Need help [installing BAT for 3DsMax]

[callagrafx]

Start everything from scratch...

1) Clear out the outputfiles folder
2) Delete the batch files in the BAT folder
3) Delete any sc4model files that you have created from BAT
4) Close down 3DSMax 9 and BAT
5) Re-open BAT and open the LOD file. Export this again to give it a new name.
6) Copy the sc4model name of the file.
7) Open Max9.  Merge the model into a new scene.
8) Save the model.
9) Paste in the name into the render box and click Export.  Ignore any save warnings (say NO) and click OK when the dialog asks you.
10) After the render, click on the Batch CMD rolldown and click on FSH Batch Build.  There should be a DOS window with a load of text rapidly scrolling.
11) After this has completed, click on DAT FSH Insert. Another DOS window will appear plus a small progress window.  This process should take around 10-15 secs to complete.
12) Check the size of the model in the plugins folder (should be around 66kb).

That should do it.

[FromTheAshes]

May I leave the LODs in the 3ds Max scene? Or cut them out?
Point 11: NO! There is no new DOS window, neither a progress window. Theres only this massage appearing:

[SimFox]

Simfox..calm down and wipe the rabid foam from your lips...

WHAT!?!

[callagrafx]

FTA, is there a folder in the outputfiles folder with all the render files? Can you check the path to this folder in the BAT4MAX.ini file.

[FromTheAshes]

There is a subfolder for each as well. The BAT4MAX.ini says
DestPath=C:\Programme\Autodesk\3ds Max 9\gamepacks\BAT\Outputfiles\
And that's the exact direction of my outputs folder. For example the new model's foder:
C:\Programme\Autodesk\3ds Max 9\gamepacks\BAT\Outputfiles\KanalRemasteredDiag-0x5ad0e817_0x33294e90_0x580000 +20 subfolders for each zoom stage.

[callagrafx]

C:\Programme\Autodesk\3ds Max 9\gamepacks\BAT\Outputfiles\KanalRemasteredDiag-0x5ad0e817_0x33294e90_0x580000

Look at the path...there are spaces in the 3ds Max 9 folder.  Is this where the application is installed to?  If so, that's where the problem is.

[FromTheAshes]

So? Do I have to reinstall it?

[callagrafx]

Yep...there must be NO spaces whatsoever in the filepath to the output files.  When you reinstall, install it to c:\3dsmax9

[FromTheAshes]

Ok, I've installed it to C:\3dsMax9 now. Aaaand what did I wrong now? I can't render in Max. I allways get a error code 6 -massage.

[Andreas]

I assume you can install it in "C:\Programme\3DSMax9" ("Programme" is the regular "Program Files" folder in a German Windows installation - luckily without spaces), but unfortunately, I can't help regarding the error messages.

[callagrafx]

try merging the Max model with a new scene to wipe out any old xrefs & model names.

[FromTheAshes]

Yippieeeh it works very fine now! 
I'll send you the files when I'm finished (need at least 10 files), so you can see how they fit.

[callagrafx]

Nice one 

[Nealos101]

Have you guys ever seen a Error code like this?

Location=6
Code=410

I was following the steps in the instructions (Number 13) and can't seem to render the model without this code appearing?

I appreciate your help.

Neal.

[schm0]

I've got a question about 3dsMax: How many free trials can you get?

I think I can deal if all I have to is generate a new email address every month... And heck, if it's registered by IP I can call call Comcast and force them to reset that for me, too.

[callagrafx]

I've got a question about 3dsMax: How many free trials can you get?

I think I can deal if all I have to is generate a new email address every month... And heck, if it's registered by IP I can call call Comcast and force them to reset that for me, too.

That's flying close to talking about piracy of the software...a no-go area on this board.

[schm0]

That's flying close to talking about piracy of the software...a no-go area on this board.

Yikes.

READ: I DO NOT WANT TO PIRATE 3DSMAX.

I'm not talking about hacking into the program and altering the EXE to override the registration process. I'm talking about using this product without taking out a major financial loan. I don't know about you, but I can think of a lot of things that are worth $4000. 3dsMax is not one of them. As far as legality is concerned, it would be an issue if i were making money off of my creations, but the reason for the steep price and registration is not the hordes of SC4 modders out there.

Vote: How many of you paid the full market price for this program and are currently using it?

Either everyone in this board is a professional modeler, engineer or CAD artist, or they know something I don't. It would be nice to play with a product that offers better results from textures, lighting and rendering than the BAT/GMax does and offers the same compatibility.

If the only answer is "Tough!" and my only option is to pass my creations off to someone with 3dsMax to render, I can deal with that.

However, if I can use this program for recreational use, then why not?

[SimFox]

Autodesk has great student deals for MAX.
You can buy the program for couple of hundreds $, or better still rent it for a year for about 150$. A year is all you need, more or less as there will be new version available by then. Ask your school about it.. (btw sometimes schools try to push students to byuy older versions because that what school itself is running)

[schm0]

Are there any other FREE programs out there that can somehow be programmed to render models for SC4? I refuse to pay more than $40 for a program that I use recreationally.