3DS Max Setup Tutorial

[lionheart]

Hey all,

I am thinking of going to 3DS Max. (yep....)

I have a couple of questions. If I go to this extreme measure and get such a wild design package, is there a setup tutorial somewhere for Max users to setup their rig for exporting to FSX?

Second.. What is the last version that works for FSX? Would it be Max 8 or Max 9?


I am considering the 'finance' package of Max to get me going. I am not a student, so I cant see getting that. It would be a lie. I am a student of life and God, but not a college student.

If only they had sales like PCAviator.... (Half off Tuesdays!! Get it now while supplies last!)

:d

[n4gix]

Max9 is the last of the "supported" versions, afiak. You will have a very tough time finding that version for (legal) sale, as Autodesk seems to remove all but the latest version from sales.

As for setting Max7/8/9 up for use with FSX, the "tutorial" is called the FSX SDK, particularly the (sub)document named: "Using Modeling Tools."

[AndyE1976]

eBay is a good source for 3DS Max 9, either the student version or the full one.

I got the student package from there, which I'm comfortable using simply because it is not possible to buy a full version from Autodesk that can be used for FSX design.

[lionheart]

Thanks guys.

Andy,

I thought Max didnt allow sales of their Max packages. If that is not the case, I will definately look there. But I swear I heard that they sell it once only.



Bill

[lionheart]

I cant believe all the Max's for sale at Ebay.... This is hard to believe.

I purchased a download only version from a software outlet. They say they are legitimate. I cant believe this....


Bill

[lionheart]

Just out of curiosity Bill, can you or do you use Max to export to FS9? Is there a way, an exporter for Max9 for FS9?



I have purchased a download only version, and its running on my rig now. I cant believe it.... Speechless....




Bill

[FelixFFDS]

I still say that your best bet is to model in Max, export as 3DS and import into gmax, finish and tweak, compile to FS9.

Originally Posted by lionheart

Just out of curiosity Bill, can you or do you use Max to export to FS9? Is there a way, an exporter for Max9 for FS9?



I have purchased a download only version, and its running on my rig now. I cant believe it.... Speechless....




Bill

[lionheart]

Originally Posted by FelixFFDS

I still say that your best bet is to model in Max, export as 3DS and import into gmax, finish and tweak, compile to FS9.

Roger that Felix.

Its coming back to me now, people talking about Panda exporters and things.

I have brought in tons of files that were 3DS format and finished to Gmax format.

So... We need a compiler for Max as well as Gmax for FS9... lol.. There must be someone that can do this in this great, huge planet. Aces surely cant be the only ones that can make a compiler.

By the way, what is the name of their new design group called?


Bill

[n4gix]

You most likely got that "download only" version from the same outfit in China that Felix asked about about six months ago...

[n4gix]

Originally Posted by lionheart

Just out of curiosity Bill, can you or do you use Max to export to FS9? Is there a way, an exporter for Max9 for FS9?

One of the ACES guys sent me an FS9 export module that he said they used in their studio with Max7,8,9 but I never managed to get it to load at all, and of course they are all gone now...

[lionheart]

Just installing the compiler pack into 3DS Max 9 and its not working. DLE is not supported, as 3DS states during reboot after setting up the Customize System Path. (In the SDK, they say;

Install and run 3ds Max® 7.
Select Customize on the main menu.
Select Customize Paths from the drop-down menu, then the Plug-ins tab from the Configure Paths.
Select Add, and then browse to the Microsoft Flight Simulator X SDK\SDK\Environment Kit\Modeling SDK\3DSM7\Plugins folder.
Select Use-Path and OK, and this path will appear in the dialog.
It is now necessary to shutdown and restart 3ds Max®.
On restarting, a new main menu item named FS Tools should appear, with drop down options for: AttachPointTool, LODNameTool, AnimationManager and FSCloudTool.

There isnt just a 'Configure Paths', only 'Configure User Paths' and 'Configure System Paths' routes.

If anyone has installed the FSX SDK into 3DS Max 9, I would be greatful to know how you did it.

Originally Posted by n4gix

One of the ACES guys sent me an FS9 export module that he said they used in their studio with Max7,8,9 but I never managed to get it to load at all, and of course they are all gone now...

We MUST get that working Fr. Bill!



Ive been so busy finishing up my present bird in Gmax that I really havent had a chance to play much with Max. Very nice system. I am very impressed. I am presently learning all the new shortcuts for it...



Bill

[capt_x]

"Configure system paths..." is indeed the way to go.

Originally Posted by lionheart

Select Add, and then browse to the Microsoft Flight Simulator X SDK\SDK\Environment Kit\Modeling SDK\3DSM7\Plugins folder.

Make sure to browse into the SDK's "\Modeling SDK\3DSM9\Plugins"-folder, as just marking it is not enough. I think that was the crucial point on this one...

Cheers

[lionheart]

Roger that,

Thanks Felix.

EDIT: Tried that also, no joy. Tried ticking 'Add Subpaths', also no joy. Keeps saying the SDK files werent made for that version of Max. My Max states that its Max 9, so I should be OK, shouldnt I?

[n4gix]

Are you sure it is Max 9 and not Max 2009? They are not the same at all...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3ds_Max_release_history

Max 5 - July 2002
Max 6 - July 2003
Max 7 - August 2004
Max 8 - September 2005
Max 9 - October 2006
Max 2008 (v10) - October 2007
Max 2009 (v11) - April 2008
Max 2010 (v12) - April 18, 2009

[capt_x]

Hi Bill,

Your splash screen should show this:

and your config should look like this:

and you should be ready to go.

[Heretic]

Bill: http://www.fsdeveloper.com/forum/sho...ht=paths+tools

[lionheart]

Are you sure it is Max 9 and not Max 2009? They are not the same at all...

N4gix

Dang....

I have Max 2009....! I have the wrong one...

<--- bangs head on wall

[n4gix]

Originally Posted by lionheart

Dang....

I have Max 2009....! I have the wrong one...

<--- bangs head on wall

Oh man, that's rough! Unfortunately, Max 2008 (v10) is the last one that doesn't require recompiling the export module...

[lionheart]

Yes.. Very rough.


I went into Ebay just now and looked around and it looks like the house was cleaned... One Max9 students edition, packaged, in the box, and thats it.

How on Earth do I make a students edition permanent if Autodesk no longer sells it? Can I purchase a activation code from them for it?



Bill

[n4gix]

Probably. They would have to honor your purchase and activation request, assuming of course that it is a legitimate copy...

I just managed to get Max9 installed this evening, after having had -and not really used- Max8 for several years...

I opened a model that Ron sent to me for evaluation, only to find that the modeler (whom I will NOT name) is one of "those folks" who don't bother naming parts as they create them...

There are about 2500 parts in this file with such helpful names as:

Box01---> Box122
ChamferBox01 ---> ChamferBox03
ChamferCyl01 ---> ChamferCyl05
Circle02 ---> Circle54
Cylinder01 ---> Cylinder483
Line01 ---> Line81
Object01 ---> Object586

...well, you get the picture. It would be a nightmare and take months to go through this mish-mash of un-named parts just to get started... <sigh>