Howard...Now available for download here at SOH!!

[Roger]

I wish the download was still available from Fs Northwest so more could enjoy it! This is a true FsX conversion of Milton's model (excluding spec and bumps) with an interior .mdl separate from the main mdl.
(Edit: The Howard is now available in our FsX Downloads section thanks to Mike and Milton)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/rogera/howard500-1.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/rogera/howard500-2.jpg

[YoYo]

Looks nice, any new pictures from cocpit?

[alain0568]

-Excellent news!!!:applause:



Alain

-

[DarrenL]

Edited to add - I googled some things but I think they were only updates for it

[Roger]

It's still about I just googled it and downloaded it from fsdownload.com

That's the one isn't it?

Well when I Googled it it said Nor Cal...in which case it isn't a true FsX model and not converted by Mike Allen Richardson.

[Scratch]

Cool! I put many hours on that one in FS9.

[Roger]

There may be some misunderstanding here. My starter post bemoaned the fact that the converted Howard 500 can't be downloaded anywhere these days. I'm hoping there may be a solution somehow, somewhere...

[kilo delta]

I may have got it when it was available too,Roger,along with the Bell 47. Can you tell me the filename? It'll help when searching multiple backup hdd's.:icon_lol:

[Roger]

Thanks kd but I still have it and the updates too. I believe we need a way to make it downloadable legitimately.

[lazarus]

It would be nice to see if the FSX Howard could be hosted and preserved here. Why not?
I did manage to DL the Spartan FSX and Bell47 a few weeks ago before the site went poof! Safely on a flash drive.
Edit. a quick check now gives a 'maintenance' window for fsnorthwest. Perhaps it'll be back. Fingers crossed.

[kilo delta]

I believe we need a way to make it downloadable legitimately.

Quite right too,Roger.:)

No...what I meant was that I'd like to reinstall it myself...but can't find it in my backup library.

[Roger]

FSXHoward500.zip

[Butcherbird17]

kilo,
The file names are FSXHoward500 and hw500vc4_Updte. I also have the bananabob props for her which can be found at Avsim,
file name is howard_500_prop_fsx. I thought that Allen Richards is a member here maybe under the name mikrco?
I've searched but came up empty.:kilroy:

Joe

[OleBoy]

Google is your friend. I found them both.

[TuFun]

Yep... Google!

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l40/TwFun/fsx2011-10-1118-56-40-25.jpg

[Roger]

Can you confirm TuFun that the Howard in your screenshot is FsX native? It's just that the prop alphas seem to render the props almost invisible such as you would do to to help the prop-behind-the-clouds issue in a port-over.

[expat]

I just checked and see there is the second, interior model (native FSX) in my folder.

Love this aircraft to bits (its an Milton Shupe creation so goes without saying) but noticed for some time on all my a/c paints - and the second screenie here - that there is a an asymetrical discoloration on one side of the front of each engine cowling. The paint in the first screenshot in this thread does not seem to have this. Anyone else see this or know the cause?

[kilo delta]

Thanks guys.:ernae:

[DarrenL]

I don't seem to have the solid prop/invisible/invisible in clouds issue from the FSX native version. - FSXHoward500.zip

49935

Default prop

49936

I even copied in a different prop to test a difference.

49937

[ColinT46]

The Howard propfix zip is in the warbird's archive on this site. Search for Bananabob

[Anneke]

Google is your friend but where did you guys found the FSX version(s) and updates??

Nevermind found it at 4shared

[Bjoern]

I believe we need a way to make it downloadable legitimately.

1. Upload somewhere
2. Wait until the original download is back online or the original creator complains
3. Delete
4. ???
5. PROFIT (for everyone)


It's not that you claim that it's your work or something.

[TuFun]

Can you confirm TuFun that the Howard in your screenshot is FsX native? It's just that the prop alphas seem to render the props almost invisible such as you would do to to help the prop-behind-the-clouds issue in a port-over.

This FSNorthwest.net release of Milton Shupe's Classic Howard 500 for FSX.

"This is an alternative prop texture for Milton Shupe's Howard 500 which is now converted to FSX SP2 model by M. Allen Richards of FSNorthwest" BananaBob alternative prop texture.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l40/TwFun/fsx2011-10-1213-33-37-24.jpg

[Roger]

Well all's well that ends well...I e-mailed Mike and got the response that we may upload his FsX version to SOH library. FSNorthwest is undergoing maintenance at present but will be back shortly. Thanks Mike:ernae:

He has also sanctioned the upload of his FsX converted Spartan too.

I will prepare an upload of the Howard shortly.

[OleBoy]

Here here!! That's great news Roger! :icon29:

[Hurricane91]

Many thanks guys. A great aircraft, and that continental texture is terrific.

[lazarus]

Great news Roger! Thanks to all involved. I saw the googled link, seemed like theft so its 'leverite' - leave her right there! Looking forward to it.
Now to see about fixing the engine in the FSNW FSX Spartan Exec. Any one else have the engine showing as all black?

[Roger]

I've just uploaded it and when Rami has checked it over it will be ready for download. Thanks to Mike and Milton:ernae:

The upload only has the one, original paint scheme but there are many repaints out there and they all work with the FsX .mdl

[big-mike]

Thank you very much,Roger!
Just dl.
Michael

[Bjoern]

Is the patch included?

[Roger]

Is the patch included?

Yes it is.

[Roger]

One thing you will notice is that the viewpoint is too far back. I didn't want to modify the final updated version so I'm sure someone will post a revised position. Also the vc textures could do with sharpening up...Ed?:naturesm:

[expat]

Where does one find that Continental paint?

[TuFun]

Howard invasion...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l40/TwFun/fsx2011-10-1316-34-46-47.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l40/TwFun/fsx2011-10-1316-18-17-72.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l40/TwFun/fsx2011-10-1316-19-23-18.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l40/TwFun/fsx2011-10-1316-19-52-80.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l40/TwFun/fsx2011-10-1316-21-11-09.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l40/TwFun/fsx2011-10-1316-24-40-58.jpg

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l40/TwFun/fsx2011-10-1310-45-05-06-1.jpg

"The Howard collection adds up to a total of 34 different aircraft..."

http://www.com-central.net/index.php?name=Downloads&file=details&id=290

[lazarus]

The only time I've never regreted shooting my mouth off. Thank you one and all! Thats a heck of a balbo of Howards TU!:applause::applause::applause:

[TuFun]

Thanks lazarus... and all this time I was only flying with this model...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l40/TwFun/fsx2011-10-1319-05-23-20.jpg

Now I'm flying a banana...

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l40/TwFun/fsx2011-10-1319-01-42-55.jpg

[ColinT46]

Where does one find that Continental paint?

It's available at Simviation. Search for Howard 500.

The nearside tail has a reversed texture but that easily fixed.

[expat]

My word - Howards' galore !! That's more in the photo than I think were made of the 500 . .


It's available at Simviation. Search for Howard 500.

Thanks!

Also, from re-downloading it from www.Com-Central.net (http://www.Com-Central.net) for some reason it has sorted out the nacelle texturing problem I mentioned earlier. :jump:

[stansdds]

I recall a previous conversion of the Howard to FSX had a prop animation problem, the port engine's prop rotated in the wrong direction. Did that problem get solved with this version of the Howard?

[Bjoern]

I recall a previous conversion of the Howard to FSX had a prop animation problem, the port engine's prop rotated in the wrong direction. Did that problem get solved with this version of the Howard?

It was resolved with a patch, which is included in the download from SOH.

[stansdds]

Downloaded and installed it, same as before. Port engine prop rotates the wrong direction and cranking the engine causes the plane to spin around and crash. Might be a MS Acceleration issue, I've had this with a few other FS9 port overs.

[Roger]

Downloaded and installed it, same as before. Port engine prop rotates the wrong direction and cranking the engine causes the plane to spin around and crash. Might be a MS Acceleration issue, I've had this with a few other FS9 port overs.

Strange,
I just tried a cold start and had no issues. You did download the Howard from the SOH in the what's new section? Also the one I uploaded isn't a port-over so I'm wondering if yours is a different download?

[falcon409]

. . . . . .Also the vc textures could do with sharpening up...Ed?:naturesm:
ooops, sorry Roger, not sure why I missed reading this thread. I looked at the textures and you're right, they could use some sharpening. I have to leave in about an hour for the weekend (death in the family). I'll be back Monday and start working on it. Milton made the VC panels very easy to work on so it should go pretty smoothly.:salute:

[Roger]

ooops, sorry Roger, not sure why I missed reading this thread. I looked at the textures and you're right, they could use some sharpening. I have to leave in about an hour for the weekend (death in the family). I'll be back Monday and start working on it. Milton made the VC panels very easy to work on so it should go pretty smoothly.:salute:

Sorry to hear about the death Ed. Look forward to whatever you can do with the vc panels. I'm looking at seats cabin walls and carpets (can't do panels lol).

[Henry]

aaaaarrrrrgghhhhhhhhhmefsx putor is broke:mixedsmi:there's nothing more frustratingthan one of your screen shots woger:icon_lol: 1ston my list
H

[Roger]

Haha,
H, I hope you get your puter sorted soon...there's loads to catch up with:ernae:

[dougal]

I'm a little confused here guys (nothing new tho). Where are these great repaints to be found?

Thanks

[lazarus]

:applause::applause::applause: Thank you, thank you, thank you! Gentlemen and Ladies, you've made my FSX year. I had sadly retired the ported Howard a while ago; to have her back, and able to bust clouds again with her again. Ahhh. Hog heaven! With the SAS R-2800 sound pack. Brilliant. Put that one into everthing with a big round pounder on.
And to fete the mighty Howard... Ventura-like meat substitute! The RCAF operated over 300 Venturas, not often appreciated. One Ventura is under restoration to flying state in Calgary. FIGS, bit of tuning to do. Okay... a LOT of tuning to do.

[Henry]

There may be some misunderstanding here. My starter post bemoaned the fact that the converted Howard 500 can't be downloaded anywhere these days. I'm hoping there may be a solution somehow, somewhere...hmmmm imgonna have to be'p0lite'
H:tgun2:

[stansdds]

Strange,
I just tried a cold start and had no issues. You did download the Howard from the SOH in the what's new section? Also the one I uploaded isn't a port-over so I'm wondering if yours is a different download?
Yep, just downloaded from SOH. Turned on the master battery switch, used keyboard command to activate the port engine starter, saw the prop rotating the wrong direction, then the whole aircraft spun around and crashed. I looked at the normalized starter torque and it seems very low, I know this value can spin aircraft around if it's too high.

[Crusader]

I'm a little confused here guys (nothing new tho). Where are these great repaints to be found?

Thanks


Try here . There is a whole pack of them .

http://www.com-central.net/index.php?name=Downloads&c=107

R (http://www.com-central.net/index.php?name=Downloads&c=107)ich

[dougal]

Thanks Rich

Just have to wait for my site approval now.

[OleBoy]

SAS R-2800 sound pack http://library.avsim.net/download.php?DLID=162057

[dougal]

OOoooo.... I wish Com-Central would approve my account. I really like some of those paints:running:

[Bjoern]

Most, if not all, of these paints can also be found on Avsim and Flightsim.

[dougal]

Most, if not all, of these paints can also be found on Avsim and Flightsim.
Thanks Bjoern, didn't know. Will go look.

Cheers

[ColinT46]

OOoooo.... I wish Com-Central would approve my account. I really like some of those paints:running:

Check your Spam filter if you're still waiting for approval. That's where mine ended up.

[TuFun]

The beauty of the Com-Central file is its an EZ-installer exe file. Loads all those beauties in one shot.

[Milton Shupe]

Mike's conversion was indeed an approved, sanctioned effort. Thanks to Mike on this one and the Spartan. :applause:

If anyone would like the original, 24 bit textures for the cockpit for the conversion to FSX, just ask.

The prop issue may be one easily fixed if it is just a reversed pivot. Mike may correct that if asked.

[dougal]

Check your Spam filter if you're still waiting for approval. That's where mine ended up.

Alas, 'tis not in there.

If some kind soul already registered would post there and ask on my behalf, I'd be most grateful

[Roger]

Thanks Milton,
I'd love to get those higher res vc textures please.

[falcon409]

Thanks Milton,
I'd love to get those higher res vc textures please.
So, should I stop what I'm doing with the HiRes VC update I'm doing then Roger?

[Roger]

So, should I stop what I'm doing with the HiRes VC update I'm doing then Roger?

Hi Ed,
I didn't know there were any higher res ones available, so perhaps, if you are willing, wait for the higher res ones and see if they can be improved?

[falcon409]

Hi Ed,
I didn't know there were any higher res ones available, so perhaps, if you are willing, wait for the higher res ones and see if they can be improved?

Will do!:salute:

[expat]

Great to hear there may be a VC mod. Love this aircraft.

[Milton Shupe]

Thanks Milton,
I'd love to get those higher res vc textures please.


So, should I stop what I'm doing with the HiRes VC update I'm doing then Roger?


Hi Ed,
I didn't know there were any higher res ones available, so perhaps, if you are willing, wait for the higher res ones and see if they can be improved?

Gentlemen,

I am sorry to report that after scanning some 25GB of backups, I find no 24-bit panel textures and only a few body textures of the original paint scheme.

Scott Thomas who did the panel normally sends me the original 24-bit panel textures but I cannot find them.
I will write to him and ask if he has them and let you know.

Also, it looks like Joao Paz sent the final body textures as DXT3 with alphas but no 32-bit. He may have uploaded the 32-bit to Flightsim.com or Avsim.com as an optional download.

I do have a few larger (1024) and original textures that may be some help. The original bezel textures may be helpful in correcting the chrome bezel issues for some of you.

I will post a link you when uploaded.

EDIT: I have uploaded a few textures that may help, no VC textures however:
http://www.flightsimonline.com/mas/Hw5-raw.zip

I have also written to Scott Thomas enquiring if he still has the 24-bit panel and VC textures. I will let you know.

[Roger]

Many thanks for your efforts Milton:ernae:

[Milton Shupe]

Scott had the 24-bit textures for the 2 main panels and the warning panel.
He also has the hi-res for the 2D panels but I did not include them.

I added the 24-bit textures to the download zip referenced above.

The texture names are VCMainL1024, VCMainR1024, and WarnPanel4.
These are 24-bit and 1024x1024.
They should work as they are for the FSX native conversion.

[falcon409]

Scott had the 24-bit textures for the 2 main panels and the warning panel.
He also has the hi-res for the 2D panels but I did not include them.

I added the 24-bit textures to the download zip referenced above.

The texture names are VCMainL1024, VCMainR1024, and WarnPanel4.
These are 24-bit and 1024x1024.
They should work as they are for the FSX native conversion.
Ok, the HiRes that I'm doing are 4096x4096 and I've redrawn the bezels completely from scratch. I'm also redoing the console and overhead with all new labels and boxes. I'll hold for now though until I see if my work is not really needed.

[Roger]

Ok, the HiRes that I'm doing are 4096x4096 and I've redrawn the bezels completely from scratch. I'm also redoing the console and overhead with all new labels and boxes. I'll hold for now though until I see if my work is not really needed.

Please continue Ed.

[Milton Shupe]

Please continue Ed.

What he said ... :)

[expat]

Grateful for all efforts here . . :applause:

[LordAkshay798]

Will it be possible to make bump and spec maps since this model is FSX native? I'm planning to do some for this plane.

[falcon409]

What he said ... :)
On it!:salute::salute:

[falcon409]

A few early screens. . . .a side by side of the original L/H console and the new replacement. I was going to post a screen of the VC panel but after reducing it twice to conform to the screenshot size limits it still wasn't small enough (mine was 3 pixels larger on the depth than allowed), I decided I wasn't going to mess with it again. I'm trying to show clarity in the screenshots and they have to be reduced to a size that doesn't allow for clarity.

Question: Is there any way to hide the yoke?

[Milton Shupe]

A few early screens. . . .a side by side of the original L/H console and the new replacement. I was going to post a screen of the VC panel but after reducing it twice to conform to the screenshot size limits it still wasn't small enough (mine was 3 pixels larger on the depth than allowed), I decided I wasn't going to mess with it again. I'm trying to show clarity in the screenshots and they have to be reduced to a size that doesn't allow for clarity.

Question: Is there any way to hide the yoke?

Yes, in the docs Mike says:

"Notes:

1. "/" (spoiler key) is no longer used to display/hide the yoke. Instead, mouse click on the side of the ECU to the left of the "carb heat levers" for this action.

2.No changes have been made to exterior textures so 3 party repaints from FS9 should work.

Enjoy!"

[falcon409]

Yes, in the docs Mike says:
"Notes:
1. "/" (spoiler key) is no longer used to display/hide the yoke. Instead, mouse click on the side of the ECU to the left of the "carb heat levers" for this action. . . . . .
Ah yes, the docs. Thanks Milton.
One more question; The image below shows the throttle quadrant and the area circled is the mixture control. Do you know how the placard reads top to bottom? I figured out the top and very bottom ("Rich" and "Cut") the rest is pretty much lost from age.

[Milton Shupe]

I have pictures of the newer, redone, ecu that I will post for you. Give me a few minutes to find them.

[olderndirt]

Ah yes, the docs. Thanks Milton.
One more question; The image below shows the throttle quadrant and the area circled is the mixture control. Do you know how the placard reads top to bottom? I figured out the top and very bottom ("Rich" and "Cut") the rest is pretty much lost from age.










Perhaps "Idle Cut Off"?













C

[falcon409]

A few WIP pics of the lower left console and the L/H gauge panel.

[Milton Shupe]

A few WIP pics of the lower left console and the L/H gauge panel.

Excellent work falcon! Beautiful!

[expat]

Indeed. Looking good Ed! Will be burning less kerosene and more high octane avgas in the coming weeks I can see!

[HighGround22]

.
Those panels are downright "gore-jess", Ed! Your work on this sweetheart of an airplane is hugely appreciated.

[dougal]

A few WIP pics of the lower left console and the L/H gauge panel.

Now THAT is somethin else.

You are very talented sir - looking forward to any of that you may kindly release....

[Roger]

Great stuff Ed:ernae:

[falcon409]

Thanks everyone. Both halves of the VC panel are complete, the lower consoles are complete and I'm redoing what I can on the throttle quadrant/Center Console and the last thing will be the upper warning panel. I hope to have all of this ready to zip up and release by the weekend. The only interior change I made was the cockpit carpet, everything else remains as is.:salute:

[falcon409]

A minor improvement, but it's the little things, ya know, lol.

[OleBoy]

Your work is pretty darn slick, Ed. You're an asset to all of us! :icon29:

[Dexdoggy]

The Howard is a fantastic gift, thank you very much! Same for the Spartan, a lovely aircraft!:applause::applause::applause:

[falcon409]

A few "in-sim" shots w/the new yoke emblem in place:

[roger-wilco-66]

Ed, that looks fantastic!! Great work!

Cheers,
Mark

[expat]

<FIELDSET class=postcontent><LEGEND>http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/misc/paperclip.png Attached Thumbnails</LEGEND>http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50332&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1319071295 (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50332&d=1319071295)

Wonderful work. We can also use it to make T-Shirts for SOH members!!</FIELDSET>

[roger-wilco-66]

<fieldset class="postcontent"><legend>http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/images/misc/paperclip.png Attached Thumbnails</legend>http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50332&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1319071295 (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=50332&d=1319071295)

Wonderful work. We can also use it to make T-Shirts for SOH members!!</fieldset>



Now that's a good idea!!

[olderndirt]

Magic. Now a behind the power curve question - where can I find the 'collection' of textures which'll work, with no modification? I've tried those at Com-Central and NorCal, both with .bmp files, and they don't work - for me. The single texture included with the SOH download, with .dds files, works fine. Tried converting with DXTbmp but apparently screwed up.

[ColinT46]

DDS files display a little differently to bitmaps. They need to be flipped upside down to show correctly. Using DXTBitmap send to editor,flip the image and after conversion from BMP to DDS ,save and reload from editor.

[Roger]

It's been a few years since I added repaints to the Howard. BMP should appear as well as dds but I wonder if some of the texture file names have been altered? If I get chance later I'll take a peek.

[expat]

Am missing something. All the Com-Central textures worked for me in FSX/Accel. Is this a DX10 thing? I definately have the native FSX model(s) as there is the second one for the interior.

[falcon409]

Almost complete, but I ran into a minor snafu. I redrew the Warning Panel, came out pretty nice, but when I loaded it into the sim, I failed to notice beforehand that part of the panel is modeled in the sim, it isn't just a flat texture, so the mapping only accepts part of it (the center portion but not the area where the feathering switch is). Consequently it looks less than great so I'm going to bypass that and work the panel below that and then I'll be ready to upload everything.

[expat]

Ed, as always superb work. There are always compromises but don't let these thwart the big improvement you -and others here at SOH - so freqently make to the rest of our endless pleasure.

[OleBoy]

Ed, the visual clarity in the panels are night and day. Final results are looking outstanding! :salute:

[olderndirt]

Am missing something. All the Com-Central textures worked for me in FSX/Accel. Is this a DX10 thing? I definately have the native FSX model(s) as there is the second one for the interior.Clarification - the Com-Central textures did work but they need a prop fix. I guess I abandoned them looking for something easier.

[Butcherbird17]

There is an easier way to convert the BMP files to DDS (DXT5) using a batch file and Image Tool.
I have used this to convert a few of the fs9 texture files for the Howard.
These are the file names that will need to be converted:

cowling_t
eng_t
flaps_t
fuse_t
nacelletail_t
ruddertail_t
spinner_t
spinner2_t
wings_t

Another thing i did to the fsx Howard was to place all other files from the texture folder
(except the ones above) into a new folder and named it texture.shared (saves HD/D space)
and keeps it nice and clean. Now in the texture folder with above files i make a thumbnail
and texture.cfg to point at the shared folder and then add the new paint to the aircraft.cfg
and i'm good to go. Also if like me you use Bananabob's fsx props for the Howard you can add
them to the texture folder or place them into the shared folder. I use em on different paints
so i place em in the texture folder of said paint.
If anyone wants the batch converter i can zip it up and post it here, just let me know.

Joe

[MM]

Joe,
For us klutzes, it would be great to have a "by the numbers" way to convert BMP to DDS files. (And maybe the reverse?)
Thanks.

...

And Ed, great work!

[expat]

I have paints with both bmp and DDS textures. Frankly I have never noticed any difference in visual quality or FPS between them and the DDS paints invovle several more steps to work with. Do others see that big a difference?

[Butcherbird17]

Joe,
For us klutzes, it would be great to have a "by the numbers" way to convert BMP to DDS files. (And maybe the reverse?)
Thanks.

Ok, you need Image tool which is in the fsx sdk. Its located in the Environment Kit/Terrain SDK folder. Next is to open notepad
and add this line:

imagetool -nobeep -nomip -dxt5 -dds -nodither *

Now save the file (save as) and name it (compiler.bat). Create a new folder any where on your computer and name it something
you'll remember. Place Image Tool and the batch file into the folder. Now to convert the bmp files, you can just move them into
the folder or copy/paste (your choice). Then double click on the batch file and it will convert the files from bmp to dds.
Once its done you will have the bmp's and the newly created dds files in the folder, just delete the bmp's and move the dds files
into the texture folder of said paint.

Joe

[falcon409]

Ok, you need Image tool which is in the fsx sdk. Its located in the Environment Kit/Terrain SDK folder. Next is to open notepad
and add this line:

imagetool -nobeep -nomip -dxt5 -dds -nodither *

Now save the file (save as) and name it (compiler.bat). Create a new folder any where on your computer and name it something
you'll remember. Place Image Tool and the batch file into the folder. Now to convert the bmp files, you can just move them into
the folder or copy/paste (your choice). Then double click on the batch file and it will convert the files from bmp to dds.
Once its done you will have the bmp's and the newly created dds files in the folder, just delete the bmp's and move the dds files
into the texture folder of said paint.

Joe
Does that batch file also flip the texture or must you still go back into DXTbmp and flip the texture and the corresponding alpha?

[mmann]

Does that batch file also flip the texture or must you still go back into DXTbmp and flip the texture and the corresponding alpha?

In this case the conversion is being performed by Image Tool, which means that the images will be flipped. A couple of points to remember is that any conversion performed will lower the resolution of the images, also remember from an earlier thread that Image Tool performed the worst in this regard.

[Butcherbird17]

In this case the conversion is being performed by Image Tool, which means that the images will be flipped. A couple of points to remember is that any conversion performed will lower the resolution of the images, also remember from an earlier thread that Image Tool performed the worst in this regard.

Yes to all of the above. Image tool takes care of the flipping.:mixedsmi:

Joe

[falcon409]

In this case the conversion is being performed by Image Tool, which means that the images will be flipped. A couple of points to remember is that any conversion performed will lower the resolution of the images, also remember from an earlier thread that Image Tool performed the worst in this regard.
Yea, I don't use Imagetool and I use a plugin inside PSP for the dds conversions. I was just curious since I've seen others post about using a batch file to do large numbers of conversions and wondered about the ability to also flip the image.

[Roger]

Attached is the converter I use. It was sent to me by Spad at GAS. I have added another .bat file to take dds to bmp as well

[FSX68]

Try here . There is a whole pack of them .

http://www.com-central.net/index.php?name=Downloads&c=107

R (http://www.com-central.net/index.php?name=Downloads&c=107)ich


I Downloaded those repaints and much to my chagrin, the props need converting ergo Banana Bobs props fix and the VC cockpit look like from FS9.
I wonder where everybody is getting the liveries to those nice clear photos that they are showing? I sure can't find them.

[falcon409]

I Downloaded those repaints and much to my chagrin, the props need converting ergo Banana Bobs props fix and the VC cockpit look like from FS9.
I wonder where everybody is getting the liveries to those nice clear photos that they are showing? I sure can't find them.
On that note, I'll be uploading the HiRes VC textures in a few hours.:salute:

[Milton Shupe]

I Downloaded those repaints and much to my chagrin, the props need converting ergo Banana Bobs props fix and the VC cockpit look like from FS9.
I wonder where everybody is getting the liveries to those nice clear photos that they are showing? I sure can't find them.

Well, that is where to get them. And, it is an FS9 cockpit, built in 2005, a 6-year old model.

We had 2200 hours in that project and it is nice that some are wiling to put in a few hours to freshen it up.
Props are easy ... just do it. :)

[Roger]

Thanks Ed for all your hard work:ernae:

[olderndirt]

I Downloaded those repaints and much to my chagrin, the props need converting ergo Banana Bobs props fix and the VC cockpit look like from FS9.
I wonder where everybody is getting the liveries to those nice clear photos that they are showing? I sure can't find them.At Com-Central in the search, type in 'Howard 500 prop fix'. That download will install in the 'collection'. Works.

[falcon409]

VC textures have been uploaded.:salute:

[expat]

SUPERB!! Thanks Ed. :guinness::applause:

[Roger]

:ernae:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/rogera/howardhiresvc.jpg

[Bruce Thompson]

Thanks Ed for a superb job on the VC.

Bruce.

[thunder100]

VC textures have been uploaded.:salute:

Thanks WORKS great !!

If one would have some more wishes?

1.) a ligther VC/2D main cockpit texture(lightgrey instead of dark)
2.)High resulution Aluminium for wings and engines

Its at 99 % allrady would move then to 100%

Thanks

Roland

[FSX68]

VC textures have been uploaded.:salute:


Thanks a bunch ED. Now I assume in your read me for your new VC paints that the dds files go into the FSX main
texture right? What will those (DDS) textures change? The VC looks great, thanks again.

I put a video in of a real howard and how she sounds. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkoUMcH0B1A

I also put in a video clip of a freeware sound pack (FSX) for the PW R2800 which sound awesome, The sounds are avail at AVSIM (SKY HIGH AUDIO SIMULATIONS)
They are same engines that the HOWARD 500 used.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGxb2n9n77M

[big-mike]

Thank you very much,Ed!
Fantastic work.
Michael

[FSX68]

Attached is the converter I use. It was sent to me by Spad at GAS. I have added another .bat file to take dds to bmp as well


Thanks for the converter files. At first I was just a little slow in starting off the conversion process then the light bulb came on and I took it from there.
Now I hate to ask a dumb question but, what is the gain in converting the old bmp files to DDS format for FSX other then maybe a FPS improvement.

Also I noticed that the port and starboard wingtip lights (RED/Green) are not visible from the spot except in the flyby at high altitude (they show nicely at higher altitude in flyby)
but in chase plane (spot) they are not so noticeable. This was after the conversion to DDS I might add.

[falcon409]

Thanks a bunch ED. Now I assume in your read me for your new VC paints that the dds files go into the FSX main
texture right? What will those (DDS) textures change? The VC looks great, thanks again.
No, if you do that, then you won't see any change in those textures. When reading the readme, consider everything I talk about as being inside the aircraft (Howard 500) folder. The base texture I refer to (since I don't have any other repaints except the basic texture) is the one labeled "texture". As I mention in the next sentence if you have additional textures then copy the new dds textures to those folders as well.

Remember, the biggest parts of the VC changes come from those bitmaps that go in the panel folder. The dds textures are solely for the changes I made to the ECU and Carpet.:salute:

[FSX68]

No, if you do that, then you won't see any change in those textures. When reading the readme, consider everything I talk about as being inside the aircraft (Howard 500) folder. The base texture I refer to (since I don't have any other repaints except the basic texture) is the one labeled "texture". As I mention in the next sentence if you have additional textures then copy the new dds textures to those folders as well.

Remember, the biggest parts of the VC changes come from those bitmaps that go in the panel folder. The dds textures are solely for the changes I made to the ECU and Carpet.:salute:

Ahhh....Ok, I tried that and sure enough, the VC looks much better. Even the Howard Horn button on the steering wheel. LOL Thanks.

[Milton Shupe]

Excellent work Ed! :medals:

Thank you so much. :)

[chet twowolves]

Ed.thanks the new vc texture for the howard 500.VC.looks great.
Thanks again.
Two Wolves

[olderndirt]

Hope I installed it correctly - Ed's panel in action.

50552

[falcon409]

Hope I installed it correctly - Ed's panel in action.

50552
It appears that some of the dds files didn't get into the folder. There should be "ecu.dds", "ecu2.dds", "yoke.dds" and "carpet.dds" in the zipfile you downloaded. Those files go into the texture folders, but remember, the large texture package that has the extra liveries from Com-Central are all bitmaps and the sim will draw those before it will draw the dds files, so you'll have to convert those four files to bitmaps (32bit) and delete the dds files, or use the conversion batch file mentioned here and convert the bitmaps to dds files. I suspect that's why those textures aren't showing right now.

[papab]

It appears that some of the dds files didn't get into the folder. There should be "ecu.dds", "ecu2.dds", "yoke.dds" and "carpet.dds" in the zipfile you downloaded. Those files go into the texture folders, but remember, the large texture package that has the extra liveries from Com-Central are all bitmaps and the sim will draw those before it will draw the dds files, so you'll have to convert those four files to bitmaps (32bit) and delete the dds files, or use the conversion batch file mentioned here and convert the bitmaps to dds files. I suspect that's why those textures aren't showing right now.
\
Ed,
Thanks for the updated VC
Spot On!!!

Rick