dFroce Error? It give no clue what the problem is.

DDCreate

I am trying to use dForce in a picture and no matter what I do, I keep getting this error sating "Error preparing objects to simulate." No hint as to what the problem is or what I did wrong. It's basically just saying  "Nah, I'd rather not. Thanks though."

Background: It's 2 G3 characters wearing G2 clothing. I apply the dForce modifier Dynamic surface and then the weight node modifier. Rinse, repeat. Then I hit Simulate. This worked in the last 20 pictures but suddenly doesn't anymore. I've tried hiding the other character and simulating one at a time. I get the same error. Other times I hit Simulate and both characters start simulating and then I get another error saying there was a problem. Is it me or was dForce not beta tested right? This is really frustrating!

I'd be grateful for any guidance on this. It delivers amazing results but it's just so unrealible.

Richard Haseltine

I don't think dForce failing on older content that is not claimed to be dForce compatible in its original form and which now has a new shape projected into it by AutoFit can be claimed as evidence of a design or testing failure.

You've checked the log to see if there's a fuller error message? Are you simulating from the zero pose (memorised state or on the timeline) or starting from the final pose? Have you tried adjusting Simulation Settings (though if it was failing during prep they may well not be a factor)?

DDCreate

I understand your point Richard but when it worked 20 times and fails consistently on the 21st time, that seems to me to be a problem. No one wants to hire the company that "Does it right almost everytime." But yes, I do know that it's a stretch to expect it to work on G2 clothing with G3 characters. I thought so too but tried it anyway and was blown away by the results because it worked beautifully! It's a very cool addition to Daz Studio. I just wish it was reliable because it really adds a realism aspect to renders.

But to answer your questions (which might end up pointing me in the right direction for a fix)

I pose the characters in the pose I want them in. Then I save. Then I reopen it and apply the modifiers and save again for the render. I have to do it that way because once dForce is applied, it doesn't allow you to transition to another pose which is fine. I can see how that would be problematic. An extra 3mins per picture isn't too much to ask for the great result. I checked the error log but I don't speak computer so I don't know what any of it means. If it said something like "Hey stupid, you forgot to apply X, do Y and select Z" that would be helpful. Not that that's a practical idea either, there are too many ways to screw up in Daz

I'm just boggled by the fact I can go through the same procedure picture after picture and then that procedure suddenly stops working.
 

Richard Haseltine

Try loading the clothes onto a zeroed figure and see if that simulates.

If it does, try selecting each of you figures in turn, Edit>Copy>Copy Figure, Edit>Figure>Zero>Zero Figure pose, Edit>Figure>Memorise>Memorise Figure Pose, Edit>Paste>Paste Figure Pose; that will give your figures the zero pose as their memorised state, you can then try selecting the From Memorised Pose option in Simulation Settings.

If the drape fails even starting from the zero pose then it may well indicate a bug, though possibly a fairly obscure one. You could try opening a support ticket to report it, though you may be told that clothing that does not claim to be dForce compatible cannot be supported.