Can't add nodes to Popnet inside Dopnet

[Evil Minion]

Hello,

I have this strange problem with POP networks inside a DOP network. When I select a node in the popnet and want to add another one from the shelf, Houdini asks me to select the particles to add it to. When I press return, I either get the message "Nothing was selected" or "Particle network not selected", no matter what is or isn't selected. The only way to add nodes is to create another popnet in a geometry node on the top level, create the node there, and then copy and paste it to the lower level popnet. To make things even more mysterious this only happens sometimes and with some nodes, but I haven't found a pattern yet.

Is this a well-known problem or does it happen to other people at all? Btw I'm using the Apprentice version, maybe that has some bugs to make the learning process not too easy...

[stevenong]

Hi,

The reason why you can't select the particles is because they are considered to be a DOP object. Why do you need the shelf to add the node for you when you can hit Tab and add the node yourself? I know how useful the shelf is for new users to Houdini but they are good only for getting yourself familiarised with the networks etc. Once you're comfortable, you should use the Tab menu to add nodes etc.

There is nothing wrong with the Apprentice version. The version you're using is probably the version I'm using at work and the only difference is the license, watermarks, render resolution and certain output features.

Cheers!

steven

[Evil Minion]

Okay, that does kind of make sense, though it's a bit unfortunate considering the ease of use. The reason I used the shelf is that there are some nodes I couldn't create via the TAB menu either, for example the gravity node. Now that could be because it's only a force node in disguise, but normally it does show up in the TAB menu inside of popnets. I have to see on Monday if there are other nodes that don't show up either. Does this also have a reason?

[stevenong]

Hi,

Basically, the shelf contains a subset of nodes with scripts that run when you click on them and you guessed correctly that the Gravity tool is just a Force POP with the value set for you. The key is to look at the type of node created by the shelf tool and not at the tool name & look for that in the Tab menu.

This post over at the SESI forum provides instructions on how to add more nodes to the shelf. However, it is the same as hitting the Tab menu and selecting the node yourself.

One other thing to note is the Tab menu in the Viewport allows you to access the tools from the Shelf but not when you hit Tab in the network editor. Perhaps this answers the last part of your question?

Cheers!

steven

[Evil Minion]

Alright, thanks a lot! That cleared things up a bit. Is that actually the reason why the external popnet thats created with a fluid particle system is not created inside the dopnet, so it will still be considered as a popnet by Houdini?