Here is another tutorial with some more on how to use the extra output option.

In the first tutorial on extra outputs we have learned how to set up Artmatic and Voyager to get the extra outputs to work.
In this tutorial we will see how we can use an AM extra output to add reflection to halfspheres.

First download the files: Extra-Output-2
If not done automatically, un-zip the downloaded folder.

Launch Artmatic, then from the downloaded folder open the AM file "Halfspheres".

On the preview you can see that this AM system generates a surface with halfspheres.


The left part of the tree is the main tree. The right part is the subtree.


As explained in the previous tutorial, only the main tree is visible on the canvas. It generates the surface and color.

The effect of the subtree is just visible in Voyager. It`s purpose here is to add reflection to the halfspheres.

We will not go into details about the maintree. For this tutorial it`s sufficient to know that it generates the RGB surface with the halfspheres.


Let`s have a closer look at the subtree. It is connected to the Global Input A4.


This input provides a constant value. When you click on one of the Global Inputs,
the Input Matrix panel opens where you will find the constant value for A4. By default it is set to 0.



The tile in the middle of the subtree uses an RGB alpha component. This component in short let`s you apply a mask.

The Global Input A4, which is set to a value of 0, is connected to Input 1. We need this value of 0 to tell Voyager that no effect should be applied.


The second input of the RGB Alpha tile is fed by an x+A component, which in turn is connected to A4. We use this component to offset the constant value provided by A4. Voyager then will apply an effect (in our case a reflection) depending on the offset value from x+A.


The 3rd input of the RGB Alpha component is fed by the tree providing the halfspheres. It`s also called the Alpha input. This input controls the areas on which the offset value from x+A is applied.



The bottom component (Ax+B) of the subtree has only one purpose. It tells Voyager that there is 1 output (if we left the RGB Alpha component at the bottom of the tree we would have 3 outputs).

Let`s make the subtree visible. Click on the Ax+B tile to select it, then press "m" to temporarily make it the master output.


On the preview you now see what`s actually output by the tree.


The black color represents the value of 0 provided by A4.
The white color represents a high value provided by the a+X component.

The reason why we have dot shaped areas with white color is because we have connected the halfsphere branch to the Alpha input of the RGB Alpha component.

Note: Make certain you get a good understanding of how alpha components work since masking is used over and over when building trees for Voyager.

Get the Ax+B tile to the right again. To perform this you click on the 2->4 Max tile to select it, then press "m". (The procedure should now be familiar. We already used it in the previous tutorial)

Now that we have discussed the details of the subtree, let`s see how it effects what you see in Voyager. No need to save the file.

Launch Voyager and open the Voyager file Extra-Outputs-2.am3d.

The preview should show a ridged surface with halfspheres.


Now, in order for the sub output(s) to actually have an influence we need to open the Preferences panel. Press apple (command)/ "," or open it via menu.
At the bottom of the panel you can see some setting options for the Extra Outputs.


Extra Output 1 is currently set to "nothing". Click on it to open the menu of options. Select "Reflection level".


Close the panel.

The halfspheres should now reflect the sky. Nice isn`t it!


Note: The current Voyager version (1.6) can only reflect the sky properly. The ability to reflect the surface will probably be added in a later version.

That`s all for now.

Tags:Voyager, Tutorial