Frequently Answered Questions

I am getting *can't fragload* errors trying to use the Tap.Tools objects. What is wrong?

A fragload error means that the CFM version of Max (that is the Macintosh PPC versions) cannot find a file that it needs in order to load the objects. For example, take a look the following error.

• error: can’t fragload tap.unpack (missing <><>), err -2804

This error means that you have tried to load the tap.unpack external, but that the TapTools2.shlb can’t be found. If you search your hard drive for TapTools2.shlb, you may find it in the wrong place or missing altogether. If it is missing, then try to re-install. If it is in the wrong place, then move it into the folder that has your Max application in it or in the /Library/CFMSupport folder.

If you are using Max 4.6.x and Tap.Tools 2.2.x, then a fragload error indicates that Max is finding the wrong version of an object. In otherwords, you have multiple versions of it in your searchpath. To fix the problem, you need to find the old version of the object (i.e. tap.unpack or tap.unpack.mxd) and trash it. The correct objects for Tap.Tools 2.2.x all end with a .mxo extension.

Can I use the Tap.Tools in standalone application or Pluggo plug-in?

If you own a Tap.Tools Pro license, the answer is yes. If you own a Tap.Tools Artist license, then you must first upgrade to a Pro license on our website.

There are no additional restrictions on building standalones or plug-ins. We believe such restrictions are bad!

How do I include the Tap.Tools shared library so that I can use it with my Pluggo plug-ins?

Tap.Tools objects rely on a shared library in order to do their work. The instructions for what to do with this shared library differ based on your platform.

MacOS X

In Tap.Tools 2.1 and earlier, this library is a .shlb file located in the Max application folder. For the Pluggo engine to access it, you must copy this file into the following folder

/Library/CFMSupport

In Tap.Tools 2.2 or later, this library is a .framework bundle. As of Tap.Tools 2.2.1, it is installed to the following folder:

/Library/Frameworks

Windows XP

C:\Program Files\Common Files\C74 Plug-in Support\support

Once you do this, then the objects should load fine just as would any other object.

Do you have discounts available for universities?

We have discounts available to universities through our 5 and 10-pack licenses on the Tap.Tools Site License Page.

We also have a discount on single licenses for students. Information is available by contacting sales@electrotap.com.

Can I just purchase the one object I really need instead of the whole package?

Unfortunately, no. Tap.Tools can only be purchased as a package.

Is it possible to get an iLok-asset for tap-tools?

Tap.Tools does not support iLok. In our opinion, the iLok technology is a very invasive copy protection system, and we are not planning to use the iLok at any time in the immediate future.

The way that Tap.Tools authorization works is by simply entering a registration number. It is not challenge-response, but a simple registration number that you can use on multiple machines.

If you build a standalone application, and have a Tap.Tools Pro license when doing so, the standalone won’t require any authorization at all and will still work.

I've installed Tap.Tools 3, but I can't find the objects anywhere. Where are they?

In Tap.Tools 3 all of the objects are bundled together into a single ‘extension’ which is located in the extensions folder in Max’s Cycling ’74 folder.

To see what objects are available, you can use Max 5’s File Browser. Alternatively, you can create a new object box and begin typing “tap.” and all of the objects should appear in Max’s autocompletion menu.

Is there is a comprehensive list and description of the Tap.Tools 3 objects anywhere? Perhaps an overview patcher or something?

For a comprehensive list of the Tap.Tools 3 objects there are a couple of searches included in the Max 5 File Browser. These searches in the File Browser replace the old overview patcher from previous versions of Tap.Tools.

Why do I get an error that says "requirements.txt: no such file in collective" ?

If you have a Tap.Tools 3 Pro registration then you are able to build standalone applications using Tap.Tools.

There are some innards of this mechanism which currently post some lines to the Max window saying “requirements.txt: no such file in collective”. These lines are cosmetic and do not indicate any functional problems with the standalone.

We hope to address the problem in a future update.