Can one have a render farm with mixed computers?  a couple of windows PCs, some G5s and some new pentium Macs.

Yes.  Mix and match, like Garanimals

Yon

Great, thanks.  And do I have to buy a different key and license to install renderama on a windows PC?

Renderama doesn’t need a key, that’s why EIAS is so affordable, because your render-farm can be as big as your access to computers is.

If you want to run Animator on different machines, I believe that depends on what version of EIAS you have, or more specifically what dongle.  I think all of the more recent versions (after 5.5?) run on all supported platforms.  Just install the appropriate software version. 

You can always upgrade your dongle if it doesn’t work.  I’m sure the good folk at EITG will assist you in figuring out what you need if you email them.

Yon

I also tried this (mixed PC/Mac rendering) and got different results for a e.g. UebershapeRock. The shape of the Rock was different.
It seems that different processors produce different results.

This was with PC xeon CPUs and old G4 Macs

thanks a lot, very helpful.

With ubershapes it’s best to export and import the geometry, it’s far more reliable that way.

Rendering between Macs and PCs is quite reliable, we’ve done it before with no problems. In EI 8 steps have been taken to make it more reliable still.

Best,
Ian

Ian, will that include making my rama setup work with the network plugged in ? Still haven’’t got to the bottom of that but thankfully even with just a humble Intel Duo with 8 gig of Ram running 4 cameras simultaneously has been quick enough for my recent workload. I’m waiting for the Apple kit fairy to make a visit !!

James

I’m pretty sure this hasn’t been sorted yet because no one has been able to replicate the problem. It’s one of those ‘try everything you can possibly think off’ issues: Different hub, router etc…

Have you tried connecting to the internet via dial-up (to get an IP) - then see if the slaves launch..?

That is, if your MacPro even has one of those ancient hand-crank 56k modems…

Ian

The fixes in 8 are to do with gamma correction (renders occasionally looking different from Mac/PC).

Ian

Haven’t got a hand crank on my machine. As I say its not been a problem as disconnecting the network solves it - haven’t the time to run through the myriad of possibilities for sorting at present. I’m just gonna crack on and get so busy I have to buy another machine !!

I’m positively dribbling about v8 now which may be premature but hey ho I’m an excitable chap !

James

Your dribbling wouldn’t happen to have anything to do with the fact that you’re now a senior member ?

Keeping OT: I’ve got some stuff to send you, so expect an email later.
Ian

if I could make my zimmer go faster I’d come up there and give you a stern telling off youngster !