SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 1:57 am Post subject: FS9 GMAX SDK Tutorial

I was thinking of trying to come up with a new vehicle by using the FS9 Gmax SDK and I was just wondering if there is a tutorial saying how to basically use it... or is it more of a "go play with it and figure it out yourself" kind of deal??

EDIT::: Nevermind... i guess it would help if i EXPLORE Disk 1 and read the WINZIP tutorial for the GMAX... Rolling Eyes

DOH!!!!!

Mods:: you can lock / delete this at your discretion. sorry.

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 2:01 am Post subject: well.

Well, I do know that the thing has a basic tutorial using an example model. I tried to do it their way and it freaked me out so bad that I havent yet made another serious attempt at a model. I know what I want to do but just havent found the time to devote to it. There are many links in this section of the forum. I'd do a little homework before undertaking the arduous and dangerous journey of becoming a harkonnen.

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 2:43 am Post subject:

oh well. I cant even register the dang thing cause the website says that I do not have my cookies ENABLED, when i know good and well that they are, and it will not even let me log in after i made a login name and everything and confirmed my email.

oh well. looks like im not going to build my idea after all. sux to be me i guess!!

EDIT::: if anyone really cares, this was what i was going to try and build in my GMAX if i could have gotten it to register and work. http://images.google.com/images?q=back+to+the+future+delorean&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-Address&rlz=1I7GGLR&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=images&ct=title it was going to be complete with opening doors on SHIFT+E .. +2 and the Flaps would have made the Tires fold down for VTOL Flight

EDIT 2::: well i got into GMAX.... I will not say "how" i did it, but Turbosquid.com told me how.... anywho.. i am in. NEXT question... should i build in HEIDI, OPEN GL, OR DIRECT 3D????

Posted: Wed Feb 27, 2008 10:04 am Post subject:

Somehow I remember HEIDI being a problem for me when I first did this. I then had to jump through hoops (which means my memory is fuzzy and I don't have specifics) to get that window to open up again without a complete re-install, so that I could select Direct3D. The only thing with Direct3D as a driver is that if you forget and leave gmax open and then fire up another Direct3D thang (like FS)...upon re-entering gmax you will have lost the viewport displays. No biggie as they return upon hitting a keyboard key to reset the images as they were. There is info and links I can provide regarding driver choice if need be, but I'd just go Direct3D.

Look into my post in this section in a thread called 'Ultimate gmax tutorial' or something to that effect. Check through the links, there is a wealth of info in that one post! Sure, some of the links are dead by now but there is a ton of good stuff in the links I provide in that and various posts in this section. Ask any questions in here you have and if I can't answer or at least jog my memory to relate my own experience..there are some great places to soak up all the add-on developer stuff you'll ever need.

Between FreeFlight Design Shop's forums, tips, tutorials and downloads - and FSdeveloper's new site.....and for scenery the SHOF - Scenery Hall Of Fame, you can't go wrong.

Oh, and don't get frustrated with any of this preliminary, 'install the SDK's and plugins' stuff Capt. Once you've got it done you don't have to sweat it again 'til you want to repeat the process for the next sim version.

...And if gmax tutes make you want to curl up into a little ball and mutter "J-j-just wanted to make a p-p-pu-lane" then consider diving into 'Anim8or', a very user friendly and robust 3D modeling freeware program.
The .3ds file that exports out of Anim8or goes right into gmax like a charm.

Get a real simple model, heck - an untextured box - flying around in FS and you'll be hooked forever. Then the possibiliies open right up and are endless.

EDIT: Here's the link thread(s):

http://forums.surclaro.com/ftopic10769.html