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Making VC transparent

T

Tomlin

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8
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us-georgia
Hi all

I've been working on a project that requires the Virtual Cockpit to not be commented out, but because the project is being used in a full scale cockpit, we need to not have the VC showing (as if it were commented out using //).

Is there a way to modify the VC textures so that they are transparent?

OR

Does anyone have an idea on how to retain the programming of the VC (this is where the aircraft's logic lies according to the developer, who suggested I visit here) but not have the VC obstructing the view?

Thank you

Eric T
 
I am no expert by any stretch...what about deleting the vc in the panel folder. The logic is in the model isn't it? Or am I all wet and "shut my mouth LOL"
 
Well, deleting the VC would be about the same as commenting it out. The commenting it out prevents it from displaying, and per the developer the logic is in the VC, not the model. So, I do not think that would work.
 
Depending on how the model uses alpha channels, you may be able to locate certain parts on the texture maps that you don't want to be visible, then use a program like DXTBMP to import a pure black bitmap into the alpha. If that doesn't work, I don't know what else you could do...
 
Well, you could simply move your [eyepoint] just enough to be slightly ahead of the aircraft. Of course, it would still be behind you, but if you don't turn your head...
 
I could do that Bill, but what's the point of trying to fly the thing with the wrong POV? It'd be silly to build a full scale cockpit only to have the POV shifted way out in front of the actual aircraft.

Thanks for the idea though, it's appreciated.
 
Well then, the only other alternative would be to ask the developer to build an "empty" interior model, while keeping the "logic" intact.
 
Thanks Bill. He and I are in contact, but was just hoping to keep him out of the equation only because he's already delivered a great product.

Best,
 
Did you try the black alpha channels mentioned above? Probably won't work at night, though.
 
Hi Tom

No, I've not tried it because 1) I do not have a clue how to do that sorta stuff :-) and 2) the developer tends to think it probably will not work either. Here was his thoughts:

"Hi Eric. I am almost positive that this method won't work, simply because for FSX to even recognize that there's an alpha channel present at all you have to specify it in the material in 3DS Max. Telling FSX to look for an alpha channel in the texture when there isn't one is an easy way to waste processor time, so I only specified it in materials where there actually was alpha data. You're welcome to try, but I wouldn't get hopes up, sorry."

Thoughts?

By the way, this is for the Lotus Sim L39 Albatross.
 
If you are in touch with the developer, can't he export a quick model without a VC? That's pretty easy. If not, find a native FSX model (which has separate exterior and VC models) and eliminate the VC model in the model folder.
 
Have you tried deleting the textures for the VC?

Generally speaking, if FSX can't find a texture it just won't draw the part at all.

Exception to this is in DX10 mode where a default FS10 texture is used instead.

That's a quick and dirty way of doing things.

I know the Lotus Sim L39 and indeed a lot of the logic would be encoded into the animations in the VC parts so I imagine deleting the VC would cause problems.
 
Anthony31 said:
Have you tried deleting the textures for the VC?

Generally speaking, if FSX can't find a texture it just won't draw the part at all.

Exception to this is in DX10 mode where a default FS10 texture is used instead.

That's a quick and dirty way of doing things.

I know the Lotus Sim L39 and indeed a lot of the logic would be encoded into the animations in the VC parts so I imagine deleting the VC would cause problems.
Click to expand...

Every time one of my models is missing its texture, the object drawn pure black in FS, not invisible. It's worth a try, though...
 
I am almost certain is will be drawn black as I've seen that before but I will give it a try. Thanks! You guys have been really helpful. The fact that this aircraft is wonderful as-is and was never designed for what I'm trying to do is not lost on me, it's just that I would at least make a good go of it before giving up. Thanks again.
 
There was a C150 cockpit builder who was able to convince the developers to sell him a specially modified no VC model of the aircraft. MAybe you could contact the developers and work out a similar deal.
 
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