I just downloaded a few new AI models for my AI traffic. FAIB is the name. Their new 737's look real nice. Only problem?  Their texture sizes are HUGE. The lightmap file itself is over 4 mb! That is crazy. What is the point of these new models if they give such worse performance because of high file sizes adding to vas?

It's true... you just have to balance realism of the models with performance, and it's definitely not easy.

I didn't see much prob with it having large texture size. But on performance I get a big hit with older models

 

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There has been some debate on whether or not the bigger textures hurt performance.  I think it has been said that if there is any hit it is offset by savings in resource usage from having a native FSX model that is more optimized for FSX, such as having more efficient model geometry and LOD usage.  I'm in the middle of a major computer hardware upgrade, but intend to investigate if I will benefit from downsizing these 2048 size textures.   I am used to having 1024 or even 512 size DXT1 bitmapped daytime textures, but those are for the older FS9 AI models.  

 

You are right, 4MB is still much bigger than the normal textures, and you have to think that down the line when more FSX native models and HD paints populate the sim it will start to have a noticeable impact.   The argument now is that such paints are so small in number in a user's vicinity in the sim.  No question the models have a FPS benefit, but it has to be seen if 2048 is really necessary.

You can try to use the textures for the FS9 version.

If FAIB didn't screw up texture format assignments upon exporting the model from GMax, it should read .bmp textures just fine.

I'm experiencing problems with the newer FAIB B737 models for FSX, where some of them show up as black and some show correct textures. And it's onlt with the FAIB models, all other ai displays correctly. (DJC, AIA, AIG, TFS all work great.

You can try to use the textures for the FS9 version.

If FAIB didn't screw up texture format assignments upon exporting the model from GMax, it should read .bmp textures just fine.

 

What texture format assignments ?  :huh:

 

Either way, it still wouldn't be a very good idea. Lightmap and alpha use is entirely different between the two sims. The best option would be to resize the FSX textures.

And bigger textures certainly do have an impact on VAS, larger texture use = less VAS = better chance at an OOM error.

If I have an 4mb AI texture or light file, or 1,33mb which gives a less sharp texture,

 

I use the DTXBmp Texture manipulator to reduce the texture to DXT3 which is 1mb.

 

This programme is  from Martin Wright, I only use it to get DTX3.

 

Only have AI  aircraft at the airport and it works fine in both FS9 & FSX.

 

Cannot remember where I downloaded it from, check internet.

If I have an 4mb AI texture or light file, or 1,33mb which gives a less sharp texture,

 

I use the DTXBmp Texture manipulator to reduce the texture to DXT3 which is 1mb.

 

This programme is  from Martin Wright, I only use it to get DTX3.

 

Only have AI  aircraft at the airport and it works fine in both FS9 & FSX.

 

Cannot remember where I downloaded it from, check internet.

 I do the same  to my bmp files using tool from FSX SDK, however FAIB FSX planes are in dds format

I use the same aiecraft textures from FS9 in FSX without any issues.

I use fs9 .bmp textures for Boeings and airbuses faib models in fsx without any issues.

 

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^{I don't have any issues that I can see with FAIB buses. Just the fsx 737w models that uses dds textures. Some show black and some show normal.}

What texture format assignments ?  :huh:

 

Either way, it still wouldn't be a very good idea. Lightmap and alpha use is entirely different between the two sims. The best option would be to resize the FSX textures.

When exporting from (G)Max, you can select whether the model should read only .bmp or .dds or both kinds of textures. It's actually a no-brainer for most developers (both) and I'm not even sure if it has any practical effect, but one may never know...

 

Well, if lightmaps are that much of an issue, the OP can just set up Imagetool for batch conversion from .dds to 32bit .bmp and then batch resize* the textures to 1024² px and reconvert them into DTX5 .dds.

 

 

*I think Irfanview can do that.

Hi

First, sorry for my english, i am from Sweden and forget everything...  I have a lot of black textures on my FAIB 737:s... And the aircrafts are correct installed, sometimes they look normal, but after one ore two minutes, they are black. I  try to change my displaysettings, but they are black,  even with low graphic settings.

If i exit my flight, and just going back to the same airport, it could be ok sometimes. So it must be something with the settings?

 

No problem with FAIB Airbus, and other AI manufactors as: AIG, TFS, DJC

 

I also tried to installed FS9 texures, but they also are black.

 

This problem is more often at airports with heavy graphic, like Palma de Mallorca (LEPA), Iraklion (LGIR), Düsseldorf (EDDL).

 

Can i get som tips please?

 

 

 

Regards

//Robert