Howdy, I''ve got two model artists. One uses 3DMax and the other uses TrueSpace. Both artists save to 3ds files and then I run the Conv3ds to convert them to .x files. With the Truspace-generated models, my game engine isn''t able to light them at all (all surfaces are rendered at full bright). I have checked using the DirectX mesh viewer and they appear to have vertex normals, and render perfectly in the mesh viewer. I also thought it may be a material problem (thought the material may be overbright or something), so I disabled the model materials by using a preset material for all meshes and it didn''t seem to make any difference. So, basically I''ve got models that have no vertex lighting on them even though there are (or appear to be) vertex normals, and I really don''t know why. The odder thing is if I use the mesh viewer and ask it recalculate the normals and then save the mesh, it still doesn''t give me any lighting. I have sat with the artist and tried changing the diffuse, specular and ambient properties of the mesh materials prior to export, but that makes about as much difference as forcing a preset material for all models... i.e. None. Any help on this would be appreciated. Sorry for the cross-post (with DirectX forum). I am not sure if this is a tool error or a coding problem.

I don''t really have a clue about that problem but you get the same effect in some engines when a model has no UVW map.

Could it be that the max guy has been doing UVW''s or cube maps and the TrueSpace guy not ?
unless the engine doesn''t uses that stuff at all.

Also, have you tried giving a 3ds file from the TrueSpace guy to the max guy so he can check in max what''s different to his working 3ds'' files ?

Hmmm... I didn''t try that. Getting the two guys in the same room together hasn''t been easy. I will make that a priority.

The Truspace guy is using UVW maps so I don''t think that''s the problem.

Odd problem - could the vertex normals be reversed?

Also, there's a .X file convertor floating around for trueSpace that's quite good - check the forums on caligari.com for a link to it.

Regards,
- Nick "digisoap" Robalik
http://www.digital-soapbox.com
nick@digital-soapbox.com

[edited by - digisoap on October 4, 2002 7:09:54 PM]