non-asian branch of SimFox' pixel torture chamber

[SimFox]

Well, first part of the tutorial is uploaded:
http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2771.msg84996;topicseen#msg84996

same is available in PDF from here:
http://rapidshare.com/files/65424336/SimFoxBat4MaxTutorial1.pdf (169kb)

it deals with setting Max to work with Bat4Max, Locations of 3dsmax.ini and issues with PlugCFG

[jeronij]

Thanks a lot 

[dogfight]

Hello SimFox: Thanks for the Tutorial on how to properly set up Bat4max with 3dsmax 9. While reading it I noticed I don't have The "logarithmic Exposure Control" option available to me. I did a search on how to correct this. An article in the AutoDesk help centre mentions to go into the "InstallSettings.ini" file and change the "useUserProfiles=1" to "useUserProfiles=0" to change the 3dsmax.ini folder from where it is to where it traditionally used to be before max9. I did this and it works however errors appear and the BAT4max script doesn't work properly. Is there another way to get "logarithmic Exposure Control" to function properly?
Thanks.
BTW the tree's look fantastic. Were they created with OnyxGarden?

[SimFox]

DF:
Yep these are onyx trees
about Logarithmic Exposure Control just read carefully tutorial. I specifically talk there about why it may be not available (after installation of BAT) and how to get it back. There is really not much point in going for help to Autodesk as you've edited 3dsmax.ini  in the process of installation of BAT they don't know about it and they don't expect it. So they solutions wouldn't be compatible with BAT.

[dogfight]

Hello SimFox:
I appologize for bringing this up again but I want to make sure everything is correct concerning the BAT4max setup to avoid problems later .
I found my 3dsmax.ini file here: "C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Application Data\Autodesk\3dsmax\9 - 32bit\enu",
In your helpful tutorial you quoted:
"In order to insure that both BAT and some components of 3ds Max (like Logarithmic Exposure control, FinalGather presets etc.) are working, copy the entire content of PlugCFG...into BAT folder."
And that is where I put it. My 3dsmax.ini file reads as follows: "PlugCFG=C:\3dsMax9\gamepacks\BAT\" that's where it is now located.
I do have all 8 Rollups installed by BAT4max, that has never been a problem. The problem is the "Logarithmic Exposure control" .
You also quoted "Also make sure that all the plug-ins from PlugCFG have been initialized:" Perhaps that is where my problem is as I'm not a very tech minded person. How would I "initialize" the Logarithmic Exposure control plugin?
I won't bring this up anymore (at least in YOUR showcase room ), but it does seem important it's working correctly .
Thanks again SimFox for all your help. I appreciate it

[SimFox]

Well, DF, you don't need to do anything manually to initialize those plug-ins... They just should be by MAX itself.
I'm a bit confused about this part: "And that is where I put it" You put what where?? did you copy all the files and folders from your PlugCFG into you BAT folder?

Another this is that PlugCFG line in you 3dsmax.ini should read like this:
PlugCFG=C:\3dsMax9\gamepacks\BAT
note there shouldn't be "\" in the end

[dogfight]

Hey SimFox:
Yes I did a cut and paste and put ALL of the PlugCFG files (the entire folder) into the BAT root folder (gamepacks/bat/plugcfg.ini). I took out the backslash as well .
I am curious though, I have been able to load scenes into the game without the Logarithmic Exposure Control plugin. Does it really make a big difference? If it does then I might have to try reinstalling to see if that works.
BTW: I just purchaced Onyxgarden suite with treestorm. It works like a charm It doesn't seem to slow the scene down too much even with poly count way up. It's very nice
Thanks SF.

[jeronij]

I think all those technical questions and answers would have a better place ( more useful for more people) in the tutorial thread.... dont you think so  ?

[dogfight]

Hello jeronij. Sure no problem. I have cluttered SimFox' showroom thread enough Sorry Simfox

[SimFox]

Ok fair folks!
Here is what I consider the final "beta" of P44T mid-rise.



I've added some basic roof junk and AC units – architectural scourge that authorities don't seem to dare to tackle. Buildings old and new covered in them like some teen with bad case of acne.
I've also been fielding with foliage color and I think got it pretty close.
This will be a first in a series of both midrise 4 -10 storey high and high-rises – 12-25 storey variants all made from fixed set of elements – my homage to commieblock living courtesy of DSK1 building firm from Moscow. In their native environment mid-rise versions don't exist – shortest one is 12 floors and most are 17-25. But I believe mid-rises on STEX could do with some new additions.
There will be several versions:
Growables:
with trees (not quite sure exactly how many trees, but many)
with NO trees for purists.
I haven't decided about seasonal trees...  Is it necessary?
Landmark:
I think this one should be only available with trees, as it is a sort of ideal version. I'll think of the lot will it be assembled in LOT editor or bated with lighting effects.
Plus in addition to this variants of these trees will be released as props and some sort of "avenue divider/boulevard" lots.
If all will go well (basically night lighting) first shall be ready for scrutinizing/downloads this weekend.

PS
here is a mock-up collage of "in-game" view to judge the foliage color:

[zero7]

That's looking really good - and pretty similar to many of the new apartment developments going up on former industral sites in many UK towns (though with less AC units, thankfully).

As far as variants are concerned - for orthagonal you only really need a growable; any further variation can come from lotmakers.  If you're going to make a landmark version you may as well go diagonal as they cannot be anything other than ploppable.

[Pat]

WOW simFox its been awhile since i lasted popped up on you and man i really like that apartment complex... something about it seems just right... i just dont know the color, texture, and trees just stunning 

[Shadow Assassin]

Unless the diagonal version is done on an ortho lot (just for a different orientation)... it'd still be growable. But in any case, it looks great compared to the ingame buildings. It fits.

[SimFox]

thank you guys..
here is couple of "postCards" from "location"



you can see crappy textures and oversized leafs 
but such are specifics of modeling for SC4 scale...

and from inside looking out

[Krio]

Showoff

But they do look excellent. More than excellent. The details and textures are perfect.

[Diggis]

Wow!

[sc4luv2]

This lot is bombin' and burnin' up this project!!!!!!!!    

[vester]

Okay you just made me give up batting !!! Nahh just joking. Love it.

Hope you would consider making the trees into seperat props too, so the trees can be used on other lots.

[Badsim]

Hi Simfox ,

I'm following your BAT threads ... your competences are so far above what I understand in BATing that I've always renounced to post something ...
You're so talented and your high demand and integrity as on your work than on the way you speak about it is impressive and command my respect and admiration .

Thank you to be there , at the frontier of what 's possible to reach with SC4 .

[jeronij]

Spectacular pictures    ¡¡¡


You really know how to deal with the environement and lights settings    . And the models themselves are really nice and euro looking