Need help - 3ds modelling

[aluk1]

Hey all.. my first post so go easy lol

I have 3ds version 7 and need to use it to create a model for my product design coursework. Here are the initial sketches of my design. the design is for a solar powred charger and speaker.. - solar cell being in the middle and speakers on either side. Any help on how Id go about making a basic model of it would be greatly appreciated sorry if my initial sketches arent clear, my final design of it is on a2 and I have no access to scanning it in and even so.. im a terrible drawer lol


Basic frotn view of product - idea of shape of product

exploded view of design

Thanks again

Ange x

[Fisher]

Welcome to the community, Aluk1. Interesting design... I can understand the charger part, but what about the speaker? Do you plug your iPod into it and the device charges it, and plays the music through the speakers?

Maybe box modeling? Start with a box and start cutting polys, pushing vertices, and chamfering edges until you get the right shape. That's what I suggest... that will give you a basic model. Then from there, slap some materials on it and add some lights, and F9! Done!

[aluk1]

Thanks for that and yeah im using passive speakers, so a jack from the speakers will plug into the ipod. Ill try using a box.. iv been tryign to make the shape using lines etc and then extruding it...and its gone nowhere lol

[Jelmer]

Could you post what you've got so far? Your object seems fairly symmetrical, and you can take advantage of that. Just make one side of it and apply the 'symmetry' modifier, adjust the settings and you can keep working on half of your object, while the other half is automatically adjusted to match it.

[aluk1]

this is what i currently have.. how would i make the other two curved sides of the design?


thanks again

[Jelmer]

I´m not sure what technique you used to model this, but if it´s done with polygons you can basically add some more by slicing and cutting, and then move the vertices into position to create the curvature you want.

Also remember to try adding meshsmooth. Finally it can be useful to show a wireframe so we can see the actual mesh topology. Try pressing f2, f3, f4 for different display types.

[rpadc2002]

still need help with your queeries. if you still need one, just post a message, im a glad to show some techniques.

[OBIAKU NNAMDI]

JELMER ,I AM VERY NEW TO THE USE OF 3d SOFTWARES.HOW DO I START UP.I CURRENTLY HAVE A 3D STUDIO MAX 5 SOFTWARE BUT DO NOT KNOW MUCH ON HOW TO USE IT .

[greeney]

no need to shout lol

looks good so far id suggest some cutting to add more polygons for the different sections