3ds Max - Sod Exporter

posted on April 24th, 2011, 12:59 pm

Hi all,

I was just wondering what's the method for exporting a model into ST:A2 ive been reading around from what i cant tell there is no exporter plugin for 3ds Max (after v3), does this mean i am forced to use another modelling package and export form there? i understand i can import from 3ds to Milkshape easily, however i have never used the program, im not looking to learn an entire new package unless i have to.

Another thing is how are hardpoints defined within 3ds max for ST:A2 is it simaler to unreals method of naming dummy objects attacking them to the mesh and then defining them in a script?

I know i may be asking things that have already been answered however i couldn't find any relevant topic.

Thanks in advance.

posted on April 24th, 2011, 1:47 pm

for now the non devs we have to use 3dmax5 or earlier or milkshape to export into sod's. milkshape (or ms3d as its also known by) is very easy to learn (esp if u only want it to add hp's

posted on May 6th, 2011, 5:46 am

Well, 3DS-Max 5 is easy enough to learn and use aswell. Probably not as easy as Milkshape, I don't know (I've always used 3DS-Max-5), but it's not exactly difficult. If you're gonna have to get 3DS-Max-5 anyway (for exporting), you may's well learn to model in it too, to avoid export-import-export-ing. =)

posted on May 6th, 2011, 6:12 am

What Atlantis said, but also I'm pretty sure 3DS-Max supports animations while MS3D does not. Basically, Max can do more but MS3D is easier to learn.

posted on May 8th, 2011, 5:51 am

You also can no longer buy 3D-Max 5, haven't in years.

posted on May 9th, 2011, 12:38 pm

But there is a OD exporter for Milkshape. So if you already have 3DSM you can export your model to .3DS, import it into MS3D (could be tricky as in some cases the models are rotated or certain groups are not aligned properly), and then export it to SOD.

posted on June 12th, 2011, 1:19 am

Can't the developers create an exporter for gmax and/or 3DS Max 2011?

posted on June 12th, 2011, 2:34 am

An exporter in Max script or Mel script (in the case of Maya) would be very handy, if only to be able to export animations. MS3D does usually get the job done but if you need animated stuff then it's pretty much the end of the line, 

posted on June 12th, 2011, 2:31 pm

There's always the option of hard-coding the model's animation.

posted on June 13th, 2011, 2:44 am

An exporter in Max script or Mel script (in the case of Maya) would be very handy, if only to be able to export animations. MS3D does usually get the job done but if you need animated stuff then it's pretty much the end of the line, 

Not unless you know someone who has 3D max v5 with the exporter. Like you do TUN.   

Once I get to know how to animate with it I may be able to help you out a little. Just need to wait till Achilles finds a bit of time to do the tutorial he was writing. 

posted on July 9th, 2011, 6:24 pm

There actually is a exporter plugin for 3ds Max which works up to version 5.

Go to :  MAX Plugins.de - the plugin database for 3ds Max

Go to the Import/export section search for SOD and you will be directed to the to the Armada1 and Armada2 export plugins.

Remember these plugins are incompatible with 3ds Max version 6 and above.

posted on July 9th, 2011, 6:54 pm

there also on a2files

a1 version - Armada SOD 3DsMax Exporter Utility Download, Star Trek: Armada 2 Utilities
a2 version - 3DS Max Exporter Utility Download, Star Trek: Armada 2 Utilities

posted on July 10th, 2011, 5:37 am

Wasnt there a guy who was writing a ulitity over at a2 files? what ever happened to him?

posted on July 11th, 2011, 1:30 pm

3ds Max SOD Import/Export Script - FileFront Gaming Forums

Looks like it petered out RealLife™ probably.