posted 06-08- 06:01 AM            

I've fixed a few bugs in ol_export,add_model
and add_lod. I've updated the readme.txt to explain better what is required when naming
model and lod objects in ac3d for ol_export.

I'd like to get some feedback on how many
people are finding smd, olc and the ac3d
plugins useful still. I know there are a
few diehard AC3D users, but I get the feeling
most people are using MAX and OPS these days.

I could add some more plugins to AC3D,
maybe one for ploting/editing inertia
volumes but there is little point
duplicating OPS functionality.

Anyone prefer a smaller binary only
distribution of the plugins?
Has anyone found the source code useful?
Seems the plugins compile and work with
the Linux AC3D OK.

posted 06-08- 07:36 AM               

------------------
James "Razor747" Smith

Check out the SDOE Flight Line! I am constantly adding new things. Click on image above to go to my site.

posted 06-08- 08:27 AM               

Die-hard AC3D user here... I just have not been modeling because of the WWI pack stuff.. will be back to it very soon and I plan on coming up to speed on all your new work - I think this will GREATLY speed up many of my tasks.

Here is my biggest problem/confusion: vertex normals and smooth shading. Nuum is another die-hard AC3D guy (in fact almost all the WWI guys are) - we MUST figure this out! We end up with bad shading at times with no way to fix it but start that model again from scratch. I have found that certain modeling techniques avoid these bugs, and some techniques cause the bugs... I am getting closer to understanding but still have a ways to go.

Can you explain vertex normals at all? Is there any way to create plugins/etc. to help trouble shoot and/or fix these issues?

Also smooth shading across seperate objects that will be together in SDOE, like inner and outer wing objects. These end up with shading seams for me - I have heard it explained, but I am still quite confused.

Well anyway many of us are excited to get back to work modeling using AC3D and your ass-kicking plug-ins - we will give you much feedback! I am very happy to see you are still working on them, they rule! Thanks

------------------
-Sv =FC=

WWI in SDOE!

posted 06-08- 08:37 AM               

TS

posted 06-08- 08:30 PM               

I haven't tried your smd, olc plugins yet, just because I'm so usedto exoprting the plane 1 lod at a time into OPS. But I'm going to mess around with smd and olc to see what I can get done

Thanks Hippie! Keep up the great work!

------------------
Cheers!
Jaguar
The FS Hangar

posted 06-08- 11:21 PM            

This is my understanding of smooth shading:

Basically a vertex that is shared between
polygons gets it's vertex normal set to
the average of surface normals of the
polygons.

If you optimize vertices and surfaces then
select smooth shading all should be well.
Obviously some strange shapes with sharp
edges will not smooth shade well.

I think problems occur because some ac3d
operations force recalculation of vertex
normals, and you don't want this to happen
if you are trying to get smooth shading
between seperate parts.

Hee Hee I'm not really an expert 3D modeler.

posted 06-09- 02:52 PM               

Thanks for the info, I am getting closer. Now I need to figure when this "vertex normal recalculation" occures.

Is there ANY way to "see" the vertex normals? I need this to investigate...

posted 06-10- 08:26 AM               

I download your updates within seconds of seeing them posted!

AC3D has a huge place in the SDOE community! Because of its price it put modeling in reach of many! I presently have two AC3D projects in the works and two more in the todo folder.

Thanks for your support! Ronin

posted 06-11- 07:44 PM               

Downloading the new plug-ins right now.