Rotation Problem

[Rough1]

Hello,
Im having a problem getting my head around what is, for sure, a very easy thing... I want to rotate an object in a circle, but have the bottom fixed at a point. Much like if you stuck a pencil in the ground, the moved the top around in a circle... ya know what I mean? The rotation would be cone shaped, not cylinder, Can someone help?

Cheers, Simon

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi Simon,

Please have a look here. The idea is to rotate a Null and have a child, Null being the one tilting the object.

CV4_2023_drs_23_ANrr_01.c4d

Is that working for you? If not, please share a demo file of that problem, just the object.

All the best

[Rough1]

@Dr-Sassi
Hi, and thanks again for your help... Unfortunately, it was not what I was trying to achieve, as the axis of the rotating object must always be pointing in the same direction. I have animated it by hand. It doesnt look so presise, but it'll do. Rough enough, good enough...
Regards, Simon

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi rough1,

Thanks for the feedback. A reason why I typically ask for a project file, which I missed here.

Since leaving this open-ended here might not be pleasant for any reader of the forum, is this what would solve it?

Is this coming closer? The Y-axis stays vertical.
CV4_2023_drs_23_ANrr_02.c4d

All the best

[Rough1]

Yeah, sorry, the models I work with are CADs from our R&D department... They would flip if they thought I was sending them out of house, whatever the reason...
Regards,
Simon

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi Simon,

Any Dummy with a polygon object will do. But if there is no time for that, that is OK.

Please see my question here as well as a long-time investment, as it helps me with future questions to understand more about your work. Every artist is different, and as far as possible, I like to adjust my replies to it, while I over-share typically to address the needs of beginners as well.

Have a great weekend.

[Rough1]

@Dr-Sassi Hi sorry it took a bit of time, busy boy an all...
Here's how I achieved it, but with a few more keyframes to smooth it out a bit more. But It would of been much better to have the head move in a perfect circular motion, while keeping the same direction.
cheers,
Simon

Rotation Test.c4d

[Dr. Sassi]

Thanks a lot, Simon.

Here is your file back.

CV4_2023_drs_23_ANar_01.c4d

or, less flexible, but see for your self:
CV4_2023_drs_23_ANar_11.c4d

I have introduced two parameters for a total of four keyframes. It moves perfectly round and as a loop for 0-120 frames.
The tilt can be adjusted.

Enjoy

[Rough1]

@Dr-Sassi AHHHH ha... Now I see.
Thanks for the help.
Cheers,
Simon

[Dr. Sassi]

Hi Simon, you're very welcome.

It feels like "functions" could operate it (no keyframes!); perhaps XPresso is the way to set up something. I see a Cosine and Sine shape there

All the best

[Dr. Sassi]

P.S.: Here is an XPresso example

CV4_2023_drs_23_ANar_21.c4d

The Multiply Node is for speed adjustments.

BTW.: No keyframes needed!

Have fun