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Post by spad54 on Feb 23, 2006 16:27:04 GMT -5
Who is working on what and who would like advice or help with a project of any type?
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Post by sgtmajor on Feb 23, 2006 21:51:59 GMT -5
Spad 54 & Gil.... first and foremost let me say "Thank You" for taking the time to start up this forum. What a generous offer.... however, I shouldn't be surprised.... I've been flying your generosity for the past year now. (smile)
Next week expect some questions from me as I have the entire...well.... most of the week off.
I have so many questions I guess I really don't know exactly where to begin. I suppose the first thing would be to find an aircraft..... something of a simple design.... and then maybe work through the tutorials??
I haven't purchased... or upgraded to FSDS3.... but do have FSDS2. I'll be honest.... I purchased FSDS2 and became somewhat overwhelmed and it pretty much got shelved after that. HOWEVER.... with that being said and you guys being the "Masters" (Smile) .... if you think there is enough of a "learning curve" difference with version 3 to make it easier to understand and learn... please don't hesitate to say the word.
Okay..... between now and next week... I'll try to find me an aircraft to model..... better yet...... let me start with a hanger or something simple.... and then I'll go from there.
Again..... I can't thank you enough for taking your time to help us untalented folks along. (smile)
Many best wishes,
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Post by greybeardgil on Feb 24, 2006 9:40:54 GMT -5
Hi Steve!.....I myself see no real need to upgrade to FSDS-3 ....as of yet anyways...Lol!....FSDS-2 has offered everything that we have needed so far . It is our pleasure to help in anyway anyone who decides to join the FS9 modeling world as we are all going to benefit from more enthusiasts. However I would not even say we are Masters at anything yet as we are always learning more ourselves with each and every new project. No doubt about it that no matter what program chosen be it FSDS or GMAX it is awfully overwhelming at first glance,my advice is to start simple but only after practicing with the tutortorials as it is they which allow the user to really learn and understand the programs fundamentals.Also when time to choose a aeroplane to model make sure you can find one that has good 3 view drawing and specs as it definitly makes the construction that much more easier!....Best Gil
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Post by spad54 on Feb 24, 2006 14:55:02 GMT -5
I agree with Gil and will expand on his thooughts by saying that before trying to build anything, do all the tutorials that are provided. Yes some are boring, but each demonstrates a function that is essential to modeling.
As people begin projects and begin asking questions perhaps we can begin to develop our our "step by step" guides to certain challenges in model development.
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Post by smyers on Feb 24, 2006 15:41:29 GMT -5
Hello, All,
The major difference, in my experience, is that -3 can use the export to *.x file capability, and uses MakeMDL to build the *.mdl file. Designing in -3 is almost exactly like -2.x. Reflective textures now need a specific suffix (_T) in order to work with MakeMDL. There is a Boolean tool available and other enhancements. I wonder if MakeMDL will be a requirement for future FS versions.
smyers
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Post by sgtmajor on Feb 24, 2006 20:56:10 GMT -5
Thanks guys..... I think I will go ahead and upgrade to version 3 after all..... might as well start fresh. (smile) Steve..... sure good to see you posting here also....... Gil... Spad54.... you..... All my hero's in one spot. (smile) Your Davis is STILL.... one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES!!!!! Even though made for FS2002.... seems to fly nicely in 2004. Okay...... got a busy weekend ahead of me but hopefully I can find the time to start getting through the tutorials etc. (might have to give up one of the naps..........>grin< Best wishes,
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Post by smyers on Feb 25, 2006 0:25:45 GMT -5
Hello, Again, Everyone,
It's my pleasure, Steve, I'm glad people still fly the old bird. I think you'll find FSDS-3 much like -2. Should be a seamless transition unless you're in the middle or close to finishing a project with a lot of reflective textures. They'll have to be renamed with the _T suffix, and parts will have to be reassigned their textures. That may be difficult, if not impossible if you've split, rotated, joined parts and used other tricks to assign textures to parts. I don't know of an easy method to deal with this. You may also loose FSDS-2's 3D window (upper right) due to a Direct X issue. I couldn't fix it on my PC, though others have. If you're starting a new project, though, you should have no problems. Just stay with -3 and don't look back.
Best, smyers
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Post by spad54 on Feb 25, 2006 15:43:08 GMT -5
Steve could you post a shot of the interface and do you thgink FSDS 3 will be required to design for FSX?
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Post by smyers on Feb 25, 2006 16:21:51 GMT -5
OK, Spad, I'll work on that today. As far as FSDS-3 and MakeMDL being a requirement, it's just an assumtion. I don't have any privileged knowledge on the subject. It just seems odd that FSDS-3 now incorporates *.x file capability and uses the MakeMDL, which I believe is straight out of the G-Max "how to" book. I'm not G-Max literate, but that's how I remember it. If so, it would allow FSDS users to continue with their tool of choice, and not be coereced into using an FS proprietary tool (G-Max), I hope. I for one don't have the time or energy to learn another design tool, at this point. The FS10 forums seem to focus on new features and screenshot previews right now, understandably. What FS10 will mean for object builders, I'm not sure, hope it'll be good news. Anyone else know?
Best smyers
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Post by smyers on Feb 25, 2006 20:47:08 GMT -5
OK, Everyone, I'll try and post some pics of the FSDS-3 interface. I think you'll find it very similar to FSDS-2. Here's the main screen with a project open... Pretty much like FSDS-2. After you're done building whatever parts you're working on, export your model to an *.x file in your FSDS\Project\* folder. It's under the "File" pulldown. Notice that there's a seperate *.x file for the VC (interior). When you build your VC, save it as an *.x file too. Here's the MakeMDL dialogue box that opens on your desktop from outside FSDS-3... You can let FSDS-3 build the *.mdl itself, but I don't think you'll like the results. The WeldPoints feature will see any points closer than 4mm, or so, together as colocated and weld them together. Not a pretty sight. You'll have to check or uncheck Options each time you compile. They don't save. You can compile *.x files seperately, if you like, but compiling the main *.x will compile every subordinate *.x file as well. Save the *.mdl to your FS9 (or FSGW3)\ Aircraft\* folder. The *.mdl overwrites each time. It's really pretty easy once you get used to it. How's that, Paul, for a first pass? Best, smyers
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Post by spad54 on Feb 26, 2006 11:22:14 GMT -5
This just the kind of stuff we need to help people get started and I think a few are purchasing FSDS 3 as I type. Loks like Steve may be our resident 3 guru! I'm not following the *.x file format. Is that the format for the uncompiled model? I notice that there is an input/output box in the make mdl screen. How difficult is it to convert files from FSDS 2 to 3. Be a shame to loose the ability to access my parts bin in the process Oh and by the way that OTW is looking pretty good there!
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Post by smyers on Feb 26, 2006 14:00:56 GMT -5
Thanks, Paul, I'll do my best re FSDS-3, though guru may be a bit of an overstatement!
The *.x file does seem to be the uncompiled model. After saving your project as *.x, you compile with MakeMDL. The idea, I think, is to be able to check or uncheck various options under the Options tab or the LOD tab, depending on your requirements. You can let FSDS-3 build the *.mdl itself, it uses MakeMDL transparently, I believe, but the default MakeMDL options are not always what you want. There's still the "Create FS Object File>Aircraft File (mdl)..." in the File pulldown. The problem with that is WeldPoints will be "on" and HasReflectMap will be "off" in MakeMDL. All your reflective textures will be transparent! When you've done some building in FSDS, go to File>Export as *.x File, then exit FSDS-3, open MakeMDL, find your *.x file (Input File), find your *.mdl (Output File), make sure your desired options are checked (or not checked) under Options, then click Start. When you see "Done", exit MakeMDL and try your aircraft in FS or GW3. It's a few extra clicks, but you'll get used to it very quickly.
I've had no problems using parts from past projects, as long as those parts do not have reflective textures. MakeMDL will see FSDS-2 style reflective textures as transparent. All reflective textures must have the "_T" suffix, eg: Chrome_T.bmp or whatever. Then be sure you check "HasReflectMap" in MakeMDL. Just adding the _T won't work in FSDS-3, either. Adding the suffix renames the texture, which has to be added to the Texture List, meaning it's now a new texture that has to be reassigned to all the parts that use it. Next to impossible in many cases, depending on how you texture parts. So, you'll be able to open your old projects in the new FSDS-3, but MakeMDL will ruin your old-style reflective textures. With reflective textures, it's best just to start fresh. Sorry to ramble, everyone, but I found this out the hard way. With a new project, you'll be in great shape.
Best To All, smyers
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Post by greybeardgil on Feb 26, 2006 15:57:17 GMT -5
Steve I for 1 am drooling over your Meyers OTK!!!....Looks Great as always!
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Post by smyers on Feb 26, 2006 16:36:35 GMT -5
Thanks, greybeardgil, Hope I don't have the bad luck as with the RNF and Fleet16b. So far, so good, though miles to go. Here's a sneak peek... Best, smyers
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Post by spad54 on Feb 26, 2006 18:46:07 GMT -5
Definately one to look forward to!
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