This update fixes quite a few bugs including a very noticeable one where the Illumination models were incorrectly evaluated, especially the "Placard" mode.
In addition to these bugfixes this version includes several updates and improvements.
Firstly a new Render application mode has been added and made default to give you more accurate (but slower) renders when dealing with cloud effects, this mode gets rid of the globular and ramped edge effect that was prevalent before and allows for smooth free-form clouding effects. The previous "Normal" mode has now been renamed "Fast" and will by default be on in older scenes where used.
Fast (old Storm Tracer) Mode
Accurate (new Storm Tracer) Mode
Fast (old Storm Tracer) Mode
Accurate(old Storm Tracer) Mode
To go along with this and to help optimize "accurate" renders a new Tolerance control has been added, this sets a value for opacity beyond which the storms will not be evaluated, this allows you to speed up renders using this method dramatically by effectively reducing ray depth adaptively.
Next the Bump and Displacement systems have been improved to allow Bump height control over both the bump texture itself and the preset forms. These are substantial changes and older scenes may need adjusting as a result, however the making newer storms should now be more predictable and productive when using these controls.
Enjoy!
Per-Anders Edwards
The Third Party