In sodaconstructor models work with springs and masses. We constructors have been given settings that allow us to make our creations work efficiently. In this tutorial you will learn the settings of sodaconstructor. When I am talking about sodaconstructor, I mean the latest version.

You will also learn how to create a smooth flow and making two muscles - when one expands the other contrasts in Chapter 4 - Timing.

To see an example of muscles at their finest view this model. The model 'Muscles and Springs' demonstrates how you can set multiple springs with muscles to work in a timely manner. Study the wave bar below and you will see that each muscle (top to bottom) in display goes along with each muscle (left to right) in the wave bar accordingly. You can use this technique and various others to create great peices of soda art.

Constructing models is fun but can be frustrating if you don't know what your doing. To start construction click on the Construction tab. From there click on the screen and drag it to a desired location. You've just created a spring! A important piece of every model. If you click one and then right-click you will make a tiny ball, also known as mass. To make your spring have life click on "Select/Move" button. Then click on the middle of it. A picture like the one to the right should be seen. The clicked spring will turn blue to show that your mouse is currently active on it. From there go the wave bar and drag the blue ball with a line over it to a desired place. If you move the ball the middle, the muscle will not move. If you move to top or bottom the muscle will expand and contrast to its fullest.

If you look to the right hand side of the constructor you will see two tabs. Physics and muscles. Lets go to the muscle tab. You will see three major settings which will allow you to control the speed, amplitude, and advancement of your models.

Timing can be very crucial in a model. Especially in the wave bar. The wave bar works like a timeline. Which ever muscle is placed to the very left of the wave bar is the one that moves first; then the next one; you get the picture. It keeps repeating forever.

For an easy example create six springs up and down from each other. Create the muscles for them. Grab the muscles (ascending from top) and put them next to each other in the wave bar. To make them move grab the ball and slide it to the top. You should now see something like below.

The top muscle on the wave bar is to the very left and on display is the very top. So it expands and contrast first. Then the other muscles follow making a smooth flow.

You can also make numerous muscles expand while other muscles are at smallest when contrasting. To see an example look below.

You can see the bar is to the right (in the wavebar; its in the middle) is at its smallest while the muscle on top is at its biggest and the muscle on the wave bar is to its very left. That is because the wave processes the top muscle first then when its ready to make the bottom muscle work the top muscle is half-way done with its expanding and contrasting. To make a quick example - create two springs. Click the top spring in display to create the first muscle. Click in the wave bar; take the muscle you've just created and drag it to the very left. Then take the bottom spring; creating the muscle and take the bar in the wave bar and drag it to the very middle of the wave bar. You should see a picture similar like the one above.

Speed - This slider allows you to control the speed and motion of your muscles. If you slide the ticker to the left, your model's legs/motor will get slower and slower. If you move it to the right, the mechanics will get faster and faster. Of course if you move the ticker to its fastest option your model may behave abnormally. What I mean is that models can't go to fast or the the legs can go flying; making it collapse or just make the floor look slippery. When you move the ticker to its slowest position; your walker may fall. Slow legs are a bad thing if your model is big. If it has slow legs your model won't have enough speed (aka force) on its legs to push its self forward.

Amplitude - Looking below speed you will see amplitude. The wave amplitude controls all masses that you have set to move in any sort of way. When simulated begins a expand and contrast form. If you make the amplitude bigger, your waves get bigger as well as the exapanding. Smaller waves mean little expanding and contrasting. This will means your walker will take baby steps. If its a big amplitude your walker will take giant steps. If you move the ticker all the way to the left, the wave bar will stop as well as moving muscles.

This tutorial is the basics of controlling muscles in sodaconstructor. This is to help constructors who are new and want to learn the muscle interface. This guide doesn't contain all the information controlling muscles has to offer as there are various methods and techniques constructors come up with to make muscles move. You can find other tutorials around the web.

Written by: JavaScript_Freek