Gamepack??

[Oz]

Isnt there anyone out there who can upload all the Gmax gamepack files for those who dont have the Pro edition. Ive got some scenery and models i wanna send to FS02 but i cant, and therefore i am limited to (attempt) makin models for CFS3. I dont wanna bother other people with pro every time i wanna see how the model looks like in FS. My 2 biggest questions:
Would an upload of the gamepack contents be illegal?
Would the uploaded contents work once set up in the proper folders?

[Felix/FFDS]

Would an upload of the gamepack contents be illegal?
Yes

Would the uploaded contents work once set up in the proper folders?
Hopefully

[Oz]

ok....all i need to know  ::)

[blaze]

why would it be illegal

[Felix/FFDS]

The specific converter that MS developed and included only in FS2002 Professional Edition is a piece of  commercial software.   You are purchasing a license to use that software, not the software itself, and by opening the package, you are agreeing to the terms of use - which invariably include a "thou shalt not disseminate the software or part thereof..."

Have hope - *maybe* with FS2004/ACOF MS might relent and release the converter, since FS2004 will not have separate professional and standard editions.

why would it be illegal

[Oz]

Have hope - *maybe* with FS2004/ACOF MS might relent and release the converter, since FS2004 will not have separate professional and standard editions.

hmm, at least thats some good news

[Hagar]

I can confirm that FS2004 beta includes both Gmax & a Gamepack. This looks exactly the same as the one included with FS2002 Pro. 3rd party aircraft designed for previous sims appear to work well in FS2004. If the Gold release is the same it should be what you need.  ;)

Personal opinion. Although I can see the point & it might upset some people who forked out the extra cash for FS2002 Pro I always thought it a tad mean of M$ not to include that little file with MakeMDL SDK.  ::)

[Hellhound]

[quote]Personal opinion. Although I can see the point & it might upset some people who forked out the extra cash for FS2002 Pro I always thought it a tad mean of M$ not to include that little file with MakeMDL SDK.

[Hagar]

yea, and in the sdk they tell you to put makemdl in the gmax plug-ins folder and you will be able to import/export mdl files... THAT got me mad.

M$ never had much idea in the way of customer satisfaction. IMHO
The way it works right now is if I wish to concentrate on designing for CFS2 with Gmax I need to purchase FS2002 Pro for the Gamepack & rely on the free 3rd party Middleman utility by Chris File to do so.
Fortunately this will not be the case with FS2004 as there is only one version.

[Hellhound]

good... and i have an idea.. how about someone with fs2002(not pro) and gmax or zmodder (like gmax but easier to use), who can program and make things) make their own gamepack for either one of them. i use zmodder, and it can export to .3ds, so it might be easier

[Felix/FFDS]

While it's a good idea - it's more difficult to achieve.  You'd have either be good enough to rip apart the gmax model structure by yourself, OR, get gmax-dev that allows one to develop the particular gmaepack.

With FS2004 just a month and a bit away, I doubt someone wil go that route.

As for getting gmax-dev - now THAT's a payware product, at last count, it only costs about US10K...

good... and i have an idea.. how about someone with fs2002(not pro) and gmax or zmodder (like gmax but easier to use), who can program and make things) make their own gamepack for either one of them. i use zmodder, and it can export to .3ds, so it might be easier

[Hagar]

I have to say as a satisfied customer that FSDS2 would be far less trouble. OK, so it's payware but consider this. FSDS2 will create MDL files (& BGLs) for FS2000, CFS2, FS2002 & I'm sure FS2004. No Gamepack or other utility involved (except Aircraft Animator for animating FS2000 aircraft). It uses the same animation part name & keyframe conventions as Gmax for the other sims. Not only does it create the MDL file but it also configures the complete aircraft container folder & installs it ready to fly in the sim. I think it's well worth the money.

[Hellhound]

3 questions:
1: is it easy to use?
2: how much does it cost?
3: where can i buy/ d/l it?

[Hagar]

I don't usually recommend payware & would like to make clear I have no obligations to Abacus. You can order FSDS2 for immediate download here. http://www.abacuspub.com/catalog/s492.htm
It costs $49.

I find it easy to use but others don't. It depends what you're used to & I'm happier with conventional FS design applications. I find Gmax impossible to understand.

As an example, all these CFS2 aircraft were either created or updated in FSDS2 for a forthcoming campaign, now being beta tested. I created the Yak 9P AI Only drone from scratch in 3 days. They have full breaking parts models, animations which function in AI & shiny textures. The flyable aircraft also have a fully functional DVC.


PS. I should point out that FSDS2 cannot currently import/export in 3ds or DXF format.

[Oz]

whoa, incredible how a 4 post thread grew so quickly...
Just out of curiosity hagar, is that a Korean War campaign? and is that the Chinese AF emblem or the NK AF emblem (both participated in the war)