Night Textures

[aceronzo]

Locke,I suggest make a box,make a 256x256 Red textr call it Box_t.bmp,Txtr as a box,Plane or Face.Make sure that "Has Light Map" is checked,  NOT "Has Night Map"..Compile to what ever existing mdl you want(but make backup of that mdl first).Compress the 24bit with DXT to DXT3,or 32 888.Then save as Box_t.bmp and then recompress as DXT3 or 32 888 and save as Box_L.bmp,the Red Textr should showup at nite.Then you can move to your project.The txtrs must have the same name and have _t.bmp on the main txtr, before the_L.bmp lite txtr can work.Also the lighter the txtr the briter the txtr.A white box in the _L.bmp will be a briter txtr  than the Red box. Hope this helps.
aceronzo

[Katahu]

Everyone seems to have different methods of achieving light maps. I can see how this is confusing.

[aceronzo]

This is so true,seems what works for some doesn't always seem to work for others.I have made hundreds of Lite Maps and never once used the Self Illumination button.But I that doesn't mean I am doing it wrong,just different.It is easier to experiment on a box than a Project to me.Locke will get it going in the right direction soon.With all these suggestions one is bound to work!Regards,
aceronzo

[Travis]

Alright!  Thanks a million, Milton!  I have everything working as it should now.

The main problem (I think!) was the "Has Night Map" checked.  It seemed to not recognize any rendition of the textures, regardless of how I converted them.

I'm left wondering if there's a bug between MakeMDL and DXTBmp as far as the Night Map is concerned.  If anyone else has encountered this issue, I would love to hear about it, as I have no way to test against it.  Any input as to the function of this marker is very much appreciated!

[Firestriker]

Read very carefully!

HasNightMap is for SCENERY.

HasLightMap is for AIRCRAFT.

From the gmax Aircraft Creation doc

"Lightmaps are placed in the self-illumination channel and are used for night lighting on aircraft such as the airliners."



Lou

[Travis]

Hooray!  I have everything working right!  I was having an issue with the gear and such lighting up when I turned on the lights (looked really strange) but now that Firstriker explained it, I'm good to go!

Thanks a bunch, all you guys.  You tutored me through the most obnoxious problem I have encountered during this model process, and I'm finally ready to release an actual aircraft.

[Katahu]

Hooray!  I have everything working right!  I was having an issue with the gear and such lighting up when I turned on the lights (looked really strange) but now that Firstriker explained it, I'm good to go!

Thanks a bunch, all you guys.  You tutored me through the most obnoxious problem I have encountered during this model process, and I'm finally ready to release an actual aircraft.

Good to see that you're finished. I bet it was quite a learning experience for you.