Preparing the Model

Set up for this lesson:

1. Open the file tut_luminaire_prepare_start.max.

   

   This scene contains a light fixture that is designed to swivel. Next, you will familiarize yourself with the object names.

2. Select each object, and look at each one’s name in the Modify panel.

Set pivot points:

Only two parts of the assembly, Head and Yoke, will need to rotate when you move the light target. You must set the pivot points for these objects so they rotate correctly.

1. Zoom in on the Head and Yoke objects in the Front and Left viewports.

2. Select the Head object.

3. Go the Hierarchy panel, and click to turn on Pivot if it is not already on.

4. Turn on Affect Pivot Only.

5. In the Front viewport, move the Head's pivot point so it sits where the Head meets the Yoke.

   

6. Select the Yoke.

7. Move the Yoke's pivot point so it sits where the Yoke meets the Bracket.

   

8. On the Hierarchy panel, turn off Affect Pivot Only.

Link objects together:

Next, you will link the parts of the assembly together. You will link the parts in order from the light to the bracket.

1. Select the light and its target.

2. On the main toolbar, click Select And Link.

3. Select the light and its target.

4. Drag from the selected objects to the Head object, and release the mouse to link these objects to the Head object.

5. Link Head to Yoke.

6. Link Yoke to Bracket.

7. To test the linkage, move the Bracket. All objects in the light assembly should move with it.

   Now you are ready to set up joint constraints and IK.