What format is the SH4 dat file?
 

Sh4 has (dat model files) A dat file could be a model made from (any) modeling program and saved -- then re- named to .dat My question is what model export format is all the .dat models in silent hunter 4? I know so far they are nothing that can be exported from 3ds max 8 . As I have an object test replacing a default SH4 .dat model file with my own. I even look and compare the SH4 models .dat with notepad to any other format and none so far match.. Any clues?

With Sil3nt Editor you can export/import the files.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=119571
http://s3d.skwas.com/

Welcome to SUBSIM :-)

Thanks, What I am trying to do is add a test model object into sh4 from scratch. You have to know what program the developers of SH4 used to make their dat 3d model files. The editor converts to dat, sim, zon, val,cam,dsd, anm, sdl, off files and none of these are compatible with 3ds max or any other modeling program so far. Looking at the language of an sh4 dat file looks close to an (Mdl) flight sim file but does not work. What modeling program did the SH4 developers use?

Modeling program does not matter, just export out a .obj files from your 3d modeling program and use Silent 3ditor to import them into the .dat file. I suggest you look in the above sticky called SH4 Master Thread: Popular Mods, Tools, Technical advice & Tactical tips or click that link. :up:

Skoaler try this link

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=135177

The Dev's used 3D Max but everything was run through the in-house converter program known as Kashmir to create the SH series of dats and so on.

Ok, now need help with the silent 3ditor. I click export/3d model and nothing happens or import/3d model and no joy. There are only 2 buttons active- the Raw chunk and the Datfile have a blue highlight . The 3D Model and the Embedded image buttons are greyed out and do not activate. any clues-- I have ver 0.9.9. Or does anyone have an older version? This one does not work on 2 diff pcs

You need to click the hierarchy arrows for each node. right clicking on a "3d-model" sub object will bring up the menu and you'll be able to import or export from there. You can also import an obj this way too.

welcome aboard!
 

Welcome to SubSim Skoaler :sunny:

ThankX. Getting somewhere now.. Thnx for the program pic.