MDLC again!

[peperez]

Which is the last version? I have 190 and 117. Unhappily, I deleted B85 that seems to be the most workable of all. Can you help me!

Cheers

Pepe

[misson]

The last version is the beta 117 and it is the best version. Now i am in my job, but when i reach my home , i `ll see if i have the b85, and i share it.
Cheers
Mario

[Allen]

Attached Beta85

21758

[misson]

But i have the beta 75!!
Cheers
Mario:encouragement:

[Blood_Hawk23]

just remember that the newer ones are subpost to fix the light_state issue. I have all but the b75 as well if anyone needs them.

[Shessi]

Gents,
It goes MDLC:-

Beta 75
Beta 85
117 - weapons building.
142
and the last is 190

190 is the best, as BH states, it is has had all the other tweaks such as glightstates removal etc.

BUT, sometimes 190 will not convert flap ani's correctly (usually doing one side but not the other), so using manual MDLC 190 through a command prompt, is the way to go. Although you think using the earlier versions you get a conversion you will not be getting rid of the glightstates check and other issues.

Although the best way is to convert with the one which works for you, then use a hex editor and edit out the crash and glightstates checks.

Cheers

Shessi

[misson]

I still sayin that beta 117 is the best to get sucsess in hard conversions.
To delete the g_lights _states ( it causes the error SIM1SIM in missions and quick combat) use a exeditor , use the search tool and find this: 9d e9 f0 57 23 05 9c 4e bc b6 12 bb 2f e7 3f 06 (find them like hex string, no text) and replace them by zeros.

I have the best xeditor , recomended by SIMONU and it is freeware , and it could be in the library also.
Cheers
Mario

[msfossey]

Guys,

Are there any written directions on how to do a manual conversion using all the tricks? I can do just the simple ones that go through MDLC, but would like to try many of the planes that don't make it through.

Thanks,

msfossey

[Shessi]

Hi MS,
Yes there is. If you read any of Ivan's README's that comes with any version of MDLC, it explains the command switches for manual MDLC.

Basically (and remember this varies with differing OS's), to get a DOS command box up just go to START, and in the Run box type in cmd and then press enter. This brings up the DOS command box, now you can either type in the navigation to where you put your MDLC, or better still create a DOS command box short cut and put it with your MDLC.
You can put it with the same MDLC folders as the MK_MDLC MDLC. When you want to manual MDLC just click on the shortcut and a command box will come up and be ready without having to 'find' your way to where your MDLC is.

You then follow the switches as explained in Ivan's MDLC README. A couple of things, change the name of the mdl you're using to something simple like X or Z, and use no more than 8 letters if you're using a full name so for example, X.mdl or abcdefgh.mdl. Give it time to de-compile or compile.

Cheers

Shessi

[Allen]

I don't think msfossey is asking how to run MDLC.exe in the DOS window but what it dose to the model, IE what it changes in the model's coding.

[msfossey]

Guys,

What I’m curious about is “how to” convert some of the more complicated models from FS9 to CFS2. I can run the easy ones through MDLC. When the mdl file converts it is very easy.

But on models where the mdl file does not convert, such as Sky Unlimited’s P-38F, how do you work on the conversion. I know it can be done. I would like to learn myself. Where should I start?

Thanks for you input,

msfossey

[Blood_Hawk23]

Thats where the SCASM editing comes in. Thats something that I'm still working on as well. There are a few that just won't convert. Some of the WWI with the wire animations don't want to convert. even with SCASM editing.

[misson]

My friend msfossey, all models are convertible! The question really is, how far you want to go for that model to convert. I do not know practically nothing about the use of SCASM. But I understand some guidelines, is that nothing is easy. There is a lot of try and error.
But you have something to appreciate: it is that tingling inside, that motivates you to want to know and that is comforting and fun here. And it will cause problems with your wife.LOL
I recommend starting with the Magazine of Robert John, then install modelconvertX, install GMAX with their respective plugins and start experimenting. There are forums on design as http://www.fsdeveloper.com (http://www.fsdeveloper.com/) or here :http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforum...-amp-Animation (http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/forumdisplay.php?22-Aircraft-Design-amp-Animation).
You have the instinct to guide you through what you are looking for.
Go forward! starting slowly.
Use MDLC may be easy but will not work with all models. For these difficult models you could export the visual model with ConvertX program. And then reconstruct the animations with Gmax.Relocate textures, blablabla, To finally export to FS2004 and again use MDLC to convert to CFS2, but this would be your most difficult case. There easiest whichever is the difficulty. I think the use of SCASM might be easier to repair some animation but for large-scale work of many animations, resolution of parts etc, it may be more convenient to use gmax.
Hope this give u a idea of this bussines.
All these reasons are Why there is no a simple tutorial for conversions. I do not domain all this knowledge (i´m too far). But u have good people that can help u anywhere, just ask!
Cheers
Mario

[peperez]

I just arrived from a working trip to Rio.

Cheers

Pepe

[stuart277]

Hi all
I have been having a lot of trouble with MK_MDLC v2.0, (MDLC 117beta) recently.
It quickly converts the GMax export to MD8 (FS2002) but it is 'hanging' when converting MD8 to MD2.
This morning I converted one model successfully, but a second model 'hung'.
Shessi has given some answers, such as using too much RAM, my RAM monitor show about 37% used with background programs etc.
I have reinstalled the FS2004 Gmax SDK and MK_MDLC v2.0, (MDLC 117beta) without success.
It could be the exporting process so I have put in a GMax export for anyone to test.
It is a minesweeper for Achim called 'x'.
Cheers
Stuart

22686

[Allen]

Worked fine with MK_MDLC (beta85). MK_MDLC (beta85) is what I use all of the time. Attached the convert to CFS2 model.

22687

[stuart277]

Thanks Allen.
I have downloaded Beta 85 and will give it a try.
I just tested 1.90 and had a two failures on the MD8 to MD2 conversion.
Cheers
Stuart

[stuart277]

Hi Allen
I had no luck with beta85 either, but I did get the message 'conversion failed' going from MD8 to MD2 rather than the 'hang' with beta117.
I will do a virus check tonight. I use XP. As I understand MDLC does not work with Win7.
I have attached a few ships that I would appreciate if anyone can convert them to MDL files, they are a few more minesweepers.
Cheers
Stuart

[Allen]

I did your model the other day but today MDLC dosen't work. Any model that I know worked just hangs in the MK MDLC window. I see in the DOS window that it dose convert from FS2004 and a CONVERT.LOG and CONVER.MD8 are made but MK MDLC dosen't take them from the MK MDLC folder and put them into the folder that your converting from.

I tired a restat but got the same. I ended up re-downloading the whole Mk_Mdl_Ver 2.0+.zip http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/local_links.php?catid=49&sort=d&page=3&pp=20 and got it to work. Attaching the converted modes.

22764

[stuart277]

Hi Allen
Thanks for doing the conversions.
You seem to have found the problem I have.
I re-downloaded the Mk_Mdl_Ver 2.0+.zip again (this is the version I have been using), but it still hangs on the MD8 to MD2 conversions.
I am perplexed. Shessi says that the amount of RAM may have something to do with it.
Again, thanks for the conversions, at least I can do these models for achim.
Cheers
Stuart

[Shessi]

Stuart,
I've been getting odd MDLC things as waiting to convert, not an outright failure. Now I've not had this before, but get it as yourself with this ship. I see your issue, and am not sure about what I said and RAM. I have left this and other 'waiting' conversions over night, but all have just stalled. I have tried using MDLC manually, which usually overcomes these sorts of issues, but still no luck. And have tried MDLC 75,85,117,140 and 190, all no go.

What system/OS do you and Allen run, as it could still be RAM or a DOS issue and how the different rigs handle it.....

Shessi

[misson]

I could do it fast with no troubles. (had to say my PC)
I have zipped the original mdlc program, because i dont know why , some times i get it work replacin the whole program with his files.
Try to keep the MDLC.ini file, safe
Cheers
Mario

[Allen]

Shessi
I use XP SP3. I got/had the waiting to convert hang in the Mk MDLC window but if I open the DOS window by uncheck Hide DOS window It says that the convert worked and as I said I see CONVERT.LOG, CONVER.MD8 and TEMP.MD8 made by MDLC.exe in the Mk MDLC folder. This tells me that something is wrong with the Mk MDLC.exe (The nice interface).

[Shessi]

Allen,
Yes I use an XP SP3 machine for this work. I played around with various things, and realised there are so many mdlc and x2 Mk_mdlc files out there. As XP has not had any updates it's strange why I get this converting waiting warning, where I never use to get that??

117 seems to be working ok,but I want 190 (as has been ) working correctly.

RAM total and how how you've been using your pc (RAM memory-wise) beforehand does play a part in mdlc pass or fail.

Shessi

[dvslats]

117 seems to be working ok,but I want 190 (as has been ) working correctly

Shessi

Hi All,

Thought I would share what has caused problems in the past for myself.

1.) Only one version of mdlc can be on the C: drive at any given time. "C:\MDLC" as in the configuration file.
No other versions can be there. If there are any, cross scripting will occur. It will not matter if the configuration file points to another version. There will still be problems.
If you have another version, Cut and paste it to a storage folder.

2.) Some files from older versions of mdlc need to be in your 190 folder. Most important are the (3) md2 files, 20 kb in size.
I have inadvertently deleted this by mistake in the past because of the extension name (md2). Always look at the file size of the md2 as stated above before cleaning up the mdlc folder.

3.) This is a mystery to me but after a HD defrag mdlc will not work.
Keep unused copies of these files. For some reason they have become corrupted after defrag.
I'll attach these files below.

Copy and paste these into your ver.190 folder, allow overwrite.

Hope this helps,
Dave

[Allen]

dvslats
I have always had a few MDLC.exe's on my C: drive. I have MK MDLC for converting aircraft and mdlc_190_weap for weapons (I don't use mdlc_190_weap for weapons any more as I now use my CFS2_Exploting_Objs_Using_FS2002 for weapons that is faster)

Shessi and Stuart
I did some looking at the "bad" copy of MK MDLC that quit working and I found something. A shotcut and it is Named MDLC and its Type is Shortcut to MS-DOS Program. (See attached screen shot) Once I deleted this shortcut my "bad" copy of MK MDLC started working. If I put the shortcut back I get the waiting to convert hang in the MK MDLC window again. This shotcut was not found in download I did last night to get Mk MDLC working so I could to Stuart minesweepers.

22793

[stuart277]

Hi All
Thanks for the ideas.
DVSlats, I only have one MK_MDL file on C drive. It has all three MD2 files as shown below.
http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=22794&stc=1

I use Windows XP SP3.
I did notice the windows access file, it came with the download. I deleted it but no change.

Allen, as you can see there is no 'shortcut' file.
I ran and anti-virus program last night, found nothing.
This morning I ran MK_MDL and successfully converted a minesweeper, but tried a second one with no success, (Same problem, convets to MD8, then starts to convert to MD2 but hangs)
Perplexing
Stuart

[misson]

BtW: any ideas how to use the keyframes settings in the MDLC.ini?
I have the idea , that we can change the keyframes names to convert by changing the names there:
Cheers
Mario

[dvslats]

Just to be more clear from my previous post #25, here's an excerpt from Ivan's readme.
__________________________________________________ _____________________________

1.Unzip the MDLC_xx.zip and Extract to your MDLC folder, example: C:\MDLC folder.

Because MDLC support only 8 characters length pathname/ filename,
please allow the C:\12345678\12345678\12345678.123 pathname/ filename format.

2.Modify the "MdlcPath=" to your MDLC folder in MDLC.INI file, example: "MdlcPath=C:\MDLC",
it will define the MDLC system files folder then you can run MDLC in any other folder,
the MDLC still could find MDLC system files normally.
__________________________________________________ _____________________________

And a pic for the other problem.

Hi misson,
This document may help answer your question. It's saved from a thread some years back.

[Allen]

Stuart
The Microsoft Office Access Database Wizard Template file is really a CFS2 model file. It is made when you check the Fix Model Animation box. Another that looks like it is Microsoft Office Access Add-in Data. It is made when you check the Set visual model size box. (Collision/ crash bubble around aircraft).

What I would like you to do is get the MDLC_BAT.zip I'm attaching. Unzip it and put the Make_CFS2_Ship.bat and ship.mdl into the folder with your MDLC.exe. Now save one of you ships from gmax and overide the included ship.mdl with yours.

With that done run the Make_CFS2_Ship.bat. What it will do is run things as simple command line. That will open 3 DOS windows in total. The first will be the .bat it self. 2nd will be MDLC.exe converting from FS2004 to FS2002 model and it sould close when done and open the 3rd to go from FS2002 to CFS2 Model.

If it works you should see a SHIP.LOG (text file) SHIP.MD8 (model convered to FS2002) SHIP.MD2 (model convered to CFS2) and SHIP_CFS2.MDL (model convered to CFS2.) made in the same folder as the Make_CFS2_Ship.bat. Take the SHIP_CFS2.MDL and use it as you need. That attached screen should be vary close to what your MK MDLC folder should look like.

dvslats
I'm 99% sure that Stuart is using MK MDLC Windows shell utility program. It isn't capped by the old DOS 8.3 set up but this shell looks be messed up on Stuart system.


22803

22804

[misson]

Just to be more clear from my previous post #25, here's an excerpt from Ivan's readme.
__________________________________________________ _____________________________

And a pic for the other problem.

Hi misson,
This document may help answer your question. It's saved from a thread some years back.Hiya Dave!!! yeah , that is what i was looking for.

Thank u very much Dave
Cheers
Mario

[Allen]

Stuart did my bat get things working for you?

[stuart277]

Hi Allen
I have only just got a chance to test it thoroughly this afternoon. I did want to make sure that I followed your instructions correctly.
In general, it works.:applause::applause::applause:
It does not always create a CFS2_Ship.mdl (only once in the eight models that I tested), but the MD2.mdl can be used in MK_MDL to replace the exported ship.mdl.

http://www.sim-outhouse.com/sohforums/attachment.php?attachmentid=22885&stc=1

So it looks like I am back in business!!!
Thanks very much for your help on this (and other stuff)
Cheers
Stuart

PS. A couple of days a go I tried MK_MDL, the first one 'hung at MD2', the second 'passed' and the 3rd 'hung at MD2'.
I gets wierder!

[Allen]

The SHIP.MD2 is the same as SHIP_CFS2.MDL. The bat should make a copy of SHIP.MD2 and rename it SHIP_CFS2.MDL. Some times the .bat will closes before doing the copy and re-name. I saw this when I made my exploding/destoryable objects .bats. I put a pause in the bats so they would have time to do all of the needed work.

I'm attaching a new .bat. This one has a pause at the end and some setting to make sure that you don't get a false convert. The pause at the end will ask you to "Press any key on your keyboard to close this window." This window will be the black DOS window.

If you need a .bat made to convert aircraft let me know.

22912

[misson]

If you need a .bat made to convert aircraft let me know.

22912I would like it Allen!
Cheers
Mario