FSX native conversion of JAI P-3s

[gavinc]

Hi,
Just uploaded a package containing the FSX P-3s.
I think we got the whole set (P-3C Orion, EP-3E Aries, CP-140 Aurora, P-3B AEW, P-3B LRT & civilian fire bomber).

As with the C-130s you need to update the texture alpha to enjoy the cabin lights and landing light wing splash.

thanks
Gavin

[Greg]

Very much appreciated!

[Victory103]

Great job again gents, now I need some type of batch file to convert to .dds.

[Greg]

There's no batch command to include the new alpha layer unfortunately, so unless you want to skip that you may as well convert every texture manually.

[Reggie]

Is there somewhere I can go to give me simple, step by step instructions to convert textures to .dds? I tried using DXTBitmap and made a mess of things.
Thanks,
Reggie

[gsnde]

You were on the right track, Reggie!
Open the texture in DXT2BMP. Add any alpha channel you want to. Then execute 'Flip image and alpha' from the Image menu. Afterwards save as DDS.

From mobile hence short

[hschuit]

Thanks! Great to see another nice AI aircraft converted.

[gavinc]

HI,
Tony from our team has made a video showing how to add the alpha channel using Photoshop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBkFrO4e244

Thanks
Gavin

[Reggie]

I don't know what an alpha channel is or how to add it in Dxt2Bitmap, but I'll figure it out.
Thanks for the reply.

Reggie

[gavinc]

I don't know what an alpha channel is or how to add it in Dxt2Bitmap, but I'll figure it out.
Thanks for the reply.

Reggie

Reggie,
the alpha channel is a layer in the texture that controls transparency. We use it on the FSX conversions to enable the cockpit lights.

Once you have opened a BMP texture in DXTBMP you can insert the alpha texture. Under the Alpha Menu item, there is an Import Alpha option. Choose that and then browse for the alpha texture file (Hint - put it somewhere like the base of the Aircraft folder where it is easy to find) and import it. You should see the Alpha channel preview box change to match the Alpha texture you just imported.

Then under the Image menu select Flip Image and Alpha.

Finally save as a DDS texture. Under File select Save As then select DDS and save as DXT5.

Easy once you have done a couple.


Gavin

[Joecoastie]

Gavin, there's one model missing. WP-3D

[gavinc]

@Joecoastie,

Curses - I thought I got them all.

Do you know what package it is in?

Thanks
Gavin

[Reggie]

Thanks Gavin. I'm st a conference this week away from my computer. Will give it a try this weekend and let you know how it goes.

Cheers,
Reggie

[gsnde]

@Joecoastie,

Curses - I thought I got them all.

Do you know what package it is in?

Thanks
Gavin

The Owl knows...
The package is USN - NAS Jacksonville P-3 Orions, Gavin

[Joecoastie]

Thanks "Owl" !

I have the repaints for N42RF in the new NOAA colors waiting to be uploaded. (FSX and FS9)
As soon as the FSX model is available . . . . .

[MIKE JG]

Did you convert the model to native FSX format or just the textures? I'm confused.

[gsnde]

Hi Mike. Yes, like the C-130 and the C-141 from Henry also the P-3 family from Jake has been converted to native FSX models (with the exception of the above mentioned WP-3D).

From mobile hence short

[Joecoastie]

Just the textures. The ones of NOAA's new colors I painted to be uploaded.

[gavinc]

The Owl knows...
The package is USN - NAS Jacksonville P-3 Orions, Gavin

Ah to have the wisdom of an owl

thanks Martin

Gavin

[MIKE JG]

That's great news then!