env_smokestack only works when you watch it??

so I've got an env_smokestack in my map that is setup beautifully... except it stops working when the player isn't looking at it. so if you look at it for a minute and then look away for a minute, you'll see a big gap in the smoke trail. Anyone else run into this problem and know how to fix it?

I tried creating a logic_auto with an output to "TurnOn" the env_smokestack when the level loads but this didn't change anything...

yeah i've experienced this same thing, but i'm sorry i don't know a way to stop it from doing that. I assume its just trying to save system resources on the client's computer

The same happens with the env_steam entity - very frustrating but I don't see any way around it :sad:

You can make a sprite-based smokestack instead. otherwise you deal with the "if-you're-not-looking-at-it-it-goes-away" problem. (that's the official name from VALVe) They did that so there was not always a sprite running in the map taking up CPU time when there was no need for it. I guess they didnt think of that...

oh well... so my smokestack is only gonna be a part timer... :razz:

Quick! lets go on strike while gordons not looking!

What about putting a camera on it?

That way there is always something watching it...

Just a thought.

Sprites really suck at draining resources in the Source engine, I hope they fix them.

Is it just me or do sprites stop working in HL2DM after a few minutes? I was toying with env_smokestacks in dm_torque and they stopped working after I died a few times. I also noticed that the rain in de_aztec stops about halfway through the timed rounds...

Is it just me or do sprites stop working in HL2DM after a few
minutes? I was toying with env_smokestacks in dm_torque and they
stopped working after I died a few times. I also noticed that the rain
in de_aztec stops about halfway through the timed rounds...

no, but it is somthing that could possible happen and not many people would notice.

yeah, my smokestacks stop puffin' after a little while too... no big deal though I guess.

Happens in most games with particle effects. Quite often when you spin round quickly, you can see torches suddenly becoming aflame again etc.

Jeff Lane over on VERC has said that this problem with env_smokestack is a bug, and should be fixed in a future update.

Sweet, I've been looking for a map decompiler, this whole ladder thing is pissing me off. I've been trying for ages but it doesn't work. I'm gonna decompile de_rats and see whats going on. Thanks Rof!