How to create new lights (beacons/strobes/etc.)??

[Ottopilot]

Haven't been able to find an answer to this question via "search", so I'm hoping someone here could point me in the right direction.  

I'm using Autodesk VIZ--->gmax to create new scenery for FS9.  So far, so good, as far as putting my new buildings where they're supposed to go.  

It was relatively easy to add lights to a building in FS2002 Pro because all you had to do was name the material (ex. a sphere) with the proper label and, voila, you've got a nice light on your building.  Now apparently you have to use the "attach" tool macro script whatchamacallit and that has me stumped.  >:(

I've read the document on how to use the attach tool but it's pretty vague, at best.  I got as far as creating an "empty", as per the instructions...and drew a blank.  

Any tips or pointers?

[garymbuska]

GMAX has a good tutorial on how to do that even I thought that was not that hard seemed pretty straight forward. I tried to make the airplane using the tutorial and that one threw me for a loop. There is a lot to learn about GMAX I just wish it was a little easier to grasp.

[Ottopilot]

I'm fairly comfortable with gmax Gary but haven't been able to figure out how to put a beacon/strobe light on a building and make it "light up" in FS9.  

Maybe I shouldn't be trying to attach an "empty" but rather an "effect"?  I've been digging through other forums and am gradually putting the puzzle together.  Just haven't quite got there yet...

If...no, when I do, I'll post the procedure here in case anyone else is having the same difficulty.  

[Al___FR-153]

Hi Ottopilot,

It is an effect.  at least if you are talking about an obstruction light atop a building or antenna.  You have to build an object in GMAX for the effect and then attach the effect to it.  It is actually pretty cool...  You can make an obstruction light with multiple parts such as the lens (in red metal so that it looks more like glass), the base and even the protective basket with ribs and bars and holes in it to allow the light through.  In the center, make a box and assign the special effect to it...Bingo, you have a very realistic looking obstruction light, the size you want, and it blinks.  

[Ottopilot]

[quote]Hi Ottopilot,

It is an effect.

[Wing Nut]

Otto, Roger mole has a small design program in the downloads section that will allow you to place objects in FS2004.  There are several lights and markers among the objects in his list.  I would suggest giving that one a try...

You can find it HERE