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Difficulties Exporting Rigged Model from 3Ds Max to SFM

Posted:
Sat Jan 04, 2014 7:59 pm
by reckzilla
Hey guys, My name's Morrissey I'm a tech artist at a company and I've hit a wall that just won't go down and hopefully you can help.
As of now I can export models and textures just fine using WallWorm with 3Ds Max and static objects work great. My issue is when ever I try to export a skinned model all that happens is I duplicate of the mesh that is facing down in the Max scene and I get a file that is unusable. I have tried using an SMD exporter and it worked to a point that has allowed me to get an smd with the bone and model information but I don't know how to use the smd so that it works in source or Source FIlmmaker. This project is more specifically for Source FIlmmaker but as long as I can get a working .qc and .mdl I should be able to easily work with that. Thank you all graciously.
Re: Difficulties Exporting Rigged Model from 3Ds Max to SFM

Posted:
Sun Jan 05, 2014 12:11 pm
by SM Sith Lord
I don't know how to use WallWorm very well, but I know that you can turn a SMD and QC file into an MDL by compiling them.
The normal workflow is:
1. Export an SMD from your 3d modeling software.
2. Generate/create a QC file that describes how you want your prop to behave & list all asset inputs.
3. Compile the QC file into a working prop.
Re: Difficulties Exporting Rigged Model from 3Ds Max to SFM

Posted:
Sun Jan 05, 2014 3:51 pm
by shawnolson
I can help explain this but need to see the original file to give a good answer. Generally speaking, problems with skinned models are either 1) XForm not reset on the mesh or 2) Unweighted vertices.
Here is a helpful page talking about
CAT and Biped Rigs. The article is only partial and not giving step-by-step instructions on exporting a skinned/animated model. I've got some videos on animated models but they are all out-dated. I will try to update them soon.
Re: Difficulties Exporting Rigged Model from 3Ds Max to SFM

Posted:
Mon Jan 06, 2014 12:06 am
by reckzilla
Thank You for the replies.
SM Sith: For creating the .qc would I need to write it myself or is there a compiler that will write the .qc for me so that I can use it with .smd?
shawnolson: I have used that link to help exporting and I still get the empty file type. Will I need to add a sequence even if I am adding no animation?
Thanks a lot guys. I didn't previous stress the importance of this but I do need to ensure that I get this working. Thanks again.
Re: Difficulties Exporting Rigged Model from 3Ds Max to SFM

Posted:
Tue Jan 07, 2014 2:45 am
by kraid
There are a few .qc examples in the SDK files, but i'm affraid you need to learn at least the basics of .qc files.
The .qc are the compiling instructions for the compiler, so there won't be anything that creates this for you.
And since the possibilities are far to high ranging from simple static props to complex characters some even with facial animations, it's not exactly possible to give you anything beside templates which are allready included in the sdk anyway.
Or: you find someone who's experienced in this and kind enough to compile that model for you.
But still you'll need to learn how to do it at some point, at least if you're planning to continue working with Source.