Two particle questions, advise please.

I have a two parter here.

  1. I need to make smoke signals with particles. is there a way to “pulse” the particles on and off? will i have to use multiple systems? do I need to make the “blanket” to start and stop the smoke that way?

  2. I am using boid particles and need them to emit smoke out the back as they fly around and flock. I set up a second particle system of reactor type, and set it to emit from the particles in the boid simulation, however, the “smoke” particles emit from the first particles and then cluster in the center of the original swarm as if that is their goal and they too are boids…even tho Newtonian is on. Is this a bug?? does boid behavior cascade? any help appreciated.

About your first question…
Good idea is different particle systems and set property Start/End/Life time for every one.
Sorry your second question is too hard(for me) to understood…
Maybe some blend-file will clear situation.
Good lock!