How do I convert a .gmax file to a .x file for makemdl

[Guest]

Hi,I downloaded GMAX from www.discreet.com ( :-) ) and downloaded the makdemdl sdk from the MSN Gaming Zone FS2002 site. I don't have the pro version ( Doh! :-(((((( ).My Question is how do I convert .gmax files to .x files for makemdl. I open the file menu and export is grayed out.Also, with FS2002, particularly POSKY planes (even POSKY paint kits) I can't open some files. These are .bmp files and I can't seem to open them, How can I open them so I can repaint them.Thanks.----------------------------http://home.iprimus.com.au/mcbridematt/images/logo.star.pngMathew McBrideCEO Virtual Ansett Australiahttp://virtual-ansett.dhs.orgceo@virtual-ansett.dhs.orgAm I with Virtual Ansett? Absoutley!----------------------------

[Guest]

From what I understand the MAKEMDL file is only part of it - there are a couple of DLL files that are in the GMAX zip file that comes with "PRO". I think Microsoft just updated the MAKEMDL and made it available in the SDK.

[Guest]

gazzareth is correct. FS2002 Professional Edition includes the actual gmax to x file converters. makemdl by itself does not convert the gmax file.

[Guest]

Ok. Now can we discuss the topic of the .bmp files

[Guest]

Oh sorry missed that. You need to convert them from the FS format to something that your paint program can read. If you have "PRO" then in the "gmax/plugins" directory there is a "ImageTool" - which you need to remove the MIP MAPS (I think) and then format it as a 24/32 bit file, finally save it to where you want to edit it. You need to do the reverse to use the BMP's in FS........If you have not got the PRO version then do a search on this forum and it should come up with some alternatives to using IMAGETOOL.Hope that helps (and is accurate).....

[Guest]

Also - search for/check out for Martin Wright's "BMP2000" utility to help in converting/reconverting formats.

[Guest]

You should go to your ...FS2002gmaxFlightsimplugins, you will find the two files FSModelExp.dle and makemdl.exe. put that two file in your gmaxplugin. That is. :)Hope it help.Khanh

[Guest]

Read Above, I DON'T have PRO

[Guest]

"RESOVLED." To decode encoded .bmp's without imagetool, go to http://mnwright.btinternet.co.uk and Download DXTBmp.FS2K2K textures are extended 16 bits--------------------------- http://home.iprimus.com.au/mcbridematt/images/logo.star.png Mathew McBride CEO Virtual Ansett Australia http://virtual-ansett.dhs.org ceo@virtual-ansett.dhs.org Am I with Virtual Ansett? Absoutley! ----------------------------

[Guest]

>You should go to your ...FS2002gmaxFlightsimplugins, you >will find the two files FSModelExp.dle and makemdl.exe. put >that two file in your gmaxplugin. That is. :) >>Hope it help. >Khanh Hi, I was having the same problem exporting but this sorted it out. My problem now is what do I do with the mdl file. Do I have to create the aircraft.cfg etc. from similar aircraft and modify or is there some other process I'm missing out on. I exported the dash8 sample to make sure the export would work before I rework some of my old flightshop models.Thanks for any help.Andy

[Guest]

Andy - yes.. you still have to create the various sub-folders, *.cfg and *.air files.FSEdit provides you a way to do that.Some folks, though, prefer the "long way" around and create the air file with one of the air file editors, and then work the values into the aircraft.cfg file.

[Guest]

Thanks for that. Sounds like it's going to be fun _not_. Maybe I can use my original files and rework them. Will give it a try.Andy