[Kieve]

I ran a search, but either I was using the wrong keywords or there just isn't enough to be had. Since I have to trundle off to work in just a little bit, I ask a small boon of anyone who reads this:

I have 3DSMax 5, and am looking to get into FS2 modding - always been a fan, and it seems like a nice change of pace from TES3:Morrowind work... I dug up some tutorials via google, but they're directed mainly at Blender and Truespace, and they don't list any of the advanced necessities like setting firing points, lights, docking points, etc.

So what programs do I need (besides the 3DSM5 exporter [got it already]), and where can I find some good, in-depth tutorials?

[aldo_14]

I ran a search, but either I was using the wrong keywords or there just isn't enough to be had. Since I have to trundle off to work in just a little bit, I ask a small boon of anyone who reads this:

I have 3DSMax 5, and am looking to get into FS2 modding - always been a fan, and it seems like a nice change of pace from TES3:Morrowind work... I dug up some tutorials via google, but they're directed mainly at Blender and Truespace, and they don't list any of the advanced necessities like setting firing points, lights, docking points, etc.

So what programs do I need (besides the 3DSM5 exporter [got it already]), and where can I find some good, in-depth tutorials?

Er.... truth be told, there aren't really any tutorials besides the readme for the max-to-pof exporter, at least not that I know of.

[Taristin]

Personally, I find setting up all of those objects in the exporter to be a major pain, so I simply just create the mesh, export it to pof, and then do the pof data.
And, for me, the most helpful tutorials for learning to make models has been the tutorials that came with Max itself.

[Kieve]

So I build whatever I want in Max, export to POF via the nifty exporter tool and add all the crazy data afterwards? Okay... but how?
-IE what other prog do I need to add the data to the POF, and w ;)ere do I get it? (link please ?)

And for some other newb questions...
Building in Max is nothing new to me, but it seems FS2_O supports a lot more cool mapping stuff than Morrowind... I see a lot of mention on this Level of Detail stuff, PCX/DDS... yeesh.
1) LOD - will a single DDS (DXT3 w/mipmaps) cover it, or do I actually need to make separate LOD maps for my ships?
2) DDS - I assume FS2_O has no trouble reading DXT1/3/5 (seen that mentioned elsewhere) but what about alpha maps?
3) What other texture maps will I need besides the basic? I've seen normal maps mentioned, and it seems the high-res version of FS2 has a lot of reflection/specular? mapping for shininess. Also, glowmapping...?
4) Could someone point me the way to POF tutorials (importing ships to FRED)?

[Scooby_Doo]

Cool a Morrowind mod editor 

1.) One DDS can do all lod levels (it's mipmapped)
2.) I belive so, but I can't remember how I did my glass texture anymore
3.) Diffuse map, glow map and shine map are supported (I'm still waiting for bumpmapping and not normal mapping  )
4.) If your referring to the POF 3DS exporter tool I don't know, if your using the 3ds->cob format i belive it's in wiki (at the top of the page)

Someone correct me if I'm wrong

[Kieve]

As to the last... I haven't tried the exporter yet, as I haven't built anything to export (that will come soon, never fear ) but if all the lights, turret info, docking points, etc. are added to the .POF after exporting, then logic dictates that another tool is needed to do that - I'm wondering where I can get the tool to add the extra info.

And also, how to import the ships into FRED - or is sticking them in the data\models & data\maps directories all I need to do?

Thanks for the responses thus far. ^_^ Slowly, I gain knowledge...

[Vasudan Admiral]

You're referring to the POF data.
If you don't want to have it generated based on your ships setup in Max, all of it can be entered into the pof manually via:
PCS: http://www.hard-light.net/wiki/index.php/POF_Constructor_Suite
or ModelView: http://www.hard-light.net/wiki/index.php/ModelView

Keep in mind though that you'll still need to setup lods, turret meshes, debris, shields, subobject (radar dishes or solar panels) meshes, orientation and scale in 3ds Max - since neither ModelView or PCS can edit those.

[Kieve]

Fantastic so far. The PCS build is something I've been looking for since I saw it mentioned, but all the links I dug up were defunct.

LODs: You mean model-wise or texture-wise? If texture-wise, I'll just stick with DTX mipmaps and call it done.
Turrets, Debris, Shields, etc: is there a tutorial you could point me to that would explain how to do that? Or, was that answered in my original question (about Max tuts) and they don't exist as such?
...if the latter, please direct me to a knowledgeble individual who can properly tutor me in the basics, so that I may grow strong in the ways of the Force. Or... freespace... <.<;

[Vasudan Admiral]

Aha, looks like the POF exporter has a nice guide up on the wiki also: http://www.hard-light.net/wiki/index.php/Styxx%27s_POF_Conversion_plugin_for_3D_Studio_Max

About the LODs: FS will use both models and textures - so when your ship is at range, the game doesn't have to still render thousands of polys when it only needs a couple. So, make your LODs (often you can just merge verts in strategic places and still end up with good results), and apply the same texture map as the highest detail level as Scooby said.

Taylor wrote up an excellent guide about how LODs work and how to make the most of them here: http://www.hard-light.net/forums/index.php/topic,37158.0.html
It also has a lot of other helpful hints too - definitely worth a read.

[Kieve]

Huzzah... I may be able to offer a rudimentary fighter soon. ^.^

Anyone remember the game "Einhander"? *maniacal laughter*