3DSMax
The overall process of setting up 3DSMax with ButterflyNetRender is very straight forward:
Contents
Install:
(Windows):
- 1. Install 3DSMax locally on all the Windows Rendernode machines (in the same location on all machines)
ie: C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\3ds Max 2010\3dsmaxcmd.exe
- 2. Set the Install paths in the BNR Controller
NOTE: If you are having issues with the shell not closes - check here for the solution: >Try deleting this file \stdplugs\InfoCenter.gup from your max folder. It seems to help. http://area.autodesk.com/forum/autodesk-3ds-max/autodesk-3ds-max--3ds-max-design-2009/3ds-max-20092010-rendering-and-multitasking-40solution41
Configure:
Configure paths and settings in BNR Controller:
In the BNR Controller:
- 1. Turn on the platform: (Options->Configure->Select Platforms)
- 2. Set the location of the '3dsmaxcmd.exe' (the local path on each Rendernode) (Options->Configure Platforms - 3DS Max)
- 3. Confirm you have the correct command line settings:
(download the updated 'File:Rendertype1.cfg' file and place into the BNR install folder - replacing the current one - Make sure the Controller is not running when you replace the file)
Restart:
Restart the BNR Controller.
Add:
Now add 3dsmax (.max) scene file for rendering:
After you add the scene - you will need to:
- 1. Select the Frame range (Output Tab)
- 2. Select the Output Frame format (Output Tab)
Make sure you add the scene from the Shared Network folder (that all the rendernodes have access to - otherwise the rendernodes will not be able to load the scene)
Test:
The best way to test a to confirm the setup is working:
- 1. Make sure 3DSMax is installed on the controller (in the same location as the RenderNodes)
- 2. Add a 3dsmax scene into BNR
- 3. Select the 'Render' Tab
- 4. Press the 'Test Render Command" and then press 'Launch Locally'
This will run the same command the Rendernodes will get - but you will get to see more information directly. You will need to check the 'Task Manager' to see if the 3dsmaxcmd.exe is running in the back ground
- Right click on the Scene and a select "Open Scene Trace Log folder" and you should find the output text "Render_*.txt" - Please open with notepad to view the text.
(note if you see *.csv files - these are BNR Controller state flows)