Switch

This tutorial will show you how to create a switch that when pushed will go in and tick for a certain amount of time, then pop back out.

Entity creation

1. Using the Entity Tool, place a prop_dynamic where you would like the switch model. Set the properties to the following:

Property Name	Value
World Model	models/props/switch001.mdl
Name	switch_model

How to align the func_button.

2. Create a 16x16x16 block brush covering the button on the model textured with tools/toolsinvisible. Tie it to a func_button. Under Flags, check Don't move and change the Delay before Reset to however long you want to prevent the player from activating it again.

Note:For doors, make sure you give it enough time for the door to open, stay open and close.

3. Create 3 ambient_generic entities near the switch. Give them the following properties:

Property Name	Value
Name	switch_sound_up
Sound Name	Portal.button_up
SourceEntityName	switch_model

Property Name	Value
Name	switch_sound_down
Sound Name	Portal.button_down
SourceEntityName	switch_model

Property Name	Value
Name	switch_sound_tick
Sound Name	Portal.room1_TickTock
SourceEntityName	switch_model

For the switch_sound_tick entity, un-check Starts Silent under Flags.

4. Next create a logic_timer somewhere near the switch. Give it the following properties:

Property Name	Value
Name	switch_sound_tickloop
Starts Disabled	Yes
Refire Interval	1

And the following Output:

	My Output	Target Entity	Target Input	Parameter	Delay	Only Once
	OnTimer	switch_sound_tick	PlaySound	<none>	0.00	No

In-game

5. Select the func_button and add the following outputs:

	My Output	Target Entity	Target Input	Parameter	Delay	Only Once
	OnOut	switch_model	SetAnimation	up	0.00	No
	OnOut	switch_sound_tickloop	Disable	<none>	0.00	No
	OnOut	switch_sound_up	PlaySound	<none>	0.00	No
	OnPressed	switch_model	SetAnimation	down	0.00	No
	OnPressed	switch_sound_tickloop	Enable	<none>	0.00	No
	OnPressed	switch_sound_down	PlaySound	<none>	0.00	No

Note:The time you have for Delay before Reset will be how long it takes for the OnOut outputs to trigger. Make sure you have it timed accordingly!

Add in your door open triggers with OnPressed and closing triggers with OnOut. You can also put in some indicator lights for added effect. Download the tutorial map here.

See also

• Portal Level Creation