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*Universal* Rooftop Antenna in Three Sizes, with Slots

by Sophie-David Posted 31st Dec 2007 at 2:30 PM - Updated 4th Apr 2013 at 7:31 PM by Sophie-David : Made title more explicit
 
38 Comments / Replies (Who?) - 31 Feedback Posts, 6 Thanks Posts
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Theorist
Original Poster
#26 Old 11th Jan 2008 at 6:06 PM Last edited by Sophie-David : 11th Jan 2008 at 8:45 PM. Reason: Files updated at 11:00 today - be sure you have the files dated Jan. 11, not Jan. 10
Default Jan 11/08 Update: *Universal* Rooftop Antenna with Slots, Lightning Friendly
I have now added four container slots to the rooftop antenna. My purpose in this was to allow the placement of lights and a protective lightning rod on top of the antenna, as well as to prepare for the antenna to be truly "for the birds" of the upcoming FreeTime expansion pack. My guess is that I will actually need to add special "bird slots" for them, but we will see.

The slots do work in all versions of the game, and the illuminated antenna mounted on the sloping roof in the fourth picture below is from the base game. Lighting would not be typical for a residential antenna, but would often be the case in commercial, industrial and aviation applications.

Two slots are located at the top of the support post and two more on the little (typically blue) box or balun. To keep it somewhat real, only lighter objects such as those you could put on tables may be placed in these slots. Each of the slot pairs is composed of one table container slot, typically to allow placement of the Seasons lightning rod, and one ground container slot, useful for placing outdoor lighting.

When placing objects in these slots the table slot on the post takes priority. Once this is filled the table slot on the balun is next, followed by the ground slot on the post, and lastly the ground slot on the balun (the order changed since earlier today). Of course, if you are placing a "ground only" object it will ignore the table slots. If using a later expansion pack you may cycle through the slots by pressing the letter "m".

In the first of the attached pictures, lightning can be seen striking the base of the antenna. Even though most strikes will be taken by a lightning rod, randomness will still allow some strikes to the antenna itself, a realistic feature. Although the antenna is non-flammable, the ground or flat roof can catch fire in this situation, so it is a good idea to provide the fire fighters with access to a flat roof.

A setup involving three slots, two equipped with lighting and one with the lightning rod is shown in the second attachment. I would describe this as overkill!

The third picture shows that the antennas may been stacked on their slots up to three high, forming an impromtu stacked array.

Note that move_objects on was not used for any of these placements: the game does allow the contents of two or more different type slots to fully overlap. Also note that the lightning rod or antenna may be placed in either a table or a ground slot, so please be careful not to place two of the same object in one physical location, simply because it is a waste of money! Since I thought it would be annoying and unrealistic, Sims themselves are not permitted to place objects in these slots.
Screenshots
Scholar
#27 Old 12th Jan 2008 at 3:19 PM
It would be great to allow birds to land on them ! Maybe... and with these slots...
And now a lightning strike allowed !

Thank you for the update Sophie-David ! :D

All of nature is within us and we are part of all nature (Chief White Cloud)
Theorist
Original Poster
#28 Old 13th Jan 2008 at 4:19 AM
Thank you. Yes, I am looking forward to seeing what those birds will do! FreeTime promises to have a high cuteness rating!
Lab Assistant
#29 Old 4th Jul 2008 at 9:29 AM
The "spokes" of the antennae are way too thick and could be greatly reduced in sides (thus reducing total poly count) if made realistically thinner. Basic 3D modelling technique: the smaller the object part, the less detail (sides/polygons) it needs. 4142 polys for this is ridiculous.
Theorist
Original Poster
#30 Old 7th Jul 2008 at 5:31 PM
Quote: Originally posted by Eep
The "spokes" of the antennae are way too thick and could be greatly reduced in sides (thus reducing total poly count) if made realistically thinner. Basic 3D modelling technique: the smaller the object part, the less detail (sides/polygons) it needs. 4142 polys for this is ridiculous.
These are scale models, and the antenna elements are exactly the size that they should be. I experimented quite a bit with various poly densities, and I do understand basic 3D modelling techniques. I increased effective resolution as required, as in the mounting clamp for example. I do not have any problems with these antennas causing lag when playing the game. The overall result that I uploaded here is what most pleased me. Of all the things that I uploaded, this is my favourite in terms of its detail and appearance. That has to be my priority, and what most pleases me will not necessarily please everybody.
Banned
#31 Old 26th Nov 2009 at 4:18 AM
Thanks! I'm a radio and TV junkie, so I must have these lol.
Theorist
Original Poster
#32 Old 26th Nov 2009 at 9:32 PM
Quote: Originally posted by mattc117
Thanks! I'm a radio and TV junkie, so I must have these lol.
Me too, and I'm glad you like them. My wife will confirm that I'm also a Ham: VE7WDJ.
Test Subject
THANKS POST
#33 Old 31st Aug 2011 at 10:28 PM
Nice ! It will looks great on the roof of my industrial buildings! Thanks ;D
Theorist
THANKS POST
Original Poster
#34 Old 31st Aug 2011 at 11:38 PM
You're welcome Kikinne.
Test Subject
THANKS POST
#35 Old 11th Sep 2011 at 12:39 PM
I never realized how much my city needed this 0_o Thanks
Theorist
THANKS POST
Original Poster
#36 Old 11th Sep 2011 at 4:51 PM
Thank you Alister, I'm glad you found them.
Test Subject
THANKS POST
#37 Old 22nd Nov 2014 at 7:15 PM
Thank you ! :)
Theorist
Original Poster
#38 Old 24th Nov 2014 at 3:54 AM
You're welcome!
Test Subject
THANKS POST
#39 Old 14th May 2016 at 4:29 PM
Thank You
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