autoPack: INSTALLATION for Autodesk 3ds Max 2013 64-bits

• This early installation for Autodesk 3D Studio Max 2013 is for invited preAlpha testers only.

• A more stable alpha release will become available to the general population by November 9, 2012 followed by a stable beta release.

• Do not share the link or files with anyone. 

• If you know someone who would like to test this early version, please have them contact us to become an official preAlpha tester, we will sign them up right away.

uPy (ubiquitous Python API) enables ePMV and autoPack to work in Autodesk 3ds Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, Blender and DejaVu by writing only one plugin instead of >5.

ePMV (embedded Python Molecular Viewer) provides all of the capabilities of molecular graphics and molecular mechanics software directly in your 3ds Max GUI.

autoPack positions 3D geometries into, onto, and around volumes with minimal to zero overlap. autoPack mixes several packing approaches and procedural growth algorithms. autoPack can thus place objects with forces and constraints to allow a high degree of control ranging from completely random distributions to highly ordered structures.

cellPack is a specialization of autoPack that generates probabilistic 3D models of large sections of cells that can contain dozens to trillions+ of molecules. It can position these molecules to recapitulate observed data where available and can further optimize the molecular interactions on a local level as each molecule is placed into a mesoscale model.

If you have experience with 3D software on a Windows operating system, especially with 3ds Max, this entire installation should take less than 10 minutes. Afterwards we will ask you to fill out the user experience form to help us improve the process and then we will connect you with autoPack and ePMV tutorials to work on improving the user experience and to teach you the software.

Pre-requisites

1. Autodesk 3ds Max 2013 64-bits
1. If you have a different version, you can download the 2013 64-bit version here to try ePMV and autoPack
2. Sci-Viz Plug-in from Autodesk Labs
1. Download the latest version of the Sci-Viz plug-in for 3ds Max at http://labs.autodesk.com/utilities/sciviz.
3. Python 26 64-bits
1. http://www.python.org/ftp/python/2.6.6/python-2.6.6.amd64.msi
4. Create a PYTHONPATH environment variable set to the Python 2.6 folder (e.g. “C:\Python26\”)
1. http://www.katsbits.com/tutorials/blender/setting-up-windows-python-path-system-variable.php
2. Note: Follow the linked instructions, but as noted in the details of the instructions change 22 in all the paths to 26

Downloading and Installing the uPy Plugin Package with ePMV and autoPack

1. AutoDesk 3D Studio Max 2013 64-bits
1. Download the uPy plugin package from: http://autofill.googlecode.com/files/autoPack_3DsMaxWin_v0.5.432.zip
2. Unzip the package to a local non-system folder that you have full privileges on. 
3. Remove the read-only flag from all files and folders and change the permission if needed (property->security).
1. Right Click and uncheck [ ] Read-only
2. Choose to apply to all folders and files in the next box
4. Unblock the file uPy.dll and uPy.pdb found in 3DSMax\bin\assemblies 
1. http://www.develop-one.net/blog/2009/10/11/UnblockingAssembliesInWindows7.aspx 
5. Copy the contents of the package as follows 
1. in the following instructions:
1. 3DSMax folder you downloaded = uPyDL 
2. maxpath = C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 2013
2. put uPyDL/MaxPlus.py, and _MaxPlus.pyd into maxpath\
3. put uPyDL/bin/assemblies/uPy.dll and uPy.pdb into maxpath\bin\assemblies\
4. put uPyDL/plugins into your 3ds Max user documents folder:
1. for Windows Vista and Windows 7 - C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMax\2013 - 64bit\ENU\
1. If the path is not visible (AppData folder is hidden) use the Explorer window to type it in directly
2. for Windows XP - C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\3dsMax\2013 - 64bit\ENU\
6. Customize your 3ds Max UI to provide easy access to ePMV and autoPack
1. From the menu select Customize > Customize User Interface . . .
2. Go to the category and select uPy Plug-ins 
3. You will see 2 actions AutoCell and ePMV you can add them to a toolbar, to any menu etc....
4. For more information on customization see the 3ds Max online documentation