InstaWire

SHORT DESCRIPTION

• Creates a copy of a source object and instances all or only some of its properties.
• Uses Instanced Controllers by default for speed when the value is passed between instances without changes.
• Can use Wire Controllers to allow later editing of the instancing using more complex expressions.
• Provides an offset option to create an array of copies along any world axis.

INSTALLATION

• InstaWire is a R3-style MacroScript with a Floating Rollout.
• Download and Unzip the distribution file to your \Scripts directory.
• Start 3ds max 4, select MAXScript > Run Script and select the file (Alternatively open Windows Explorer and drag&drop the file to your max 4 Viewports)
• Right-click a toolbar, select Customize..., find Category "Bobo_s Tools" and drag&drop InstaWire to the toolbar. (Alternatively you can place InstaWire in a QuadMenu or assign to a Keyboard Shortcut)
• Select a single object and press the button / select the QuadMenu Item / press the Shortcut to launch the script.

USAGE

• InstaWire can be launched only when a single object is selected in the scene. The button/icon will be disabled if this is not the case.
• The single selected object will be made the Source for Instancing. To select a different object, you can either select a new object in the scene and press the icon again to relaunch the utility, or press the [GET] button and pick a new object from the scene.
• The name of the Source will appear in the edit text field on top of the utility.
• All valid parameters will appear in a list box bellow. They will be prefixed with an > meaning they will be instanced.
• You can toggle a single track's instancing  by double-clicking it.
• You can toggle the instancing startus of all tracks by pressing the [All],[None] and [Invert] buttons.
• The "No Offset" mode will be set by default. In this case, the instanced object will appear at the same position in the scene as the Source.
• When a different offset mode is selected, the offset will be calculated in world coordinates and the selected world axis will be used. For example, if +X is selected, the instance will appear to the right of the Source when seen from the Top viewport.
• The default instancing mode is "Fan". In this case, each instance will be generated from the same Source. This means that when using Wiring, all Instances will have direct connection to the same object and will build a fan. The names of the objects will have the suffix _IW and a unique number.
• The optional "Chain" mode makes each new instance from the last instance. InstaWire will set the last instanced object as the current source after the operation. The next instance will keep the _IW suffix and receive a new unique number.
• The default instancing mode is currently "Insanced Controllers". In this mode, an instance of the source controller will be created (and a new controller will be assigned where necessary). This method avoids the multitude of Wire controllers and is generally faster and more stable. The drawback is that you cannot change the 1:1 value dependence between instances.
• The optional instancing mode is "Wiring". The utility was originally developed to provide exactly this functionality. The current Magma Build M042 crashes when too many chained controllers have been created. That's why this mode is currently only a second option. It lets the user change dependencies by editing Parameter Wiring later.
• Press the [MAKE INSTANCE!] button to generate an instance of the currently picked Source object using the settings in the dialog. In the source object has been changed, deleted etc., you will be prompted. Parameters that failed to create an instanced controller will be listed in the Listener.

KNOWN PROBLEMS AND LIMITATIONS

• Currently supports Geometry objects only. Lights, Cameras etc. have a self-multiplication problem (reported as a bug already) when properties are being accessed through MAXScript.
• Offset works in World coordinates only (for now).
• Custom Attributes (CATs) not supported yet.

DOWNLOAD InstaWire