X-File

[Matrix]

I've recently started to design my very first aircraft using Gmax, but I'm having trouble exporting it and creating the aircraft. It isn't a very detailed model (it's just a box with a couple of wings). I've tried using MakeMdl but it needs an "X-Flie." The read-me file that came with it said that Gmax would be able the export a project in this kind of format then just use MakeMdl to create a .mdl flie.

[garymbuska]

Do you have the game pack files for GMAX. you need a gamepack file for each type of sim you want to design for.

[Sterk]

Yes,when you install gamepack,you dont have to export to .x file,Gmax exports models directly to .mdl...

[FSEdge]

Yes,when you install gamepack,you dont have to export to .x file,Gmax exports models directly to .mdl...

Just an FYI,
Gmax has nothing to do with the creation of the MDL format. The plugin FSModelEXP.dle is there to take care of this. It reads the *.gmax format and converts it to X file format. MakeMDL opens and converts the X format to *.MDL.

With the default installation of the FSModelEXP.dle and MakeMDL.exe, the X file is trashed when all the data has been read by MakeMDL leaving you with no proof the X file ever existed. If it's desired to keep the X file, then other utilities are needed in the export pipe that allow for this to happen such as MDLCommander and Middleman. MDLCommander is really all that's needed to allow the capture of the X file for later use with MakeMDL but has a better GUI when combined with Middleman.

FSEdge

[Sterk]

Mmm.o.k...May be you are right,then explain me such a thing:
When you export,say from 3D studio max to x.file it takes some time(a good few seconds depends on how model compicated is)And then you load x file into makemdl wich compiles it.When you export from Gmax to mdl right after clicking on word "export"  mdl compiling process starts.So the questions is when gmax creates x file?Is gmax so fast that it creates x file in less then a second and you even dont see it?

Anyway,lets say gmax really creates x file before compiling(although I dont think so).So If you have gamepack installed do you need to deal with x files?
No,you dont,right?

So if somebody has gmax and makemdl and dont have gamepack he cant create x file using gmax to load it into makemdl.But if he has gamepack he never need to deal with x files,so what's the point?

[Felix/FFDS]

Gmax model to *.mdl is:

gmax+FSModelEXP.dle = (temporary) x file

(temporary) x file + makemdl.exe = *.mdl

(temporary) x file gets deleted after processing.


When you put middlman into the picture you can capture and save the x file.  There may be instances (especially for FS2002) where some direct manipulation of the x file may be useful.

*In general* most people will not need to manipulate the x file from gmax.

[FSEdge]

Mmm.o.k...May be you are right,then explain me such a thing:
When you export,say from 3D studio max to x.file it takes some time(a good few seconds depends on how model compicated is)And then you load x file into makemdl wich compiles it.When you export from Gmax to mdl right after clicking on word "export"  mdl compiling process starts.So the questions is when gmax creates x file?Is gmax so fast that it creates x file in less then a second and you even dont see it?

When the Export option is selected in Gmax, watch the progression bar at the bottom of the Gmax GUI. This is the time when Gmax is talking to FSModelEXP.dle and converting the *.gmax source to X file format. Depending on the complexity of the *.gmax source will determine how long it takes the progression bar to complete ( this will be typical as to what you see in 3D Max ). When the *.gmax source has been fully converted to an X file, the plugin, FSModelEXP.dle will call MakeMDL.exe and automatically force it to run without any further input form the user.

Anyway,lets say gmax really creates x file before compiling(although I dont think so).

Although you don

[Matrix]

Thanks for your help. I went to the Microsoft web site and downloaded the FS2004 gamepack, and now when I go to export my model gmax allows me to export it into a .MDL file.

One more question: Now that I have a working model what else do I have to do to be able to use it in FS2004?

[FSEdge]

One more question: Now that I have a working model what else do I have to do to be able to use it in FS2004?

You can find help on aircraft installation here. And also go back to the FS2004 supplement site and down load the Aircraft Container SDK too. It will cover the ins and outs as well.

FSEdge