3D Gauges

[Gaspen]

Hi !

I'm searching for a tutorial about creating 3D gauges which you can see in RealAir planes. Which "direction" to start?

[Felix/FFDS]

A 3eD gauge is basically straight modelling - you model each part of the gauge, and set the animated needle, etc. with the proper animations.

THe hard part will always be getting the XML coding correct.

[Travis]

Check out the FFDS forums for more information on this.  Look in the XML Codes section.  Link in Felix's signature above.

[Gaspen]

Thanks guys ! My idea was also the same, but didn't how to start. I hope FFDS forum will give the answer  ;)

[Gaspen]

Well, I found some XML codes at FFDS forum, does not work for first time....

My way : I make the object in MAX, name it 'gau_needle_speed', anim it with keyframes.
Then I paste the code into modeldef.xml, and use the same text (gau_needle_speed) in the section within it. Finally i export the model to FSX.

[Felix/FFDS]

Post your code here to take a look at it.  It may be that syntax is wrong (FS-X is even more picky on capitalizations than FS9)

Too many thiings to even start thinking what's going off.

[Gaspen]

Here is the code :


 gau_needle_speed  
 200    
   
     
       
        AIRSPEED INDICATED  
        mph  
        4  
        0  
        160  
       
     
   


I also add this line to the file :

 

And here is the XAnim file :



         type="Sim" typeParam="" typeParam2="">
   
     
     
     
     
     
   
     


8-)

[Fr. Bill]

Well, I found some XML codes at FFDS forum, does not work for first time....

My way : I make the object in MAX, name it 'gau_needle_speed', anim it with keyframes.
Then I paste the code into modeldef.xml, and use the same text (gau_needle_speed) in the section within it. Finally i export the model to FSX.

I assume you used the Animation Tool to assign the "gau_needle_speed" animation name to the part, right?

The needle should be keyframed from 0 - 200 (you stopped at 100!), with intermediate keyframes at the major tickmarks on the background image.

[Gaspen]

Ok, I keyframed it 0-200. Only one change : the needle rotating around and around independetly from the real speed of the plane...like a second-needle on a clock

[Fr. Bill]

Try removing the 4 entry.

[Gaspen]

Now I have a working airspeed and vertical speed gauge  I learned some rules about XML coding from the SDK. So AnimLength = Scale * Value ( the value between MaxValue and MinValue ). I'm not sure, but I think I have to tag the anim with Anim.Manager FIRST, after that I have to animate the part.
Now I'm working with the altimeter...

Thanks a lot !  :)

[Katahu]

Hmm, modeling a working gauge in a 3D model? That sounds like something I should explore. My custom 2D gauges tend to be poor in quality, so let me see if this method is any better for my taste. Keep it up, Gaspen. From the looks of things, you seem to be a fast learner.

[Gaspen]

Here is the working code for my airspeed gauge. The max. value on the instrument's face is 400 km/h, thats why I use this number. Scale is 1, so one frame in MAX equal to 1km/h.


 needle_speed  
 400    
   
     
       
        AIRSPEED TRUE  
        kph  
        1  
        0  
        400  
       
     
   


My altimeter is working also, but both of the needles stop after one revolution. Any idea to solve this?