but just take a look at the ceiling tutorial it has an answer with a macro...