Is it NOT possible to use alpha bitmaps for dynamic gauge elements? I am making some gauges that use alpha bitmaps, but anytime I try to use one for a needle or anything else that moves, it doesn't display. The rest of the gauge is, just not my alpha bitmap. I am using XML by the way. Is this just not possible?!? If that is so, I can't imagine why.Ian Grant

Hi, if you look for my thread titleRotating Alpha Bitmaps.you will see I have had no replies at all so i wish you luck. I too cannot get this type of bitmap to rotate.Nick.

Yeah, I did see your post, I thought maybe another one would spark someones interest. You know, a popular question might motivate some one to come forward. I have given up on it for now though. If some one answers, great. If I stumble upon anything I will certainly let you know :)

It does work, but I am not sure how off the top of my head.The FlightFactory Simulations RV-7 has shadows under their needles obviously turning with them that are made from alpha bitmaps.

Well at least there is hope. Perhaps someone will come forward with the secret, and there must be one, because just using an alpha bitmap and using Alpha="Yes" in the Image line doesn't cut it. Thanks much!

Are these C type gauges in the RV-7? This gauge type is more flexible than XML.Nick.

Oh I thought you were talking about C gauges.Yeah, the RV-7 uses C gauges exclusively.

Hi, just read your post.I tried to create rotating alpha bitmaps for XML - no success.I'm afraid it doesn't work. But you can move them using the shift operation.Unfortunately this hardly won't help to place a shaddowunderneath a rotating needle.Give me a shout, if you ever find a solution, please.Herbert

Here is some code to try in your xml gauge.... This is from the Lockheed Vega by Microsoft: This is a little something from ImageTool and what Microsoft did with the bitmaps:This is the actual compass:http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/110829.jpgThis is the compass shadow bitmap:http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/110830.jpgThese are the properties of the bitmap:http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/110831.jpgI hope this gives you some help on making the maps you need. All you have to do now is make them move like you want them too. You have the logic, all you have to do is make the maps work. You can use DXTBMP to make the 8 bit maps or any other tool that can do the same.DXTBMP ---> http://fly.to/mwgfxKobie :-wavehttp://eaglesoftdg.com/staff_Images/KP.jpg

Bryan,Great example on how to make an "alpha" bitmap, but it is not dynamic perse as the bitmap itself is not actually moved. Morso the elements below the bitmap are dynamically modified by the "alpha" sitting above it.Tis a known problem with XML type programming, not with XML itself as a language, but how the gauges.dll is programmed to parse XML and how to interact with DirectDraw and all the other gazillion things all ( C or XML ) gauges must deal with. Regards,Roman[a href=http://www.wheelchairaviators.org]http://online.vatsimindicators.net/820885/1793.png[/a]

There is a way to make shadows for needles without using alpha. Try using an XML polygon, and rotate it just like the needle, but on a slightly different axis. Polygons can't have transparency, but a shadow on a needle is likely to be quite dark due to the proximity of the needle to the face of the gauge. The polygon will also anti-alias with rotation, so it should look quite nice.Just another thought; you can set the color of the polygon to an appropriate match for the background in order to simulate transparency.--Jon

Cant you give the shadow map the same parameters as the needle bitmap itself? I would think that if you offset the center position of the shadow bitmap to the center of the needle bitmap, that this would solve the problem. You just have to layer the code correctly. Maybe I'm wrong, but I truly.. I have never tried this with XML.Kobie :-wavehttp://eaglesoftdg.com/staff_Images/KP.jpg