RayDream Users Archive

 Subject:  RayDream Users Archive TXT

Author:  3DSIG

Uploaded By:  AFC John

Date:  4/17/1997

File:  RayDream Archive.TXT (15363 bytes) 

Estimated Download Time (52173 baud):  < 1 minute

Download Count:  358

Equipment:  mac

Needs:  text reader

Keywords:  3dsig ray dream designer ray trace 

LIBRARY:   MGR:3DSIG: 3D Tools (5418)

KEYWORDS:  3dsig ray dream designer ray trace 

Archive of the RayDream Users message base. Many good posts about RayDream tips and techniques, thanks to all who participated.

Mac Graphics, Multimedia & CAD Forum Libraries. Go keyword MGR. g

Subj:  Ray Dream Designer Output?            93-12-19 21:10:46 EDT

From:  Sodstuff

Posted on: America Online

I teach high school art.  My students have created a number of outstanding creative 3D compositions using Ray Dream.  So far the only output I have found excellent is dyesublimation printing at $35.00 a shot.  Does anyone else have any cheaper solutions or suggestions?  Thanks for the input.

Subj:  Nice, cheap output...                 93-12-22 23:19:09 EDT

From:  JeffrySG

Posted on: America Online

Sodstuff,

The bitmap images I have been printing, mostly from Photoshop, on my 550C DeskWriter from HP look outstanding. If you use their special glossy paper (50 bucks for 50 sheets!) the output looks better than anything should look on a $650 printer!  :)   Output on regular copier paper looks pretty good but the Special glossy paper is really worth the money.

You might want to think about buying a printer and charging three or four bucks a print untill the printer is payed for.

--Jeffry Gugick

Subj:  How-to RDD Packaging article          94-01-07 22:55:24 EDT

From:  Tom3D

Posted on: America Online

Look for the Jan/Feb issue of Step-By-Step Graphics to have an article on 3D Package design featuring RayDream Designer! Raydream 3.0's new features makes it one of the best programs for quality packaging.

Tom3D

Subj:  Re:How-to RDD Packaging article       94-01-12 04:25:35 EDT

From:  Jerulator

Posted on: America Online

I don't want to sound naive, but, what is Step by Step Graphics ?  Is it a magazine, a newsletter, or some kind of "Multimedia"

presentation thats distributed on-line.  I'd like to see the article on RDD 3.0. Appreciate any help. Thanks, Jerry Wiese

Subj:  New 3.0 review.                       94-01-20 03:19:43 EDT

From:  Waan

Posted on: America Online

Well, I finally got the Ray Dream 3.0 Update.

I thought I'd share my views of the product. (Using a Quadra 800)

Pros: Excellent rendering quality, capable of modeling complex shapes, the only current program of it's kind to offer "Paint on

3D geometry."

Cons: Very buggy, slow, many features in the manual and on the menus are not available, Skimpy and incorrect manual, Crashes frequently.

Problems I noticed:

1. Residual  noise on texture borders when moving a shape on a 3D object.

2. Crashing when opening the same image in different areas... i.e. "Open Image," then import texture.

4. Crash on application of some of Photoshop's filters in the shader editor... "Spherize"  in particular.

5. No Undo zoom.

2. The viewing window does an entire screen redraw even if you make a minor change to something that has no effect on the rest of the scene... i.e. opening a grouped hierarchy, changing a color.

3. Can't break apart text objects in individual objects.

4. There is no bump height control.

5. If you use QuickTime compressed images to import, they are saved into the RayDream file uncompressed.

8. The "Import Artwork" onto all planes is not implemented as explained in the manual and menus.

9. The "Import Template" , used for images as drawing guides is not implemented as stated in the manual or on the menus.

10. In the modeler, you can't select close adjacent shapes, and there is no way to alter them unless you move them out of the way of each other. 

11. There is no real time updating of numeric positioning information.

12. No numeric repositioning of points in the modeler.

13. Resizing grouped objects sometimes erases the multiple shape numbering sequences.

14. No nudge tool in the modeler.

15. No alignment controls in the modeler.

16. No guide projections when positioning lights in the scene.

17. No guides or cross hairs corresponding to the texture your painting from when painting onto 3D geometry.

There are some feature requests intermingled in the above 1-17...

but using the two closest programs as competitive comparisons for modeling and renderning...  

(Infini-D, and Strata Studio Pro) I feel these features should be included to either match what the competition offers, or be more consistent within RayDream Designer itself.

Ray Dream offers features currently unavailable in other Mac 3D programs, but the program is horribly incomplete and unstable in it's current release. I hope the company will continue to improve it's product because it has exciting features that will make quick quality renderings  and creation of complex 3D shapes within reach of all.

I would recommend holding off until Ray Dream corrects and beefs up the manual, and solidifies the framework of their program.

Subj:  Re:New 3.0 review.                    94-01-20 16:01:44 EDT

From:  Ray Dream

Posted on: America Online

Waan:

Thank you for your feedback. We are well aware of the issues you described and working on stabilizing the software and revising the manual. I currently do not have more details but would recommend that you check our own forum (keyword Ray Dream) regularly for the latest updates. Also thank you for the many new features you suggested.

Best regards,

Eric Hautemont

Ray Dream, Inc.

Subj:  3.0.1 Updater Available               94-01-21 19:55:37 EDT

From:  RDreamTech

Posted on: America Online

An updater to convert RDD 3.0 to 3.0.1 is available to download from the Ray Dream area.

The following is a summary of the corrections made in version 3.0.1:

- All customer-reported, reproducible crashing bugs have been fixed. These include the problems associated with the tool bar, as well as the crash which occurred when the Shader Editor and the Text window were open simultaneously.

- "Empty" objects--objects with no cross sections--no longer cause problems when raytracing or redrawing the Working box grid.

- The method for removing channels from an object's shader, described in the Designer 3.0 Read Me file, now works on all channels, including the bump channel.

- The "Delete Camera Position" command now works.

- Double-clicking a Designer image file now launches Designer and opens the image.

Ray Dream Tech Support

Subj:  3D CAD? -->Ray Dream, suggest!        94-02-01 04:15:24 EDT

From:  LCDisplay

Posted on: America Online

Could I get some input as to your favorites in 3D CAD applications for building objects to import or open in Ray Dream.  Rather than trying to build those items in Ray Dream.

I am new to Ray Dream 3.0.  Am I wrong in thinking that some of the more complicated curved shapes (bumpers, fenders etc.) would be better constructed in a 3D CAD app then in Ray Dream?

The cheaper the better,  $3500.00 AutoCad type stuff is not an option.

Thanks for you help,

          LCDisplay       1/30/94

Subj:  RDD speed                             94-03-06 23:25:08 EDT

From:  Aedward935

Posted on: America Online

RDD may have its problems, but it works tolerably well, and I like it mainly because its fast, it accommodates hi-res without much fuss, and it looks great when its done.  I wish it had animation capabilities.

Subj:  Excellent Modeling Power              94-04-04 00:58:35 EDT

From:  Tom3D

Posted on: America Online

I think many will underestimate Ray Dreams modeling power. I can extrude a shape or profile along a path, add cross-sections along the that path to change it and get extremely complicated shapes. I think Ray Dream gives the other under $1000 programs a run for their money.

Subj:  Re:Excellent Modeling Power           94-04-12 02:17:41 EDT

From:  Scotrick

Posted on: America Online

I agree- the modeling tools in RDD are hands down the best, IMHO.  However, it would be nice to have animation.  Plus, true boolean functions.

Subj:  Re:Excellent Modeling Power           94-04-12 13:56:57 EDT

From:  SWAGSTAFF

Posted on: America Online

And device control - all for $300. Sure.

Who else lets you draw/paint directly on surfaces and mix and match shaders.

This is a remarkable program for the price.

Subj:  Re:Excellent Modeling Power           94-04-14 01:00:53 EDT

From:  Scotrick

Posted on: America Online

Nobody-I'm afraid you mistook me for a complainer. Not asking for the world for RDD's price- I'd gladly pay more for a more animation oriented version, though.  Hate having to use RDD files in Infini-D for the animation.

P.S. Nice book  :)

Subj:  RayDream                              94-04-20 08:29:08 EDT

From:  RAB 222

Posted on: America Online

Type keyword RAYDREAM and see whut happens...

Subj:  Ray Dream Designer (DanJ781288)       94-05-01 23:19:36 EDT

From:  DanJ781288

Posted on: America Online

Hello out there ,

Looking for people who are interested in chatting about Ray DReam.  I am basically a beginner with Ray Dream but have high hopes for its use on my new Power Mac! I have had Ray Dream a few months and haven't had too much time to work with it . I live up in the Weston , Ct. area and would like to have some chats with people with similar 3D Design interests!  Please send some messages if anyone is interested?

Take Care,

Dan J781288

Subj:  Re:Ray Dream Designer (DanJ78128      94-05-02 00:08:02 EDT

From:  SamIWas

Posted on: America Online

Try the Ray Dream area under Industry Connection. Several folders in there.

Subj:  Ray Dream Package                     94-06-29 22:08:12 EDT

From:  ScottS7746

Posted on: America Online

Just checked with my dealer about the Power Mac version of Ray Dream Designer and found out that not only is it in duplication as we speak, but that Ray Dream has a package deal going right now include Ray Dream Designer, JAG II, and another package (can't recall right now what it was), all for $345...  Well, at least that's what my dealer's charging.

Couldn't pass that up!

-Scott

Subj:  Re; Designer 3.1.1                    94-08-03 22:32:44 EDT

From:  DanJ781288

Posted on: America Online

Hi,

Would anyone know ways in which yo can put together cross sections in making very realistic dinosaurs in Ray Dream Designer with the use of the envelopes.

Also do you have any Idea as to what types of extensions conflict with Ray Dream Designer. I have the Power Mac version 3.1.1. Also I seem to be getting Message of the type 11 occurred quite often. Now I believe this has to do with hardware.

Would anyone be able to help me with this?

Thanks, Dan J 781288

Subj:  Ray Dream AOL section                 94-08-08 16:41:33 EDT

From:  RDreamTech

Posted on: America Online

Dan: Try typing command-K and the key word Ray Dream. It will get you directly to our tech support folder where we can help answer your questions.

Ray Dream Tech Support

Subj:  How to go 2D MRI head -> 3D?          94-08-28 23:19:54 EDT

From:  Bob100

Posted on: America Online

How to go 2D MRI head -> 3D?

I need a 3D program to allow me to take a stack of 2D MRI images (eg: of a brain) and re-display them in a 3D format? I would like to be able to then manipulate the image to look inside the head, etc.

Is anyone aware of any programs that will do this? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Bob

Subj:  Re:How to go 2D MRI head -> 3D?       94-08-29 13:14:51 EDT

From:  RDreamTech

Posted on: America Online

Try splicer/dicer from Spyglass. I don't remember their adress of the top of my head, but they might be in Illinois.

Eric @ Ray Dream

Subj:  Re:How to go 2D MRI head -> 3D?       94-08-29 21:22:27 EDT

From:  Bob100

Posted on: America Online

Thanks for the hint. I'll give it them a try.

Bob

Subj:  HELP!!!!!                             94-10-18 02:31:52 EDT

From:  TripMaster

Posted on: America Online

I just upgraded my copy of Ray Dream Designer and accidentally erased my last copy.  I need a serial number to get back into it.  PLEASE e-mail me a number to try!  I'm a poor student who needs my ray back for a job!!

-Tripmaster

Subj:  Re:HELP!!!!!                          94-10-18 08:57:59 EDT

From:  Markus II

Posted on: America Online

Try calling Ray Dream's publisher or posting on their forum/folder. If you fax them a copy of a manual page, or return the erased original floppies, I'm sure they will be glad to help.

Markus

Subj:  Re:3D CAD? -->Ray Dream, suggest      94-12-09 09:58:39 EDT

From:  Turner4

Posted on: America Online

hey there, i'm looking for the same thing you are.

If you find anything out could you let me know? 

i'll do the same..

thanks

turner4

Subj:  Re:Ray Dream Designer Output?         95-01-21 01:05:51 EDT

From:  CHinkle

Posted on: System

I am not too familiar with the specifics of this, but a new output method called "Laser Master" proofs are available at select color houses and related businesses. Basically, as I understand it, it is an extremely hot-rodded inkjet process... don't laugh... it rivals dyesublimation proofs, and should be more cost effective. The company I have used charges by the square foot!!! 

PS. Sodstuff, write back or drop mail, I would like to correspond about Raydream and Teaching. 

                                                                    CHinkle

Subj:  AutoCAD                               95-02-06 22:56:37 EDT

From:  SPIRAL8

Posted on: America Online

I use Ray Dream for rendering, but I want to be able to do computer drafting on my mac. 

Does anyone know of there is good equivalent that I can use for technical drafting for product design?

Please email me, thanks

Jack

Subj:  Shaders                               95-02-26 00:02:47 EDT

From:  APutnam510

Posted on: America Online

    I am looking for a realistic water ripple shader, or better yet, a water effect to add on to Designer - as an extension.

Subj:  Re:Shaders                            95-02-26 15:06:40 EDT

From:  Llaneza

Posted on: America Online

Check the RayDream software library, keyword=RayDream. There's a set of water shaders there that's pretty good. I can't tell how good in only 256 colors.

Subj:  Tablet and Camera For Sale            95-03-27 01:03:23 EDT

From:  Lastkerr

Posted on: America Online

well...you win, I lose.   Bills force me to sell my beloved CALCOMP Tablet (12 x12) with 16 button mouse and cordless pressure sensitive stylus.   The whole shebang was  about $500  new.  It's only a year old, and in perfect condition.   The first person willing to give $225  takes it home.    I also have a Quicktake that's only  2 months old and it kills me to part with it, but $500 and it's yours.   

     e-mail Lastkerr if your're interested....must sell immediately

Subj:  Re:Tablet and Camera For Sale         95-03-27 04:04:44 EDT

From:  DaveTeich

Posted on: America Online

we lose, alright...hey guy, there is a classifieds folder. we read all the folders and it's annoying to read the same message over and over.

Subj:  Want to make an asteroid              95-05-24 19:40:33 EDT

From:  Maelgon

Posted on: America Online

I am trying to make an asteroid in Ray Dream.  I go into the drawing frame, draw the shape on the front view, go to side view (left or right), change the envelope, go back to reference and the back plane has been changed to match the side plane (envelope is set on free symetry).  How do I make a round object with random surfaces short of putting hundreds of objects into a shpere?   FRUSTRATED.  Maybe it's me, but the manual seems to be of very little help.

Subj:  Re:Want to make an asteroid           95-05-25 14:43:43 EDT

From:  Ray Dream

Posted on: America Online

Our advice would be to use a bump map. You might also want to ask our power users in the Ray Dream forum (keyword "Ray Dream").

Best regards,

Ray Dream Tech Support