ShaneG's adventures in Gmax

[ShaneG_old]

I want to install Gmax & the SDK's from FS9 & FSX.

[Travis]

Shane, you can install Gmax and the SDK's for either sim at any time.  FS installation has no bearing on the design program.

The SDK you install determines the way Gmax runs.  You can (apparently) have a way to run Gmax for both FS9 and FSX conversions.

[Fr. Bill]

You need only ONE installation of GMax v1.2...

You can add any or all of the SDK's export tools in separate folders within GMax, in a ..\gamepacks folder.  As you can clearly see from the screenshot below, I have SDK gamepacks installed for FS2002, FS2004, FS2004 Scenery, and FSX.

As you add the SDK export tools to the ..\GMax\gamepacks folder, there will be a desktop icon file in each of the SDK tool folders, which you should then right-click and "Send To the Desktop."  To start GMax, choose the Desktop icon for the version of the FS you wish to use, so the correct gmax.ini and plugin.ini files will be used to pre-configure GMax automatically.  ;)

[ShaneG_old]

Thank you both, and thanks for the excellent screen shot, that will help a lot.  :)

I'm ready to take the plunge.

[ShaneG_old]

I may be jumping the gun here, but I'm trying to export a simple model into FS9, that I created in Gmax by following the tutorials.

I've done this so far:

[quote]
- go to gamepacks > fs2004 > plugins. And copy all 3 files: 'FSModelExp.dle', 'makemdl.exe' and 'makemdl.parts.xml' to your main ../gmax/plugins folder.

- Right click on 'makemdl.exe' and rename it to to 'mkmdl.exe'. Then right click on 'makemdl.parts.xml' and rename it to 'mkmdl.parts.xml' (without the quotes).

- copy 'mdlcommander.exe' to your main ../gmax/plugins folder. This file also needs to be renamed. Right click on 'mdlcommander.exe' and rename it to 'makem.exe'.

7. Finally, unzip 'Middleman13beta3.zip'. Then copy 'makemdl.exe' to your main ../gmax/plugins folder.

convert

[Travis]

You have collocated vertices.  This means you have to find each part that the error message mentions and make a note of it.  Then go back to Gmax and find the first one of those parts.  Go to vertex edit and select all of the vertices (click and drag).  Now scroll down on the right-hand menu until you see "Weld" followed by two buttons labeled "Selected" and "Target".  Next to "Selected", enter 0.01 and then click the button.  Now repeat these steps for all parts mentioned in the error message.

MakeMDL is finding several vertices in the same spot, or in close enough proximity to each other that it can't draw the faces necessary to make them connect in FS.  What you are doing is combining the close vertices into a single vertex.  The weld number of "0.01" is referring to 0.01 units of measurement that you are using.  I'm guessing you are modeling in feet.  So 0.12 inches.  This is the slash and dash method, since it moves the vertices around a bit.  But for the purposes of learning, this will enable you to get your project in FS.

[Alejandro Rhodes]

For FS9-SDK and someone Who's Bearly learning how to export for the first time Gmax and modeling etc

I find less complicated this way

I install Gmax
I instal "fs2004_sdk_gmax_setup.exe"

     

I set up in Meters like this

In Customize/Preferences

     

then I check this in Customize /units set up



     

     

I think there is no vertices conflict there

[Fr. Bill]

Many years ago I created a "Plug-n-Play" .zip package containing everything needed for FS2004 export using MiddleMan and ModelCommander.

Write to me directly at n4gix@comcast.net and I'll send it to you. I promise it will remove all frustrations from the export process...

May I ask why you are wanting to compile the X file manually? It truly is not necessary and only complicates matters immensely.

[Alejandro Rhodes]

May I ask why you are wanting to compile the X file manually?

I was asking the same exact question ,why making things so complicated and less while you are learning?


I just grab this file (random) from adopt a design as to give you an example

http://www.simviation.com/adoptfsc.htm




in less than 3 minutes

I had it in Gmax ,then I use FS9-SDK tools and

Whala

[ShaneG_old]

Hello all, thanks for the replies.

I'm not sure as to any other way other than what I've been able to dig up on the net.

This is what I've been using to figure some things out:

http://www.fsdeveloper.com/wiki/index.p ... for_FS2004

http://www.3drad.com/forum/index.php?topic=577.0



I've only done the getting started tutorials and I made the mace, and just wanted to see if I could export it to the game.

I thought if I could just get that far before I had to come and ask the same questions that have been asked a million times, it would show how serious I am about learning how to do this.

[ShaneG_old]

This feels good!

Start small, and grow from there.







Just made a box, and used the makemdl from the SDK, and there she is!

 

[ShaneG_old]

And I made a "True FSX" Flying box as well.  ;D

[scalper_old]

Wow so smooth and green. looks like she flys better then my brick.

[ShaneG_old]

Wow so smooth and green. looks like she flys better then my brick.

When I woke up this morning, Gmax and the SDKs were not installed on my computer, and I've never used them before.

And less than 12 hours later, I have made flying boxes...

My level of pride and feelings of accomplishment are through the roof right now.

Try it, and you'll understand why.

[scalper_old]

I know its hard. very nice start. put some wing and wheels on her now.. and a lego prop. lol.. looks like you will be starting a new hobbie.