Env_smokestack

[Ze Inspector]

Hey all, I'm trying to get some flowing steam coming out of some vents in my map. Looking through the dev pages it looked like Env_smokestack was my best option for the result. Most of the parameters are pretty self explanatory but I'm having difficulty with WindAngle. What should the integer look like? and x and y integer? also this doesn't seem to account for a downward direction, which is something else that I want to happen. Anyone have any experience with this thing, or is there another entity I should be using?


Valve:

... * WindAngle

<integer> This specifies the wind direction. It is an angle in the XY plane. WindSpeed specifies the strength of the wind.

I should note, that I used it before in another section of the map, as an actual smokestack and got it to look good enough, but my needs there weren't as specific.

 

[Paria]

just a thought have you tried using env_steam its pretty good for small areas, i used it on my map to shoot steam out from some broken pipes, http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Env_steam

 

[Fyfey]

It seems like the XY plane will just be the speed of the wind in either 2D direction. Try setting 10 on each and seeing if it comes off at 45 degrees maybe?

As there seems to be no Z option for vertical direction... have you tried physically rotating the entity in hammer? Maybe that will have the desired effect

If you use the info_particle_system there are a few different kind of smoke to choose from...

http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/List_of_TF2_Particles

• smoke_rocket_steam Smoke from the end of the rockets on cp_granary.
• smoke_whitebillow_steamship_skybox Smoke from the steamship in the skybox of cp_granary.
• smoke_wispy_black_granary
• smoke_blackbillow_dustbowl_skybox Thick black smoke (with flame) found coming for the smoke stack in Dustbowl..
• smoke_wispy_black_2fort

^ You can also aim this where you want (just point it in the direction in hammer). And have a trigger to turn it on or off.

Fyfey :mellow:

 

[Ze Inspector]

I'll definitely check out that info_particle_system, that white billowy steamship is the look I'm going for.

I did actually try the 10 10, but it seemed to just puff up where it was, although maybe my wind speed wasn't high enough.

 

[Ze Inspector]

Ok, so I've been playing around with some of these that you mentioned, including Env_steam. Seems like each one has its own limitations. The info_particle_system looks good and runs smoothly, but it doesn't look like you can modify them at all. Can you?

The Env_steam is heavily tailorable but I can't seem to get it to come out anything but black (yes, I've selected many different colors in the option.) and it's also really taxing on my computer when I run it in game. Like unbelievably so when you run through it. I've tried reducing the number of particles but it still slows down a lot when you get close.

I'm fairly satisfied with the info_particle_system but I'd like to know what env_steam properties should look like so that it runs good.

 

[MangyCarface]

I've used this extensively. env_smokestack's windspeed angle refer to the direction in degrees you want the wind to blow if you're looking at it from above in the xy plane.

 

[Paria]

env_steam by default will get its colour from its surroundings, if you check the other tabs - i think its the flags there a tick box that makes it ignore the surroundings and makes it the colour you specify (probably looking for some kind of whitish translucent effect i guess )- sorry i cant be more exact - work pc

edit,

Flags
1 : Emissive - Use the value specified in the rendercolor keyvalue. (If not checked, it will instead get the rendercolor from the environment.)

 

[Ze Inspector]

I'll check that out. I think I might put together a little test map with a variety of the different effects in it. Going through and re-rendering my whole, almost completed map takes way to long. If I do, I'll be sure to post it so others can reference it as well.

 

[Paria]

the only problem you'll get with with a test map is that the env_steam will look white if you use dev textures for the level (i went though the exact same stumbling block as to why the steam was black)

i'd recommend using the cordon tool if you just need to check out a small area of your map compiled. Its such a handy little tool for loooking at specifics.