Strata vs Mechanisto...

Azdara

Okay, the deal is that I have been using mechanisto for about two years, on and off (basically I have it down pat) and I recently (last night) downloaded Strata 3D. Now i'm wondering about weather it's worth learning to use strata (I've seen some pretty incredible things done with it) or if I should just stick with mechanisto.

Also, if the answer is learn, a pointer to some tutorials or something could be helpfull...

Thanks guys.

~A~

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"How can I make it go faster?" -Me-

MadFax7

Although it largely depends on the artist, I believe Strata uses a ray tracer for rendering, which is inherently better than the shaders used by Mechanisto. My advice: try out Strata, and just use which ever one you feel more comfortable with.

Quote

Originally posted by Azdara:
a pointer to some tutorials or something could be helpfull...

There's one on spinning ships (url="http://"http://www.evula.org/ewan/")here(/url). Strata is an object based modeler though, so it should be pretty straight forward.

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(This message has been edited by MadFax7 (edited 03-16-2003).)

what_is_the_matrix

Quote

Originally posted by Azdara:
**Okay, the deal is that I have been using mechanisto for about two years, on and off (basically I have it down pat) and I recently (last night) downloaded Strata 3D. Now i'm wondering about weather it's worth learning to use strata (I've seen some pretty incredible things done with it) or if I should just stick with mechanisto.

Also, if the answer is learn, a pointer to some tutorials or something could be helpfull...

Thanks guys.

~A~

**

The best tutorial is practice. Also, you say that you've learned Mechanisto, and can use it well. Is it now not performing at the level that you're at? If so, then change programs. Most people learn new programs for the sake of doing just that. It looks good on a 3D modeler's resume if he/she knows multiple programs.

Matrix

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Jules

I would say learn it. Strata is a great program once you learn to work around its little quirks. One of the hardest things to learn is how to use the texturing system properly, so if you need any help with that or any other part of Strata, you can email me at (url="http://"mailto:ewanc@mac.com")mailto:ewanc@mac.com(/url)ewanc@mac.com

Azdara

Thanks guys. I've been trying strata, and I'm getting there, but it's frustrating. My main problem is not knowing how to apply transforms, how to alter the stock shapes to suit my needs.

I think I'm going to go for it, your models seem a cut above what mechanisto can do.

Any tips for transforms or the strata equivalent?

~A~

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"How can I make it go faster?" -Me-

Jules

Ok, what do you mean by transforms? An objects size and position can be edited using the object property pallet. You can convery an object to besier surface or polygon mesh using the convert button (along the top - move your mouse over the buttons to display what they are at the top left of the screen). After you do that, you can change the shape of the object by moving points on the surface. You can also add more points by option clicking on the surface. This is often really good for making organic objects, but is rather poor for more mechanic objects.

If you are doing this, I would recommend turning on snap to grid in the edit menu. Increasing the number of snap sub divisions to 2 or 4 while using snap to grid will you give more control over where the points are positioned. This is done by going to "Set Units..." in the edit menu

I will knock up a quick tutorial on using the Lathe and Extrude functions as I hae been promising to make more tutorials for months

ewan

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mrxak

I would definately learn Strata. You can then pick whatever one you want to continue working with.

Azdara

Great. Thanks again.

~A~

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"How can I make it go faster?" -Me-

Curufinwe_Fëanor

I can't get away from infini-d.... but since it's render engine, graphics capability, etc is running short compared to newer 3D modellers, i'm learning to use Pixels 3D.... its pretty cool..... anyone else here uses it?

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