Some other changes. In Trace mode, the cursor automatically goes to where you're looking instead of under the drop target. There's also a 3rd mode, "Look Phys", which instead of dropping at the target, will place a prop where you're looking but the drop target's height is used to offset where it's spawned from. This will probably be the default mode.

As far as the models in general, that's almost done. I wrote a perl script to go through all the models and read all the prop data from them (and bounding boxs, hull bounds,etc) and generate the needed squirrel data for the menus. I'll probably include that as well and allow you to specify a custom file that get's merged into the data for custom props.

As far as classifying them, I might not bother, might just have them show up like hammer. Maybe I'll let you chat a search substring, not sure yet.

One issue, I thought the flags should have bit 4 set if it's $static_prop, but doesn't seem to be the case or I'm reading the wrong header offset.

I suppose you could do that, and just hit say or scripted_userfunc, you'll still need a few binds though. +LOOKSPIN, +GRENADE1, +ALT2. I'll have to look into custom radials

3 separate mdl's atm. I tried using particles, but so far, I can't figure out how to get a orientation_type 2 rotate relative to the parent. I can orient them to another control point, but can't figure out how to rotate it relative. 'm sure you can do it, but haven't cracked it yet. I originally had 3 models with two skins (axis+mode). So basically have yaw, but half pitch (t's 90 90 off)

So MUCH better now.

Now all you can manipulate all axis simultaneously in rotation and translation. You can also place props via traces as well as physics. Translation is now relative to player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BY4OaGEAns4

So now, ALT2 enters manipulation mode, then you can pitch,yaw,roll, ALT2+WALK let's you translate

Definitely has to do with the volume of them as well. With all positive ratings, something like 40+ one of my mods had 3 stars, I don't think it hit 4 until 60 or 70

Well about to get simpler. Figured a lot of unused keys, like grenade1 and grenade2, alt1, alt2 report. So keyboard's getting a revamping but now you'll be able to manipulate all axis at once. Though you'll need to bind the stuff first.

You can delete existing models by selecting it (+look +use), and hitting +reload. I'd like to add a one level undo, it's just tough with the small number of UI buttons.

As is, props are cleared on round restarts, if you want to save it, chat "save". ATM, it's only saving to VMF. But unless you finish the map (or kill), it won't restart. Cheats are enabled automatically, god mode, bots deleted, nick silenced ;)

Controls (atm)


The main menu right now is Model Categories, each select opens a secondary scrolling menu of models to select.

When the menu is closed, you're either in Drop Mode, or Tweak Mode

If no prop is selected, you are in Drop Mode. Basically dropping physics (or tracing dynamics) from your drop target ahead of you.


The manipulation modes atm are Pitch, Yaw, Roll, X, Y, Z. In Tweak mode, actually manipulating the prop. In Drop mode, rotations effect the prop, but translations effect where it's dropped from.

I could add random prop distrubtions (along with random yaw), though you can spawn items that don't need much alignment like trees, almost as fast as you can move your view and hit reload.

So I'm working on a utility for placing items in maps using vscript.

Basically you use a menu driven system to select the model you want to spawn, then using your 3D cursor, spawn/manipulate/edit props. There's a video of it here. When you're all done, it writes out a VMF that can be pasted into a map via "paste in place" into your map, there will also be an option to write them out for map based mutations.

youtube

My initial motivation for writing this was placing prop_statics using physics. Basically destruction scenes, cars/etc on terrain, but I realized it might be a bit more useful in general.

One challenge will be generating all the categories and what models go with what types. So now that I've got a working prototype, I'm looking for feedback on what people would like to see in a tool like this.

I figure entity group placements. Probably to set the group via chat. I suppose I could even import it and give you a preview of the actual group.

* thoughts *
I really wish we had more buttons, it would be 10x more effecient if we could work in all three axes instead of one at a time. I found that LOOKSPIN if bound works, but FLASHLIGHT does not.

Would also be nice to have some hook that runs on every game frame.

I'll probably attempt to replace the "gimbal" models with particle systems.

I had it happen sporadically the first day but then they went. Haven't uploaded since though