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FSXA 3dsmax 2011 & FSX Gamepack??

JPetroSS

JPetroSS

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greece
Hi guys,

I have 3dsmax 2011 and I cannot really use it as I cannot combine it with the FSX gamepack.
Is there a way it can be used for FSX development? How can I export an .mdl file with it?

I would prefer to use it as it is waay better than GMAX.

Thanks!
 
The prepar3d game pack would be better. The panda soft exporter does not make fsx compatible x files.
 
And if there are animations involved, Pandasoft won't produce an .xanim file either. Get the P3D sdk - it's free anyway!
 
It's almost the same. It's only enhanced in that it supports more recent 3ds max versions as well. But the file formats have not changed.
 
Ok after having installed it yesterday, I did not bother on using it directly in 3dsmax 9 as I had no time. So today I wanted to use it to work a bit on m project. I installed the Prepar3D then on my system like it is explained here.

I did everything like it is explained in this "manual". However I do not get the Aces Tools in the upper menu. I tried now everything since a half an hour but nothing works. In my 3dsmax Prepar3D shortcut the Aces Tools menu bar does not show up. Anybody out there who can help me please? Thanks in advance!
 
ScKevin said:
Ok after having installed it yesterday, I did not bother on using it directly in 3dsmax 9 as I had no time. So today I wanted to use it to work a bit on m project. I installed the Prepar3D then on my system like it is explained here.

I did everything like it is explained in this "manual". However I do not get the Aces Tools in the upper menu. I tried now everything since a half an hour but nothing works. In my 3dsmax Prepar3D shortcut the Aces Tools menu bar does not show up. Anybody out there who can help me please? Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

I have the same problem than you
 
Ok found the solution. For everyone here:

1) Delete all previous in 3dsmax about the Prepar3D SDK.

2) Execute once the file ConfigSDK.exe which can be found in your Prepar3D SDK main folder and write "Yes" into the opening window and then hit your enter key.

3) Add the Prepar3D SDK normally to 3dsmax like this:
Customize --> Configure System Paths... --> 3rd Party Plug-Ins --> Add

4) Point to your corresponding 3dsmax\plugins folder and click Use Path.

5) Close 3dsmax and restart it.

6) You get several errors. Click ok. Then close 3dsmax again.

7) Go to the following path if you have Windows 7 64-Bit and open the file:
C:\User\[YOUR USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Autodesk\9 - 32bit\enu\plugin.ini

8) Search in that file for the Prepar3D_SDK entry and check if the last folder is "plugins". It should look like this:
[YOUR PATH TO THE PREPAR3D SDK]\Environment Kit\Modeling SDK\3DSM9\plugins

9) Save the file. Restart 3dsmax and it should work again!

For some reason, I have no clue why, 3dsmax always cuts out the "plugins" part of the directory. I hope this tutorial is understandable, if not please ask.
 
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I have win7 64bit and I have like you said it to the Errors (Step4), but the other things I haven't, I have 3ds Max Design 2012.

In step 5. My path is:
"C:\Users\Johannes\AppData\Local\Autodesk\3dsMaxDesign\2012 - 64bit\deu"
That's what I have, I havent an "enu" folder, and I haven't a "plugin.ini" file, only a "Plugin.UserSettings.ini" and there, there is the Prepar3D SDK Path with the \plugins at the end, and I still have the errors what you said.

And in step 6. My path is:
[YOUR PATH TO THE PREPAR3D SDK]\Environment Kit\Modeling SDK\3DSM2012\plugins.

It should work, not? What am I doing wrong?


Thanks
Johannes
 
Oh you have 64-Bit versions of 3dsmax. I think this is the problem. Normally (except if m knowledge is based on the old versions) you should always try to use 32-Bit versions as the 64-bit makes memory problems with the flightsim exporters. Hopefully I am not wrong here. arno, am I wrong?

To your other problems:
enu is for the english version
deu for the german version, so yes this is the right directory.

Ahh yes sorry I left out one step before. I added it above. Try it please again.
If this does not work, maybe there is a person with more knowledge in here, or simply download and install the 32-Bit version. (I use that too due to problems which may occure while using the 64-Bit version.) You should get the 32-Bit version for free next to your 64-Bit version.

Hope this helps you!
 
Thanks for your help!!!! Now it works perfectly!!!!
But one question: now to export I must use the "ESP 1.0 DirectX File (*.X)", not? And for converting to a mdl, I must use the XtoMDL.exe from the folder: [Prepar3D SDK]\Environment Kit\Modeling SDK\3DSM2012\Plugins, is that correct?

Thanks again realy a lot for your help!!!!!
Johannes
 
Until now I just knew the Pandasoft Plugin Exporter and I do not want to say you something which is wrong.

Although, I think I found what you are looking for. Just do the following:

Start --> All Programs --> Lockheed Martin --> Prepar3D SDK [VERSION] --> SDK Learning Center

Then an application opens. Select there on the left side:
Environment Kit --> Modeling SDK --> Using Modeling Tools

and then read the topics:
- Exporting a Model from 3ds Max
- Importing a Model to Prepar3D®

(There is normally no difference between a Prepar3D bgl and a FSX bgl.)

Hope this brings you further...
 
Hi Guys,
I follow these steps mentioned in this thread already and I can successfully export X file using P3D plugin. It is wonderful. Now I can embark to 3ds Max 2012, Thanks.
It is not difficult at all. Just download P3D SDK and install in to the computer. Add plugin into your 3dsmax 2012, close and then reopen again. I exported into X.file and then drag and drop to XtoMDL.exe in the one of the SDK folder for 2012 version then it came the mdl and the rest is the same bglcomp.exe by XML file. Now my scenery is ready for both FSX and P3D. Wonderful!
Best Regards,
Tic
 
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P3d sdk

Hi Guys,
I Followed all the steps mentioned above and Got the Aces tools and Aces Documentation in 3DS MAX 2011 Menu and it works perfect until Final result in FSX. Simply The model is not responding to Action whatsoever.
I tried to do the same stuff in G-Max and the test model is working perfect in FSX.
And again Using P3D SDK in MAX 11 the model is showing up with animations in ModelConverterX bot not in FSX.
I compared .X's XANIM Files that makes P3D with Another XANIM from "Virtually" G-max made out from ModelConverterX... They are perfect the same, Same GUIDs and so... G-Max is working with FSX SDK.
I fully understand parts naming and LODs, But cannot get why and where is the trouble..
If anyone could get in to my PC and have a look I would really appreciate it.
Or Any other good suggestion that could make a joy. Thank you all.
 
A couple of notes;

* You cannot use the 64bit version of Max. It must be 32bit to work with the SDK.

* You must be 'in' the folder where the Plugins are to create a MDL file. The Plugins window must be active to get the MDL to create in the Run window.

* You can create a BAT file which will run your X and Xanim files in the Plugins folder automatically.

BAT file creation;
Copy the following into a Notepad text file. Change the data to fit your work, such as the file name, etc.
Rename the txt file to BAT format file. Drop it into the Plugins folder for that version of Max you are using, (the SDK plugins folder).
Drop in the X and Xanim files you will be converting, double click the BAT file, and Voila, a shiny new MDL file should appear.

BAT FILE COPY BEGIN/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

rem Move this file to C:\Program Files (x86)\Lockheed Martin\Prepar3D SDK 1.4.4747.0\Environment Kit\Modeling SDK\3DSM2012\Plugins\
rem Move F24.x and F24.xanim to same location.
rem Execute this file.

XtoMdl /XANIM /DICT:..\..\bin\modeldef.xml F24.x > F24.log

pause


BAT FILE COPY END//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////




Thanks to Manfred for the BAT file technology. This worked for me over the RUN window.


Bill
 
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