Craft DirectInputLink

Using Craft DirectInputLink

Optimizing the scene It's wise to optimize the scene before starting to recording the animation. The scene is optimized by decreasing the amount of polygons shown during the recording. This is achieved by hiding objects not crucial to the part of the scene to be animated. Another tip is to use Craft Bounding Poly, which temporary lowers the amount of polygons for selected objects and allows for a smoother recording.

1. The first time Craft DirectInputLink is started, the license agreement system will be launched to verify the license:
   • Select Standard License. Enter the license number under License Number then click Ok.
   • If the program is only to be evaluated, select Demo License and the program will be fully functional for seven days. Click Ok to continue.
2. Configure the controls for Craft DirectInputLink (analog input device is recommended).
   • The first time Craft DirectInputLink is started a warning will notify of the need to configure the controls for Craft DirectInputLink. The input settings window will then automatically be opened.
   • Click on Input settings under the Tool menu in Craft Director Tools main window.
     
3. Craft DirectInputLink can be used to animate the landing gear of an airplane.
   Position Craft DirectInputLink so that the ActuatorMesh has approximately the same position as the object that will be linked/parented to it.
   
4. Link/parent the RelativeCageMesh to the airplane.
5. Link/parent the landing gear to the ActuatorMesh.
6. Make sure that Craft DirectInputLink is selected in the Tool control list and click on Input settings under the Tool menu.
7. Configure an input device for Pitch (Up/Down). Close the Input settings window.
8. Make sure that Craft DirectInputLink is selected in the Tool control list and click on the Configure button in the Craft Director Tools interface.
9. Check the box next to Pitch (Up/Down) Keep Trinary State This enables the landing gear move up/down at the press of one single button, and remain in the up or down position once you have moved them. Close the Configure window.
10. It is highly recommended that you optimize your scene by hiding all unnecessary polygons (especially any high-poly models). Not doing this may cause the animation to go slowly and hack.
11. Press Record (shortcut for 3ds Max is Ctrl+Space and for Maya is Shift+Space) in the Craft Director Tools interface to start r