• Which the release of FS2020 we see an explosition of activity on the forun and of course we are very happy to see this. But having all questions about FS2020 in one forum becomes a bit messy. So therefore we would like to ask you all to use the following guidelines when posting your questions:

    • Tag FS2020 specific questions with the MSFS2020 tag.
    • Questions about making 3D assets can be posted in the 3D asset design forum. Either post them in the subforum of the modelling tool you use or in the general forum if they are general.
    • Questions about aircraft design can be posted in the Aircraft design forum
    • Questions about airport design can be posted in the FS2020 airport design forum. Once airport development tools have been updated for FS2020 you can post tool speciifc questions in the subforums of those tools as well of course.
    • Questions about terrain design can be posted in the FS2020 terrain design forum.
    • Questions about SimConnect can be posted in the SimConnect forum.

    Any other question that is not specific to an aspect of development or tool can be posted in the General chat forum.

    By following these guidelines we make sure that the forums remain easy to read for everybody and also that the right people can find your post to answer it.

MSFS20 Problem with flickering textures and transparency through model (MSFS2020)

E

EricFlight

Messages
12
Country
us-massachusetts
I've been at this model for a week (have had problems all along).

This video will show the problems

Please let me know if you can give me any tips on how to not get the textures to be flickering and the model to have transparency. When I import the Collada into ModelConverterX, everything looks good. Textures are in png format and I resized to a power of 2 on every texture. Did not minimize Drawcalls in the video version (didn't work before with drawcalls minimized either)

Thanks in advance

Eric
 
Impossible to solve the problem without the textures and model, preferably the collada model. I doubt it is the textures, but rather the materials.
 
Hi Eric:

Nice model and a great way to 'help us help you'; that saves a lot of typing in a text-oriented forum format. :)

But Dick is correct, we need access to the 3D model with all mapped textures and Material settings as currently built / compiled.


Link to a ZIP on a download server like MediaFire, DropBox, OneDrive, Google etc., and post the link here or via Direct Message


Dick: I wonder, since we see it in MSFS already in your video with the display issues visible, should we instead see his project ?

At least the Package folder would show the current compiled build as a MSFS proprietary glTF with converted texture Materials.


But if he is using Blender, he may have a history for this model involving Blender setup and Material collection conversion issues.

Should he not instead link to a Blender *.blend so Blender experts like yourself can be fully informed with this display anomaly ?

GaryGB
 
Last edited:
KMSV Terminal Model with textures Collada file: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Lnf6cyxElWDFQ_mdgKp9XT692k0EcyM6/view?usp=sharing

I can't take credit for the whole model as it was done by fellow members of the Virtual USA Flying Club. I did the texturing as I am the only member who can attempt MSFS scenery (others are X-Plane users)

We're having our 4th annual virtual airshow so I am in charge of trying to get KMSV up to date (flew out there once in a Piper Warrior). They have a whole new terminal there now.
 
Looks like Blender users are busy at the moment. so I imported the above Collada *.DAE into Sketchup (which I use almost exclusively).

I got "Upside Down - Backwards - Gulliver's Travels". :rotfl:

Kinda' re-positioned it, but have not checked what the correct IRL scale needs to be yet.

I have seen 3D modeling that was purposely scaled up 10x / 100x / 1000x, but never scaled down. :scratchch

I did not use my Universal Importer plugin yet on this latest reinstall of Sketchup 2017, so all bets are off with any conclusions yet.

ericflight_kmsv-terminal-collada-model-1-png.99737



Here is what an older version of MCX renders in 3D preview mode: :oops:

ericflight_kmsv-terminal-collada-model_mcx-png.99738


MCX kinda' puts a new "slant" on things. :)


I'll try this on another computer that has Blender installed; what numeric version of Blender was used for your build linked above ?

GaryGB
 

Attachments

  • EricFlight_KMSV Terminal Collada Model-1.png
    EricFlight_KMSV Terminal Collada Model-1.png
    78.4 KB · Views: 88
  • EricFlight_KMSV Terminal Collada Model_MCX.png
    EricFlight_KMSV Terminal Collada Model_MCX.png
    309.7 KB · Views: 87
Last edited:
I could have flipped it but I just did that in the package editor in MSFS2020...works the same

The model (with textures that did not work for me) was supplied by other club members

I use Blender 3.6 as livery painting doesn't go well on 4.0 and above
 
Last edited:
So, to clarify, what file format was the 3D model loaded from in Blender 3.6 before exported as the above linked Collada *.DAE ?

Was it loaded / exported from a .blend file saved before processed for export as a MSFS SDK glTF via Asobo Blender Exporter ?

GaryGB
 
I was sent an obj file. I converted it to Sketchup and had to redo all the textures as the textures provided didn't work as well as modeling the back porch that was not on the original model. I got it done and looking good and then exported to collada and then tried both Blender and ModelConverterX to make the gtlf format. ModelConverterX was simpler so that's what I was trying to use and then import the gtlf model and textures into my ModelLib folder.
 
OK, I would recommend continuing work with this particular 3D model in Sketchup.

Which numeric version of Sketchup do you use ?


And, yes, I believe your export path to MSFS via MCX will work OK too.

PS: Would you please ZIP and link to the *.OBJ file you were originally sent ?

Since you mentioned X-Plane (although I have not used it in decades), I know from discussions here at FSDEV. that there is an X-Plane SDK OBJ file which is distinct from the well known 3D file exchange format referred to as Light Wave OBJ, that MCX and Sketchup both can work with after import (Sketchup via free Ruby plugin scripts I can point you to).

IIRC, MCX can import X-Plane OBJ files too.

We might achieve quicker and more satisfactory results prepping your 3D model for further export to MSFS SDK glTF format, once we see the (probable) X-Plane) OBJ file.

GaryGB
 
Last edited:
EricFlight said:
The original obj file will not have the porch that I put on in Sketchup after receiving the original but here is the original

SullivanTerminal.zip

drive.google.com drive.google.com
Click to expand...

OK, AFAIK, that would be an X-Plane OBJ file with a PNG Texture Atlas.


I will test re-orienting the Collada 3D model in Sketchup 2017 workspace and positioning centered on the Origin of Axes first.


IIUC, you'd want this properly positioned for MCX to process for correct Normals and other attributes before MSFS glTF export.


It is already rather late in the day (Netherlands) for Arno as author of MCX.

But perhaps tomorrow he can comment on the MCX Material Editor texture Material Properties for your 'transparent' textures.


I may have some further info on this tonight (Sunday USA Central Time).

GaryGB
 
It causes micro-stutters on my computer; but it is 'possible' MSFS will not even hiccup on this complex model geometry:

403652 Edges

127860 Faces

26 Materials


Sketchup plugins and MCX could help make it more FPS efficient for a multiplayer fly-in scenery even in MSFS. :idea:


I would run thomthom's Cleanup3 plugin on it, as it has geometry issues that may cause 'crazy normal' shading in MSFS.

https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=tt_cleanup


BTW: That may need to be run on porch furniture separately grouped to decimate more Faces; otherwise try Smoothing them.


I also suggest using MCX 'DrawCall Minimizer' to optimize this model before export as a MSFS SDK glTF.

GaryGB
 
Last edited:
GaryGB said:
It causes micro-stutters on my computer; but it is 'possible' MSFS will not even hiccup on this complex model geometry:

403652 Edges

127860 Faces

26 Materials


Sketchup plugins and MCX could help make it more FPS efficient for a multiplayer fly-in scenery even in MSFS. :idea:

I suggest using MCX 'DrawCall Minimizer' to optimize this model before export as a MSFS SDK glTF.

GaryGB
Click to expand...
I usually always do minimizer. I also tried to get rid of the extraneous vertex lines when I first got the model. That took me a while as well before I started texturing

Eric
 
Triangulation is mostly fixed by use of thomthom's Cleanup3; some remaining Edges must be manually fixed with Push-Pull, Delete.

If you have not yet registered for the Sketchucation Store (even for free downloads), they are good folks and do not spam you etc..


I just ran thomthom's Cleanup3 plugin on the model after manually fixing the extra Edges on MSV letters; here is the results: ;)

Cleanup Statistics:

> Edges Reduced: 211650
> Faces Reduced: 152
> Purged Components: 0
> Purged Layers: 0
> Purged Materials: 0
> Purged Styles: 0
> Skipped Locked Definitions: 0
> Total Elapsed Time: 6s

Validity Check:

CEdge (10896) and CEdge (10901) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (13610) and CEdge (13636) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (13649) and CEdge (13655) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (31304) and CEdge (31308) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (31528) and CEdge (31533) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (44300) and CEdge (44311) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (58446) and CEdge (58455) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (58566) and CEdge (58570) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (58723) and CEdge (58736) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (68292) and CEdge (68295) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (68348) and CEdge (68353) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (85906) and CEdge (85922) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (86210) and CEdge (86222) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (86219) and CEdge (86231) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (86250) and CEdge (86380) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (86802) and CEdge (87056) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (103012) and CEdge (103015) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (103041) and CEdge (103042) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (103152) and CEdge (103155) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (125668) and CEdge (125720) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (125710) and CEdge (125761) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (125715) and CEdge (125743) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (125718) and CEdge (125731) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (130861) and CEdge (130864) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (131264) and CEdge (131267) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (134885) and CEdge (134888) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (187902) and CEdge (187990) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (188434) and CEdge (188440) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (224156) and CEdge (224225) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (224540) and CEdge (224542) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (224754) and CEdge (224755) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (233484) and CEdge (233542) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (247664) and CEdge (247665) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (247710) and CEdge (247711) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (332822) and CEdge (332823) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (333042) and CEdge (333045) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (336200) and CEdge (336203) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (336960) and CEdge (336962) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (860505) and CEdge (860506) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (860512) and CEdge (860517) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (860537) and CEdge (860540) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (860549) and CEdge (860550) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (889192) and CEdge (889347) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (905312) and CEdge (905313) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (905319) and CEdge (905325) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (905362) and CEdge (905363) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1048372) and CEdge (1048525) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1101520) and CEdge (1101521) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1101527) and CEdge (1101532) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1101552) and CEdge (1101555) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1101564) and CEdge (1101565) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1130207) and CEdge (1130362) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1146327) and CEdge (1146328) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1146334) and CEdge (1146340) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1146377) and CEdge (1146378) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1292156) and CEdge (1292309) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1309975) and CEdge (1310132) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1325718) and CEdge (1325719) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1325768) and CEdge (1325769) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1624473) and CEdge (1624474) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1624480) and CEdge (1624485) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1624505) and CEdge (1624508) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1624517) and CEdge (1624518) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
CEdge (1838342) and CEdge (1838495) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed

It now is somewhat more manageable in Sketchup workspace, but the porch furniture needs decimation inside Groups.

GaryGB
 
Last edited:
I just ran thomthom's Cleanup3 plugin on the porch furniture.

Each was Grouped individually in TopDown View via Left Mouse Hold > Drag-Selection-Rectangle > Right-click > Make Group.

Here is the results for the 2-seater 'couch': ;)

Cleanup Statistics:

> Edges Reduced: 859
> Faces Reduced: 553
> Purged Components: 0
> Purged Layers: 0
> Purged Materials: 0
> Purged Styles: 0
> Skipped Locked Definitions: 0
> Total Elapsed Time: 0s

Results of Validity Check:

CEdge (1893263) and CEdge (1893267) connect the same 2 vertices - fixed
The plane equation for CFace (1911881) is not valid - fixed

Entity CFace (1911881) should be erased - done
The plane equation for CFace (1913155) is not valid - fixed
CLoop (1891432) for CFace (1891429) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (1891429) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (1891429) should be erased - done
The plane equation for CFace (1892670) is not valid - fixed

Entity CFace (1892670) should be erased - done
The plane equation for CFace (1894166) is not valid - fixed
CLoop (1969918) for CFace (1969915) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (1969915) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (1969915) should be erased - done
CLoop (1973375) for CFace (1973372) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (1973372) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (1973372) should be erased - done
CLoop (1973214) for CFace (1973211) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (1973211) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (1973211) should be erased - done
The outer loop for CFace (1936233) is not valid
Entity CFace (1936233) should be erased - done
The outer loop for CFace (1938979) is not valid
Entity CFace (1938979) should be erased - done
CLoop (1940797) for CFace (1940794) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (1940794) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (1940794) should be erased - done
CLoop (1942787) for CFace (1942784) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (1942784) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (1942784) should be erased - done
CLoop (1978326) for CFace (1978323) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (1978323) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (1978323) should be erased - done
The plane equation for CFace (1997657) is not valid - fixed
CLoop (2001877) for CFace (2001874) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (2001874) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (2001874) should be erased - done
CLoop (2018757) for CFace (2018754) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (2018754) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (2018754) should be erased - done
The plane equation for CFace (2019206) is not valid - fixed

Entity CFace (2019206) should be erased - done
CLoop (2024642) for CFace (2024639) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (2024639) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (2024639) should be erased - done
CLoop (2025019) for CFace (2025016) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (2025016) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (2025016) should be erased - done
The plane equation for CFace (2026894) is not valid - fixed
The plane equation for CFace (2031493) is not valid - fixed
CLoop (2033505) for CFace (2033502) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (2033502) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (2033502) should be erased - done
The plane equation for CFace (2040409) is not valid - fixed
CLoop (2041677) for CFace (2041676) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (2041676) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (2041676) should be erased - done
The plane equation for CFace (2042315) is not valid - fixed
The plane equation for CFace (2042464) is not valid - fixed
CLoop (2047373) for CFace (2047374) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (2047374) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (2047374) should be erased - done
CLoop (2047602) for CFace (2047603) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (2047603) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (2047603) should be erased - done
CLoop (2048965) for CFace (2048966) has zero area
Loop 0 of CFace (2048966) is an invalid outer loop
Entity CFace (2048966) should be erased - done
The plane equation for CFace (2063640) is not valid - fixed

It now is even more manageable in Sketchup workspace.

But the rest of porch furniture items still need cleanup inside their own Groups.

GaryGB
 
I could remove the porch furniture items from the model and add them later as separate scenery. I thought about doing that.

Eric
 
I just cleaned them up in minutes via thomthom's Cleanup3 plugin; very much more manageable in Sketchup workspace now.


Speaking of "smooth", thomthom's QuadFace Tools plugin makes the concrete support beam 'boots' for the porch look great:

https://sketchucation.com/pluginstore?pln=QuadFaceTools


After installed:

Sketchup Menu > Extensions > thomthom plugins > QuadFace Tools > Smooth Quads

ericflight_kmsv-terminal-collada-model_sketchup_thomthom_cleanup3_quadface_smooth_quads-1-png.99739



GaryGB
 

Attachments

  • EricFlight_KMSV Terminal Collada Model_Sketchup_thomthom_Cleanup3_QuadFace_Smooth_Quads-1.png
    EricFlight_KMSV Terminal Collada Model_Sketchup_thomthom_Cleanup3_QuadFace_Smooth_Quads-1.png
    360.7 KB · Views: 72
Last edited:
I'm going to have to learn all the plugins that are available. I've been out of the creating models game for quite a while (started back in the FSX/P3D days). I did last year's scenery when we had the airshow at KGBG but there was a freeware scenery that I just edited and added on to with materials I created in MSFS as well as edited the textures of just a couple of images of the freeware scenery. I think one of our members did that scenery a while ago.

Again, if I can just get a copy of the gltf and textures to put in the ModelLib..that's what I'm after. I'll also take a Sketchup copy if possible.

I'm trying to get the scenery totally done by next week and had vacation to work on it somewhat this week. Work returns tomorrow though so I have less time this week to do things and I haven't streamed flightsim at all in a while so trying to get back to it again.

Currently editing video for my YouTube channels which is how I pay for irl flying whenever I return to it (hopefully this Summer..have to do my biannual flight review as the first flight(s))
 
I figured you might be short on time, and will shift my replies to the MCX MSFS glTF export process. ;)


If Cleanup3 is done and all textures display acceptably in MSFS to allow you enough time, I certainly will convey the files.

Then I'll ZIP the MCX MSFS SDK glTF output after testing; I can also include a SKP and a Khronos glTF 2.0 generic as well.

Feel free to use it / claim it all entirely as your own work if you wish; no credit need be given to me as it is just a tutorial demo.



But first I'll point you to the MCX export process so you know how to export your own 3D models from MCX for MSFS..

Since you did not provide a MSFS Project, we'll use MCX first to create basic project folder chain for output.

With your linked KMSV_Terminal Collada *.DAE imported to MCX:

MCX Menu:

[Export Scenery] > Browse to folder: KMSV Terminal > Name: KMSV Terminal > Save as type: MSFS scenery package (*.) > [Save]

MCX outputs in to the KMSV Terminal folder: KMSV-Terminal_Project.xml

...and a nested sub-folder chain for a basic project.

Note that in the \PackageSources sub-folder chain there is a \modellib sub-folder chain with a KMSV Terminal sub-folder.

The MSFS 2020 glTF is in that sub-folder. :wizard:


You may now wish to use that glTF and related 3D model files from that folder in your own existing KMSV Project folder chain.

Load your KMSV-Terminal Project .xml in MSFS SDK Scenery Editor to [Build package], and then test it.


See what MCX may have seen fit to do semi-automatically ?

If not, check back here and we'll see what Arno and others may advise on your Material attribute settings Project export.


NOTE: Material attribute settings can be configured in MCX via Material Editor > {Properties} tab > Right Pane = status / controls


BTW: For MSFS PBR, note especially in MCX Material Editor > {Properties} tab > Right Pane > PBR > Render Mode status :pushpin:

Concrete / Steel Materials are 'Opaque', but your *.DAE, non-glass wall Materials may be set to 'Transparent' or 'Blend' ?


I hope this helps get you started using MCX for MSFS Export using 3D models exported by Sketchup. :)


If you are pressed for time and wish to try Blenders export workflow, post a link to this thread in Blender forum asking for help.

IIUC, they are busy folks like yourself, and may not otherwise see this thread.

GaryGB
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top