Invisible actors

Question

Hi all! 
 I want to do a simple animation with a number of 3D models appearing at different frames 
 The only way I have seen this done this far is with scheduled simulation, but when Im trying to use this function I get this message; 
 
 Is there any other way to make actors appear when you want them to? Keyframes or what? 
 
 Thanks! 
 /Dan

Jerry Flynn · Answer

Hi Dan, 
 You don't need to use schedule simulation while in the Animation Producer dialog, just click on View and change to Timeline instead of Schedule. 
 You don't even need Actors to create keyframe animations. If you want to have something follow a defined path then you will probably want an actor for that. If you want to rotate about an axis or multiple axis then having an actor make that easier too. If you want to create an hierarchy or an assembly then again actors will make this easier. 
 Think of Keyframes as moments in time, I have an object it is here and 10 seconds later it is over here. BTW 10 seconds is 300 frames at 30 frames/sec. 
 Do this place a sphere in your model, use the create keyframe tool and create a key frame give it the name of your choice, could be anything like "sphere pos 1" or just "Sp1" as long as you know what is and means or where it is. 
 Now move the sphere with the move tool to a new location and repeat the process by creating another keyframe different name of course. 
 Now move it one more time and repeat the process again. 
 Now you are ready to create your first script open the Animation Producer dialog and expand the Keyframes in the list view you will see your keyframes that you have created. 
 With the time at frame zero right click on one of your three keyframes and choose script to add it to the timeline. 
 Select the next keyframe and move the timebar to where you want the next this position to occur and right click and choose script (note you can put the frame number you want here without moving the timebar). 
 Repeat the process again and then use the preview tool to play the script. 
 BTW the Animating with MicroStation book I wrote years ago is still a good way to learn animation, the difference today is that we render with Luxology but the Animator has not changed much. 
 I just taught an animation course a couple a weeks ago but you can find on demand courses here . 
 
 Cheers, 
 Jerry