Path track

From Valve Developer Community

The title given to this article is incorrect due to technical limitations. The correct title is path_track.

This point-based entity is available in all Source games.

Table of contents
1 Entity description

1.1 Automated track creation
1.2 Reversing over a path_track

2 Keyvalues
3 Flags
4 Inputs
5 Outputs
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Entity description

An entity used to build paths for other entities to follow. Each path_track is a node on the path, each holding the name of the next path_track in the path.
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Automated track creation

Cloning (Shift-drag) this entity will activate a feature used to automatically and quickly create a track. This feature will alter both the Name keyvalue, and the Next Stop Target keyvalue, so that a track is created between the source and the clone. More specifically, Hammer will add a counter after the Name keyvalue of the clone, or increment this counter if it already exists, creating a unique name in a series. If a name is completely omitted, it will simply name the clone "path". If a Next Stop Target keyvalue has been specified, it will also alter this keyvalue of the source, to the name of the clone, resulting in a track being drawn between them.

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Reversing over a path_track

Normally, when given a StartBackward or Reverse input, a func_tracktrain will begin moving in reverse direction at its normal speed. However, due to coding glitches, if some of the path_tracks involved in the course have their "New Train Speed" property value set to 0, the train may stop moving, or may move in the wrong direction. This issue can be solved by setting the "New Train Speed" property in the involved tracktrains to a number other than zero.


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Keyvalues

Defines the name that other entities refer to this entity by.
  • hammerid [Episode Two Update]
<integer readonly> This id is used for debugging purposes in Hammer.
Specifies the targetname of this entity's Parent in a movement hierarchy. Child entities move with their Parent.
Pitch Yaw Roll (Y Z X)
This entity's angular orientation in the world (also used for angular effect entities).
  • target
<target_destination> The next path_track in the path.
  • altpath
<target_destination> An alternative path_track to be the next node in the path. Useful for making branching paths. Use the ToggleAlternatePath / EnableAlternatePath inputs to make the alternative path active.
  • speed
<float> When the train reaches this path_track, it will set its speed to this speed. This speed must be a positive value that is less than the train's maximum speed. A value of 0 will cause no change in the train's speed.
Important Note If this value is set to 0, the func_tracktrain may fail to reverse properly in a path involving this path_track. If the train stops in place or moves in the wrong direction, it is necessary to change this value to a nonzero number.
  • radius
<float> Used by NPCs who follow track paths (attack chopper/gunship). This tells them the maximum distance they're allowed to be from the path at this node.
  • orientationtype
<choices> The way that the path follower faces as it moves through this path track. Does not seem to work (with func_tracktrains at least). (Always follows the direction of motion, rendering the angles keyvalue obsolete.)
Literal value Description
0 No change
1 Face direction of motion
2 Face this path_track's angles
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Flags

  • 1 : Disabled
  • 2 : Fire once
  • 4 : Branch Reverse
  • 8 : Disable train
  • 16 : Teleport to THIS path track
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Inputs

  • Kill
Removes this entity from the world.
Removes this entity and all its children from the world.
  • AddOutput <string>
Evaluates a keyvalue/output on this entity. It can be potentially very dangerous, use with care.
Format: <key> <value>
Format: <output name> <targetname>:<inputname>:<parameter>:<delay>:<max times to fire (-1 == infinite)>
Causes this entity's OnUser1-4 outputs to be fired. See User Inputs and Outputs.
Changes the entity's parent in the movement hierarchy.
Change this entity to attach to a specific attachment point on its parent. Entities must be parented before being sent this input. The parameter passed in should be the name of the attachment.
Change this entity to attach to a specific attachment point on it's parent. Entities must be parented before being sent this input. The parameter passed in should be the name of the attachment. The entity will maintain it's position relative to the Parent's Origin and Angles at the time it is attached.
Removes this entity from its current movement hierarchy.
  • ToggleAlternatePath
Cause the track to toggle to/from its alternate path.
  • EnableAlternatePath
Enable the alternate path of the track.
  • DisableAlternatePath
Disable the alternate path of the track.
  • TogglePath
Cause the track to toggle on/off
  • EnablePath
Enable the track.
  • DisablePath
Disable the track.
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Outputs

Fired in response to FireUser1-4 inputs. See User Inputs and Outputs.
!activator = activator
  • OnPass
Fired when any entity following this path passes this path_track node.
!activator = train
Retrieved from "http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Path_track"