Createing Aircraft With gmax

[pilot2242]

im not getting any error's when i go to Export it will only let me Export as a P3D file it doesen't say air or CFG file i got CFG files in my plugin's folder i heard that i need to put them somewhere so they will let me Extract my plane into a CFG file format or something.But there is no errors.

[Firestriker]

If that is your only export option, then you have either not installed the gamepack properly or you are using the wrong shortcut .lnk file to launch gMax. If the install is properly done, you should have a C:\gmax\gamepacks\FS2004\ directory. In this directory, there is a shortcut .lnk file that you need to copy to either your Desktop or Start Menu root directory and use it to launch gMax with and NOT the original gMax icon. This shortcut .lnk file contains specific instructions for loading the gamepacks gmax.ini and plugins.ini files. The command line looks like so:

%GMAXLOC%Gmax.exe -i gamepacks\FS2004\Gmax.ini -p gamepacks\FS2004\plugin.ini

When the FS2004 gamepack is properly installed you will have export options in the Save as Type dropdown:

Flightsim Cloud (*.CLD)
Flightsim Scenery Object (*.MDL)
Flightsim Aircraft Object (*.MDL)

The original shortcut does not load any gamepack and uses the default gmax.ini and plugins.ini files. The command line is like so:

C:\gmax\gmax.exe

The aircraft.cfg file and the *.air file, have nothing to do with gMax. When you build a new aircraft, you should start with these files from a simular plane and then modify them to fit your aircraft. The aircraft.cfg file is just a simple text file you can edit with notepad. The *.air file is already machine code, so you need a program like AirEdit or AircraftAirfileManager to edit them. The are several templates in the C:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\FS2004\Aircraft\templates\ directory to start with but be careful what you modify as these files control the flight dynamics of your aircraft.

Lou

[pilot2242]

My gamepack folder is empty there is nothing in it do i need to download a gamepack or something?

ps my gmax is in D drive would that be a problem?

Thank's

[pilot2242]

also could i just copy and paste a air and CFG file to a folder with my design in it from a plain that is nearly the same and mod the CFG file? would that work?

[Firestriker]

I would go here:

http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulator/fs2004_downloads_sdk.asp

download and read the following SDKs

Make Model SDK
Panels and Gauges SDK
Aircraft Container SDK
FSEdit SDK
gmax Gamepack SDK

Almost all of your model building questions will be answered in them.

Lou

[Katahu]

Long story short, you have a log way to go when it comes to addon development for FS. I hope you have a lot of patience, because you're gonna need it.

[supersabre79]

*must download "patience SDK" for FS2004

[pilot2242]

Katahu:
I know every one keeps telling me that but i will learn if i keep at it and keep comeing to simviation

Firestriker:
I will check that site now and i will tell you how it goes

Thank's

2242

[pilot2242]

When i go to export my aircraft it keeps giveing me a error it says something like export cannot be read export failed what could be the problem???

also to do a air and cfg file how do i do that can i just copy and paste another aircrft's air and cfg file and change the cfg file will that work?

also it says check your path in that exprt error

[pilot2242]

the Error from my last post says : MSXML4.DLL Could not be Loaded.Config files won't be read. Could someone please help me Fix this problem also when i make a house or something like that how can i put it where i want?

And how can i make a new pannel ?

Could someone please tell me what i need and exactly how i make a aircraft so i can fly it? i have got gmax and i have made a aircraft but i need to make it into a model and what do i do with a air and cfg file do i have to copy one from another plane? also how do i do textures? im just sick of all these errors and waiting. if someone could tell me what i need to do all at onece that would be verry good

Thank's

2242

[Katahu]

Let's go through this step by step.

First, aquire some detailed screenshots of the error messages being given to you and also aquire some screenshots that clearly show how you installed and placed the gamepack in My Computer for the export process [folder locations and the locations of the related files such as the FSModelExp.dle file, Makemdl.exe file, etc.].

Then, we discuss if each related file is in the right location. If files need to be moved, they should be moved as directed. For example: the FSModelExp.dle should only exist in one location with the Gmax directory. if more than one such similar file exists within Gmax, then one of them should be removed or deleted so that the other can function and so that Gmax wouldn't get confused during the export process. Again, just an example.

Remember, sometimes a simple thing like moving a file can solve complex problems.

Please, post detailed screenshots because those are the only things that can shed the most light in any situation.

[Katahu]

ERRORS and possible solutions [these methods worked for me]:

Scale matrix error: Look for the object in question using the error logs generated by either Makemdl or Middleman [in Middleman, check the box to keep error logs]. The log will have a name of the object in question. Open Gmax, and select the object. Switch to vertex mode and select all vertices. In the modifier panel, click Selected under the title Weld [or any name in relation to that]. Click it a couple of times until a message says it can't find any more to weld. I suggest you do this to any that you suspect to be the culprit.

Scale has been applied error: This always happens to any object that has been key-frame animated. Select ALL objects that are key-framed and go to the Hierarchy tab in the Modify panel. Click Scale on the bottom. That should solve it. To be on the safe side, select Affect Pivot Point and then click Scale, then unselect Affect Pivot Point.

Location of Makemdl can't be found Error: Remember what I said about the FSModelExp.dle file?

Tips: Avoid using semi-spheres because they are sometimes the cause of problematic export errors. I think this is because semi-spheres tend to create collenear vertices that can greatly effect the export process.

If you are grouping objects to create an Exterior and Interior model, make sure that there are absolutely NO other grouped objects within the groups and that there are no objects accidentally over looked. Press H to view available objects. If grouping for the Exterior and Interior model, then those two groups should be the only ones appearing in the list. Stray objects can cause either the export process to create junk files, or make the visual model GIGANTIC in FS.

That is as much as I can reasonably tell you from the top of my head.

[pilot2242]

Ok i did that and it diddent work what i did was i selected the object and went to Hierarchy and then i clicked on reset scale and that errer went away but that other error is still there when i want to export  maby i have to put a file some where like FSedit is that what i have to do?

also when i go to export it comes those errors but the mdl file did export im not sure what's going on .

how do i put a screen shot up so people can see it?

also can someone please help me with this air and cfg file how do i do them?do i copy them from other aircraft and put them in with my nwe aircraft?or do i have to make them? PLEASE HELP

Thank's

2242

[pilot2242]

What files should be in the Make MDL SDK And where should they be put ?

Maby they are in the wrong place.

2242

[Katahu]

To make a screenshot, go to this link:

http://www.download.com/IrfanView/3000- ... tag=button

Click Download Now to get it and then install it as normal [that's the easy part]. The utility comes with Help files that show you how to take screenshots.

Take a screenshot of the error message and save it as a *.jpg file. Make sure that the file is less than 100k in size and no more than 800 pixels wide [forum rules].

Then, go to this link:

http://www.simviation.com/yabbupload.html

Scroll to the bottom and click browse to search and select the images to upload to SimViation. After uploading, copy the link below:

http://www.simviation.com/yabbuploads/yourpic.jpg

Then do this while typing a reply to this thread:

Click on the little icon that resembles a framed picture and this should appear in the text: [img]URL[/img]

Replace the letters "URL" by erasing them and then paste the link you copied. Then erase the words "yourpic" with the name of the image you uploaded.

Post the reply after finishing and the image should work in SimV.