Simviation Forums

Hi guys,
After an extended hiatus for two years or so due to FSX not installing on my new rig, I finally got it working in June.
Since then, I've slowly got into developing stuff.
As an experiment, I've decided to try to convert FS9 .mdls to FSX format using ModelConverterX. While most work, this series has opaque glass after the attempt.


Any help would be appreciated,
zachary77

Not an expert in model but I have done several portovers from FS9 to FSX and sometimes glasses and propellers don't work an the corresponding textures need to be replaced for other. It's a matter of trying and choosing.

I suggest to test the FS9 aircraft in FSX and see wich glass textures need to be replaced. The names usually contain "glass" or "window".

The strange thing is that it works perfectly unmodified. Conversion messes it up somehow...

Before, the glass worked fine.

It would be great to see the Posky/Skyspirit 777 VC (internal model) converted to FSX native to match the existing line up of FSX native 777's from the same team.
Do you reckon it's a texture issue or model issue?
Milton Shupe used to contribute here sometimes and I found a PDF quote from him. Not sure if it applies to mdlConverterX or not?

"Your FS9 Textures can be the same for FSX but when you add Bumps and Specs to the materials, initially you will want to add in the place-holder textures to neutralize shading artifacts until you get primary textures done and develop your bumps. Any dummy texture is okay for the gmax material assignment; just use a correct name. Bump textures are created in a special way so you cannot just create a standard texture fpr bumps; you must use the nvidia plugin or imagetool to remove color channels from the primary. Spec textures can be same as your primary texture. The SDK recommends 512x512 for these bump/spec textures, DDS DXT5, with mipmaps. Standard exterior Skin Materials: use diffuse, spec color, and bump slots to add exterior textures. That will vary for glass, reduced opacity objects, chrome, etc. See the SDK Teapot section of materials explanations"

You have to darken the under part of the alpha channel.
Then set the MCX material editor to the settings as shown in picture.





and don't forget ,to set the three $VC_01 ; $VC_2 ; $VC_03 textures to transparent.

I'm flying it on VATSIM now but I'll look when I'm done. Thanks!

Tried everything you suggested. No joy.
Alpha:

Alright, so status report.

I had a hunch the alpha wasn't dark enough, so I set it to max.
No result. Opaque as ever.
How do I make textures transparent in MCX?

Thanks in advance.

Success, all issues fixed!
To be honest, I have no idea how it worked. Had to reassign nightmaps though.
The illumination lighting is now tied to the flood lights, unfortunately.
Autobrakes rotary in the VC also is non-functional, but other than that all works.

Expect a release soon, and thanks for all the help and encouragement!

Good news!

Great work! I gotta ask: will you be making these files available for download at some point? I have long missed the old POSKY 777 models.

Thanks for your work,

Greg

Uploaded, should show up soon. Thanks to everyone.

Been waiting for this vC to be updated for a long time. Great job!

Only problem is no gauges in my P3D4? Installed modules, effects etc




The clue I guess

The gauges won't work in 64-bit P3D, at least I've never been able to see them. I'm substituting with ISG gauges (Ernie Alston of Quality Wings makes 'em) and things are so far working out nicely. I'm sure default 737-800 (from FSX) will work fine too.

This is a great freeware bundle and I'd like to thank 'zachary77' for his fine work! I've been waiting a long time to see through the glass of the old POSKY 777.

Thank you zachary77!


Greg