SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

Dear Forum Members,

Is it possible to create effects without an SDK? (I mean start from scratch)

Any help is greatly appreciated.
SU37Berkut

Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2007 11:08 pm Post subject:

Well, I can't see the point of undertaking effects creation without reading the SDK's for effects. Its just a document telling you what you need to know to create effects isn't it? That's why they're there...the more knowledge you have, including the lists of specifics and examples often found in the SDK's will help you large. The next step after you have a little knowledge under your belt is to grab an already done effect that you like and start playing with that text file...and maybe even switching or altering textures that go along with it. They're all there in your FS 'effects' folder. Be warned...once you start playing with this stuff you may become enthralled with the possibilities, and after a wee bit of success, you'll be going back to the SDK's because they tell you what you need to know! Wink

I'd be all over effects alteration and creation, but I don't have time, I do other stuff for flightsim...and I go back to the SDK's for reference all the time. That's why they're there. Shocked

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 2:20 am Post subject: well...

The SDK's are simply the rules and format requirements for the various aspects of FS. If you're into reverse engineering or tweaking you can always open up the various files with the appropriate editor or viewer and see how they are put together.

Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2007 5:10 am Post subject:

Not knowing what mental powers you have, yes, you can make effects without the SDK's.

I never looked at an SDK untill FSX. For FS9, I took a smoke effect, renamed it, then started changing this and that to see what would happen. Did the same for afterburners. Opened 2-3 up, renamed them, and started changing numbers. I have some spectacular effects, but most are unrealistic as heck.

Depending on your gray matter, it's knowing why something changed, and not how. The how is easy. YOU CHANGED A NUMBER. The WHY part, is doing it again and again, and understanding what your seeing happen, and WHY.

It will NOT be easy, and WILL be very time consuming. If you don't get it, or get over frustrated with it to quit, then get and read the SDK's.

RD

Posted: Fri Nov 09, 2007 6:35 pm Post subject:

Thank you all. I'm trying just what Harkonnen suggested with an afterburner effect, I'm trying to edit it so that it has sparks instead of just a transparent cone of colour.
Like rd said,

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 6:20 am Post subject:

Good to hear.

If you get what your after, then post up a shot of it. Or if something really cool happens, post up a pic, with what you did to get it.

I dig working with the effects because they add something to the sim. Alot of people shy away from it, because they don't understand it. Or it is too complicated. Either way, I love effects.

RD

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 3:44 pm Post subject:

Okay, I'll do that RD.

I like the effects too. Let somebody else do the plane, I like the effects.

Have a nice day,

Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2007 4:49 pm Post subject:

Alright,

Here are some before and afters of what I've done so far: