MR Skylight and Final Gather

[nisus]

Hi all,

 

As far as I can find out, the MR skylight only works when using FG*.

How can I use it using GI only?? Any special shaders, tricks??

 

rgds

 

nisus

 

 

*FG: Final Gather

[pixelperfectg]

There are no tricks for making the skylight work without FG enabled (atleast that I know of)

 

However, depending upon which version of 3dsmax your using though, you can simulate the skylight with an ambient occlusion shader. Max7 ships with one by default. But if your using Max6, you'll need to download Daniel Rinds Dirtmap shader.

[nisus]

Tnx Jeff ,-)

 

Can you explain how to use the AO in m7 pls?

 

rgds

 

nisus

[pixelperfectg]

Here's an explanation:

http://www.christopher-thomas.net/pages/free_tutorials/tut_ambient_occlusion_shader/ct_tut_mentalray_ambientocclusion_shader.htm

[nisus]

tnx ,-) Unfortunately, I cannot see examples 4 and 5...

 

I've been introduced to AO* and SH* at the 3d Festival last year, but how exactly do I set it up to work in max7. Where do I add the shader? Is it globally, or do I have to set it up per object / material?

 

 

nisus

 

*AO: Ambient Occlusion

*SH: Spherical Harmonics

[pixelperfectg]

I'm not sure whats up with that previous link! Anyway, there's a little blurb in the Max7 help file about the AOCC shader. It gives a few examples of uses, but it's not much.

 

Don't forget about kick's tutorial too:

http://www.cgarchitect.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7062

 

You can add it globally or use it on local objects. I've even used it for masks. I think where you use it just depends on what your trying to accomplish. If all you want is a GI like simulation, then put it in the material override switch of mental ray (and make sure to turn off FG)

[nisus]

Tnx Jeff. Good link. And Tnx Kicks.

 

Still got my doubts though. Rendering times may be low, but what about the time to setup the scene (especially with large scenes).

 

I wonder if this effect can't be made faster with 'Render Elements' like lighting or so. It saves the need to setup the scene three times... Does anyone got experience on this? I'd like to hear a workflow discription ,-)

 

Honestly, I don't like the pswork so much because basicly I'm looking for an animated solution. I wonder how to set up a scene that would render very fast with AO without the preparations, OR how can I automate these preparations??

 

Maybe I should check out texture baking ,-p ???

 

rgds

 

nisus