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Convert Wizard

arno

arno

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Hi all,

I have added a new feature to the development release today, the convert wizard.

This function makes it even easier to convert and place an object into Flight Simulator. I have added this feature mainly with the novice developer in mind. Somebody who just wants to add a few objects to Flight Simulator. Even for such a task multiple tools are often needed. You might model it in SketchUp, then you convert it to a MDL file with ModelConverterX, place it in a library with Library Creator XML and finally position it at the correct location with WhisPlacer. That are quite some tools for such a simple task.

With this feature I have tried to reduce the amount of tools neeed. So ModelConverterX can place the object as well at a certain location and directly put the BGL file and the textures in your scenery project.

I have made a demonstration video to show you how this new feature works. Feel free to try it and give me feedback on how to make it even more user friendly. I know there are still some rough edges in this feature, which I hope to iron out in the coming weeks.
 
WOW!!! The master wizard does it again.

Thanks Arno for a really useful tool.

David
 
Arno,...

Nice Feature!! I'm sure it will be used by not just the newbies as well...

Are you going to make this tutorial available to download as well?
 
Hi,

I will probably put this short demo on the Wiki as well. Or I will make a new one in a couple of weeks when the feature is more mature :).
 
Hi,

I have a question about how you are placing the object. Is this object placed in a library and then the object is placed (all in the same BGL file) or is the MDL file placed directly?

I have no preference, but am just curious. If placed directly it would be nice to have Library Creator built into MCX too. :)

Thanks,
 
Hi Tom,

tgibson said:
I have a question about how you are placing the object. Is this object placed in a library and then the object is placed (all in the same BGL file) or is the MDL file placed directly?

I have no preference, but am just curious. If placed directly it would be nice to have Library Creator built into MCX too. :)
Click to expand...

The wizard uses the new BGLWriter I have added to ModelConverterX. What it basically does is export a MDL object (using the existing MDLWriter for FSX or FS2004). It also makes a XML file that loads this MDL file and does the positioning. The BGL is made by compiling that XML file.

So for the moment it is placement and object in one BGL file. If you don't do the placement you would get a library indeed.

Integrating the Library Creator tool into ModelConverterX is on my todo list already. I just need to do some more thinking about how that can best be done. I'll probably start a thread about that soon.
 
Why can't I see the video? I've tried with IE and Firefox and the video will not start.

Edit. I can see it on my W7 system but not on my XP system :confused:
 
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Hmm, I'm also using IE8.

Edit. I can see it on my W7 system but not on my XP system :confused:
 
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