I want to install Gmax & the SDK's from FS9 & FSX.  Do I need to uninstall everthing FS before I do this, and reinstall everything at the same time, or is it ok to do it after the fact?

And is Gmax, Gmax no matter if it is for FS9 or FSX? Is there a special version for each, or is that handled by the SDKs?

 Before the end of the summer, I want to at least learn how to create a sphere and be able to export it into FS.

Hopefully this isn't too lofty a goal, because I REALLY want to take that next step in FS design.

Thanks for all replies.

Shane

You need only ONE installation of GMax v1.2...

You can add any or all of the SDK's export tools in separate folders within GMax, in a ..\gamepacks folder.  As you can clearly see from the screenshot below, I have SDK gamepacks installed for FS2002, FS2004, FS2004 Scenery, and FSX.

As you add the SDK export tools to the ..\GMax\gamepacks folder, there will be a desktop icon file in each of the SDK tool folders, which you should then right-click and "Send To the Desktop."  To start GMax, choose the Desktop icon for the version of the FS you wish to use, so the correct gmax.ini and plugin.ini files will be used to pre-configure GMax automatically. 

I may be jumping the gun here, but I'm trying to export a simple model into FS9, that I created in Gmax by following the tutorials.

I've done this so far:

Quote:



Now when that's done I have my .X file, and I do the makemdl.exe and I select the .X file I just created and go with the default path for destination.

I hit the go button and I wind up with this:


Code:

Running model

Start! (D:\gmax\gamepacks\fs2004\firsttry.x)
Loading X D:\gmax\gamepacks\fs2004\firsttry.x...
Processing...
(Part Cone10) Found colocated vertices within triangle
    ( 1.305146, 0.000000,17.447426)
    ( 0.000000, 0.000000,21.809282)
    ( 0.000000, 0.000000,21.809282).

(THIS REPEATS A LOT AND THEN THIS: )


Model units are 1024.00 units/meter
Error!
Error!
 

I then click Exit and no mdl is created.  

I know I'm on the edge of getting there, but I know I'm missing a critical step somewhere.

Any help is greatly appreciate.

For FS9-SDK and someone Who's Bearly learning how to export for the first time Gmax and modeling etc

I find less complicated this way

I install Gmax
I instal "fs2004_sdk_gmax_setup.exe"

     

I set up in Meters like this

In Customize/Preferences

     

then I check this in Customize /units set up



     

     

I think there is no vertices conflict there  ,and if you do , open a new sesion gmax then MERGE  IN FILE/MERGE ALL THE PARTS OF THE OTHER SESION IT WILL ASK YOU TO CONVERT UNITS ,Say YES..

ALSO:
Shane When you name X to Mdl It really sounds like you were talking about the software from FSX-SDK name XtoMdl.exe which has nothing to do with FS9-SDK.
as I read you said you want a model for FS9 , which uses makemdl9.exe  all included in the same package of  "fs2004_sdk_gmax_setup.exe" which I was looking a link and seems MS is not longer distribution this software, You are using a software to split VC from exterior model in Gmax .. 

Quote:


I was asking the same exact question ,why making things so complicated and less while you are learning?


I just grab this file (random) from adopt a design as to give you an example

http://www.simviation.com/adoptfsc.htm




in less than 3 minutes

I had it in Gmax ,then I use FS9-SDK tools and

Whala  

Shane.... our dear friend.  KNowing that you are overwhelmed by the activities of this weekend.

Please consider:

DO NOT GO TO OTHER SITES SEEKING TUTORIALS AND HELP UNLESS SPECIFICALLY DIRECTED TO DO SO FROM THE SIMVIATION AIRCRAFT & 3D DESIGN FORUM!

Of course, I say it facetiously - other sites (fsdeveloper.com and freeflightdesign.com) offer excellent advice and tutorials.  However, it is also true that the main "helpers"  make the rounds of the several design sites and teh same question, asked in several forums, will likely get you answers like "As I answered at xxxxx.com..."

One of the first tutorials that you will be directed to read/do is the "Stupid Idiot's Guide"  by Hugh SHoults, which is hosted at Simviation.  That's your basic modelling in gmax for FS2004 tutorial, closely followed by Uncle Milton's (aka Milton Shupe) C-162 tutorial.

Each has it's own "style", but you learn from both.

Now, even before you get to that point, it is highly recommended that you go through all the gmax native tutorials (yes, even the infamous P-38 tutorial, which ends up being modelled backward if you ever get it into FS-2004)

HAppy modelling!

And I made a "True FSX" Flying box as well. 

scalper_old wrote on Jul 6^th, 2009 at 6:31pm:



When I woke up this morning, Gmax and the SDKs were not installed on my computer, and I've never used them before.

And less than 12 hours later, I have made flying boxes...

My level of pride and feelings of accomplishment are through the roof right now.

Try it, and you'll understand why.