Can I Change The Start Time Of My Cached Fluid Without Resimulating?

[bjohnston]

I have cached my fluid, but now need it to start 100 frames later. Of course chaging the start frame doesn't provide the desired result. Am I stuck with recaching the simulation? The docs are shedding no light on this for me. Any thoughts out there? Thanks.

[bjohnston]

Maybe it is a matter of simulating per frame then renaming the cache files to the frame I need them to start at ?

[happycalaveras]

Create a new Time node, set keys on the Out Time attribute to reflect your desired offset (i.e. key a value of 0 at frame 100, then a value of at your old endpoint + 100). Then all you have to do is disconnect the Time1 node from that Fluid, and connect new time node's Out Time attribute to your cached fluid's Current Time attribute via Connection Editor.

I've just done a quick test of this but it looks like it should work - I'm sure people will chime in if it's the wrong way to do it.

[jtujle]

It's actually a bit simpler then that Calaveras. If the fluid is cached you can just run

setAttr -keyable 1 fluidShape1.currentTime

then break the connection to the currentTime and key it to whatever you like. No need to create a second time node

[happycalaveras]

Cool, I'll have to remember that one - the less nodes the better. Thanks apoc

[bjohnston]

Sweet guys, I really appreciate the solution!

[bjohnston]

QUOTE(apoc519 @ 08/27/06, 12:49 AM) [snapback]246271[/snapback]
It's actually a bit simpler then that Calaveras. If the fluid is cached you can just run

setAttr -keyable 1 fluidShape1.currentTime

then break the connection to the currentTime and key it to whatever you like. No need to create a second time node

Hi Apoc519, This works except for one thing. When I save the file and reopen, the attribute has been eliminated. I would like to render this on a farm if possible. Do you know what I am missing? Thanks.

[joojaa]

Make the extra time node, key it, its easier! Thetway maya respects you fully.

But yeah you clould make it keyeable every tiem you start maya but thats a quick fix.

[rhonedog]

Or you could just add a new INT attribute on your fluid and connect it to drive currentTime. Then Maya wont be sneakily trying to hide your keyable attribute on you.

M

[joojaa]

Yes but them maya would add a extra node in between convertting the int to time, wich does not realy differ from adding the time node inbetween grantted it happens invisibly but as amount of work its still neglible to just add the time node.