Help with SOD Files

[Destroyer92]

posted on June 2nd, 2012, 5:34 pm

Last edited by Destroyer92 on June 2nd, 2012, 5:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Looking for someone to help make SOD Files. I haven't been able to work with them, and I have several models I need made. I have the models themselves, but I cant make them into SOD files. Any help would be great.

posted on June 2nd, 2012, 7:04 pm

To create SOD files for ST Armada or Fleet Ops, you need to have 3D Studio Max or MilkShape 3D. You can find some tutorials for MilkShape on this site: http://armada2.filefront.com/
What kind of Mod you wish to made ?  Maybe here you can find some interesting models converted already in SOD format :-)  http://armada2.filefront.com/

posted on June 2nd, 2012, 7:20 pm

I tried Milkshape, but it keeps giving me problems. after 30 days, even if I put a valid code in, it refuses to work, and reinstalling is useless. I've also tried finding an SOD exporter for 3DS Max, but all the versions I've found don't work with it.

The mod I'm working on is for some books I'm trying to write. I have been writing ODF files for the ships, stations, weapons, etc., but I have to use the models already in the game. I have 3 models from when I was using Milkshape, but they are outdated and need a complete overhaul. I have newer, less demanding models, but without an SOD maker, the models are useless, useless the Fleet Ops Team can make it accept 3DS Max or Google Sketch Up.

I have some of the pictures for my newer models. I need help with texturing too, but mostly the models at the moment.

posted on June 2nd, 2012, 9:33 pm

Are you sure you have a code for the appropriate version of Milkshape? If you have a code for 1.8.2, it won't work with 1.8.4 for example.
There is a SOD exporter somewhere lurking in the community for 3DSM. Check on MSFC for example.

posted on June 2nd, 2012, 9:45 pm

I'm not sure what versions the software or the code are for. I'm not sure what anything is.

As for 3DS Max, I'm using a labtop until I can fix my larger computer. Until then, I'm stuck trying to find the exporter for when I do get it up. It needs to be for 3DS Max 2011.

I'm new to the forums. What exactly is MSFC.

posted on June 2nd, 2012, 10:00 pm

A Sci-Fi and Gaming forum. MSFC

[Destroyer92]

posted on June 2nd, 2012, 10:28 pm

Last edited by Destroyer92 on June 3rd, 2012, 3:13 am, edited 1 time in total.

Nice site. I'm not seeing anything though, but then again, I never use forums.

If anyone can help me, I'd be very thankful.

posted on June 3rd, 2012, 6:10 am

I don't know. MilkShape it works very nice on my computer, the trial version or with a valid code.  How can I help you ?  Try to join my sci-fi site http://spacering.mixxt.com/  maybe I can find a valid code or something for MilkShape. 

posted on June 14th, 2012, 5:59 am

Well, I have Milkshape, but now I have a bigger problem.

The models, for some reason, wont show up. I'm doing everything I did before, including matching mesh nodes to a mesh, but it keeps saying that it doesn't match one node to its piece, and will either crash the game, or wont show up at all, usually the latter.

I appreciate any help given.

posted on June 14th, 2012, 11:17 am

Your mesh nodes are connected to the root hardpoint right? and they are each m_meshname one for each meshgroup?

posted on June 14th, 2012, 3:32 pm

As for 3DS Max, I'm using a labtop until I can fix my larger computer. Until then, I'm stuck trying to find the exporter for when I do get it up. It needs to be for 3DS Max 2011.

A little shamless plug: 3dsMax Exporter Script. A readme/guide is included with the download.

Should work with any version of 3dsMax that supports file output. Cheers, and good luck with your models.

posted on June 14th, 2012, 3:48 pm

Thanks. I have to wait until I can get my larger computer up first.

posted on October 29th, 2012, 8:15 pm

OK, 3ds Max is up. however, I am having issues with the exporter.

I have some ships that only use one texture/material, which exports fine, but whenever I try and export a ship with more then 1 texture or material attached, the exporter gives me an error and, instead of a complete model, spits out an SOD that is only 1-5 kb in size.

I'm used to using 3DS Max to film my models, not export them into a game.

I need some help here.

any advice?

posted on October 30th, 2012, 3:03 am

Armada SOD format does not support multiple materials per mesh.

You should split your mesh along material boundaries into multiple meshes. Re-apply materials to the individual meshes . Make sure that you have the mesh selected when applying the material, and not its sub-objects like vertices or trianges. Should export OK afterwards.

In the future, apply the material to the whole mesh, not the sub-objects.

Cheers

posted on October 30th, 2012, 11:36 pm

Thanks, Mr. Vulcan. I'll get started on that now. Will have pictures up as soon as I can finish.