FSX MDL viewer update + a few things I've been working on. [Archive]

decapod

September 17th, 2009, 03:21

For those that haven't found it yet, here is an update to a .NET application I've been gradually writing for the past year to view true FSX MDL files (not for FS9 or earlier)
For thos that know me from the train sim community, this is basically an update for my MS Train Sim Shape file viewer.

http://cid-06b528339820717e.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Downloads/MDLReaderSetup.zip (http://cid-06b528339820717e.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Downloads/MDLReaderSetup.zip)

I think you need to have the DirectX9c runtime update from October 2008 or later for it to work.

I've also been doing a bit of modelling for FS9 and FSX using the 3D Canvas (www.amabilis.com (http://www.amabilis.com/)) tool - for which I have written a native FSX exporter.

A 1930's BA Swallow
http://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/fullbloom.jpg/6

and a few "Targets" for Chris Sykes RAF Bombing ranges - these images came directly from the MDL viewer screenshot option.

http://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen1.jpghttp://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen2.jpghttp://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen3.jpg
http://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen4.jpghttp://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen5.jpghttp://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen6.jpg
http://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen7.jpghttp://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen8.jpghttp://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen9.jpg

decapod

September 17th, 2009, 03:22

A few more....

http://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen10.jpghttp://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen11.jpghttp://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen12.jpg
http://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen13.jpghttp://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen14.jpghttp://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen15.jpg
http://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen16.jpghttp://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen17.jpghttp://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen18.jpg
http://www.atomic-album.co.uk/showPic.php/22531/mdlScreen19.jpg

CG_1976

September 17th, 2009, 04:23

3D Canvas, Thats the program my wife uses with TrainSim. Your saying it does FSX??

decapod

September 17th, 2009, 05:14

3D Canvas, Thats the program my wife uses with TrainSim. Your saying it does FSX??

Version 7.1.2 of 3D canvas pro has an export plugin for FSX as well as animation helper plugin, all the material options are available and an attachment helper plugin.
All written with some support from ACEs when they existed - it was intended as the first draft for the MS Train Sim 2 export option.

The only thing it can't do just yet is bones. That's awaiting a fix to the bones system due in 3D Canvas 8.0

I also wrote a tutorial on building the BA Swallow...
http://forums.uktrainsim.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=88061

Meshman

September 17th, 2009, 07:19

Thanks for sharing the utility! :applause:

gera

September 17th, 2009, 07:31

Thank you, your tool sure looks promising.

gera

September 17th, 2009, 07:45

Hey Paul, I just took a look at some of your pages and found your tutorials for FSX. This sure looks wonderful for us making scenery. I use FSDS but have seen 3D Canvas used for MSTS and it is very nice. check your pm....thanks.

italoc

September 17th, 2009, 07:51

Hei Gera
your avatars are one better than others :applause:
Italo

Chris Sykes

September 17th, 2009, 12:53

damn there goes the SCUD sneeky preview! lol :sleep: oh just notice i havent got that barge!!!:icon_lol:

EgoR64

September 17th, 2009, 14:11

Navy Chief

September 17th, 2009, 14:11

I downloaded and installed the MDL reader software, but it crashes each time I try to boot it. It supposedly installed ok. But as I am running Vista 64, is that the problem?

Thanks.

NC

Roger

September 17th, 2009, 14:55

Love the Swallow! When can we get to fly her?:ernae:

PutPut

September 17th, 2009, 14:59

I, also, can't get this program to run. It gives me the Microsoft "send a report" message when I try to open it. I am running XP SP-2 and do have .NET 3.5 installed and am running the latest version of DX9c.

Paul

MCDesigns

September 17th, 2009, 15:16

:ernae:

Please let us know if Ya get the Bones to work, That would be way cool, Could get some walking people in the Sim.

The Bones fix will it be for what version, Looks like 8.1 is the Latest !!

Thanks for your great Plugins !!

Many Cheers !! :icon29:

Bones are supported in Gmax and work in FSX, look at the arm animation for the trike pilot.

Cool idea, off to check out the MDL veiwer.

N2056

September 17th, 2009, 15:27

What a great tool! :applause:
Many thanks for sharing it, it will be quite useful to me :jump:

decapod

September 17th, 2009, 22:13

I'd love to know why the MDl viewer doesn't run on some but is fine on others. Of the reports I've had so far it doesn't seem to matter which version of windows is running.
Which really only leaves DirectX (and SlimDX) or .NET as the culprits.
The program is as "Standard" .NET 2.0 as it can be so it should be backwards compatible with 3.5.

I'd like to hear of any other failures, including video card type, DX version and .NET versions installed.
It could easily be my fault trying to do something like anti-aliasing on cards that don't support it.

Roger - The Swallow VC is in development, I'm hoping to have the FSX and FS9 versions done before christmas but I'm being a bit picky with it being my first aircraft.

Bjoern

September 20th, 2009, 14:07

Paul, maybe this will be of help:

Description:
Stopped working

Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: CLR20r3
Problem Signature 01: mdlviewer.exe
Problem Signature 02: 1.0.1.18558
Problem Signature 03: 4ab20d31
Problem Signature 04: Microsoft.VisualBasic
Problem Signature 05: 8.0.0.0
Problem Signature 06: 4a277ad7
Problem Signature 07: 6e
Problem Signature 08: e
Problem Signature 09: System.BadImageFormatException
OS Version: 6.1.7600.2.0.0.256.48
Locale ID: 1031
My OS is Win 7 Pro x64 RTM. The .NET Framework version is 3.5 if I remember correctly. DX is the latest one, video card (does that matter at all?) is a Geforce GTX275 with 190.62 drivers.

Upon googling "System.BadImageFormatException" I found serveral references to x86 programs not running correctly in the SysWOW64 container on x64 systems.

- Edit: I also get that error with Jon Masterson's Library Object Viewer, so it *has* to be something x64/x86 related.

decapod

September 21st, 2009, 00:31

Hi Bjoern,

Yes that's a great help - definitely related to x86/x64. I can do a temporary fix to force it to run 32bit mode only until I can work out a better way of running in 64bit mode.

decapod

September 21st, 2009, 00:54

Bjoern

September 21st, 2009, 09:27

One thing 64bit users could try is to install the SlimDX library runtime for 64bit systems, it might fix the problem:
Look for end user runtime on this page:
http://slimdx.org/download.php

DirectLink: http://slimdx.googlecode.com/files/SlimDX%20Runtime%20%28March%202009%20SP1%29.msi

Nope, doesn't work.

Until MDL View gets fixed, one could use the demo version of Abacus' FS Repaint v2 as a model and repaint preview application, even though it refuses to display native SP2 models (full version only).

some1

September 21st, 2009, 09:49

Hi Bjoern,

Yes that's a great help - definitely related to x86/x64. I can do a temporary fix to force it to run 32bit mode only until I can work out a better way of running in 64bit mode.

When compiling you have to set platform target to x86. If it is set to "any cpu", it will try to run as 64 bit on a 64 bit OS, and with some dependencies being 32 bit only, it will crash.

crashaz

September 21st, 2009, 10:34

Nice tool!! Thanks much... worked great on my x86 Win7 setup!:wavey:

EgoR64

September 21st, 2009, 12:43

:ernae:

Hi MC,

Actually the cool thing with Pauls Tool for 3d-Canvas is, you can take a Poser image that you design - me old ver 7, Throw a 30 frame walk in there, Export it as a BVH, Import it into 3d-Canvas and fuss around with the Bones, trying to fit them in the Skin of the Imported poser image, Use Pauls tool to export it and the animations, and you have a Walking little person in FSX, Except my little dudes skins breaks up during the walk, So Close...Yet....So.....

I have not played with it for awhile, that or anything else lost me entire puter, rebuilding Suxs, Slowly getting back into it, lost all me tricks -

:guinness:

decapod

September 21st, 2009, 13:47

After doing a bit more reading I think I can change the application install so it detects the system and will run in native 64bit mode with the correct slimdx version.
Might be a few days though as I'm off to a conference for a day or 2 tomorrow.

Navy Chief

September 21st, 2009, 14:03

Bjoern

September 22nd, 2009, 10:34

After doing a bit more reading I think I can change the application install so it detects the system and will run in native 64bit mode with the correct slimdx version.

First hurdle.

Hurdle number two would be making the tool able to display every model format, say FSX SP2 native, SP1 native, FS9... :jump::icon_lol:

decapod

September 22nd, 2009, 13:10

Hurdle number two would be making the tool able to display every model format, say FSX SP2 native, SP1 native, FS9... :jump::icon_lol:

All FSX formats can be read but very unlikely to ever support FS9.

Animation, simvars for conditional display and shader support will come next (but not too soon)

Bjoern

September 22nd, 2009, 17:49

All FSX formats can be read but very unlikely to ever support FS9.

Animation, simvars for conditional display and shader support will come next (but not too soon)

Well, the most important fix is the x64 one anyways. :d

decapod

November 10th, 2009, 03:53

I've been a bit busy with models but if someone would like to give this latest version a try with a 64bit windows OS...

Unfortunately it does require another download to install the correct SlimDX/DirectX dll - see the readme.htm file contained in the ZIP for details.

http://cid-06b528339820717e.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Downloads/MDLReaderSetup.zip

Here are couple more pics of my Swallow in flight.... Should be released for FSX before xmas.

http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/22531/sgafcl.jpg/6
http://www.atomic-album.com/showPic.php/22531/seiaff.jpg/6

Rick_Piper

November 10th, 2009, 04:04

Hi Paul

Errors for me too mate

Vista 32 completely upto date OS and libraries

Regards
Rick
http://rickpiper.cbfsim.org/images/MDLVerror.jpg

decapod

November 10th, 2009, 04:51

Hi Paul

Errors for me too mate

Vista 32 completely upto date OS and libraries

Regards
Rick

Hi Rick

File not found is an interesting one!

Did you download and install the extra SlimDX runtime?

There should be 5 files in the program files\mdlview folder, one .exe, one .config and 3 .dll's

Paul

Rick_Piper

November 10th, 2009, 05:22

Hi Paul

yes mate downloaded and installed all your linked files.

will look and see whats in the install folder

Regards
Rick
have this mate
http://rickpiper.cbfsim.org/images/files.jpg

decapod

November 10th, 2009, 06:58

Thanks Rick. That looks correct - I'll investigate further tonight.

decapod

November 10th, 2009, 12:12

All worked OK for me on a clean vista 32 system - has anyone else tried this version yet?

Rick - could you try uninstalling mdlview and the slimdx then re-installing?

Bjoern

November 10th, 2009, 13:25

Works, but some repaints on a some add-on planes refuse to show.

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/t3h_3vil/Misc/th_MDLV.jpg (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o183/t3h_3vil/Misc/MDLV.jpg)

(Thomas Ruth's A330-200.)

decapod

November 11th, 2009, 01:37

Thanks for the info - good to see it's working in 64bit mode now.

I do find a lot of "FSX" models are not really true FSX.

If anyone does have a true FSX model or textures that won't appear could they please let me know here so I can improve the program.

Bjoern

November 11th, 2009, 07:08

If anyone does have a true FSX model or textures that won't appear could they please let me know here so I can improve the program.

The A330 is native and the texture issue is with native models, as portovers aren't displayed in the first place.

OleBoy

August 29th, 2010, 16:45

This thing is an excellent program. I use this viewer a lot.

Paul, or anyone else.
....Does anyone know..has there been any updates to the lighting angles so the model can be seen in the same light on both sides when rotating?

Very annoying. Would be great to see this updated

(XP/32bit)

decapod

August 30th, 2010, 00:53

After a hectic year of work and no simming, I was "re-enthused" at Cosford this weekend.

I'm pretty sure I'll be updating this program at some point in the next few weeks, so all suggestions are welcome.
There are a couple of bugs I would like to iron out too.

OleBoy

August 30th, 2010, 03:28

Thank-You-Paul. Hearing that is great news.

After a hectic year of work and no simming, I was "re-enthused" at Cosford this weekend.

I'm pretty sure I'll be updating this program at some point in the next few weeks, so all suggestions are welcome.
There are a couple of bugs I would like to iron out too.

For myself, the lack of lighting on both sides has been the only issue that's bothered me. And the only time that happens is with the darker spectrum paints.
....But now that your open for sug-ges-tions.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS

Settings Options
Rotate model left-by left-mouse-click and right- by right-mouse-click.
Zoom in/out via the mouse wheel.
A nice blue sky/cloud back drop.

Bjoern

August 30th, 2010, 12:46

I'm pretty sure I'll be updating this program at some point in the next few weeks, so all suggestions are welcome.

A "walk around" kind of camera or better camera control in general (mouse wheel zoom) would be nice.

I have to admit though that ModelConverterX is my preferred tool to get in-depth information about a model by now, but MDLView is just fine for previewing repaints! :)

decapod

September 17th, 2010, 03:15

roger-wilco-66

September 17th, 2010, 04:41

It works on my system, but I had to upgrade SlimDX first.
I have a few suggestions:

- define custom zoom steps for the mousewheel ( slider? )
- introduce ambient light to lighten up darker objects (slider?)
- place names/functions in front of the three sliders to the right
- display dimensions of the object or its bounding box?

This is a great tool, I must say! I usually work with ModelconverterX, but I will use this to check textures etc.

Cheers,
Mark

OleBoy

September 17th, 2010, 04:54

Not quite complete yet but I would appreciate any constructive comments.

I'm also trialling a new installer (clickteam)
May require a SlimDX runtime update.

It would also be wise to uninstall the previous version first.

http://cid-06b528339820717e.office.live.com/self.aspx/Downloads/MDLViewSetup102.zip

Hello Paul

Seeing your response to this this morning was a welcome surprise. Exciting to read of your update to an already great tool. The download for your update went well and the install process was without error.
I chose to install over the top of your previous version as a test. That went fine with the usual redirect in the directory. Upon browsing to the .MDL file of the particular aircraft I'm currently working with, I first noticed that the .MDL files are not recognized and the icons viewed (as opened with) by MDLviewer like they were with the previous version (I hope I made sense with that explanation). Resolved by choosing "always open with"
.......I right clicked the .MDL file and chose "open with", and chose Modelview. Immediately the program crashed. For the second attempt I went to the directory that MDLview is installed in, and just double-clicked that thing. Again, CTD. That's when I downloaded the SlimDX runtime update. Once that installed, all was good to go. Up and running once again.

Thoughts:

On first viewing I like the new GUI having the draw calls on the bottom. For me, and what I use this great little program for, I would like to see the draw call cell-box removed all together, and have an option added up above to make it viewable/non-viewable by choice and usage. A little more versatility for both the modeler and the repainter (like myself) while viewing.

From previous post - - place names/functions in front of the three sliders to the right. As an option to see the cell boxes, or not.

The sky back drop is perfect. It brightens things right up.

The axis controls are nice. I like that all the way around. Having the different options of viewing are much better, along with the radius of light movements. I can now view a dark spectrum(d) (black) paint all the way around. Perfect (Ambient light would be beneficial)

All in all

I like your program.

Thank You
OleBoy

(Windows XP/32bit)

decapod

September 17th, 2010, 05:22

Thanks for all the comments & suggestions.
I'll try and cram a few more of these changes in once I've sorted out a problem with DXTbmp created DDS textures (they're not strictly valid DDS files but FSX reads them OK)

Bjoern

September 17th, 2010, 15:33

I'm also trialling a new installer (clickteam)

Could you offer a non-installer version as well?
I really don't like installers.

decapod

September 17th, 2010, 22:57

Could you offer a non-installer version as well?
I really don't like installers.

I certainly could for the next release - .NET is simple to deploy by just copying files.

However, clickteam is a very basic installer and you would still need to use the slimDX installer.

Bjoern

September 18th, 2010, 02:24

I certainly could for the next release - .NET is simple to deploy by just copying files.

I'd be very grateful. :)

n4gix

September 18th, 2010, 08:22

Could you offer a non-installer version as well?
I really don't like installers.

As I've mentioned on more than one occasion, you still have the option -even with the Clickteam installer- to "install" the files anywhere you wish, simply by clicking on the browse button [...] instead of accepting the default path...

I use the NSIS installer myself as it is far more configurable than the "Clickteam" package (which I still am convinced is simply a shell program that uses NSIS as it's base)... :bump:

Bjoern

September 20th, 2010, 09:09

As I've mentioned on more than one occasion, you still have the option -even with the Clickteam installer- to "install" the files anywhere you wish, simply by clicking on the browse button [...] instead of accepting the default path...

Zipped up files: Right click -> "7 Zip" -> "Extract To [file name]\"

Much more convienient than running an .exe, confirm that I *really* want to run the file, click "Next", click "...", click serveral more times to choose the appropraite folder, click, wait, close the installer.

decapod

September 21st, 2010, 05:20

A "small" update to version 1.0.2 (beta) - internally it is much better behaved now.

A few enhancements done, still to do ambient lighting. I just thought you might like to give it a bit more of a test for me :)

Installer
http://cid-06b528339820717e.office.live.com/self.aspx/Downloads/MDLViewSetup102.zip

Zipped files
http://cid-06b528339820717e.office.live.com/self.aspx/Downloads/MDLViewFiles102.zip

OleBoy

September 21st, 2010, 07:32

A "small" update to version 1.0.2 (beta) - internally it is much better behaved now.

A few enhancements done, still to do ambient lighting. I just thought you might like to give it a bit more of a test for me :)

Will do!!

Thank you.

Just from what you've done that you list in the read-me, I like it more already.

Changes for 1.0.2 - Sept 2010

Sky Dome added
Right mouse drag rotates the model in the world
Hold down Ctrl key and Left mouse drag to shift the camera relative to the model
Mouse Wheel zoom
Material information displayed on selection of the draw call in the list
Menu options for Textures on/off, coloured Draw Calls on/off and draw call display on/off
Better memory management
Better support for 24bit BMP and invalid DDS mip values from DXTBmp
Resize does not reset livery to default

I like the added features. Having the option to remove obtrusive windows is a plus.
....Although the ambient side (as you mentioned) does need something. Compared to what my paints looked like previously in the last update, the color spectrum is almost gone.

Bjoern

September 21st, 2010, 11:39

Love it!

The sun, however, acts a tad weirdly...see screenshot. (Missing alpha on the texture?)19491

Also, the sky tends to disappear when toggling other options. But this just a minor inconvienience as it can be reenabled by toggling the appropriate checkbox.

P.S: The daylight feature is awesome!

P.P.S: Is AA/AF also supported?

decapod

September 21st, 2010, 12:35

A strange effect there ! - the sun is just a standard DDS file but I suspect the problem might be with my rendering sequence. Which model are you viewing in that screenshot?

In theory the program should detect if AA and AF are available and set both to the max.
Switching to full screen may enable them properly if you don't see them to start with.

Bjoern

September 22nd, 2010, 09:19

Which model are you viewing in that screenshot?

A custom one. Transparency with alpha channels works OK on the model.

In theory the program should detect if AA and AF are available and set both to the max.Yes, it does indeed. I didn't have any global AA/AF options set in the driver. *Blushes*

- Edit: Replaced your sun.dds with another one and the transparency problem is gone. Must've been a bad texture then (since I couldn't open it in Image Tool either).

decapod

September 22nd, 2010, 13:08

Thanks for the info - I'll check the sun texture again.
I've made a few more tweaks to the AA/AF processing so it may be better with the final version.

n4gix

September 22nd, 2010, 14:45

What is the limit for size of model? I've tried loading the C310R and it chokes, coughs and spits a few dummys before finally loading, sort of...

decapod

September 22nd, 2010, 23:48

What is the limit for size of model? I've tried loading the C310R and it chokes, coughs and spits a few dummys before finally loading, sort of...

In theory no size limit for model, textures may be limited by graphics card. If large BMP files have been used instad of DDS then it can take longer to load.

I've got mixed results running this on laptops with not all features working correctly.

decapod

September 22nd, 2010, 23:55

What is the limit for size of model? I've tried loading the C310R and it chokes, coughs and spits a few dummys before finally loading, sort of...

Hi Bill,

I tried the "FSX" Cessna 310 from Flightsim - it's not FSX, it's an FS2004 model (MDL8) is there a true FSX version?

decapod

September 23rd, 2010, 00:07

I found a 310Q for FSX at flight simulations and design and that loads OK.
I suspect it may be slow as the program is scanning the disk to find either DDS or BMP versions of the textures in the current folder then the ..\texture folder - neither exist for the 310Q, you need to select the .2 livery for the full set to load.

OleBoy

September 23rd, 2010, 05:39

This may not relevant. In general. I've noticed that different colored, busy (er) textures take longer to load. Where as the plain no-frills model just pops right in.

Bjoern

September 23rd, 2010, 09:29

I found a 310Q for FSX at flight simulations and design and that loads OK.

That's not the one that Bill L. talked about. He was referring to the payware model from MilViz.

n4gix

September 23rd, 2010, 10:11

That's not the one that Bill L. talked about. He was referring to the payware model from MilViz.

Yep! That's the one. I'm working on the model at the moment to sort out some minor issues with some of the display conditions (such as 3d landing/taxi polygons that always are visible on some owner's systems), and thought I'd try the FSX MDL Viewer to see a new livery I'm also working on...

I also am experimenting with reducing the draw calls for the exterior model via LODs, and thought that using the viewer might be faster than using FSX itself. :ernae:

trevytt2004

September 23rd, 2010, 10:38

This utility is great, but is there scope in the future for it to be able to display the undercarriage?

Also, will you be adding a texture for the earth like you have the sky?

all the best

Bjoern

September 23rd, 2010, 10:44

I also am experimenting with reducing the draw calls for the exterior model via LODs, and thought that using the viewer might be faster than using FSX itself. :ernae:

It always is.

Anyways, I'd be interested in your findings if you're done experimenting. :d

decapod

September 23rd, 2010, 12:25

This utility is great, but is there scope in the future for it to be able to display the undercarriage?
Also, will you be adding a texture for the earth like you have the sky?
all the best

In the future I do hope to include setting variables for visibility options and animations, though that will require a bit of work and there are a couple of FSX models as well as an X-plane exporter program I'd like to finish off before MS Flight appears - too much to do, so little time!

As for the Earth, I'm thinking about allowing the user to load a list of .X mesh files and textures on startup - that way you could create your own scenes in which to load the models - that would be relatively simple and might make it into the final cut of 1.0.2.

Chuck_Jodry-VJPL

September 23rd, 2010, 12:55

Nice tool , like Bill i was using it with a mind to reducing draw calls and found the option to color the draw calls illuminating ,it sure beats doing this in Blender , if there were a wish list it would be the ability to hide and unhide the parts attached to these individual draw calls.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
You can measure the number of texture vertices of a given part in max :( provided you collapse to editable mesh and run a script :/ , but you can’t measure draw calls or check with precision the number of texture verts on a given map , just run each material to its limit and your tool will help in the effort , also a nice touch was the LOD model viewer , something we should get used to using.<o:p></o:p>
Thanks C.J<o:p></o:p>

decapod

September 23rd, 2010, 14:40

Visible draw calls is on the list - easy to do :)

Whilst I'm here, I'll showcase my latest... The Luton Minor LA-4, 1930's home build
Only 33k polys so far and 41 draw calls.

http://www.hosted.classicbritishfiles.com/imageupload/thumbs/lmb2a.jpg (http://www.hosted.classicbritishfiles.com/imageupload/?v=lmb2a.jpg)
http://www.hosted.classicbritishfiles.com/imageupload/thumbs/lmb2b.jpg (http://www.hosted.classicbritishfiles.com/imageupload/?v=lmb2b.jpg)
http://www.hosted.classicbritishfiles.com/imageupload/thumbs/lmb2c.jpg (http://www.hosted.classicbritishfiles.com/imageupload/?v=lmb2c.jpg)

Chuck_Jodry-VJPL

September 23rd, 2010, 15:27

Also done with 3D Canvas ? , nice work on the homebuilt, now i understand why "they" were interested in 3D Canvas, it is a top drawer modeling tool .

OleBoy

September 23rd, 2010, 19:49

I don't know if this has any relevancy so I could just be talking to myself here. While messing about with repaints and then popping into the model viewer I got an idea. Likely it's been thought of many times but I'll speak anyway.
....Is it possible to use a program like decapod has here that can have a closer relationship to what your doing? What I'm referring to are the paints. Would it be possible to edit the paint via whatever paint program is used, and have the ability to view it (and edit it) in real time? Kind of similar to the way that can be done with Flight1 Airport Facility X and being able to view the changes right in the sim.

That would be fantastic. Kind of an all in one plug-in (Adobe Photoshop-DXTBMP-Imagetool-MdlViewer) to incorporate all the functions to one program type thing.

Ok, I'll go back to my paint booth.

trevytt2004

September 24th, 2010, 07:22

Bjoern

September 24th, 2010, 08:02

A "reload aircraft and currently used texture set" button would do the trick as well.

mjahn

September 25th, 2010, 02:44

Very useful tool, thanks very much!

Another suggestion - up close the perspectival effect is mighty strong. Wouldn't it be nice to have an optional non-perspectival display?

Also perhaps an omnilight feature, or an option to add light source(s) where one wants or needs them, e.g. below the fuselage etc?

OleBoy

November 11th, 2010, 08:51

A "reload aircraft and currently used texture set" button would do the trick as well.

Yeah yeah, I know. It sounds good though!!

Is there anything more going on with this decapod?

OleBoy

April 18th, 2011, 17:12

I was just getting things reinstalled in preparation of future repaints and found this.

March 2011

Introduction

The March 2011 release of SlimDX is now out!

The March 2011 release of SlimDX was a bug fixing and stability release. In this release we diverged from the usual practice of synchronizing our schedule with that of the DirectX SDK, mostly due to the long wait since the previous release, June 2010. March 2011 boasts several bug fixes, some performance improvements, a few bits of missing functionality, and a couple new samples, and we decided that we couldn't wait any longer for the release.

http://slimdx.org/download.php

OleBoy

May 17th, 2011, 07:57

Something else I thought of, which has had me frustrated on almost all of my repaint journeys. When the paint (model) is viewed in the viewer, the ailerons, elevator and rudder are keyed deflected. I would love to have the ability to change the key frame deflection to neutral at a minimum, although having the additional full up/full down frames would also be beneficial in many projects.

MDL View is already a great tool. I doubt I would be doing any repaints without it.

Thanks Decapod

brettt777

January 11th, 2014, 08:14

I've tried everything and I still cannot get MDL viewer to run on my machine. I have the latest slimdx, direct x and .NET but I still get the same error right after I start the program. I don't know what to do but I desperately need this program to work. None of the other programs have the features that this one has... I got it to work a couple year ago I think, but not sure how or why it won't work now. AAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!!! :banghead:

Here's an error report I got on one machine...

Description:
Stopped working
Problem signature:
Problem Event Name: CLR20r3
Problem Signature 01: mdlviewer.exe
Problem Signature 02: 1.0.2.2
Problem Signature 03: 4c98a9bd
Problem Signature 04: Microsoft.VisualBasic
Problem Signature 05: 8.0.0.0
Problem Signature 06: 4ca2d138
Problem Signature 07: 6e
Problem Signature 08: e
Problem Signature 09: System.IO.FileNotFoundException
OS Version: 6.1.7601.2.1.0.768.3
Locale ID: 1033