In this tutorial I use the example of a large wind turbine array to show how useful my Random Tools extension for SketchUp can be in making things look more realistic - by rotating turbine blades in this case.
Tutorial Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHuqTEaOtI0
Tutorial Steps
Time needed: 10 minutes. The three main steps to prepare a component for use with SketchUp's Random Tools extension are also illustrated below. For this example it is best to use a component, not a group. As I show in the video, grouping the rotor blades will not allow the extension to properly place its center at the rotation axis. Therefore, start by selecting the rotor blades and the axle and using the "Make Component" tool. In the Make Component tool, we then need to place its axis at the center of rotation. Click the "Set Component Axis" button and then place the axis as shown below. Now you can use the "Randomize Objects" tool from the Random Tools...
This video provides an introduction to Ruby scripting with the Ruby Code Editor extension in SketchUp. Scripting in SketchUp is also a good "intro to coding" exercise because you not only learn a usable scripting language (Ruby), you can even use it to create 3D models that you can manufacture (e.g. 3D print) afterwards.
Tutorial Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKz6m7sR-uw&feature=youtu.be
This is a free sample instructional video from the book "Architectural Design with SketchUp: 3D Modeling, Extensions, BIM, Rendering, Making, and Scripting" (2nd Edition). I discuss this topic more in detail in that book's Chapter 7.
Want more of these videos? If you own the book, use the password from the inside cover to gain access to all of my remaining videos on Wiley's website: http://www.wiley.com/go/schreyer2e. If you don't yet have your own copy, follow the links in the sidebar to get one. It is a great reference for SketchUp!
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In this video I cover how to create the mobile from Chapter 6 in my book. This involves finding the accurate centroid for irregular shapes, which is easily done with my centroid extension. Just model this, send it to the laser cutter, and then hang it.
Tutorial Video
https://youtu.be/ANAjb02EnR0?list=PLxUo4IvucruefSR-dwEs7pHAjQZgoOhw0
This is a free sample instructional video from the book "Architectural Design with SketchUp: 3D Modeling, Extensions, BIM, Rendering, Making, and Scripting" (2nd Edition). I discuss this topic more in detail in that book's Chapter 6.
Want more of these videos? If you own the book, use the password from the inside cover to gain access to all of my remaining videos on Wiley's website: http://www.wiley.com/go/schreyer2e. If you don't yet have your own copy, follow the links in the sidebar to get one. It is a great reference for SketchUp!
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A new feature of my Scale By (Image/Attractors/Equation) Tools SketchUp extension is the ability to transform (scale/rotate/move) objects by proximity to other objects ("attractors"). Not sure what this means? Check out the tutorial video above that explains the basic functionality.
You can learn more about this extension on its page and the reference manual.
Tutorial Video
https://youtu.be/QRle49KTceY
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In this video tutorial I show how you can use Ruby coding in SketchUp to have some fun: Create 3D geometry, draw with code, bend the software to your will...
No need for previous coding experience. This can even serve as an introductory "learn to code" curriculum.
Tutorial Video
https://youtu.be/BlC7eerfS1U?list=PLxUo4IvucruefSR-dwEs7pHAjQZgoOhw0
This is a free sample instructional video from the book "Architectural Design with SketchUp: 3D Modeling, Extensions, BIM, Rendering, Making, and Scripting" (2nd Edition). I discuss this topic more in detail in that book's Chapter 7.
Want more of these videos? If you own the book, use the password from the inside cover to gain access to all of my remaining videos on Wiley's website: http://www.wiley.com/go/schreyer2e. If you don't yet have your own copy, follow the links in the sidebar to get one. It is a great reference for SketchUp!
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