How to add a 3D model into S3D
 

Hi All,

I'm looking please for some help with adding 3D model references into S3D. I've been able to manipulate models for the most part, as well as the other chunks in the dat file, but when I try to create a 3D model chunk\, I run into troubles.

First, no matter what I do, the chunk always appears at the top level of the data tree, and there is no way for me to move it into a child position because in the "Parent ID" section, it says N/A so I can't move it around. Furthermore, when I try to import a 3D model into it, I get the response that I can't because there is no parent relation set. Also, if I try to import a 3D model into an existing 3D model chunk that is correctly located, the chunk gets moved to the top of the tree again and I'm back to square one.

Am I doing something wrong here? Is it even possible to add a new 3D model into the dat file using S3D? Do I even need to use 3D model chunks in SH4? Please tell me, as I'm starting to run out of ideas and I need to be able to work with more models than are available to me.

Thanks,
Greg

PS: On a side note about torpedo doors, does the 3D model and animation need to be present for them to function? Or can the the description nodes just be in place and they will work?

just go to your parent node, right click select "append new child chunk - 3d model".
check the index of the new 3d-model, should be one
below parent node.
you can move nodes up and down with the menu buttons
"move chunk up", "move down".

there is a field on the right when on parent node,
"linked 3d model", enter the model ID there.

as for the torpedo doors, how would you see them
if they don't have a 3d model?

I am sure someone will pop in to answer this that has more knowledge than me. I don't do a lot of 3D but here is what I do know.

A simple 3D model has three entries in the .dat file.

7 Node: Your_Ship
[box image] 6. 3D model
A 8 Your ship

VERY IMPORTANT: The 3D model MUST be numbered lower than the node that accesses it. Notice above the Node is 7 but the model is 6. Number 8 is the label.

Second the 3D model will not have a Parent ID, as you say it is N/A. So using the example above
1. Select the 6 3D Model and copy the ID.
2. Select 7 Node: Your_Ship
3 Look to the right and you will see "Linked 3D Model" with a box labeled "Model ID" paste the ID you just copiedinto that box.That is how a 3D model gets linked, it does not use "Parent ID", it links using the "Linked 3D model" with the 3D model ID.

I have seen some strange stuff happen if you try to "copy/Paste" a 3D node and don't change the ID, then the model is linked to two different nodes, and an import can cause some strange stuff to happen.But on an unchanged .dat file I have never had a problem importing a new 3D model.Maybe someone that has done it more than me will have a suggestion.

Peabody

Thanks Peabody, the chunk order was the problem and now I'm able to move forward, with my project.

Right now I'm working on a project in which I don't really care about seeing the doors, but care a lot about getting them to function in the way I want them to. So, that why I want to know whether or not you have to be able to see them for them to function...

kindo hard to follow there ! :doh:, what are you working on ?


keltos

I'm actually trying to work out a way to launch weapons vertically, and to have those be able to coexist with normally launched weaponry. the actual torpedo launch is governed by the location of the torpedo door node, but the angle is governed by the orientation of the root node. As such I'm having some troubles working with the door nodes... Every time I make a change S3D sends the chunks in that node scatter scatter all over the place, hence my desire to let the 3D model fall by the wayside until I can figure out the mechanics of the vertical launch.

bump