Bridge Commander Central
BC Forums => BC Bridge Modding => Topic started by: Lurok91 on April 10, 2010, 03:33:58 PM
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Just to keep folks updated....
question for Jimmy/Mleo - can't get Science & Eng to stand. Done it on lots of other bridges by SetStanding, but doesn't seem to work here either in Nebula bridge or characters scripts. Also tried console method. I could change anim, but such a pain. Wonder if there's a specific issue with the Neb scripts?
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Oh goooody
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question for Jimmy/Mleo - can't get Science & Eng to stand. Done it on lots of other bridges by SetStanding, but doesn't seem to work here either in Nebula bridge or characters scripts.
hmm thats a toughie... it could be something with the nif; unfortuantely i know very little about that aspect (other than the SetStanding)... and MLeo has kinda been gone from the scene for a while now, so i dont know if he would be able to chime in here...
edit - the more i think about it, the more im thinking it isnt the nif... it might need some tweaking of the scripts, or a new anim for them?
i wish i knew more about such things to offer better advice :(
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Whoa man ! :eek You're beggining to be kind of one man army ;) you've introduced 5 new and different dridges so far where most of them had to be rebuild or re-animated and you've done it alone :bow: :thumbsup: kudos man !
as for C&C try to get new carpet for that bridge (maybe not kind of bare metal floor) let's show Romulans as kind of elegant designers when it comes to ships and put there grey/beige carpet ;) walls could be a tad darker shade of grey, typicall Romulan displays (pink/white/green/turquise)
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Very nice work on the Warbird so far!
If I could chime in on your predicament, you may want to PM Mark or LC at the Excalibur forums and ask if the problem is serious enough, they may know whats causing the problem.
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i was just taing to Mark about this and this is what he says:
it wont work with any of the non-stock bridges as far as I know, but if it did their feet would be thru the floor.
setstanding just loads the legs into the straight position, but it wont compensate for height... you could use bridge plugin for that tho probably.
so its a case of checking whether it works on the other modded bridges... if it does then we need to be looking at the animation scripts to see whats different in there.
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The model itself is not bad. The colors however, just don't 'feel' Romulan to me though. I'm not saying that you should slap green all over the place as that would feel more like the Borg didn't know what to change during assimilation. :D
But perhaps something to give it a more pleasing asthetic feel would be good.
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the rommies used alot of earth colors everytime I've seent their bridges. Usually a mixture of tans and browns, medium lighting, green lcars
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Thanks as always for feedback :) Don't forget this is still very much early WIP...lot to do :) I'm going to base this on the DS9 bridge so final version will be lightmapped much darker. But all comments on colors taken on board.
Thanks for help, Jimmy, and kinds words, Bones. :) Having been a year abroad working just making up for lost time while have some free time :) and its fun.
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In the galaxy bridge eng & Scie are up! try to look in the Dbridge script!!
This bridge is cool!! :thumbsup:
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Some more WIP pics. Slowly getting closer to DS9 model. Lightmapping will make a big difference.
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oooh - that looks much better! :thumbsup:
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yeah it''s already looking far better... finally we're gonna have true Romulan bridge :D imagine that retexture BOOM after it's released (same goes to Rotarran bridge lol)
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Very cool! Finally more alien bridges :D
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Modelling skills still basic but have redone cap chair and standing consoles. Will post more tomorrow. Glad the texture changes/improvements worked...
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Redone cap chair and standing consoles. Think st consoles better :) Added few more blue pipes, doors and viewscreen lcars. One prob just noticed is the ViewScreen nif now too small! :) Changed it for excalibur one, which I think is biggest in BC, but still not quite right. Is it poss to change size of viewscreen nif in Max?
Would love some feedback from Barihawk, who I think has a good eye for textures and looks...
Assuming everyone happy, will finish few more details, then lightmap
EDIT: UPDATED PICS
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Changed it for excalibur one, which I think is biggest in BC, but still not quite right. Is it poss to change size of viewscreen nif in Max?
All you need to do is create a square infront of your main model, slightly bigger than the viewscreen area, convert to editable mesh and delete the unseen faces.
then select your whole model except the new face you have made, delete it, save as viewscreen.max and export using max 3 to NIF. once done your viewscreen should be perfect size.
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thanks Sean :) will try that...
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I'm going to reserve judgement on the environmental textures until you work on darkening the lightmaps. I do like the electronics panels very nicely, however.
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Cool can't wait, some of the past romulan bridges have been "interesting" and not in the good way lol this reminds me alot of the Valore bridge from Nemisis.
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First pass at lightmapping. Quite pleased with practical backlights but would like to get general ambient light level down. Only used one omni at low level but still too bright?
this reminds me alot of the Valore bridge from Nemisis.
If this goes ok, Valdore will be another one. Remodel of Sov - change xo console to Klingon, standing console for captain, and other details.
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The last screenshot is the best, but still needs to be darker.
On lightmaps, I am really fond of using gradient in order to make it look like light is going somewhere. It's bright near a source of light and slowly becomes darker. It really brings life to the scene.
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it is amazing what youve done thus far :) :thumbsup:
i do agree with the bridge being a bit darker - but congrads on how far youve come thus far with bridge modding - keep it going!! :D
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it is amazing what youve done thus far :) :thumbsup:
i do agree with the bridge being a bit darker - but congrads on how far youve come thus far with bridge modding - keep it going!! :D
for what's worth I agree [darker bridge]
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Made darker...but too dark? Still playing around with lights and maps, and have to remap ceiling...
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Ambient lighting is perfect, but the lightmaps are still boring. Play around with gradients and adding patterns to the light. The floor and consoles are also still a little bright for the overall illumination level.
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I can fix the floor and consoles, but unsure how to do gradients and patterns. Is that in paint program (I use CS3) or in max (using mental ray)?
edit: added light grad (top to bottom) on frontwall ... is this sort of thing?
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from what i understand from Mark, lightmapping can be done through vray (and apparently is much easier than the old fashioned way)...
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thanks Jimmy. Don't have vray but will look into it...actually what would be really useful is a lightmap tut from the old bridge mob :P. Not so much how to do channels etc (can do that) but how to light, shadow and render...
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check the Tutorials forum - i wrote up a tutorial...
granted, it is very crude and no doubt tough to understand... some years back, sean and i were talking and he explained step by step while i scribbled down notes on a piece of paper... having no knowledge of the program or what i was doing, what i wrote was poor in description and prolly makes little sense lol
hopefully you may find some helpful use somewhat...
http://bc-central.net/forums/index.php/topic,7276.0.html
if you get the process down, perhaps you could write up a better tutorial in the future to help out those who would like to learn... what i wrote up is scattered and poor lol
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So... changed wall/columns lightmaps to more gradiented, added glow to lights. Pics are screenshots from BC so hope accurate. Can carry on fiddling but at this stage think probably ready for beta testing if others agree. Then can take on board any ingame feedback.
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Can't wait to try it out, looks awesome.
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The gradients look good, but try to angle them away from light sources. I was a big fan of finding a lamp on my bridges near a wall and adding a "fan shape" gradient outward.
If there's no light nearby, it should be dark :P. You have livened up the bridge, though.
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i cant wait to try this one out either! great job :thumbsup:
i am glad to see youve worked out the standing animations for science and engineering :)
cant wait to see your future projects; youve come a long way already! where were you just a few years ago when the bridge modding scene was much more active? lol :P
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where were you just a few years ago when the bridge modding scene was much more active? lol :P
I only got into BC around 2008, tho longtime Trek fan (mainly Voyager, STII-VI; not a fan of TNG or DS9). Learned a lot from Barihawk's work and Mleo's posts about retexturing and scripting and would have got into this sooner but offered job overseas so no time (and rare internet access lol). Just making up for lost time now.
On a separate note, 'borrowed' rom lcars from Adge site as canon to this bridge. But I think from other posts he doesn't like people using his stuff (?) so I'd need to get new lcars for final release...
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there used to be some good romulan Lcars on okudagrams forum (http://"http://www.joseralat.com/forum/index.php"), however i dont know where they went....
i checked lcarsc (http://"http://www.lcarsc.com/") and the graphics i was looking for are there (http://"http://www.lcarsc.com/showthread.php/177-Romulan-Graphics?highlight=romulan")
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what's your ETA on this bridge ?
(before anyone use our new emoticons power, I ask that just because I don't know if I'll manage to make new LCARS on time ;) )
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i checked lcarsc (http://"http://www.lcarsc.com/") and the graphics i was looking for are there (http://"http://www.lcarsc.com/showthread.php/177-Romulan-Graphics?highlight=romulan")
thanks for useful link :)
what's your ETA on this bridge ?
(before anyone use our new emoticons power, I ask that just because I don't know if I'll manage to make new LCARS on time ;) )
Hi Bones... no set ETA. Only just uploaded beta for testing...
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Ok then, I'll add them to my list ;)
btw. Rotarrans displays are almost finished (3 more screens + animations to 6 screens left)
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Any feedback from beta testers?
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Sorry dude, I usually report back on beta's relatively quickly, just haven't been in-game much over the last few days.
Anyways, the bridge plays pretty well in-game, no lag or performance issues. Aside from the bugs you listed in the readme the only thing I noticed was the viewscreen. The images on it sort of get a little screwy if you move the camera, I understand this happens with all bridges, but when it happens on this one it's a lot more noticeable. Also the loading screen I made for it is showing upside down and huge. I've attached screenshots.
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Maybe just flip and resize the texture? :P
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Maybe just flip and resize the texture? :P
If you're looking for a quick fix yes. :P
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The upside down loading screen kinda looks like a face. :D
You get a cookie for unintentional lols. :D
I've been meaning try this bridge out myself but I am finding less time each day to be on my computer, that it wouldn't be fair to keep you waiting for a beta report.
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Thanks for feedback Nero :) On loading screen, hmm... I don't use loading screens myself (have customized starfields as ls for all bridges) so hadn't considered that prob. I'll look into it. I assume the loading screens are textured to the viewscreens? Can you let me know if the flip/resize works?
Re: the viewscreen distortion, yes you're right that happens to a greater/lesser extent with many bridges. I think here because I created a new screen that's curved rather than flat so guess why it distorts. I'll see if can change and whether makes a difference.
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If the window is curved that should be fine, the viewscreen however needs to be completely flat for best performance iirc.
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TBH: I find the viewscreen distortion, not to much of a problem, All bridges have some at one time or another, besides I do most of my combat from non-bridge view.
Ive not had a chance to test this bridge [apologize to Loruk] but it is a stunning acheviement.
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Mind if I use this for Picture of the day?
(http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n241/Psycodiver69/vegatrek/g1.jpg)
I like it, the screen is kinda funky, but my only two issues are maybe have the lights on in green alert, and darken with blinking lights for red alert. The other is more of a suggestion, if possible, can you smooth out the corners and edges or is it to late in the work for that?
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Mind if I use this for Picture of the day?
would be better with romulan crew IMO...
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very true, any of them good enough for DL?
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Mind if I use this for Picture of the day?
No prob, as long as you can mention it's a beta WIP and not an official release (yet) :)
I like it, the screen is kinda funky, but my only two issues are maybe have the lights on in green alert, and darken with blinking lights for red alert. The other is more of a suggestion, if possible, can you smooth out the corners and edges or is it to late in the work for that?
Haven't figured out scripting for alert changes yet, but when do will try and do that. As for smoothing, any parts in particular?
very true, any of them good enough for DL?
I think this is the best Rom crew dl at present...
http://bridgecommander.filefront.com/file/Romulan_Crew;7725 (http://bridgecommander.filefront.com/file/Romulan_Crew;7725)
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No prob, as long as you can mention it's a beta WIP and not an official release (yet) :)
Haven't figured out scripting for alert changes yet, but when do will try and do that. As for smoothing, any parts in particular?
I think this is the best Rom crew dl at present...
http://bridgecommander.filefront.com/file/Romulan_Crew;7725 (http://bridgecommander.filefront.com/file/Romulan_Crew;7725)
I'll make a better picture then when I dl that romulan crew
Cool can't wait, I was thinking the consoles and the seats mainly, their very angular and square. Other wise I love the color and lighting on it, its the best rommy bridge I've found
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Not a Bad bridge at all, kind'a like it, I found no problems [other than the problems, of all bridges, and ancient graphics systems], one noticeable thing [not a problem] , when you press F! or F2 on other bridges you are given a forward view , looking at viewscreen, on this bridge it looks to the ceiling, like said not really a problem.
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Mind if I use this for Picture of the day?
No prob, as long as you can mention it's a beta WIP and not an official release (yet) :)
also be sure to credit the author of the bridge and a link to his thread for others to watch the WIP ;)
my only two issues are maybe have the lights on in green alert, and darken with blinking lights for red alert. The other is more of a suggestion, if possible, can you smooth out the corners and edges or is it to late in the work for that?
Haven't figured out scripting for alert changes yet, but when do will try and do that.
the nebula bridge automatically is built in as such... you wouldnt need to have to script such things in?
what is it youre not sure of?
also, out of curiosity, what are you using to make textures? some things seem a little blurry (around the back consoles and back wall and such) and not very "sharp" looking?
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the nebula bridge automatically is built in as such... you wouldnt need to have to script such things in?
what is it youre not sure of?
also, out of curiosity, what are you using to make textures? some things seem a little blurry (around the back consoles and back wall and such) and not very "sharp" looking?
I know there's a texture map change for red alert (just haven't had chance to play with it!). I thought the bridge darkening was something to with gamma in nif, which I haven't recreated. Anyways, I'll play around with these and let people know.
Textures are made in CS3. Can you specify specific textures, Jimmy? Thanks. It might be a res problem. I'm tending to keep maps around 256x256 except for lcars.
Edit: Noticed column strips are a bit 'soft'. I designed so and gave glow to emulate strip light look. Is that sort of thing?
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one noticeable thing [not a problem] , when you press F! or F2 on other bridges you are given a forward view , looking at viewscreen, on this bridge it looks to the ceiling, like said not really a problem.
didn't know about F1/F2. Will try out :) and see if can fix. Thanks for pics. Nice to see with TNG Rom crew.
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As per your request Lurok I'm reporting back on the flip/resize. Screenshot attached.
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I know there's a texture map change for red alert (just haven't had chance to play with it!). I thought the bridge darkening was something to with gamma in nif, which I haven't recreated. Anyways, I'll play around with these and let people know.
im 99.99% sure it is the nif...
one noticeable thing [not a problem] , when you press F! or F2 on other bridges you are given a forward view , looking at viewscreen, on this bridge it looks to the ceiling, like said not really a problem.
didn't know about F1/F2. Will try out :) and see if can fix.
i can help with that; thats just the camera zoom...
Textures are made in CS3. Can you specify specific textures, Jimmy? Thanks. It might be a res problem. I'm tending to keep maps around 256x256 except for lcars.
if you look at the vertical lights around the back console, below the consoles, the beams, the back wall msd; it seems rather low res and "fuzzy"...
perhaps try a higher "sharper" res? most modern comps can handle better textures (with sharp clean lines) these days; when BC bridge modding was active some years ago, that wasnt really the case...
i dont mean to sound sour by any means - you are definitely on the right track, and frankly bridge modding hasnt been as active since 3rd era moved to Excalibur :)
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As per your request Lurok I'm reporting back on the flip/resize. Screenshot attached.
Looks good to me :) Mind if I use that for 'official' loading screen?
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Thanks to all so far, esp. Jimmy, for helpful feedback. I did make many of the textures smaller (esp the 'blurry' ones; 128x128, wtf!) to keep download filesize down, but will increase in later releases. I'm not really a texturer as such so if anyone wants to improve them, please feel free.
EDIT:
Checklist of things to do then:
New loading screen (done)
Flatter viewscreen (done)
Red alert status
'Darken bridge' status
(Can't fix at present. This is a generic prob with modding existing bridges as those original light changes hardwired to nifs. When nif is modded, unless original lightmapping/texture names retained - which is unlikely - light/alert changes are lost. Sorry :(. Until can get advice how to create same in all modded bridges, no map/light changes attainable).
Bump up texture resolutions (done - ones Jimmy mentioned were very low!, lol)
Fix F1/F2 - Confused about this. On my wb bridge, F1 goes to helm, F2 to tac as on other bridges, not ceiling. So can't see prob tiqhud mentioned.
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Looks good to me :) Mind if I use that for 'official' loading screen?
Be my guest :D Here it is.
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Fix F1/F2 - Confused about this. On my wb bridge, F1 goes to helm, F2 to tac as on other bridges, not ceiling. So can't see prob tiqhud mentioned.
I was using walkfx km edition, so that may have been why.
I used walkfx 'freefloat' took those screenies, then went back to my captians chair, turned myself to look at the view screen, preswsed f1 then view went to ceiling [as stated not a problem, and it may even be my system]
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tiq - it has to be your install only... i dont experience that at all...
also i cant really see how walkfx would alter that? once you "sit" down, it resets itself to the default bridge captain seating... i dunno tho...
Red alert status
'Darken bridge' status
(Can't fix at present. This is a generic prob with modding existing bridges as those original light changes hardwired to nifs. When nif is modded, unless original lightmapping/texture names retained - which is unlikely - light/alert changes are lost. Sorry :(. Until can get advice how to create same in all modded bridges, no map/light changes attainable).
i do agree the bridge could use a little more lightening...
i am curious about something tho - when retexturing a bridge, it doesnt alter the red alert ambient lightin..., is it such then when adding models to a nif or whatever that it nullifies the red alert ambient lighting? i wonder why that would be? there isnt a way to retain the original lightmapping and ambient lighting?
i have no idea how this all works, ive never tried it; but it seems bizarre somehow... have you tried to ask mark about it? i know mark is very very busy these days so he is tough to get a hold of...
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i do agree the bridge could use a little more lightening...
i am curious about something tho - when retexturing a bridge, it doesnt alter the red alert ambient lightin..., is it such then when adding models to a nif or whatever that it nullifies the red alert ambient lighting? i wonder why that would be? there isnt a way to retain the original lightmapping and ambient lighting?
i have no idea how this all works, ive never tried it; but it seems bizarre somehow... have you tried to ask mark about it? i know mark is very very busy these days so he is tough to get a hold of...
That would work if it was a bridge where wanted to keep original lightmapping; what I'd do is make sure nif models part kept same names in max export. Problem with bridges remodelled so far is changes to lighting etc meant had to re-lightmap. But as you say, sure Mark will have answers (eventually :) )
EDIT: fixed - see NX to PDW bridge thread
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tiq - it has to be your install only...
Not surprising
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Your Warbird bridge is looking pretty sweet, but I was cruising around the internet looking for more detailed images of the Sovereign's Bridge when I came across this. It came off of John Eaves blog which is linked below. I hope it's helpful is someway.
Valdore Bridge (http://go2.wordpress.com/?id=725X1342&site=johneaves.wordpress.com&url=http%3A%2F%2Fjohneaves.files.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fvaldore-bridge.jpg&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fjohneaves.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F09%2F25%2Fvaldore-o-rama%2F)