Do-335 Help Please

[jandjfrench]

Hi Hagar,
I wouldn't get anything done if there weren't commercials. I can only identify one more texture that's unique (...11_N). Are you sure there's another? I spot checked and couldn't find one. I'll add the spoiler info to something for the kneeboard.

[Hagar]

Have a look at ..09_N. There's a slight difference & I don't know what it affects. ..11_N is the prop spinner.

I found the easiest way of comparing them is with the original BMP textures.

[jandjfrench]

The difference is obvious, once you pointed it out. I must have compared half a dozen textures looking for differences and didn't spot that.
I'm having trouble reducing the prop strobing effect. Using DXTBmp and sending the alpha to the editor (I've tried several), reducing the contrast and darkening, saving, refreshing in DXTBmp and then saving. When I reload the texture the alpha channel is either all black or all white. I've tried saving the alpha with different bit depths and saving the BMP in different formats, that include an alpha, without success. As the base image just seems to be a simple square without any noticeable image perhaps I have to edit it in some way. If you can figure out my problem please let me know the solution.

[Hagar]

The difference is obvious, once you pointed it out. I must have compared half a dozen textures looking for differences and didn't spot that.

There could be more but the DXT textures don't display as thumbnails in Windows Explorer.

I'm having trouble reducing the prop strobing effect. Using DXTBmp and sending the alpha to the editor (I've tried several), reducing the contrast and darkening, saving, refreshing in DXTBmp and then saving. When I reload the texture the alpha channel is either all black or all white. I've tried saving the alpha with different bit depths and saving the BMP in different formats, that include an alpha, without success. As the base image just seems to be a simple square without any noticeable image perhaps I have to edit it in some way. If you can figure out my problem please let me know the solution.

Something odd there. I've done a lot of this over the years with no problem. The developers all have their own favourite methods for creating transparent prop textures. This is a typical example. The base image doesn't need editing.

I use Paint Shop Pro 7 as the editor. The Alpha Channel should open as trans.bmp. Check the file name as it's important. When I've finished editing I click the Save icon in PSP7. This automatically saves it to a Temp directory. Then return to DXTBmp & click the Refresh after edit icon (or menu bar Alpha > Refresh Alpha). The edited Alpha should display in the window. This is an extreme example.




You can then save it in the original format.

If you have problems try a prop texture from another variation as some of them might be different. (Alternatively, you could always 'borrow' another developer's prop texture that works for you.'

I'll have a play around with this later.

[jandjfrench]

Hi,
I gave up on modifying the prop textures and just replaced them with generic textures which I had previously modified to be barely detectable. I've just maintained the unique textures in each texture.x and added a texture.cfg. The full texture complement is in Texture. I forgot to save the Panel.cfg prior to modifying it to the way I prefer. It now has references to AP Chart, a GPS, and cockpit sounds. I wanted to keep the original Master battery switch which I had added to the Bomb control area but couldn't find an area to add an Avionics switch so I replaced it with the Cessna Master switch along with the Cessna Avionics switch. At least now the Autopilot works without having to use Ctrl+E to start. I kept all variations and created thumbnails for each. I completed a Kneeboard Reference that contains info about the animations. I came across a folder with effects files which I previously missed. I added the effects to my main effects and have included the folder in the aircraft folder. It contains smoke and contrail effects and some lights. The smoke now works on engine start, not sure about contrails, and the lights aren't referenced anywhere. Hope this stuff helps out.
I've uploaded it to Box and here's the link:

https://app.box.com/s/zkyyxig1si5veaavqatu

Jim F

[Hagar]

Just tried your latest update Jim. I checked out the textures & all looks fine. I'll leave the finer details to others. I don't know the first thing about autopilots & all that stuff.

You've made a nice job of it. I think it should please Bob. I must admit that I've grown very fond of the old girl since he brought it to our attention.

[pete]

Hi Jim

Looks like you've done a great job - downloading now
Any chance of uploading (or I will) it to the site so folk can enjoy it rather than the small handful of people who read this?

I'll be grateful


Thanks


Pete

[jandjfrench]

Hey Pete,
I'd be happy to share. The problem I have is with addons that I incorporate into all my aircraft. You certainly have my permission to do anything you wish with the aircraft. I was going to check if the first upload I made to Box had a panel that wasn't going to cause problems for anyone. Or I was considering providing info so that others could get the necessary files to make use of the addons. I use Cockpit sounds and AP Chart. I didn't know if they would cause problems, either in loading or in operation, if the additional software needed wasn't present. I got as far as gathering links to the additional software. Here they are:
http://forum.mutleyshangar.com/index.ph ... r-fs9-fsx/

http://library.avsim.net/search.php?Sea ... &Go=Search

http://www.fs2000.org/2013/09/02/fsx-cockpit-sound-v2/

http://www.douglassdawson.ca/

With cockpit sounds I get audible feedback when knobs are turned, switches are clicked or from various other functions such as the parking brake being applied. If I get in a plane that doesn't have this I always wonder just what the problem is. I use AP Chart prior to landing and for taxiing. I can get info on an airports elevation, runway and taxiway layout and other info without having to pause a flight to get needed info from the map or elsewhere. If I had an airport diagram for the airport that I could easily refer to I wouldn't need it. And what I especially like is that it shows the parking locations. It's really annoying when I take a left taxiway and then discover that the parking is to the right. There is one problem with AP Chart, On initial use it builds a database of all the current FSX info, default or newly added. However,he database will not be built with newer versions of windows. I did find a workaround. By starting Windows in Safe Mode the database builds just fine. So I go into Safe mode, load the database, exit Windows and then start it normally. If a new airport is added, in order For AP Chart to show the new data this has to be repeated. This database building is only required once unless the data needs to be updated.
What's your take on all of this?
Jim F.

[BobF]

Thanks Jim. It's GREAT!!!

I have added an AP Chart Viewer icon from AVSIM (Opa), GPS, map, kneeboard, atc, and radio simicons to the 2d panel. I also added a landing gear selector, gear in transit and three green gear indicators, light switches for the bcn, landing, Nav and panel lights. In addition I have made three camera definitions (tail, right wing and left wing views). I really do appreciate your help on this project.

Is there any way to decrease the cockpit engine sounds as it drowns out your great cockpit sounds? I know I can decrease it within FSX but if I do that all my other planes would have too low cabin audio. Regards, Bob.