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Help with decal file

Posted:
Fri Aug 29, 2003 7:01 pm
by scurvy
How do i remove this file?
decal_b747_400
If i just delete the file, then there is a blank space on the aircraft where its supposed to be.
If i repaint it to match the aircraft, then the windows and door are partially covered up.
How do i modify or remove this so that my doors and windows show up?
Re: Help with decal file

Posted:
Fri Aug 29, 2003 8:51 pm
by Felix/FFDS
you don't remove it at all.
I believe that to "hide" it, you paint it white and give it a 100% transparent alpha channel.
Basically, you have a polygon part whose only function is to be a place holder for the decal bitmap, that part isn't reflective so a bitmap with an alpha makes it translucent to transparent, and it's only opaque where the number is overlayed. By giving it a 100% transparent alhpa channel bitmap, you make the part transparent - I hope.
Re: Help with decal file

Posted:
Fri Aug 29, 2003 10:05 pm
by scurvy
How do i give it a 100% transparent alpha channel?
In Paintshop Pro or Dxtbmp? I'm new at this. Thanks for your help.
Re: Help with decal file

Posted:
Sat Aug 30, 2003 2:56 am
by Hagar
You can send the Alpha channel from DXTBmp to PSP for editing in the same way as the main texture. Repaint the full area of the Alpha channel black (Palette index 0) & exit PSP saving changes. Then Click Alpha/Refresh Alpha before saving out in a "with Alpha" format. I think that should do it.
Re: Help with decal file

Posted:
Sat Aug 30, 2003 5:04 pm
by scurvy
I still can't figure out how to do it.
Re: Help with decal file

Posted:
Sat Aug 30, 2003 5:23 pm
by Hagar
This is decal_b747_400.bmp opened in DXTBmp.

The Alpha channel is the small image at top right. Double-click on it to send it to your editor. Repaint it completely True Black & follow my previous instructions. Save out as DXT3 with Alpha. This should make the decal transparent.
Please tell me if this helps. I haven't tried it myself. You might need to use another format. (DXT1 with Alpha or DXT1 with Alpha (non-nVidia).
Re: Help with decal file

Posted:
Sat Aug 30, 2003 5:59 pm
by scurvy
That did it Hagar. I saved it as a DXT3 and it works perfectly. Thanks a bunch!
Re: Help with decal file

Posted:
Sun Mar 07, 2004 1:47 pm
by PWindell
Hagar,
Are these "Decal" files the way to handle the single-sided OEM textures? I'm trying to repaint the 2004 OEM Bell208 but can't get the compnay logo to appear correctly on the opposite side of the chopper.
Re: Help with decal file

Posted:
Sun Mar 07, 2004 1:58 pm
by Hagar
Hi PW. This would only work on aircraft with the special decal textures. The Bell206B never had them even in FS2002. I thought they fixed this in FS9 by using double-sided fuselage textures. Maybe not on all aircraft.
