VC question

[JakesF14]

Ok, How do I get to display my VC in FS2004? do I need to export it seperately, ect? Do I have to add / specify in a CFG file?
I know I ask a LOT of questions, but I am learning! never done it before, and I had a look at Milton Shupe's tutorials, and see there is a name.mdl file then as well as a name.x file and a interior.x file. I dont have that file in my model after exporting. Why?? is it neccesary?

see
http://www.flightsimonline.com/C162/export/

[Fr. Bill]

There are two possible ways:

1. Create a tiny polygon at the model's origin (0,0,0), name it "exterior" (without the quote marks!), then Link all your model's outside parts to it.

Then, copy/rename the exterior node, to "interior" then Link all your VC parts to it.

Now when you export, it will create the .x and _interior.x files automatically and compile.

2. Export all your outside parts to a file, and keep the .x file.
Export all your VC parts to the same filename, but add the _interior extension to it.

Such as:
MyModel (outside model)
MyModel_interior (VC model)

Now run MakeMDL and manually combine the .x and _interior.x files and compile a new .mdl file.

[JakesF14]

There are two possible ways:

1. Create a tiny polygon at the model's origin (0,0,0), name it "exterior" (without the quote marks!), then Link all your model's outside parts to it.

Then, copy/rename the exterior node, to "interior" then Link all your VC parts to it.

Now when you export, it will create the .x and _interior.x files automatically and compile.

2. Export all your outside parts to a file, and keep the .x file.
Export all your VC parts to the same filename, but add the _interior extension to it.

Such as:
MyModel (outside model)
MyModel_interior (VC model)

Now run MakeMDL and manually combine the .x and _interior.x files and compile a new .mdl file.

Thanks, But how do I keep the .x file?

[jaime]

thir is a third option...gonna try to explain this the best I can since its been awhile, but it worked for me so I think ill share the trick and let you decide if you want to try it...


what I did to get a VC to display (and still have the full exterior of the plane present) was have one node and link every thing to it, basicially I built a complete model, with both interior and exterior, although it was intended for making videos that often involved moving from inside to out side and then back.


not sure if you are looking for similar but I thought I would offer my trick...

[Felix/FFDS]

thir is a third option...gonna try to explain this the best I can since its been awhile, but it worked for me so I think ill share the trick and let you decide if you want to try it...


what I did to get a VC to display (and still have the full exterior of the plane present) was have one node and link every thing to it, basicially I built a complete model, with both interior and exterior, although it was intended for making videos that often involved moving from inside to out side and then back.


not sure if you are looking for similar but I thought I would offer my trick...

That's "method 1"  described by Fr Bill, above, and the recommended method for those using gmax, where the exporter does NOT save to .x file (directly)

You'd have to go through several hoops to get the x file from gmax, and even then, only for FS2004.

It's better to get the "normal"  method down pat, and familiarity with basic FS2004 modelling and compiling, before delving into the "sidebars".

[jaime]

hmmm...musta explained it differently, my bad if I just more or less repeated what the other guy said.

Although the way I read it (and how im understanding his explanation) is that he would use 2 nodes, where my methoud would be using only one node except when it comes to cameras, but the model would be on one node, for all parts exterior and interior...not sure if that is what the other guy ment, so again i do appoligize if I wound up restating the same thing  :-/

[Fr. Bill]

Thanks, But how do I keep the .x file?

There are two possible ways:

1. Use MiddleMan and ModelCommander. This will pause the export process and allow you to make changes to the compiler options. Note that this is only for FS2004:

For convenience, I have a "Plug-n-Play" file available here that simply replaces the entire C:\gmax\gamepacks\fs2004\plugins folder contents:
http://n4gix.home.comcast.net/~n4gix/MM ... gnplay.zip

2. Create a MakeMDL.cfg file and drop it in the same folder as MakeMDL.exe. Edit the .cfg file for the options you wish:

Code: Select all

[Settings]
LastDir=

[Options]
Debug=1
ViewLog=1
KeepErrorLog=1
Keep=1
I8=1
I=0
FullMat=1
Deffallback=1
WeldPoints=1
Optimize=0
Flatten=0
NoAnimate=0
HasReflectMap=1
HasNightMap=0
HasLightMap=1
HasDamageMap=0
NegateZ=1
NoLeftToRight=0
SwapBH=0
Vis=0
Crash=0
XML=1


[JakesF14]

Thanx Bill, I manage to get the VC work without the middleman etc. The problem of my Vc not showing was with my Fs9. One way or another it doesnt update my model after exporting. But when I load the model to my home pc, the VC show.