I have been working with the reach target option in the motion editor and wanted to be sure I am doing this correct. I have 2 dummy objects attached to a sign and I have the character walk over and stop in front of the sign. Then I choose the left hand and use the eye dropper to select the left dummy obj and the right to right for the other. It seems that in the videos I watch it automatically attaches the hands to the dummy objects and the attached prop (sign) should now be able to move with the characters hands. It does not work that way for me but if I link the hand to the sign it works. Am I supposed to have to link the sign after all that reach stuff? Attach doesn't seem to work. I thought it automatically attached to the dummy props?? I am making progress though. :P
Thanks,
TS

Your really close!

There is no link or attach involved. You set the reach target with the dropper as you did, and then move the target (blocks connected to the sign, in this case). Reach targets are basically extending the IK chain.

So, move the sign.:)

Ahhhh, Let me try that and see how it goes. I knew I was close. I missed it by that much! :D (Maxwell Smart)
Thanks,
TS

Duplicate post when trying to catch a typo before the message was sent. :w00t:

I guess I missed it by a little more than I thought. :D I forgot to set the reach object and rotation in the hierarchy panel. I can pick up the sign now although I need to refine the movements. But a new problem popped up. I have the character walk to the sign and pick it up no problem. Then if I have the character walk forward some more, the sign ends up through the body and on the back of the character. What is the trick to allow the character to carry the sign forward? I know I can release the sign prop but I want it to be carried forwards.
Thanks,
TS

You may want to use only the "rotation" setting, and animate the avatar more by hand. You'll probably have to anyway to get the motion right.

There is an important thing to know about reach targets.

Because they are extending an IK chain, you have to make sure you don't connect the end to the beginning . You'll get an message about it not attaching if you do.

If you use the "reach object", the chain starts at the avatar's root. But, if you don't use the "reach object", each limb has its base where it connects to the body.

You can take advantage of this by attaching the things your avatar is reaching for to the avatar's root (not part of the IK chain with "reach object" off), or some other bone that is not part of the IK chain of the limb doing the reaching.

Seems a little complicated, but you'll "get it" pretty quickly.

Rampa,
Ok, let me bounce that around in my head for a bit and see how it goes. I was thinking maybe the easier way is to let the character reach and pickup the object, then start a new clip from there with the object already placed by linking and change the camera view etc. :P I will play around with what you said above so I better understand it first.
Thanks,
TS

To attach something quickly to the avatar's root, use "Right-Click/Attach" and then click on the avatar's name in the Scene Manager.

Thanks for the tip. I use that menu a lot especially to remove all animation from stuff that turns the scene into a poltergeist action movie. :P
TS