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Amiga News and Community Announcements => Amiga News and Community Announcements => Amiga Software News => Topic started by: dschallock on October 01, 2015, 12:29:55 AM

Title: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: dschallock on October 01, 2015, 12:29:55 AM
Take 2 animation software written by Geert Vergauwe has generously been gifted to the Amiga community.

Geert Vergauwe, a professional animator himself, and author of the famous Take 2 animation software.  Mr. Vergauwe worked with Rombo the makers of the Vidi digitizers in the 80s and 90s to create a pencil test animation package that was made just for traditional animators.  The take 2 software was used extensively by animation houses as a line tester.  Some Amiga Take 2 stations are still in professional and academic use.  Today Mr. Vergauwe continues his work on this great software with the newest incarnation, Take 5 which runs on the Mac and PC platforms.  See his site www.cellsoft.be (http://www.cellsoft.be/)

When I was studying traditional animation in art school I purchased this great software for my Amiga, and used it through my studies as well as professionally in the video game industry.  Recently I wrote to Mr. Vergauwe and asked if he would be willing to donate the software to the Amiga community.  Not only did Mr. Vergauwe want to donate the software to the community but he also donated the source code (written in 68k assembly).  He was excited about what the community could do pushing the software forward.  He only asked that we share with him our efforts.

I have created a website which I am dedicating to sharing the Take 2 software and source codes as well as acting as a hub for those wanting to coordinate creating a knowledge base as well as coding projects to modify the builds.

I am doing a demo of this software at Amiwest in Sacramento in a few weeks and my plan is to go live with the website and release the software and source code at that time.

I believe I was speaking for the Amiga community when I thanked Mr. Vergauwe for his generosity and support for our wonderful Amiga.
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: LoadWB on October 01, 2015, 04:43:42 AM
Indeed, much thanks!  I am looking forward to trying this out.

Any estimate on when your site will be up?
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: dschallock on October 01, 2015, 05:11:18 AM
I was planing on launching it on Saturday of Amiwest to add to the show fun :),  Oct. 17th.
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: VingtTrois on October 01, 2015, 09:02:09 AM
Quote from: dschallock;796679
I was planing on launching it on Saturday of Amiwest to add to the show fun :),  Oct. 17th.


Great! Thanks!
:banana:
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: Niding on October 01, 2015, 11:04:31 AM
Nice gesture of Geert Vergauwe, and thanks for your efforts dschallock!
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: Pyromania on October 03, 2015, 05:06:41 AM
Take 2 is awesome!
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: kamelito on October 15, 2015, 12:11:57 PM
Quote from: dschallock;796679
I was planing on launching it on Saturday of Amiwest to add to the show fun :),  Oct. 17th.

Which language does it uses?

Kamelito
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: dschallock on October 15, 2015, 03:09:59 PM
Quote from: kamelito;797488
Which language does it uses?

Kamelito

The program is written in assembler.  The author used Macro68 to compile.
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: mechy on October 15, 2015, 10:24:32 PM
very cool. Please make sure this gets to aminet also.
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: Hans_ on October 15, 2015, 11:47:03 PM
I've actually never heard of Take 2. Is there anywhere where we can get more info? I tried to do a search, but haven't been able to find anything that gives much detail about it.

Hans
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: dschallock on October 18, 2015, 12:05:38 AM
Ok folks. I'll. Post more later as I'm standing at Amiwest now but as promised here is the program and source code.  http://www.danschallock.com/amiga/take2/index.html
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: Niding on October 18, 2015, 12:16:10 AM
Watched your presentation.

You did a very good job. Natural speaker. Very clear and presented the program in a way that even novices like me could follow.
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: IanP on October 18, 2015, 03:47:46 AM
Very interesting and enjoyable presentation. It would make the basis for a great set of tutorial videos.

The code is an amazing job by Geert Vergauwe. There can't be many applications of that complexity written in pure assembler. I hope it gets further improvements.
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: OldAmigan on October 18, 2015, 09:03:44 AM
Just found this thread.

That's really great from both the author and yourself
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: kamelito on October 18, 2015, 05:04:18 PM
Quote from: IanP;797588
Very interesting and enjoyable presentation. It would make the basis for a great set of tutorial videos.

The code is an amazing job by Geert Vergauwe. There can't be many applications of that complexity written in pure assembler. I hope it gets further improvements.


I suppose that the next step is to put it in a revision control system, then report bug and ask for features.

Kamelito
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: Thorham on October 18, 2015, 05:14:46 PM
Quote from: dschallock;797495
The program is written in assembler.  The author used Macro68 to compile.
Finally something written in a REAL language :cool:
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: dschallock on October 19, 2015, 09:01:19 PM
Quote from: kamelito;797621
I suppose that the next step is to put it in a revision control system, then report bug and ask for features.

Kamelito

Great idea Kamelito, which would you recommend?
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: klx300r on October 20, 2015, 03:51:22 AM
@ dschallock

thanks for preserving this great software for future Amigans:)
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: kamelito on October 20, 2015, 07:31:36 AM
Quote from: dschallock;797689
Great idea Kamelito, which would you recommend?


Sourceforge
Kamelito
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: mingle on October 20, 2015, 09:15:03 AM
Great stuff...

The cynic in me hopes that it isn't purloined by a third-party, then updated and sold for profit...

Mike.
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: dschallock on October 20, 2015, 02:40:03 PM
Quote from: mingle;797708
Great stuff...

The cynic in me hopes that it isn't purloined by a third-party, then updated and sold for profit...

Mike.


We won't let that happen.
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: broadblues on October 20, 2015, 03:16:54 PM
Quote
We won't let that happen. %&$#?@!%&$#?@!%&$#?@!128521;

You just shoved the src code online without any kind of license or even copyright notice as far as I can see. That's not really a good idea.
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: broadblues on October 20, 2015, 03:17:29 PM
Quote

We won't let that happen. %&$#?@!%&$#?@!%&$#?@!128521;


You just shoved the src code online without any kind of license or even copyright notice as far as I can see. That's not really a good idea.
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: dschallock on October 20, 2015, 03:50:38 PM
Quote from: broadblues;797719
You just shoved the src code online without any kind of license or even copyright notice as far as I can see. That's not really a good idea.

Hi Broadblues, Thanks for your input and concern about this.  I certainly want to make sure the wishes of the author who has been so generous is respected first and foremost.

The author has asked that the final release of the executable and the source code be given as a gift to the Amiga community.  His only request was that if we "the community" modify or evolve the program that we share our versions with him as he would be curious to see where it could go.

Based on that very specific request I have taken 3 actions.

   1) I released the executable and the source code.

2) I have created a simple website containing the above files plus a disclaimer plus a link to coding forum thread on amiga.org in order to try and track any developments with the source code so I can help facilitate emailing new versions back to the author as requested.  The Author has *not* made it a requirement that people modifying this "gifted source code" share it back to him, he has requested it.

3) I included this disclaimer/request based on the author's request.
   [SIZE=+1][SIZE=-1]DISCLAIMER: You use all of  this  software at your own risk. I assume no responsibility of any lost data, crashes or other events that may or may not happen due to the  use this program or the modification of this source code. Geert Vergauwe has asked that we "The Amiga community", share what we do  with the source code with him.  A very reasonable request in my opinion. As such, I request that modified builds be shared with me through the  contact above so I can keep the author informed. Lastly, and very importantly, since Mr. Vergauwe continues to develop  this software which has been re-written, commercially for Mac and PC, we  must never use this source code to attempt to develop something on the  those platforms in a commercial way.


[/SIZE][/SIZE][SIZE=-1]It is also important to note that Mr. [/SIZE][SIZE=+1][SIZE=-1]Vergauwe's current development of his commercial software (take5) on the pc and mac is not based on any assembler code from take2.  So none of his commercial assests are at risk in the giving of this software and source code to the Amiga community.  Which of course was something the author thought through and decided upon before releasing it.

So perhaps I have not used the right wording or terminology on the website to properly indicate that this program and its source code are released as "free" and "open source" but clearly that is the intent of the author and there was no strings attached, only a kind request.

Thoughts?
[/SIZE][/SIZE]
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: broadblues on October 20, 2015, 04:38:05 PM
Quote
Thoughts?

You should include the sentiments expressed in that post in a more formal License.readme in the archive with the src code. Then there can be no doubt. You might want to discuss with the original author whether a preexisting license form such as the GPL might suit or if it should have acustom license (as AWeb did for example).
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: dschallock on October 20, 2015, 05:34:22 PM
Quote from: broadblues;797737
You should include the sentiments expressed in that post in a more formal License.readme in the archive with the src code. Then there can be no doubt. You might want to discuss with the original author whether a preexisting license form such as the GPL might suit or if it should have acustom license (as AWeb did for example).

Good ideas, and I appreciate the help in handling this the best way possible.

Here is what I have done immediately and what I am going to do.

1) I have modified the take2.zip and take2_source.zip to include a license.readme file that reads:
   Take2 animation software and source code was written by Geert Vergauwe and subsequently gifted to the "Amiga community" for use, enjoyment, and modification so long as it always remains "opensource freeware".
Additionally the author has requested that we "the Amiga community" share modified versions of the software with him geert(at)cellsoft(dot)be.  Mr. Vergauwe actively develops a more modern version of take2 called "take5" for the PC and Mac.  As such I ask that all users of this software and source code please remain respectful of Mr. Vergauwe's software and generosity. *When in doubt, ask*.
I (Dan Schallock) have set up a web space (http://www.danschallock.com/amiga/take2/index.html) with intention of sharing this gift with the community as well as act as hub for modification and development of the source code so we always share the results with Mr. Vergauwe as per his request.

Thank you.
Dan

2) I am going to email Mr. Vergauwe and ask if this license.readme is fine with him "as is" or if he would prefer we utilize one of the existing licenses as you mentioned.

Thank you again for your help with this!
-Daniel
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: Acill on October 20, 2015, 07:38:51 PM
How difficult would it be to get this running on 4.x and MorphOS?
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: kamelito on October 20, 2015, 08:31:08 PM
Quote from: Acill;797755
How difficult would it be to get this running on 4.x and MorphOS?

You'll have to try it out. The things that might not work is the interface and communication with the digitizer HW (vidi) other than that the code seems to be system friendly.

IF you mean translating the 68k code to C for NG Amiga then it's a lot of work since there's more than 46K of assembly lines.
Kamel
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: Acill on October 20, 2015, 11:16:21 PM
So maybe some custom code to make the digitization device work, that would be nice.
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: Iggy on October 20, 2015, 11:25:06 PM
Quote from: Thorham;797622
Finally something written in a REAL language :cool:

Again, one of those rare times I agree with Thorham.
68K assembly may have been the last machine code worth the trouble of learning.

And well written assembly code is SO much more efficient than a compiled higher language that it really made a difference in the old days.
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: agami on October 21, 2015, 01:50:42 AM
and call me in the morning.
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: kamelito on October 21, 2015, 07:14:01 AM
Quote from: Acill;797790
So maybe some custom code to make the digitization device work, that would be nice.


I'm not aware of digitizer for NG Amiga is there any? You maybe mean plugin the Vidi digitizer to an NG Amiga? It is a parallel device.
Kamelito
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: trilobyte on March 01, 2017, 03:50:04 PM
Quote from: dschallock;796667
Take 2 animation software written by Geert Vergauwe has generously been gifted to the Amiga community.


When I bought a second-hand A4000T in ~2001, its former owner included his licensed copy of Take_2 with the manual, and told me to be sure and explore what a powerful and magical program it is.  He and a creative partner had professionally been making line-test animations with it.  For some reason, I was always intimidated by its interface, and put off learning it until recently.  It truly is one of the greatest animation creation and presentation tools on the Amiga!

I've put online the manual as it existed with my licensed copy.  The manual is ... let's say, scattershot, in this edition.  There is a "chapter 2" mentioned, with an outline of its contents, but seemingly no contents at all.  There are also buttons in the user interface which are not documented, at all, from what I can tell.  That said, there is still much to learn from reading the manual cover-to-cover.

Here's the URL to the manual:  https://archive.org/details/take2manual

It's also worth mentioning that Take_2 includes a script to load its animations onto a PAR running version 2.5 or higher.

A couple of things I haven't figured out:

* the three little buttons that look like boxes with legs on the digitizer screen
* what are the supported resolutions for the frameboard?  Sometimes I can't use the frameboard because it says unsupported resolution
* the spacebar is listed as clearing your selection, and sometimes this is the case, but othertimes it has moved cells from one level to another
* the button on the cells panel in the middle row and right column -- not sure what it does

Other things I will probably have to learn through exploration, like whether I can combine two pictures with 8-color palettes and have the program automatically merge them into a 16-color palette...?
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: Rob on March 01, 2017, 06:39:32 PM
Quote from: kamelito;797804
I'm not aware of digitizer for NG Amiga is there any? You maybe mean plugin the Vidi digitizer to an NG Amiga? It is a parallel device.
Kamelito


You can use a TV card as a frame grabber.  Elbox made a VHI driver which allowed you to use VHI Studio to grab images from compatible TV cards.

It's a shame their isn't an equivalent API available now.
Title: Re: Take 2 Animation software gifted to the Amiga Community
Post by: kamelito on March 01, 2017, 07:45:14 PM
I'm wondering if a parallel to usb cable can do the job?
Sure not exactly up to date solution but if it is feasible it might then be not too hard to use Vidi digitizer under NG computers.
Kamelito