[Solaufein]

Hi all,

There are several issues Im struggeling with:

1. Scaling my mesh apparrently has no influence on the dimensions after conversion to .pof

2. I have no idea how to add different detail levels/thruster cones

3. UV mapping? what the hell is that? How do I it right.

Any awnsers are welcome, as well as links to solid faqs/tutorials.

Im using:
3D studio max 5 (export in .3ds)
crossroads v 1.0 (for .3ds -> .cob conversion)
cob2fs2.exe ( for .cob -> .pof conversion)
Modelview for viewing .pof and checking dimensions
(fighter's dont have a wingspan of 120 meter right?)

[HotSnoJ]

First of all welcome to HLPBB!

Second I don't use those so my help there is nill. I suggest you get a hold of truespace. Just PM me and we can work something out.

[Galemp]

If you don't have Truespace at all, there's little you can do. Find TS version 2 (free) from Karajorma's FAQ, and then we'll help you.

[karajorma]

Have a look at the modding section of my FAQ. Although it's pretty basic at the moment it has lots of links to other peoples modding FAQ's

[USS Alexander]

Originally posted by HotSnoJ
First of all welcome to HLPBB!

Second I don't use those so my help there is nill. I suggest you get a hold of truespace. Just PM me and we can work something out.

Hey where are the beams:rolleyes:

[StratComm]

Originally posted by Solaufein
Hi all,

There are several issues Im struggeling with:

1. Scaling my mesh apparrently has no influence on the dimensions after conversion to .pof

Get PCS, preferably before the model preview was implimented.  It lets you set conversion scale.  Look on this site's download page to find it (I think)

Originally posted by Solaufein
2. I have no idea how to add different detail levels/thruster cones

Detail levels are done with subobjects names a certain way, and thruster cones are done in PCS.

Originally posted by Solaufein
3. UV mapping? what the hell is that? How do I it right.

It's how textures are applied to the ship.  As for how to do them right/well, all I can say is practice, practice, practice.

And you absolutely have to have Truespace in some form if you want to make a freespace model.  It's the only place you can do the heirarchy.

[vyper]

Originally posted by USS Alexander


Hey where are the beams:rolleyes:

[mikhael]

Originally posted by StratComm

And you absolutely have to have Truespace in some form if you want to make a freespace model.  It's the only place you can do the heirarchy.

Somebody really should do something about that...

[Solaufein]

Got TS2 wheee, and i found out how to uv/texture map

About the Detail level Hierarchy thing, do i need to create several different models in the same file, and link them up in a Hierarchy (its the paren child thingy right?), or do i have to make different models in differen files?

ps. What is PCS?

[HotSnoJ]

Originally posted by USS Alexander


Hey where are the beams:rolleyes:

I'm not the beam guy that's someone else.

But heck!

[Martinus]

Originally posted by Solaufein
Got TS2 wheee, and i found out how to uv/texture map

About the Detail level Hierarchy thing, do i need to create several different models in the same file, and link them up in a Hierarchy (its the paren child thingy right?), or do i have to make different models in differen files?

ps. What is PCS?

[color=33ff00]You know how to texture map? You'll be getting a lot of requests from the HLP denizens soon, it's a sought after skill.

PCS or Pof Conversion Suite is a toolset created by Kazan that allows you to create a POF file (freespace model) from a COB file (truespace model). Don't forget to thank him if you find it useful. [/color]

[Solaufein]

Originally posted by Maeglamor


[color=33ff00]You know how to texture map? You'll be getting a lot of requests from the HLP denizens soon, it's a sought after skill.

PCS or Pof Conversion Suite is a toolset created by Kazan that allows you to create a POF file (freespace model) from a COB file (truespace model). Don't forget to thank him if you find it useful. [/color]

Well, mabey i was a bit to bold, i know how i SHOULD uv map as you can see i still have to learn a bit more, still the model and texture from the render where made in  under 6 houres




ps. I never did do 3d meshes or uv mapping before. pof editing was the worst i ever got around doing, im feeling realy proud now

[karajorma]

Check the FAQ again. I`ve got links to PCS in there (I don`t think there are links on the main HLP page)

[Rampage]

That's pretty good!

Anyway, I have a question.  I have several models that uses up to 20+ different textures.  Is there a way for me to put all those textures into one or two giant texture files without doing a lot of stuff?  My students are flunking my class, big time! [I just have to add that.]

[Solaufein]

Some more pics, with correct UV mapping







I already did some crude texturing of the exhausts, but then found out im no good at it

[KARMA]

Originally posted by Rampage
That's pretty good!

Anyway, I have a question.  I have several models that uses up to 20+ different textures.  Is there a way for me to put all those textures into one or two giant texture files without doing a lot of stuff?  My students are flunking my class, big time! [I just have to add that.]

use an unwrapper or (as for example i do) put the pieces together and then use offset and repetition parameters to select specific sections of your map.
in both cases there are problems, limitations and you will have a lot of job to do;)

[Sesquipedalian]

When posting images, Solaufein, use JPGs instead of BMPs.  Much smaller files.

[HotSnoJ]

Ya use JPG or PNG. You can do the converting in MS Paint, so don't sweat it. Nice textureing! Much better then my feable attemps. And excelent mesh too!

BTW whats up with you're server? I'm downloading the pics at 11-13 KB's on my 56K modem.

[Solaufein]

Originally posted by HotSnoJ
Ya use JPG or PNG. You can do the converting in MS Paint, so don't sweat it. Nice textureing! Much better then my feable attemps. And excelent mesh too!

BTW whats up with you're server? I'm downloading the pics at 11-13 KB's on my 56K modem.

Whoops forgot, I am using server space and Inet Conn. of my College, dl speeds of 1.2 mb/s are normal to me, so sorry ill convert the images and edit my posts.

Edit: Done, jpgs now

Another question,
when I convert my models with Crossroads v1.0, it screws the textures(bad), but Neatly aligns the Model to its center mass(good).
When i convert with Lightwave, its keeps the textures(good), but doesnt realign my model to its center mass(bad)

I know i just should have made my model better but i cant seem to find an align center mass function in 3dsmax

Edit: no matter, fixed the aling problem

[KARMA]

btw don't use lithunwrap to convert models
there are around 3 tutorials covering about all the steps to convert a *.cob to *.pof, make a search about tutorials on this forum and on the freespace general forum and see what you get, you should find answers to most of your questions