Davveys Piston Generator 1.1.0 for Maya (maya script)

Note:- Any Duplicate files contained in any of my script packs can be used. Just ensure you copy the latest version of any file. These script packs are being built up using some common utility type scripts which are shared across more than one pack.

Version 1.1.0
Script modified to allow Davvey's Spring Generator script pack to interact with the completed piston and automatically generate the correct size Spring.
Note :- Davvey's Spring Generator has been released 17 Feb 2007. to work with this script.

Description Section

These Scripts will build Dimensional accurate Pitons and the GUI will show the English Equivalent during the setting up of the various options.

Installation

These Scripts will build Dimensional accurate Metric Pistons and the GUI will show the English Equivalent during the setting up of the various options.

Usage Section

To run script type DVY_Pistons in command line or middle mouse drag the command to a shelf. There is a Shelf Icon included in the script pack.

These scripts build Metric Pistons but the UI will show the english equivalent sizes during setup.

To use this these scripts. Set Rod Diameter required. Then Select Rod Length required. The GUI will calculate and display nearest English equivalents for Diameter and Length. The Fields are already filled in with some default values to test the script. The default values are set using following relationships between dimensions as follows.

Cylinder ID = 2 * Rod Diameter.
Cylinder OD = 1.2 * Cylinder ID
Cylinder Length = Rod Length - Cylinder ID.

For Best results try and use values with these ratios but script will work with other values. (but results maybe unpredictable) If Round Cylinder End Caps are used then the CheckBox for a Rod Cover can be selected. Also Spring Supports can be added to allow a spring to fit over the Cylinder. The Rod Cover and Spring Supports should only be selected to use with Clevis Types, Pin and Bush Mounts for Cylinder Ends.

The Group Top Node has some hidden attributes added to it (if the spring Options are selected) which list some recommended dimensions for Spring Coil Diameter and the Radius of Section of Coil Spring, also Spring Length to match distance between Supports.

Note:- The Scale of the Piston will be adjusted to set correct Piston size relevant to the correct size for the Users Maya Unit settings i.e mm, cm, m, in, ft, yd.

Matching Spring.
If Required After Building the Piston please use Davvey's Spring Generator a Spring to match the Piston and before moving Piston away from default build position.

Installation

Just install scripts in any Maya script path and install Icons and Image files in MayPrefsIcons directory. The Image files are used in GUI and there is also0 a Shelf Button file included (to use with any Shelf button)

Installation example (for Maya 8.0):

1. Install scripts in the Maya Script directory
E:Documents and SettingsDavveyMy DocumentsMaya8.0scripts

2. Install all icons (xpm files) in
E:Documents and SettingsDavveyMy DocumentsMaya8.0prefsicons

Davvey
Thanks and enjoy any comments good or bad let me know at Davvey@ntlworld.com Also please rate the scripts if you like them and any feedback on additions required.