RT Compaund problem

[gena_f1]

When you export/import RT compound, all nodes (like Color4_Array_Switch for example) lose their connected "items". Is there any solution for this problem besides using nodes without "Items"?

[Hirazi Blue]

What version of Softimage?
Could it be the dreaded "disconnected shader" problem of Softimage 2011?

edit: just saw in your other thread you're using Softimage 2012, so ignore my first question.
Do you get any warnings/errors in the history pane of your script editor
when you reimport the compound?

[xsisupport]

If you expose inputs on the nodes connected to the Color4 Array Switch, then the compound imports ok.
At least in my simple test.

I'll check if this is already logged somewhere (but since Montreal is closed tomorrow, I may not get back on this until next week).

[gena_f1]

We need to connect to value of the item, but items disappear during export/import of the compound. And the same problem if this value of the item is exposed. Just checked.
In the attached compound color4_passtrough node was connected to the item of the color4_array_switch node, but item disappeared.
Moreover this happens with all nodes, that have such "variable" items.
And this problem was in 2011 also.

[Hirazi Blue]

I can confirm this. It sure looks like a bug. Even recreating some similar compound with an exposed "Item" port for the "Color4Passthrough" (as input for the compound) and an exposed "Item" port for the "Color4Switch" and subsequently exporting, gets me a warning on re-import and the "Item" ports have vanished. This is on Softimage 2012, BTW...

Return of the disconnected shaders?

[gena_f1]

The only solution is to use nodes without items, like color_multi-switch instead of color4_array_switch. But if you need to connect a light (like in Translucency node for example) to an item, there is no solution.

[Hirazi Blue]

I think you can safely log this as a potential bug @ the "Techical Support - Support Request" in the Subscription Center... (if you haven't done so already!)
;)