[FAQ] FAQ of NxOgre and Forum Rules - READ BEFORE POSTING!

betajaen

12-02-2008 22:23:32

Version 7, Written by Betajaen on 12-Nov-2010

What is this NxOgre thing anyway?

It allows you to use the PhysX physics engine with Ogre; without writing loads of interface code yourself. Usually in NxOgre it takes one or two lines to do something whereas in PhysX takes ten.

NxOgre takes the magic generated by PhysX and tells Ogre where it is on the screen which Ogre writes to. Simple really!


Fizz-X?

PhysX is a physics engine; some code that calculates Newtonian physics in your computer. These physics can be then displayed onto a screen using Ogre, so your game looks more realistic when your blowing up that Alien's stronghold with your BFG.

PhysX was originally created by Ageia (which you will find many references to in the documentation) but was recently acquired by nVidia (the guys who make the graphics cards).


Alright, so what do I need to know to play with this puppy?

The ability to use a computer, able to program in C++, Knowing what these are in Ogre without looking them up; SceneNode, SceneManager, Material, Mesh, Monkey Puzzle Tree, Entity, Vector3, Quaternion, FrameListener.

Will I need to go to University to take a course in Physics?

No. But you need some knowledge, I recommend reading a few guides on the internet to get you in the mood. You need to understand terms like; vector, quaternion, matrix, momentum, inertia, rigidbody, forces, springs and joints. You should know the differences between mass and weight, velocity and speed, etc. You should also have a clear idea the what the differences are between Linear Velocity compared to Angular Speed.

You'll pick up a lot of this as you go, but as NxOgre and PhysX is concerned you won't even see a formula to calculate the air speed velocity of a coconut laden swallow, let alone write one.

Who is the genius behind NxOgre?

Betajaen is the big cheese, but now and again the odd user donates some code or changes, collectivity we are known as the entity "NxOgre.org" which is referred to in the licences and legal mumbo jumbo.

Can I donate some money to the NxOgre project?

No.

But Betajaen does privately pay for the hosting and domain of NxOgre.org (which hosts subversion repository and wiki), also he now and again upgrades his computer to develop NxOgre. Obviously he has to pay for minor things like food and electric. If you want to give money to Betajaen for his time and effort, then you may send him a Private Message for his PayPal address.

What's the latest version?

NxOgre 1.6.x of the Detritus Branch in the Git Repository.

Which versions of NxOgre and PhysX shall I use?

NxOgre 1.6.x the latest provided by nVidia

https://github.com/betajaen/nxogre

What is Critter?

Critter is the binding to link NxOgre to the Ogre 3D library. Although NxOgre has Ogre in it's name. NxOgre doesn't actually reference or use the Ogre code at all. Instead it trusts the rendering to a "RenderSystem". In this case Critter.

https://github.com/betajaen/critter

Betajaen is the author of Critter. "Critter" is a play on the word "Ogre".

Do I have to use Critter?

No, but it is recommended for newcomers to use Critter, and all of the tutorials use Critter. More experienced users may want to modify it or write their own to suit their needs.

Does it work on Windows, Linux, OS X?

- It works on Windows using Visual Studio.
- NxOgre has known to work on Linux, but Betajaen does not develop or support it.
- There is no known port of PhysX or NxOgre to OS X.

What about the documentation?

Betajaen has converted some of the PhysX lessons into the NxOgre version.

Spacegaier has written some excellent tutorials for using NxOgre with Ogre, that can be found at the NxOgre Ogre Wiki Portal, these are written for an older version "Bloody Mess" but much of it still applies.

How do I set up my application to use NxOgre?

Have a look at Sandbox application given with the NxOgre tutorials.

If I get stuck what should I do? Who should I contact?

First find if someone has a similar problem as you, use the search facility of this forum. otherwise post a new thread or reply to an existing one with the same problem or similar one.

Apart from the Ogre forums rules. What are the no-no's in this forum?

1. Please do not reply to a thread that is over two months old, create a new one. Not doing so, turns Betajaen into this very green and mad monster that likes to steal kittens and puppies from homes.

2. Please do not private message Betajaen unless he messages you first. He turns into an angry bunny everytime you PM him and you don't want that.

3. If you are posting about a specific NxOgre version. Make sure the codename is provided in the Topic title; [Detritus], [BloodyMess], etc.
If your using a specific Git commit, include the commit name with it; i.e. [Detritus/Traumatic]. A URL to the Github page to the commit would be most appreciated.

4. NEVER EVER mention the word "Nun" in front of Betajaen. He will get scared and jump out of the window.