12.19.01
'Gear-O-Matic!' v1.00

>>> 'Add Detail' Tutorial <<<


- This tutorial will show you how to use the new 'Add Detail' feature. This creates 'cut-outs'
in the gear. This provides for lots of variety and enhances the visual appeal. Currently, there
are three automatic shapes (circle, square, & star), plus a 'custom' shape which is user-defined.
Six shape copies are spaced radially and evenly around the gear center. The custom shape can be scaled
to fit within the gear.
- You will create one gear with an automatic cut-out shape detail, and a second gear with a custom
cut-out shape detail.

NOTE:
* This tutorial requires 'CustomShape.max'.
- A basic understanding of MAX and running MAXScripts is expected. 
- GGA = 'Gear Generation/Animation' rollout.
* Help is provided via the 'info' buttons by the parameters, by mouse-over tooltips, and in the
  'Purpose/Usage/Comments/Quirks/FuturePlans...' rollout.
* Lots of functionality is 'hidden' under the buttons by using ctrl, alt, and shift modifiers.


LET'S GET STARTED!...

* The UI for this feature functions a little bit differently than usual. It makes interesting use of
the modifier keys (i.e. alt, & ctrl).


1) Create a Gear with an Automatic Shape Cut-Out.
- Reset MAX
- Run GOM!
- Uncheck all GGA/Setup checkboxes, except 'Add Detail', and 'Generate Pinion Only'.
- Click the BIG ">>> Gear-O-Matic!' It! <<<" button in GGA/Generation.
- DONE! (You should have a single gear with six circular holes.)
* DO NOT reset MAX.
* DO NOT restart GOM!
* Do NOT pass GO; DO NOT collect two hundred dollars!

2) Create a Gear with a Custom Shape Cut-Out.
- Activate the top viewport.
- Merge 'CustomShape.max'
  (The 'CustomShape' shape is automatically selected.)
- Alt-click the button next to 'Add Detail' three times.
  This sets the shape to 'Custom' with 'Fit Scale' as true.
- Ctrl-click the button next to 'Add Detail' one time.
  'Fit Scale' is now false. NOTE: this is a toggle.
- Click ">>> Gear-O-Matic!' It! <<<"
- Move 'Pinion02-RotControl' so the second gear is revealed.
  (If desired, click the GGA/Adjustment 'Randomize Gear Colors' button. You may have to refresh the viewport.)
- DONE! (You should have a gear with 'spokes'.)
- NOTES:
    - The custom shape must be created in the top viewport.
      Refer to the 'CustomShape' shape for proper orientation.
    - One and only one shape must be selected.
	  If an error occurs, a message will indicate the possible problem, and the gear generation will be aborted.
    - The shape WILL be modified, so, save a copy if you need to.
	- If cut-outs look too 'polygonated', adjust the 'Interpolation' of the gear object at the base level
      (i.e. 'Editable Spline). 'Adaptive' is usually best.  
    - The name does not matter.
	- The custom shape information is NOT saved with the 'Presets, Save/Load Custom' feature (different 'Custom', BTW).


Thanx for trying 'Gear-O-Matic!'

ENJOY...


s*
a.k.a. "codeWarrior()"
swami@flc.rr.com

- Feedback and bug reports are welcomed.

* See TEST-GearTrain11-v1_2.max for an interesting gear train/visualization...