Newbie - No Limits .avi export help

[all_arts]

Hey there everyone,

Glad to see there is a forum for questions using this software!

I'm new to the No Limits program and will be using it this summer in a summer camp class for Physics with 6th - 8th graders. We only have a short time to experiment with the program in the class, but wanted to let the kids build coasters and then export as an .avi file to take home with them or post to our website.

I can't seem to figure out how to export though. Have looked throughout the program and on the No Limits Help page.

We're using Macs this summer.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

Matt Fisher
UNC Greensboro

[Michael]

Being a hardcore No Limits user on a Mac myself, hopefully I can help haha. Go the the finder, then applications, then find the No Limits Folder. Once you're there go the the screenshots folder and they should be right at the bottom, if not just sort by type. You may have to change the controls on the AVI export, I just use the +/= key for my export button.

[all_arts]

I think I'm really confused. I saved the track but it went into the TRACK folder. Am I even doing this correctly? I haven't spent as much time as I should with the program yet, since I won't be teaching the course myself, but want to learn enough about it to be able to pass it off to our camp instructor this summer...

Can you help me go through the steps of saving a basic coaster, playing it and saving it as a video file that can be exported?

Any help is appreciated!

Matt

[Jman]

I know nothing of making NL videos, but saving is pretty straightforward. Basically, NL is split up into two separate programs, editor and simulator. In editor you build and edit the ride, and in simulator you are able to ride your creation. Now assuming you have the full version of the program, you should be able to ride your track using the simulator. Save your track in the tracks folder, open it up if it is not already, and press the black and red "start simulation" button. This will open up the simulator where you can ride your track. Assuming you inputted the right settings for your ride, you should have a functioning track.

The construction aspect of NL is incredibly difficult to master, so it will be impossible to give your campers a complete NL experience in the time given. You are going to have to teach them not only the concepts that make a ride work, but also the many commands of the program. There are also tasks like supporting your ride which take much time. Having taken CAD classes with kids of this age group, I can tell you that your are going to have your hands FULL here. I don't mean to be discouraging here, but I'm just giving you a warning. It is possible for kids to learn the program, I did at age 11. Just keep in mind its alot of work and they will by no means be professionals after any amount of time.

With that said, I think its great what your doing. NL is an excellent toy and tool, and I have used it for a presentation before. Not to mention, so many kids are completely in the dark about how roller coasters actually work, this will hopefully be an eye opening experience. You are sure to see some roll - backs during the testing process!

Good luck and if you have any other questions I will try to be of help.

[all_arts]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice on working with kids and the NL program. I've gotten pretty good with building a basic track and running it in the simulator. This is just one part of the 8 hour class that we'll be doing with kids, and in fact, they'll only be working on the program for 3 out of the 8 hours, so yes, I have no doubt they will just be getting a small taste of the program.

The other five hours of the class, we're learning about the physics of motion and forces, doing other experiments and building roller coasters out of foam tubing and marbles... But I thought that the NL program would be a great way to give them a taste of what was possible. In that short time, I'm thinking they can experiment with the program and get a taste of it. Then, they can go home after camp and order the program if they really like it. I guess it's free marketing for NL then. :)

I still don't know how to make the movie yet. I guess if I don't find out on this website, I'll write to the makers of the program next.

Thanks for the help!

Matt

[all_arts]

I figured it out. I wrote to Joerg at No Limits and he told me to press the Num Pad 0 button once the simulator starts. I guess I should have checked the H-Help menu more carefully.

The file sizes are huge, but the guys here on our video team told me I can compress the files with Final Cut Pro or Quicktime Pro. Sweetness.

Matt