Cable
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Hello,
This is a simple example.
I want the blue tip to fly to the red target point on the right and the cable to move accordingly.
Unfortunately, I don't have enough knowledge to implement this. Can you help?Thank you very much.
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Hi selection-it,
Thanks for the file!
There are many ways to do it, it depends always on the result you like to have, and if it is a more complex movement, how to define the steps from one position to the other position. Which means, how much rigging of the scene is needed, to then be able to focus only on the animation itself. This is a balance to find.
The first one is to animate the Spline manually would be to set the Spline to B-Spline, as Bezier, with its handles puts a lot of attention on the points and perhaps too little on the animation.
https://help.maxon.net/c4d/2026/en-us/Default.htm#html/OSPLINE-ID_OBJECTPROPERTIES.html?TocPath=Create%2520Menu%257CSpline%257CSpline%257C_____3The key is to reduce the Points that define the Spline to the minimum needed. With many points, you have to manage so much more, while each point has less power compared to lower numbers.
The key is typically to have two points close to the Connector to stabilize the connection. Between these 2x2 points, the amount can be just one or a few more, depending on what motion you like to create.I have adjusted the B-Spline so it resamples the Bezier Curve as much as possible.
I also have set up a small XPresso, turning the name of the Spline into its length, so the animation is guided by this number, to keep the cable as long as it was.The animation technique used is called PLA, Point Level Animation, which records all points in one keyframe per frame.
https://help.maxon.net/c4d/2026/en-us/Default.htm#html/CKPLA.html?TocPath=Animate%257CTimeline%257CMenu%257CCreate%257CAdd%2520Special%2520Tracks%257CKeys%2520and%2520Special%2520Keys%257CPLA%2520Key%257C_____0The first step now is to set the record of data to PLA and check off the Position, Rotation, Scale, and Parameter, while having only the three-dot icon active.
The frame zero, if that is the starting point, will receive a Keyframe.
Then we move to the last frame, and while the two points of the "Mess-Fühler" end are selected, we move them in position and rotate both as needed. Press the record Keyframe button.
The Spline is now too long, so the few points in the middle area need to be positioned. When this is done, press the Set Keyframe button again.
Please note that the B-Spline has many of its points away from the Spline line.If that results now in the final state you like, record if needed again and move the time slider to see the animation.
Look at the middle (time-wise) if the shape is OK, and the length is fine. If not, change some points and record another PLA keyframe.
Here is an example:
CV4_2026_drs_25_ANka_01.c4dPlease note I changed the Axis of the "Mess-Fühler" to the end (L key, change, L key again), so it matches better (anignment)
Let me know if that works, or if you'd like to look into something more complex, or easier to animate?All the best
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Thank you very much, Dr. Sassi, that was the right tip. Everything is fine now. See you next time.
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You're very welcome, selection-it.
I look forward to next time. Please never hesitate to ask.
My best wishes for your project
