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FSX Models

F

ferrari308guy

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unitedstates
Hi,

I have this program called Solidworks, it's a 3D CAD development program. If I were to create an airplane model in this program, does anybody know if there is a way to convert the exported model to a format where it would work in FSX. My gut feeling is no, because it's not a strict modeling program like Gmax, but I thought I would ask anyway.

Thanks for any help.
Ferrari
 
Most likely, not unless the program supports the .X file format for exporting, and even then a LOT of additional MetaData would have to be added by hand...

...also, no FSX Materials or XML animations would be possible... :eek:
 
Hey Ferrari,

Gmax is pretty easy to pick up. You might be able to figure a way to export it into Gmax so at least your mesh is in there, then Map the textures on, animate it, and export to FS.


<--- used to work at the Ferrari dealership in Scottsdale. Love the ole 308's. Especially the 348 TB's! Boxers were really the thing though back then in the 80's.




Bill
 
Thanks guys.

I have tried to get into Gmax several times, but my computer has issues with it. The screen randomly turns white at times when I click. People told me it was the way I seletected the Driver for Gmax (Open GL, DirectX). However, none of the driver settings worked for me. If you have heard of this before, or possibly know a way to fix it, please let me know, as I am still interested in learning Gmax.

Ferrari
 
The white flashing you see is related to vista and how it has problems with incremental screen update with open gl applications. i just ignore it.
 
To get rid of the white flashing in Vista you might try the following:

Install the gmax as administrator.

Go to your gmax folder and right click on gmax.exe.

Choose Properties, and then Compatibility.

Check (1) the XP compatibility box, (2) the box deactivate desk top composition and (3) run as administrator.

For me it works with OpenGL, DirectX as well as Heidi drivers.

Peter
 
Could one of you tell me how I actually export models from Gmax so they work in FSX. I couldn't find anything in the SDK about Make MDL, or a plug-in for Gmax.

Thanks,
Ferrari
 
Hi Ferrari,

The information is in fact in the SDK, in the document "Using Modeling Tools": Setup, gmax.

You should copy the folder "FSX_GmaxGamePack" found in "...\SDK\Environment Kit\Modeling SDK" to your gmax folder. Start gmax from the short cut in that folder and you will be presented with the necessary options.

When ready for export assign a friendly name and a GUID using FS Tools-->LodNameTool from the main menu. The File-->export, change the file type to "mdl", enter a name, press ok and you will be presented with a self explanatory dialogue box.

You now have a mdl file. Place it using a library+placement file or a combination bgl.

Peter
 
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