Opening the tutorial file (optional)

If you successfully completed Part 2, you can proceed directly to the next step, Creating the zig-zag curve.

If you were not successful in part 2, open the file called joystick_part3.wire, located in the wire directory of the CourseWare project. This file contains the completed model from Part 2.

Watch Part 3 of the tutorial.

Creating the zig-zag curve

To create the profile for the sleeve, you will first create a simple curve across the gap between the handle and the base. Then, you will increase the number of CVs in the curve so a detailed zig-zag shape can be created.

1. Choose Layouts > Left or F6 to maximize the Left view.

   

2. Zoom in to the sleeve area. Hold the and (Windows) or and (Mac) keys down together and click-drag with the .

   

   You will start with a single span curve stretched across the gap between the bottom of the handle and the top of the base. You will use curve snapping to accurately place the sleeve curve between the end of the handle and the base curves.

3. Choose Curves > New Curves > New Edit Point Curve .
4. Hold down the + (Windows) or + (Mac) and keys to turn on curve snapping. Click on the base of the handle to place the first edit point. Without releasing the mouse button, drag the edit point until it snaps to the corner.

   

   Keep the + (Windows) or + (Mac) keys held down and click near the top of the base to place the second edit point. Without releasing the mouse button, drag the edit point until it snaps to the corner.

   

   A single span curve is created that has two Edit Points (one at either end) and 4 CVs.

   NoteThe part of a curve between two edit points is called a span. If a more complex curve is created with many edit points, there will be many spans, one between each pair of edit points. When a curve has more spans, it also has more CVs. These extra CVs can be used to create a more complex shape.

   You will now increase the number of CVs in this curve so you can create the zig-zag profile of the sleeve.

5. In the Control Panel, the number of spans that make up the curve is displayed.

   

   The curve currently has only 1 span.

6. In the Spans section of the control panel, type in 8 and press (Windows) or (Mac).

   

   The curve is rebuilt with 8 spans, and now has 11 CVs. A preview of the rebuilt curve is shown in the view.

   

   Choose Accept to confirm the rebuild.

7. Choose Pick > Nothing to deselect the curve.

   Next, you will select some of the CVs to be moved to shape the curve.

   Looking at the top of the curve, the first CV is shown as a small square, and the second CV is shown as a U. You will leave these two CVs unselected, so the sleeve profile stays connected to the handle, and the direction of the end tangent is not modified.

8. Choose Pick > Point Types > CV .
9. Continue counting from the top and select the third, fifth, seventh and ninth CVs.

   

   Leave the last two CVs unselected so the sleeve curve remains connected to the base profile, and the direction of the end tangent is not modified.

   

10. Choose Transform > Move .
11. Click and drag the to the right until a gentle zig-zag shape is created, as shown.

    

12. With the CVs still selected, click on the CV/Hull check box to turn off the CVs and hulls for the curve.
13. Choose Pick > Nothing to deselect the CVs.

    

    Next, you will create the sleeve surface.

14. Choose Surfaces > Revolve .

    You are prompted to select a curve to revolve.

15. Click on the zig-zag curve to select it.

    

    The surface is created and the green handles displayed.

16. Choose Pick > Nothing to deselect the surface.

    The green handles disappear.

    

17. Zoom out to view the whole joystick design.

    

18. Choose the F9 key to return to the four windows.

    

Save your work

1. Choose File > Save As to save the current scene.
2. Save your work in the wire directory of the Lessons project.
3. Name your file myjoystick3.wire.