How to install new 3d pits ?

[ccc]

i'll keep it simple:

1. get F4browse and LodEditor.
2. get new 3d pit files ( where? God knows )
=============================================
then, Simple trick for LOD and Database guys.

*For LOD part, using LodEditor

take new 3d pit LOD and skins, add them to database, use wizard to
set up a parent record, yes, only one LOD in it. ( [Help] > [ Model/textuer..] )
you may have to adjust texture# when adding texture to TEX DB.

then pick a CT recod as you wish, say, CT#2910. add your new parent# to
parent-normal slot. DONE lod part.

** then go to database part, using F4Browse,

go to vehicle--aircraft folder, say you want to add a F15C 3d pit,
pick F15C, use [COPY CT record] function. then edit this new CT.

do as following:

1. erase F15C name in first blank, leave it no-name, empty. (i think
you can name it 15c 3pit, wont hurt.

2. enter [CT Recd] slot 2910

3. press [CT Recd[ button to enter editing page,
fill/change major slots like this:
==============================
> name: empty
> doman: air
> class: SFX
> type 3
> subtype 7
> specific 255
> mode: normal
> file type: none
> record: o
====================================
done.


*** To use auto-switching 3d pit,

1. in this folder

C:\MicroProse\Falcon4\art\ckptart

set up a new folder F15C

C:\MicroProse\Falcon4\art\ckptart\f15c


2. copy default 3dckpit.dat and put it in

C:\MicroProse\Falcon4\art\ckptart\f15c

3. open your f15c 3dckpit.dat with Notepad, edit this line:
--------------------------------
// the LOD models to use.
cockpitmodel 1; // the main 3d cockpit model
------------------------------------------------

change the "1" to your PARENT# (not CT record #)!!!

ALL DONE!
(not really, you still miss a lot, but it works at least )

[Snake Man]

Thanks for that tutorial from 2002. I was thinking that perhaps we need to upgrade the information for present day 2007 level.

Has there been anything changed since that?

Does that tutorial still work on RV/OF?

Do you have 2007 update for cockpit tutorial?

[ccc]

i can't belive i wrote this tut..

Has there been anything changed since that?

Does that tutorial still work on RV/OF?

Do you have 2007 update for cockpit tutorial?

yes it changes a lot.

for AF/OF that based on lod format database, they can use the same trick to add new 3d pit lod.

for RV using DXM format database, sorry i have no such experience.

[Snake Man]

Just to clear this up, the above tutorial works today only for OF and AF?

[ccc]

YES.

[ranger822]

Well, the same applies to RV - the main differences are that RV uses two new files and doesn't use three old files.

KoreaOBJ.DXH = KoreaOBJ.hdr
KoreaOBJ.DXL = KoreaOBJ.lod
XXX = KoreaOBJ.tex (apparently the DDS files are used directly and the old BMP indexed graphics are bypassed)

Fundementally, the rules are still the same - - F4Browse is still used for edit the Falcon4.* files - just need to update the DXH and DXL via the DXTools. Also, LODEditor620-Plus makes life much easier.

I will let others explain any changes to the NCTR syntax (if that is the correct term for the format)-- that basically is an alternative to using the vehicle normal parent reference for the 2d/3d pit model.

I think it would be good to also differentiate between a new pit and a new CT. You can replace a pit easily in RV by using the DXTools by simply swapping out the DX models and updating the parent record which DXTools does automatically (I think, if using the correct command line). Now, it you want to add a new CT - I think there is just a bit more invovled. Basically you can add the CT using the Browser feature or LODEditor - - but then I think you are going to need to rerun the LODConvert.exe in DX tools - - since now you need to update the DXL a d DXH files for a reference to the new CT and model. Maybe there is an easier way - but I know this way will work.

Also, if you are doing work in RV database - make sure you continue to use the objects folder for the Korea theater - else you may find your file edits get mixed up. Easier to keep one standard location.

[Snake Man]

And were the DXTools released now or just some inside items for selected few?