Linker
A Linker is a feature of the Outline menu. Similar to a physics constraint, it “links” two physics-enabled entities together, connected by a joint. At least one of these entities should be Dynamic physics type for it to function. For examples on how to use a hinge type linker, check out the Motor node or the Iso Car template.
There are three types of Linkers:
Point – A point Linker is a physics constraint between two physics objects with a pivot point that describes the ‘ballsocket’ between them. This is useful for something like a light hanging from the ceiling by a string.
Fixed – A fixed Linker constrains two physics objects by keeping them the same relative distance from each other. In a way, it pins them together.
Hinge – A hinge Linker constrains physics objects along an axis by a hinge. The hinge constraint is unique because you can apply force to the hinge to rotate the axis. This can be used to simulate wheels that rotate around an axis, for example.
Note: Currently if you want to access a Linker in the start() function of a script, you’ll need to call .init() on it first.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| enableMotor(value) |
Enables/disables a hinge type Linker’s angular motor. |
| entityA() | Returns the first entity linked by the Linker. Whichever one is considered “entity A” depends on which one is higher in the scene editor at the time of creating the Linker. |
| entityB() | Returns the second entity linked by the Linker. Whichever one is considered “entity B” depends on which one is higher in the scene editor at the time of creating the Linker. |
| hingeAxis() | Returns the hinge axis of a hinge type Linker. |
| init() | Initializes the Linker. This is necessary for accessing a Linker in the start() method. |
| isRemoved() | Returns true if the Linker is removed, false if not. |
| maxMotorImpulse() | Returns the max motor impulse of the hinge type Linker. |
| motorVelocity() |
Returns the motor velocity of the hinge type Linker. |
| name() | Returns the name of the Linker. |
| position() |
Returns the position of the Linker. |
| remove() |
Removes/disables the Linker. |
| setEntities(entity1, entity2) |
Sets the entities that the Linker connects. |
| setHingeAxis(value) |
Set the hinge axis of a hinge type Linker. |
| setMaxMotorImpulse(value) |
Sets the max motor impulse of the hinge type Linker. |
| setMotorVelocity(value) |
Sets the motor velocity of the hinge type Linker. |
| setPosition(value) |
Sets the position of the Linker. |
| setType(value) | Sets the Linker type. Accepted values are “kPoint”, “kFixed”, “kHinge”. |
| type() | Returns the type of the Linker. Possible values: “kPoint”, “kFixed”, “kHinge”. |
| Static Function | Description |
|---|---|
| entityLinkers(entity) |
Returns an array of all Linkers attached to the given entity. |
enableMotor(value)
Enables/disables a hinge type Linker’s angular motor.
Parameters
boolean value – true to enable, false to disable
entityA()
Returns the first entity linked by the Linker. Whichever one is considered “entity A” depends on which one is higher in the scene editor at the time of creating the Linker.
Returns
Entity the first entity linked by the Linker.
entityB()
Returns the second entity linked by the Linker. Whichever one is considered “entity B” depends on which one is higher in the scene editor at the time of creating the Linker.
Returns
Entity the second entity linked by the Linker.
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hingeAxis()
Returns the hinge axis of a hinge type Linker.
Returns
Vec3 the {x, y, z} hinge axis
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init()
Initializes the Linker. This is necessary for accessing a Linker in the start() method.
function start(){ let linker = this.scene().find("Linker")[0]; linker.init(); // do whatever you need to with your linker now. }
isRemoved()
Returns true if the Linker is removed, false if not.
Returns
boolean true if Linker is removed, false if not
maxMotorImpulse()
Returns the max motor impulse of the hinge type Linker.
Returns
number the max motor impulse
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motorVelocity()
Returns the motor velocity of the Linker.
Returns
number the motor velocity of the Linker
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name()
Returns the name of the Linker.
Returns
string the name of the Linker
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position()
Returns the position of the Linker.
Returns
Vec3 the {x, y, z} position of the Linker
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remove()
Removes/disables the Linker.
setEntities(entity1, entity2)
Sets the entities that the Linker connects.
Parameters
Entity entity1 – the first entity to connect to the Linker
Entity entity2 – the second entity to connect to the Linker
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setHingeAxis(value)
Set the hinge axis of a hinge type Linker.
Parameters
Vec3 value the {x, y, z} hinge of the Linker
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setMaxMotorImpulse(value)
Sets the max motor impulse of the hinge type Linker.
Parameters
number value the max motor impulse
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setMotorVelocity()
Sets the motor velocity of the hinge type Linker.
Parameters
number value the motor velocity
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setPosition(value)
Sets the position of the Linker.
Parameters
Vec3 value the {x, y, z} position of the Linker.
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setType(value)
Sets the Linker type. Accepted values are “kPoint”, “kFixed”, “kHinge”.
Parameters
string value the type of the Linker
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type()
Returns the Linker type. Possible values: “kPoint”, “kFixed”, “kHinge”.
Returns
string the type of the Linker
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entityLinkers(entity)
Returns an array of all Linkers attached to the given entity. This is a static function, so it is called like this: Linker.entityLinkers(entity);
Parameters
Entity entity the entity
Returns
array the array of Linkers attached to the entity
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