ModelConverterX
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ModelConverterX is a tool that does exactly what the name says, it allows you to convert models. The tools allows you to import models from different formats, for example SCASM macros. After that they can be exported to different formats again, for example FSX MDL objects or the OpenFlight format.
The rest of this article will explain you how to install and use ModelConverterX. It also contains some practical examples on how to do common tasks.
Installation
Currently ModelConverterX is only available as an alpha test version. You are encouraged to try this version already, but please be aware that there will be some bugs and unfinished features left at the moment. To get the latest alpha version go to the support forum for ModelConverterX, where you will find a thread with the latest release.
Once you have downloaded the ZIP file containing the program, you need to unzip it to a folder of your choice. If you have used a previous alpha version before, you can replace those files with the new version.
The first time you install ModelConverterX you need to register one DLL file that is used for handling the textures in the 3D preview. To do this run the register.bat file that is provided in the ZIP file. Failing to do this will result in errors when you load a model.
If you are using Vista you will have to edit this BAT file and include the complete path to the DLL file. After that you need to run the BAT file with the "Run as administrator" option.
Usage
All your activities in ModelConverterX are done from the main screen. How this screen looks is shown in the image at the right.
Roughly the form is divided in two areas. The top part where a 3D preview of your model is shown. The bottom part where a log of events is shown, this is the area where you can see warnings and errors from the object readers and writers.
At the top of the form there is a menu that gives you access to all functions, while at the right there is a toolbar that gives you access to some useful functions as well. All options in the menu and toolbar will be discussed below.
Menus
This section will discuss all the options that are available from the different menus in ModelConverterX.
File
Import... shows you a open file dialog where you can select the model that you want to import.
Export... shows you a save file dialog where you can specify to which file the model has to be exported.
Recently used files gives you access to the 8 most recently used models, this allows you to reopen them more quickly.
Batch convert... opens a new dialog that allows you to convert a set of models between two formats, without having to load them all manually into the tool.
Save message log... saves the messages in the event log to a TXT file.
Save preview to image... saves the 3D preview to an image file on your disk. This can be used to create preview images of objects.
Exit quits the tool.
Tools
SCASM macro to XML placement converter... opens new dialog that converts the Macro commands from a SCASM file into a XML placement file for BGLComp. This allows you to convert the placement of the objects as well.
Options shows the options for ModelConverterX, where you can specify different settings.
Help
About shows the about information for your version of ModelConverterX.
Toolbar
The ModelConverterX toolbar gives you access to some functions that are often used when manipulating and working with your object.
If multiple objects are loaded, this allows you to go to the next one in the list.
If multiple objects are loaded, this allowd you to go to the previous one in the list.
Shows information about the loaded object (currently not implemented).
Shows the Material Editor form that displays and allows you to edit some material settings of the object.
Shows the Move dialog that allows you to move your object (currently not implemented).
Shows the Rotate dialog that allows you to rotate your object (currently not implemented).
Shows the Scale dialog that allows you to scale your object.
Resets the 3D preview view so that the entire object will fit in the screen again.
Toggles the Display of the normals in the 3D preview.
Object readers
SCASM reader
FSX MDL reader
This reader has not been released yet, but work has been done on creating a reader that can read the MDL files.
Object writers
FSX X file writer
FSX MDL file writer
This writer uses the FSX X file writer, so please see its limitations. This writer is a wrapper that calls XtoMDL for you to convert it to a MDL object.
FS2004 MDL file writer
This writer uses the FSX X file writer, so please see its limitations. This writer is a wrapper that calls MakeMDL for you to convert it to a MDL object.
3DS writer
OpenFlight writer
Examples
Convert a SCASM API into a FSX MDL
Batch convert objects
Background information
This section provides some interesting background information that might be useful to you while using ModelConverterX.
Performance
Support
If you have any problems while using the program or if you have suggestions and other feedback to improve the tool, please let me know. You can either contact me directly or visit the ModelConverterX subforum at FSDeveloper.com.
User license
When using ModelConverterX you agree to the following user license:
I do hereby agree that I will only use ModelConverterX to convert objects I have created myself. I will no change the work of others, without their prior written permission. This does include any objects obtained by decompilation of BGL files.
(c) 2007-2008 SceneryDesign.org / Arno Gerretsen
This software program is distributed without charge to other scenery designers, redistribution of the original ZIP file is allowed. You are NOT allowed to sell this software program or ask money for its distribution. Object created with this software program can be used in commercial scenery projects if you wish.
The copyright and any intellectual property relating to this program remain the property of the author.
The software distributed in this way may represent work in progress, and bears no warranty, either expressed or implied.
