Milkshape 3D

[Slider17]

Well, after re-reading the post, it could be some kind of conversion problem, (unlikely) but without actually looking at the files, it's hard to say what might be going on. (could be a photoshop issue, I don't know the commands) If you want to send me some files, I'll be able to help you more. Or, like I said, just reassign the group to have a stock texture and then export a test sod. It will look strange, but you'll see if the lights are working or not. In other words, that test should tell you if it's a texture related issue.

[Aerilon]

What is your e-mail? I can send you one of the non-working ships and you can take a look at it if you so wish.

Thanks in advance!

[crazyferrengi]

I'm new to modding and have been trying to convert some SFC files to Armada SOD files with Milkshape but I cant seem to get it right. Sometimes the after I've exported the file, it will work and I'll have a SOD and the TGA texture files to go along with it. Most of the time though, I will only get the SOD file and no texture files. Also, when I try to view the mod with the SOD viewer, not even the shape comes up. If anyone out there could give me some advice or some idea as to what I'm doing wrong, that would be most appreciated. Thank you all for your time and your advice with this problem.

[Aerilon]

Have you deleted all the SFC hardpoints? If not, you need to remove them all, and then rework each of them for Armada (SOD) format. Do you also mind me asking which vessels you have planned on converting, and if they are for personal use, or a public release??

[crazyferrengi]

First of all, thank you for your timley reply to my question. As for what models I was planning to convert, I had seen some models on a website called battleclinic that looked really great. In my reasearch, it appeared that there were many hundreds of models out there for games such as the SFC series, Bridge Commander, Klingon Acadamy but not many for armada. While I can appreciate the joy of actually commanding one of these ships in ship to ship combat, I also think it would be grat to see these vessels in fleet actions such as those found in the Armada series. Most of the mods I have found for Armada II are fantastic. The quality is impecable! The bad side is that there are so many more that I think would make a great addition to any Armada fleet.

For the question of wether or not this was for personal use or public release, this is for personal use only. Due to my being new at this, I have no clue as to how to put together a mod package. Also I have concerns with releasing someone elses work without proper authorization. If in time I get better at this modding thing, than I may try to put together something. For now though, this is for my game only. Besids, I would feel horrible if I caused somones system to crash because I didn't know what I was doing. In regards to the reworking of the hardpoints, how do identify them in milkshape?

[Aerilon]

Well, here is a link to a very handy Milkshape 3D Turotial - This is what I used for various SFC conversions myself

Composed by Major A Payne, and a great job he did. The only thing missing is how to apply textures to a model (something I am also working on).

Anyhow, once you have a model, (in brief) you need to remove all hardpoints, then add them (as it says on the link). - As for the textures, you have Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro or Gimp Editor? - You'll need to change the .bmp textures to .tga, then resave and then reapply them afterwards (makes sure they are in the same folder as your model).

I also reccomend that you save the file as a .MS3D extension, and then (once completed with hardpoints and such) export it to .SOD format.

I've also sent you a PM regarding some stuff... If you can get back to me on that, I'd be greatful

Edit: PM Being Written Now!
Edit: PM Sent!

[Greathor]

I'm also trying to do this with a BSG.

Once I've done everything though, all that comes out is the white/red cube, does anyone know what went wrong?

Also, what is the SOD viewer, I dont seem to be able find it.

[kel333]

Originally Posted by Greathor

I'm also trying to do this with a BSG.

Once I've done everything though, all that comes out is the white/red cube, does anyone know what went wrong?

Well, from what I understand, that white box with the red bug on it is a default sod probably used by the developers to tell them when a model isn't showing up.
It usually appears when the game calls for something that isn't there. Like if the fbattle.odf calls for the fbattle.sod, but the sod is missing (or misspelled) you'll see that default box.
I think there are other instances that'll get you the box, but it's hard to figure out if I'm not there. If I were to hazard a guess, it might be the model wasn't fully/properly converted to sod format.

Originally Posted by Greathor

Also, what is the SOD viewer, I dont seem to be able find it.

Not sure if this is what they were talking about, but could it be the Storm3D Viewer? I assume you know where to find it?

[Major A Payne]

When you get this problem with exporting models, check the linking between nodes and that you have spelt them correctly. I've tended to suggest to modellers who try this that they node a model in sections:

firstly place in the mesh nodes and primary parent node (the one thats taken as the root for the others to attach to). Just having these three should get the model to appear in the SOD editor/viewer. Then make a quick save (always remember to save after each step). Next, add in the critical nodes and then export again. Then add the lighting and venting nodes (this is usually where I see people seem to make mistakes) and export. Finally add in the normal hardpoints and export.

If during any of these steps you find that the white cube appears then check your spelling and that the node has been added correctly.

[Greathor]

Thank you both. I'm having a bit of trouble though, where is the SOD editor/viewer, as this is my first time using MS3D.