animating lights

[k_fishburne]

I'm creating an iron brazier in 3dsmax that contains an omni light that flickers. I animated the light strength in 3dsmax using a noise controller. The controller didn't export, so I collapsed its animation into raw data, but that didn't work either. The light stayed static in Morrowind instead of flickering.

 

Must all light animation be controlled via scripting or are all light source parameters in 3dsmax static when exported to a NIF? What's the standard procedure here?

[Serrieth]

You don't really need to make the light flicker the ES Constrution set does that for you, you just need the art file for the flame and your own art for the candel or what ever is being lit. To make the light flicker (Not the flame) is to go to lights Tab and make a new ID. Add your art file and then say okay. Edit your new light and set the colors, if it flickers, or pulses.

I'm not sure about the flame, but thats all I can help you with. I never worked with 3DsMax but I'm planning to buy it soon. So by then I might help you.

[k_fishburne]

Thanks, good answer.

 

To those interested in the 3dsmax-based solution to my question, I found the answer:

 

A light source's Multiplier Strength animation in 3dsmax is NOT exported to a NIF. To control a light's "strength" you must animate its color. I used a noise controller on each RGB channel individually (3 controllers) and set their range/frequency to appropriate values. For the color changes to export, collapse RGB in the track view. Don't collapse RGB individually or the values get screwed up. Be sure to set out-of-range-parameter-type to Loop.

 

To those who wish to have more info on what the NIF Exporter actually exports (although the information is incomplete), look up documentation for MaxImmerse. It's the plugin that the TESExporter is based on. The filename is MIMMERSE.HLP.