I have built in Gmax a simple polygon which I will call "panel". I have made it the same size as a Cessna's panel. I can see the panel shape when exported to FSX. I have applied a texture to the Gmax panel as per the SDK and many tutorials. I have copied the same [VCockpit] from the Cessna into my panel.cfg.Why do the gauges not show up in the VC of FSX ??? The panel is just entirely black.

You haven't provided nearly enough information to even hazard a guess.What did you name the texture you applied in GMax? Is this an FS9 or FSX model?If FSX, did you remember to check off "Is virtual cockpit" in the FSX Material Advanced Properties?

Hi and thanks for answering. I've changed my craft some but that should be irrelevant as I just need to know what I am doing wrong in a very basic setup, so here goes.Tools > Gmax ver 1.2, FSX Gamepak (from SDK folders), FSX + AccelerationJust to keep this simple. This is what I have done in Gmax."Visual panel" as seen when looking into the aircraft when in FSX:1) Created a polygon panel, named it "Panel" (same shape as a Robinson R-22 helicopter panel) and gave it about an inch of depth2) Applied, via Material Editor, by creating a new FlightSimX material (not sure which boxes I checked or didn't, but it works) > Diffuse Color "robinson_r22_background.bmp", > Self-Illumination "robinson_r22_background_night.bmp"3) Stretched to adjust to shape of polygon panelThe "robinson_r22_background.bmp" bitmap shows up in Gmax. The bitmap does NOT show up in FSX."Virtual panel" as seen when using 3D virtual cockpit mode in FSX:1) Cloned existing polygon panel, named it "VCPanel", and moved it directly upward. (So I could see clearly both panels. I'll ask a question later about where it should be properly placed)2) Deleted all applied textures3) Followed some tutorials (LionHeart Creations' FSX_Gmax_Basics_Tutorial.htm) it shows creating some new material in Material Editor:Instructions were - Select FlightSimX Material > Diffuse Color $pan1.bmp > Self-Illumination $pan1_l.bmp > clicked Default as Transparent > No Base Material Specular > Is Virtual Cockpit Panel textureThe "$robinson_r22_background.bmp" bitmap, which I substituted in place of $pan1.bmp, shows up in Gmax. The bitmap does NOT show up in FSX, although the panel seems nearly transparent.........This is where I'm confused......What are the attributes of $pan1.bmp and $pan1_l.bmp ? Do I create some simple bmp or can I just copy the "robinson_r22_background.bmp" and put a $ in front of the name ?Should I be able to see the $whatever.bmp in Gmax on the Virtual Panel ?Also, when I go to Export the model, what Texture Options should be selected ?Also what should my Panel.cfg look like (default R-22 panel.cfg below) ?[VCockpit01]file=Panel_R22_Decals.bmpsize_mm=512,512pixel_size=512,512texture=$R22 // exactly what goes here ???background_color=0,0,0gauge00=Robinson_R22!VSI, 0, 298, 141, 152

........This is where I'm confused......

1. The "$" prefix is a special flag that tell's FS to generate a "virtual bitmap" in memory.2. You do not need any "$_xxx.bmp" file at all, as FS will create it automatically (see #1 above)3. The name you place in this entry must be the exact same name you used in the FSX Material:

texture=$R22 // exactly what goes here ???

texture=$pan1I strongly recommend reading my tutorials on VC Lighting, as they explain the process in illustrated detail:http://www.freeflightdesign.org/tutorials/...ng_Tutorial.zip-and-http://www.freeflightdesign.com/tutorials/..._VCLighting.zip

Thanks - That tutorial makes sense now. I guess I couldn't "leverage" the VC like I did the 2D gauges by just copying files from the R22. I understand I'll have to build planars and places the gauges for the VC to work. I tried the basics and understand how it works.PS: - The second link doesn't seem to work.http://www.freeflightdesign.com/tutorials/..._VCLighting.zip

I still don't understand after reading all these tutorials. Let me re-state. I'm using all the default R-22 files.Do I place gauges on the planars in Gmax or do I place them via the Panel.cfg file, or both ?If it is through GMax then, do I have to load in some bitmap somewhere to pull these gauge textures out of using the UV Editor or something ?(this close to giving up...) Where do I find the "jigsaw" of all the gauges on one bitmap for the R-22 ?Do I reference each gauge or do I just move the whole jigsaw around until only the gauge I want is matched up with the planar ?Should I find each individual gauge bitmap in the .CAB file and pull out each one and load them into Material Editor to "apply" top each planar ?

I found a tutorial by Arno that helped me understand UVW Unwrap.http://www.fsdeveloper.com/wiki/index.php?..._video_tutorial

Thanks - That tutorial makes sense now. I guess I couldn't "leverage" the VC like I did the 2D gauges by just copying files from the R22. I understand I'll have to build planars and places the gauges for the VC to work. I tried the basics and understand how it works.PS: - The second link doesn't seem to work.http://www.freeflightdesign.com/tutorials/..._VCLighting.zip

The original article is available directly from the Microsoft website:http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/esp/cc788741.aspx

Thanks Bill - I'm thinking I'll hold off on the 3D cockpit and work on getting the 2D looking right, and learn a little more about textures and mapping. Then I'll be back to this topic.