FSXA Transparent Material Issues

[art209]

I exported a .x file from FSDS and added the following:

AlphaData {
1; // ZtestAlpha
0.0; // AlphaTestValue
"Greater"; // AlphaTestFunction
0; // FinalAlphaWrite
255.0; // FinalAlphaWriteValue
}
EnhancedParameters {
0; // Assume vertical normal
1; // Z-Write alpha
0; // No Z-Write
0; // Volume shadow
0; // No shadow
0; // Prelit vertices
}
SpecularBloomFloor {
0.000000;
}

to each part with "trans" material that was subject to have clouds show thru as I have successfully accomplished in the past. However, the model created with XtoMDL in this instance has clouds showing through the parts with the trans material and alpha textures, even with the above modification.

I have attached pertinent files, which are for an airport building with a platform on the roof. The parts in question are the platform railings and stairs (Box 5, 6, 9-18). Can anyone tell me what is wrong?

Art

 

[Frits]

Hi,the problem is that in the material list you put trans_material,its just trans.

I chance your file,try it know,just do the tweak in the xfile.

Frits

 

[art209]

Thanks Frits, but all I can see that you did was change the material name from trans_parent to trans. FSDS will recognize material as being transparent if the name starts with "trans". Adding "_parent" does not change this. The components of the compiled model with the trans_parent material display properly with the alpha portions of the texture being transparent. The problem is that clouds show through the non-alpha portions of the texture, a common problem, and the usual fix in the .x file is not working.

Art

 

[art209]

Problem solved

I separated the project into two models so I was only dealing with one texture in the .x file, got all of the .x file changes done correctly (apparently), and it works.

Art

 

[hcornea]

Hmmm ... an alpha test value of 0.0 is very low.

Should it not be more like 128 ?

 

[Farfy]

Hi Art
Have a look at this version of your hanger I think this is what you want to do.

I have written a new tutorial to do this that is easier than the old way of manually tweaking the X file.

My buddy Bob is checking the spelling for me and I should have it posted soon

H_Farfy

 

[art209]

Farfy, your advice is always good and appreciated, but you might note my earlier post "problem solved". I look forward to your new tutorial on this matter as what I'm doing now (with your help) is a bit of a pain.

Art

 

[pierrot1951]

Hello

Just a remark concerning transparency with FSDS: even if texture problem is fixed, I personnally noticed that most of my problems were caused because I forgot to assign "trans" material in the "Part properties" window.

So, think to check this point in case of problem.

Pierrot - FMEP