Introduction
Ok guys, this is your first port of call in order to make custom 3D objects for your Reflex tracks. This tool creates the correct mesh format needed to plug into the Custom Model Library Maker. >> http://twisteddirt.com/smf/index.php/topic,4691.0.html (http://twisteddirt.com/smf/index.php/topic,4691.0.html)
The file format for the input is Collada (*.DAE) files. Every modelling tool is able to export this format, and was chosen because it has many advantages over .OBJ for example. One advantage is the ability to store vertex colours. In particular, vertex alphas. These are needed for creating "bump map models". More info on those another time.
How to create models..?
Blender or Milkshape 3D are free tools that let you create 3D Models. Autodesk 3D Studio Max is (in my opinion) the best tool for the job, but it's not free.
Questions?
Reply to this thread, or shoot me a PM with any questions, or bugs that you need to report.
Latest Version, 1.2.1 - 1 November 2015
http://reflex-central.com/tools/Surface_File_Creator_v1.2.1.rar
old versions
1.1 - http://reflex-central.com/tools/Surface_File_Creator_v1.1.rar
1.2 - http://reflex-central.com/tools/Surface_File_Creator_v1.2.rar
so I've made model exported it as a collada file and tried loading it. i got this message:
See the end of this message for details on invoking
JIT debugger (Just In Time) instead of this dialog box.
************** Exception Text **************
System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at Reflex_DX_v2.Form1.MakeSurface (String myfilename, Device device)
at Reflex_DX_v2.Form1.open_dae_button_Click (Object sender, EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.OnClick (EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.OnClick (EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.OnMouseUp (MouseEventArgs mevent)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmMouseUp (Message & m, Mouse Buttons button, Int32 clicks)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc (Message & m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ButtonBase.WndProc (Message & m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.WndProc (Message & m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage (Message & m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc (Message & m)
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback (IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wParam, IntPtr lParam)
************** Loaded Assemblies **************
mscorlib
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.18444 built by: FX451RTMGDR
Codebase: file: /// C: /Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v4.0.30319/mscorlib.dll
----------------------------------------
Surface File Creator
Assembly Version: 1.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 1.0.0.0
Codebase: file: /// C: /Users/Tjeerd/Desktop/Surface%20File%20Creator/Surface%20File%20Creator.exe
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.18408 built by: FX451RTMGREL
Codebase:file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.18408 built by: FX451RTMGREL
Codebase:file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll
----------------------------------------
System
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.34238 built by: FX452RTMGDR
Codebase: file: /// C: /Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D
Assembly version: 1.0.2902.0
Win32 Version: 9.05.132.0000
Codebase:file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D/1.0.2902.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.dll
----------------------------------------
mscorlib.resources
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.18408 built by: FX451RTMGREL
Codebase:file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/mscorlib.resources/v4.0_4.0.0.0_nl_b77a5c561934e089/mscorlib.resources.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX
Assembly version: 1.0.2902.0
Win32 Version: 5.04.00.2904
Codebase: file: /// C: /Windows/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX/1.0.2902.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Xml
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.34234 built by: FX452RTMGDR
Codebase:file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Xml.Linq
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.18408 built by: FX451RTMGREL
Codebase:file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml.Linq/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.Linq.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Core
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.18408 built by: FX451RTMGREL
Codebase:file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Core/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Core.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3DX
Assembly version: 1.0.2911.0
Win32 Version: 9.12.589.0000
Codebase:file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3DX/1.0.2911.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3DX.dll
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.VisualC
Assembly Version: 10.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 11.00.50938.18408 built by: FX451RTMGREL
Codebase:file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.VisualC/v4.0_10.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualC.dll
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms.resources
Assembly Version: 4.0.0.0
Win32 Version: 4.0.30319.18408 built by: FX451RTMGREL
Codebase:file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms.resources/v4.0_4.0.0.0_nl_b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.resources.dll
----------------------------------------
************** JIT Debugging **************
To enable JIT debugging, should be in the configuration file for this
application or computer (machine.config) the value
jitDebugging set in the System.Windows.Forms area.
The application must also be compiled with debugging
was turned on.
For Example:
<configuration>
<System.Windows.Forms jitDebugging = "true" />
</ configuration>
When JIT debugging is enabled, any unhandled exception
to the JIT debugger registered on the controlled computer
rather than be handled by this dialog box.
and when I clicked to do it anyways nothing happend
do you know what this means? (does it only work on 32bit computers?)
Ok thanks TwizardT.
Which program did you use to make the object? If you could email the Collada file to me, I'd like to take a look please.
Click the envelope on the left of this message to get my email address.
Thanks for the file.
For everyone's benefit reading this, it's created with Cinema 4D. This was a program I wasn't able to use during testing, as it's not free.
The main issue I'm seeing is that the mesh doesn't have a name assigned to it. As this was a quick test that you did, are you able to assign a name to the mesh before you export? Ii'd also be interested in seeing a screenshot of the export options (if there are any).
I should also point out that the mesh must be triangulated before being exported. The file you sent me was saved with quads rather than triangles.
these are the export options and the options in collada:
https://plus.google.com/photos/102518352003006711812/albums/6103058020054367617
New version in the first post.
Just switched around a few lines of code to make it more stable. Generating the vertex normals caused an error on certain model shapes. Hopefully this should fix that.
Thanks to Logan and Mototank for bringing this to my attention.
New version.
Fixed the NAN issue which affected certain users from Europe due to their language settings.
Link in the first post.
I think there is a problem creating objects with sketchup.
((ITS GERMAN ;D))
Informationen über das Aufrufen von JIT-Debuggen
anstelle dieses Dialogfelds finden Sie am Ende dieser Meldung.
************** Ausnahmetext **************
System.NullReferenceException: Der Objektverweis wurde nicht auf eine Objektinstanz festgelegt.
bei Collada.Source_Cllda.ToFloatList(String input, Int32 author)
bei Collada.Source_Cllda..ctor(XElement xe, Int32 author)
bei Reflex_DX_v2.Form1.MakeSurface(String myfilename, Device device)
bei Reflex_DX_v2.Form1.open_dae_button_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e)
bei System.Windows.Forms.Control.OnClick(EventArgs e)
bei System.Windows.Forms.Button.OnClick(EventArgs e)
bei System.Windows.Forms.Button.OnMouseUp(MouseEventArgs mevent)
bei System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmMouseUp(Message& m, MouseButtons button, Int32 clicks)
bei System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
bei System.Windows.Forms.ButtonBase.WndProc(Message& m)
bei System.Windows.Forms.Button.WndProc(Message& m)
bei System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m)
bei System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
bei System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)
************** Geladene Assemblys **************
mscorlib
Assembly-Version: 4.0.0.0.
Win32-Version: 4.0.30319.18444 built by: FX451RTMGDR.
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.NET/Framework/v4.0.30319/mscorlib.dll.
----------------------------------------
Surface File Creator
Assembly-Version: 1.0.0.0.
Win32-Version: 1.0.0.0.
CodeBase: file:///C:/Program%20Files%20(x86)/Steam/SteamApps/common/MX%20vs%20ATV%20Reflex/SurfaceFileCreator/Surface%20File%20Creator.exe.
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms
Assembly-Version: 4.0.0.0.
Win32-Version: 4.0.30319.18408 built by: FX451RTMGREL.
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.dll.
----------------------------------------
System.Drawing
Assembly-Version: 4.0.0.0.
Win32-Version: 4.0.30319.18408 built by: FX451RTMGREL.
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Drawing/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/System.Drawing.dll.
----------------------------------------
System
Assembly-Version: 4.0.0.0.
Win32-Version: 4.0.30319.34238 built by: FX452RTMGDR.
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.dll.
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D
Assembly-Version: 1.0.2902.0.
Win32-Version: 9.05.132.0000.
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D/1.0.2902.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3D.dll.
----------------------------------------
mscorlib.resources
Assembly-Version: 4.0.0.0.
Win32-Version: 4.0.30319.18408 built by: FX451RTMGREL.
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/mscorlib.resources/v4.0_4.0.0.0_de_b77a5c561934e089/mscorlib.resources.dll.
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX
Assembly-Version: 1.0.2902.0.
Win32-Version: 5.04.00.2904.
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX/1.0.2902.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.dll.
----------------------------------------
System.Xml
Assembly-Version: 4.0.0.0.
Win32-Version: 4.0.30319.34234 built by: FX452RTMGDR.
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.dll.
----------------------------------------
System.Xml.Linq
Assembly-Version: 4.0.0.0.
Win32-Version: 4.0.30319.18408 built by: FX451RTMGREL.
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Xml.Linq/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Xml.Linq.dll.
----------------------------------------
System.Core
Assembly-Version: 4.0.0.0.
Win32-Version: 4.0.30319.18408 built by: FX451RTMGREL.
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Core/v4.0_4.0.0.0__b77a5c561934e089/System.Core.dll.
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3DX
Assembly-Version: 1.0.2911.0.
Win32-Version: 9.12.589.0000.
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/assembly/GAC/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3DX/1.0.2911.0__31bf3856ad364e35/Microsoft.DirectX.Direct3DX.dll.
----------------------------------------
Microsoft.VisualC
Assembly-Version: 10.0.0.0.
Win32-Version: 11.00.50938.18408 built by: FX451RTMGREL.
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/Microsoft.VisualC/v4.0_10.0.0.0__b03f5f7f11d50a3a/Microsoft.VisualC.dll.
----------------------------------------
System.Windows.Forms.resources
Assembly-Version: 4.0.0.0.
Win32-Version: 4.0.30319.18408 built by: FX451RTMGREL.
CodeBase: file:///C:/Windows/Microsoft.Net/assembly/GAC_MSIL/System.Windows.Forms.resources/v4.0_4.0.0.0_de_b77a5c561934e089/System.Windows.Forms.resources.dll.
----------------------------------------
************** JIT-Debuggen **************
Um das JIT-Debuggen (Just-In-Time) zu aktivieren, muss in der
Konfigurationsdatei der Anwendung oder des Computers
(machine.config) der jitDebugging-Wert im Abschnitt system.windows.forms festgelegt werden.
Die Anwendung muss mit aktiviertem Debuggen kompiliert werden.
Zum Beispiel:
<configuration>
<system.windows.forms jitDebugging="true" />
</configuration>
Wenn das JIT-Debuggen aktiviert ist, werden alle Ausnahmefehler an den JIT-Debugger gesendet, der auf dem
Computer registriert ist, und nicht in diesem Dialogfeld behandelt.
Quote from: Danwasaki on March 28, 2015, 07:21:09 PM
I think there is a problem creating objects with sketchup.
((ITS GERMAN ;D))
Could you send me the Collada format so I can take a look please?
I send a message to you.
Thanks for the file.
(For the benefit of the thread) The problem is the same as the Cinema4D problem. I need to improve how I read Collada files, which I'll try to do this week. I have a much better understanding now that I've seen more examples and have more experience with this format. Sorry for the problems guys. :)
In the meantime, you could use Blender or Milkshape 3D to save as a Collada format.
Whenever I try to launch the Surface Creator Tool application it never actually opens... It looks like my computer thinks about launching it, but then nothing happens.. Any ideas as how I might be able to fix this?
Make sure you keep the config and DLL files with it in the same folder as the .exe
I made sure that all the files are in the same folder.. I click the link for the download, then i use WinRAR to extract, then drag the folder to the desktop then open folder and click on application and nothing happens.. Am i missing a step in here somewhere?
Hmmm not sure why that would be. Working fine for me. Maybe try installing DirectX9 End User Runtime again.
Yeah still got nothing.. I really dont have a clue whats going on.. I dont have problems downloading or installing anything else :-\
It might be an operating system compatibility issue, what operating system is your pc running on?
Windows 8.1 64 bit.. I was thinking the same thing Baja1000, but dont even know where to start to fix it...
Do you have .NET Framework 4.0 installed? It will be listed as something like 'Microsoft .NET Framework 4....' in the installed programs list in the control panel. If not look on the microsoft site for it - google will find it quick enough. You might still need 4.0 even if 4.5 or higher is installed - i've had that issue in the past...
@MCM, yes, I do have 4.5 installed.. Although I couldnt find it in my control panel, but when i tried to re download it, it said i already had it installed..
Strange, I run that too. Well now I'm stumped as to what's causing problems on your end, i apologize
so you have 4.5 but do you have 4.0 installed as well? some software seem to need specific a version of .NET..
Yes, apparently I have 4.0 installed as well.. Or at least when i tired to specifically install 4.0 it said I also already had it installed.. I tried to install surface tool on my laptop, but the same thing happens.. Nothing shows up when i click on the application..
I'm having the same problem. I did what was suggested with re-installing .NET 4.0 and 4.5 both of which said, "I already had them or higher versions". I also did the same with Direct X 9 and nothing changed. I have windows 7 64 bit. I click the program and it does the wheel for a few seconds and then just disappears. I also tried the older version except with v 1.2 it says Reflex_DX_v2 has stopped working.
Have you guys tried running as admin or tried any compatibility modes?
Yes and Yes.. Ive fiddled around with all the compatibility settings and couldnt get anything to work.. There is only suppose to be three files in the folder correct?
Yes only 3 files.
First time I ran the surface creator though Win 8.1 didn't seem to trust the program, but once I chose "run anyway", it's worked each time no problem. Maybe this is an issue for you? Have you tried disabling your anti virus and then running it?
hey guys, so I still have no luck. I run it as admin, I've messed with the compatibility. I've disabled my antivirus and even done so while extracting the zip file. The program just doesn't like my computer lol
I just tried it with my laptop and no luck either. windows 8 on this but its 64 bit as well.
I did the exact same as redrider.. No luck still..
Maybe this will fix it?
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=1639
Yeah, still nothing...
Unfortunately then, I'm all out of ideas. The current version is working fine for me on a Windows 8.1 64 bit machine. It's very puzzling and I'm sorry it's not working for you.
well i do appreciate all the ideas and effort.. Ill keep trying to figure it out, once i do ill share the info
Not sure if this will help, but i also have .NET version 1.1, 3.5 and 4.5 installed along with the 2.0 SDK.
I installed 1.1, but still nothing.. Is it possible is has to do something with WinRAR?
Jamie included an extra dll in the zip file, but mine works if i rename that so i'm not sure how critical that is. It might be corrupting the files, i can't see why if it works on other files but you never know, try using something else - i use 7zip.
If that fails take a look at this - if you haven't tried it already - to find if it's missing any DLLs:
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/27786156/c-sharp-application-wont-run-on-other-machines
Anyone tell me where im going wrong here? I make a simple cylinder (blender), export in collada, try to load it in the surface creator and this is what i get:
************** Exception Text **************
System.ArgumentOutOfRangeException: Index was out of range. Must be non-negative and less than the size of the collection.
Parameter name: index
at System.ThrowHelper.ThrowArgumentOutOfRangeException(ExceptionArgument argument, ExceptionResource resource)
at System.Collections.Generic.List`1.get_Item(Int32 index)
at Reflex_DX_v2.Form1.MakeSurface(String myfilename, Device device)
at Reflex_DX_v2.Form1.open_dae_button_Click(Object sender, EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.OnClick(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.OnClick(EventArgs e)
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.OnMouseUp(MouseEventArgs mevent)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WmMouseUp(Message& m, MouseButtons button, Int32 clicks)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.ButtonBase.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Button.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.OnMessage(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.Control.ControlNativeWindow.WndProc(Message& m)
at System.Windows.Forms.NativeWindow.Callback(IntPtr hWnd, Int32 msg, IntPtr wparam, IntPtr lparam)
Any ideas?
Can you send me the Collada file please? I'll see what's going on.
I'm getting the same thing for an object containing a cylinder shape rail. (made in blender) I'm going to learn in 3ds max untill then. I'm eager to learn why or what needs to be done in blender to be turned into a surface file with an object containing a cylinder. (I spent awhile making the object only to find I can't make it a surface file lol ).
Quote from: redrider197 on May 02, 2016, 04:45:59 AM
I'm getting the same thing for an object containing a cylinder shape rail. (made in blender) I'm going to learn in 3ds max untill then. I'm eager to learn why or what needs to be done in blender to be turned into a surface file with an object containing a cylinder. (I spent awhile making the object only to find I can't make it a surface file lol ).
having a similar issue at the moment. i've managed to convert cylindrical and square tube models to .surface (mostly railings and frame structures). however after compiling the model library and testing them in DE, it appears that the geometry has been reduced to lesser polygons, or some surfaces simply disappear, look distorted, or flicker as if they have been compressed to occupy the same space. according to the model library creator log, there's no poly count reduction or removal of degenerate vertices.
this is new to me, having successfully converted complex cylindrical tubes such as railings and metal frames to .surface files before.
any help would be appreciated, thanks!
I didn't know the model creator was able to reduce polygons.. Is that something you've seen before?
If the vertices are really close together, they MAY be getting compressed into the same position. At one point, that feature was programmed into the surface creator. It could still be there. I dont remember what the tolerance for it is though. If you see me online over the weekend, give me a shout, and I'll take a look at your model, and see if I can do some debugging.
thanks Jamie! for the project i'm working on, i opted for using 2d planes with railing textures instead.
but i'll follow up and send you a few objects, so we can compare them and hopefully solve the issue in the future.
I'm getting the same thing... nothing happens when i open the surface creator
it just loads for a seconds and nothing....
this is in the event viewer
Faulting module path: C:\WINDOWS\System32\KERNELBASE.dll
i have all .net framework installed
Okay so....if there is a single soul left and you some how come across this. Me and Gary664 seemed to experience the same problem with the surface tool not opening. I've figured out the solution at least for me, haven't confirmed with gary. I just had to do a fresh install and once again same issue, I forgot what I did but since i'm here, all I had to do was download this https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35 it's the DirectX needed for the program. For some reason it doesn't come included with digital earthworks download. I also had to download a .dll file something like d3dx9_33.dll for the most recent DE but I assume that's because I didn't have this particular directX end user installed because as it downloads and installs things for you it shows what is being installed and I saw this exact .dll file.
I recently had the same issue as user "ctrivelpiece" on the unhandled exception thing. Idk if it was the same issue but I had a collision model for an object and for whatever reason, putting a uvw unwrap on it and then converting back to edit poly fixed the error I was getting. It might also have something to do with using the line tool, then sweep modifier to edit poly. Maybe.