Animating my model, i've got no clue
 

I have absolutely no idea how to go about animating this. I'd appreciate if anyone can point me in the right direction.

http://members.optushome.com.au/hard...laserPersp.jpg

http://members.optushome.com.au/hardwired/laserSide.jpg

Look like you can just parent the parts to diffrent joints then just rotate the joints for the animation.

Yep i've done that so far, but I was wondering if there was an easier way to control it.

I'm going to have it shoot against a wall, where it will be writing a name or something in it.

From the look of it joint rotation is your best bet and you will have the most control. For the writting on the wall part, you have a few options. One way is to point constrian the gun tip to a locator then animate the locator to spell out the name.

For something more "automated", you can use a combination of IK chains and constaints to animate the gun. You'll need to be very careful about where you place pivot points and how you setup rotation limits, but it can be done. With this kind of setup, rather than rotating each joint to aim the gun, all you'd need to do is animate a target and the gun will follow.

Heheh danny we both came up with the same type of idea=)

I must have missed your post while typing mine (doing too many things at the same time). Great minds think alike... or something like that... :P

Thanks guys, i'll have a go at that

take a look at the attached zip (scene file and example movie). is very crude but should give you an idea on how to go about doing it. one thing thats worth mentioning is that when aim constraining its quite common for the local rotation axis to need altering (ie if you do an aim constrain and it aims in the wrong direction or somthing). hope this helps, and any questions ask away ! :)

Danny's idea, only with setDriven keys.

And, maybe use the locator as an emitter/pfx brush etc....

Just some ideas:)