c o n s t r u c t o r 

 what is constructor?

  • constructor animates and edits two dimensional models made out of masses and springs
  • springs can be controlled by a wave to make pulsing muscles
  • models can be constructed that bounce, roll, walk etc, try some of the ready made models or try to build your own

 how to load a model

  • select a model name from the "load model..." drop down menu
  • the simulation will start automatically
  • press "clear" to erase the model

 how to build your own models

  • select "construct" mode from drop down menu
  • select free mass or fixed mass (fixed masses can be dragged but do not move due to other forces)
  • click in main window to create masses or points
  • click once on a mass to start drawing a line, click on a second mass to make a link
  • to cancel drawing a link right-click or click on the origin of the link (=double click)
  • drag to move masses
  • to delete masses or links select "delete" from drop down menu and click on masses or links

 how to animate models

  • select "simulate" from drop down menu
  • you can drag masses while the simulation is running
  • modify gravity, friction and strength of springs using the G, F & K sliders

 how to use muscles (see key to the right)

  • select the link you want to turn into a muscle by clicking on it in the main window (a black blob on its mid point shows if it is selected)
  • its correspond muscle control bar in the control panel will go black
  • drag this bar up to the wave portion to make it expand and contract according to its position on the wave
  • to make the wave move select "forward" "reverse" or "auto reverse" from the drop down menu while in "simulate" mode
  • by placing muscles at different points along on the wave you can make walking models (it's rather tricky though)
  • Drag the wave to the left to reduce its amplitude

 constructor control panel key

 constructor news

  • we like you too. constructor has had an explosion of hits lately, soda sends out a big thankyou to all the folks who have been mailing us with nice things to say, we think you're lovely and will reply to you all eventually
  • warning! constructor can seriously damage your productivity! it seems that some of you have been playing with constructor for hours. we regret that soda can accept no liabilty for loss of earnings incurred while building constructor creatures
  • the campaign to save constructor. lots of you have asked us if you can save your constructor models. we're working on it, but be patient, soda likes to play, but we can't play all day! we hope to have an update for you sometime next month
 last updated 29.03.00, stay tuned for more constructor updates