FSDreamTeam forum
General Category => Unofficial F/A-18 Acceleration Pack board => Topic started by: Intrepid on July 13, 2008, 06:12:57 pm
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I have been messing around trying to make an acceptable flares effect ,Razgriz you gotta try this
and thanks for your info earlier,without it I wouldn't have been able to create this effect
First and formost Backup your Effects file (just in case)
step one; open up the effects folder and copy "fx_firework 15'' in it to the desk top
;Rename the file "fx_firework 15'' that still is in the effects folder to "fx_firework 17''
;open "fx_firework 17'' and deleate everything in it (dont worry you have a copy saved to the desktop)
;copy and paste the file below into the now empty "fx_firework 17'' and save-as back into effects folder
[library Effect]
Lifetime=5
Version=2.00
Display Name=multiple flair effect
Radius=25
Priority=0
[Properties]
Cockpit=1
VirtualCockpit=1
Spot=1
Tower=1
Map=1
[Emitter.0]
Lifetime=0.50, 0.50
Delay=0.40, 0.40
Bounce=0.00
Rate=110.00, 110.00
X Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Y Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Z Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Drag=0.00, 0.00
X Particle Velocity=-50.00, 50.00
Y Particle Velocity=-70.00, -60.00
Z Particle Velocity=0.00, 0.00
X Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Y Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Z Rotation=0.00, 0.00
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Pitch=0.00, 0.00
Bank=0.00, 0.00
Heading=0.00, 0.00
[Particle.0]
Lifetime=2.00, 8.00
Type=19
X Scale=2.20, 3.20
Y Scale=2.20, 3.20
Z Scale=0.00, 0.00
X Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Y Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Z Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Drag=-1.00, -1.00
Color Rate=0.30, 0.70
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Fade In=0.00, 0.00
Fade Out=0.00, 0.00
Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Face=1, 1, 1
[ParticleAttributes.0]
Blend Mode=2
Texture=fx_2.bmp
Bounce=0.00
Color Start=255, 255, 190, 255
Color End=255, 198, 137, 137, 55
Jitter Distance=0.00
Jitter Time=0.00
TempK=105.00
TempRate=-2.00
uv1=0.75, 0.50
uv2=1.00, 0.25
X Scale Goal=0.00
Y Scale Goal=0.00
Z Scale Goal=0.00
Extrude Length=0.00
Extrude Pitch Max=0.00
Extrude Heading Max=0.00
;now copy and paste the "fx_firework 15'' that was put to the desk top back into the effect folder
;you should now have both "fx_firework 15'' and "fx_firework 17'' in your effects file
The second part of this is to insert the effect into the CFG files of the F-18 ,I used the smoke system and smoke on and off switch as a trigger
Copy and paste the 3 lines below to the very bottom of of the CFG files of the F-18
[SMOKESYSTEM]//F-18
smoke.1=-39.91, -18.67, 0.6, fx_firework17
smoke.0=-39.79, 18.61, 0.62, fx_firework17
remember to save as
To activate this effect you must press the "I" button on your key board once to turn it on ,and twice to activate it after that
I installed the effect at the wing tips ,I am not sure where the flares expell from the Hornet
if the location is not where you prefer the -39 is the distance back from the nose of the aircraft
the -18 and 18 are the left and right from the aircraft centerline
and the .6 and .62 is the distance above the centerline
Thanks again Razgriz and VooDoo for the info you have given to us all so far
Randy
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Randy, my man, that's wild! :D
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Randy, my man, that's wild! :D
I thought you would like it,sometimes I have too much time on my hands
without your,Razgriz's and others help and inspiration, I wouldnt have had the balls
to try this ,glad you like ,and thanks for the thanks
;D
Randy
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Randy, my man, that's wild! :D
I have a few more hours on the flares VooDoo , fixed the direction and few other problems
in my prototype effect. ;D
If your interested I will post
Randy
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You can make sort of package and upload it on AVSIM, Flightsim...etc ;D
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Thanks for the reminder Bullseye
I forgot all about that ::)
just have to figure out the best way to do that ;D
Randy
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Post...post, Randy. You'll only get praise and good ideas from the board for your efforts to give everyone that little bit extra out of such a good FSX plane. ;D
Selfish me wants to see it here first!! :D
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BTW: I just saw the movie Behind Enemy Lines, and there come a lot of flares out of it, so this is realistic:D
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Post...post, Randy. You'll only get praise and good ideas from the board for your efforts to give everyone that little bit extra out of such a good FSX plane. ;D
Selfish me wants to see it here first!! :D
OK ,Just for YOU VooDoo, (and anyone else that wants it) ;D
Step one; ( I will assume that my previous effect has been installed and is working)
Open the FA-18 CFG files again (remember to save a backup copy)and scroll down
to the bottom to the smokesystem area and change that so it matches this;
[SMOKESYSTEM]//F-18
smoke.1=-39.91, -18.67, 0.6, fx_firework16
smoke.0=-39.79, 18.61, 0.62, fx_firework17
NOTICE I changed one of the above lines from firework 17 to 16
step two; get into the effects folder and " COPY " fx_firework17 to your desktop, Dont forget to save !
step three; rename that file to "fx_firework16" and than deleate its contents ,Not the file just the contents
step four; now you have an empty effects folder cut and paste AND SAVE the file below into fx_firework16
[library Effect]
Lifetime=15
//Lifetime=5
Version=2.00
Display Name=flare effects left side
Radius=25
Priority=0
[Properties]
Cockpit=1
VirtualCockpit=1
Spot=1
Tower=1
Map=1
[Emitter.0]
Lifetime=0.0070, 0.0070
Delay=0.10, 0.10
Bounce=0.00
Rate=110.00, 110.00
X Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Y Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Z Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Drag=0.00, 0.00
X Particle Velocity=-51.00, 51.00
Y Particle Velocity=-30.00, -20.00
Z Particle Velocity=-20.00, 20.00
X Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Y Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Z Rotation=0.00, 0.00
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Pitch=0.00, 0.00
Bank=0.00, 0.00
Heading=0.00, 0.00
[Particle.0]
Lifetime=2.00, 8.00
Type=19
X Scale=2.20, 3.20
Y Scale=2.20, 3.20
Z Scale=0.00, 0.00
X Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Y Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Z Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Drag=-1.00, -1.00
Color Rate=0.30, 0.70
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Fade In=0.00, 0.00
Fade Out=0.00, 0.00
Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Face=1, 1, 1
[ParticleAttributes.0]
Blend Mode=2
Texture=fx_2.bmp
Bounce=0.00
Color Start=214, 214, 214, 100
//Color Start=255, 255, 0, 255
//Color End=255, 198, 137, 137, 55
Color End=214, 214, 214, 100
Jitter Distance=0.00
Jitter Time=0.00
//TempK=108.00
//TempRate=-2.00
TempK=100.00
TempRate=0.01
uv1=0.75, 0.50
uv2=1.00, 0.25
X Scale Goal=0.00
Y Scale Goal=0.00
Z Scale Goal=0.00
Extrude Length=0.00
Extrude Pitch Max=0.00
Extrude Heading Max=0.00
[Emitter.1]
Lifetime=0.0070, 0.0070
Delay=0.40, 0.40
Bounce=0.00
Rate=110.00, 110.00
X Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Y Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Z Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Drag=0.00, 0.00
X Particle Velocity=-51.00, 51.00
Y Particle Velocity=-30.00, -20.00
Z Particle Velocity=-20.00, 20.00
X Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Y Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Z Rotation=0.00, 0.00
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Pitch=0.00, 0.00
Bank=0.00, 0.00
Heading=0.00, 0.00
[Particle.1]
Lifetime=2.00, 8.00
Type=19
X Scale=2.20, 3.20
Y Scale=2.20, 3.20
Z Scale=0.00, 0.00
X Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Y Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Z Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Drag=-1.00, -1.00
Color Rate=0.30, 0.70
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Fade In=0.00, 0.00
Fade Out=0.00, 0.00
Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Face=1, 1, 1
[ParticleAttributes.1]
Blend Mode=2
Texture=fx_2.bmp
Bounce=0.00
Color Start=214, 214, 214, 100
//Color Start=255, 255, 0, 255
//Color End=255, 198, 137, 137, 55
Color End=214, 214, 214, 100
Jitter Distance=0.00
Jitter Time=0.00
//TempK=108.00
//TempRate=-2.00
TempK=100.00
TempRate=0.01
uv1=0.75, 0.50
uv2=1.00, 0.25
X Scale Goal=0.00
Y Scale Goal=0.00
Z Scale Goal=0.00
Extrude Length=0.00
Extrude Pitch Max=0.00
Extrude Heading Max=0.00
step five; after saving that effect file, open " fx_firework17 " and deleate the contents again ,as before Not
the file just the contents
step six; now you have an empty effects folder cut and paste AND SAVE the file below into fx_firework17
[library Effect]
Lifetime=15
//Lifetime=5
Version=2.00
Display Name=flare effects right side
Radius=25
Priority=0
[Properties]
Cockpit=1
VirtualCockpit=1
Spot=1
Tower=1
Map=1
[Emitter.0]
Lifetime=0.0070, 0.0070
Delay=0.25, 0.25
Bounce=0.00
Rate=110.00, 110.00
X Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Y Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Z Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Drag=0.00, 0.00
X Particle Velocity=-51.00, 51.00
Y Particle Velocity=-30.00, -20.00
Z Particle Velocity=-20.00, 20.00
X Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Y Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Z Rotation=0.00, 0.00
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Pitch=0.00, 0.00
Bank=0.00, 0.00
Heading=0.00, 0.00
[Particle.0]
Lifetime=2.00, 8.00
Type=19
X Scale=2.20, 3.20
Y Scale=2.20, 3.20
Z Scale=0.00, 0.00
X Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Y Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Z Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Drag=-1.00, -1.00
Color Rate=0.30, 0.70
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Fade In=0.00, 0.00
Fade Out=0.00, 0.00
Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Face=1, 1, 1
[ParticleAttributes.0]
Blend Mode=2
Texture=fx_2.bmp
Bounce=0.00
Color Start=214, 214, 214, 100
//Color Start=255, 255, 0, 255
//Color End=255, 198, 137, 137, 55
Color End=214, 214, 214, 100
Jitter Distance=0.00
Jitter Time=0.00
//TempK=108.00
//TempRate=-2.00
TempK=100.00
TempRate=0.01
uv1=0.75, 0.50
uv2=1.00, 0.25
X Scale Goal=0.00
Y Scale Goal=0.00
Z Scale Goal=0.00
Extrude Length=0.00
Extrude Pitch Max=0.00
Extrude Heading Max=0.00
[Emitter.1]
Lifetime=0.0070, 0.0070
Delay=0.55, 0.55
Bounce=0.00
Rate=110.00, 110.00
X Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Y Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Z Emitter Velocity=0.00, 0.00
Drag=0.00, 0.00
X Particle Velocity=-51.00, 51.00
Y Particle Velocity=-30.00, -20.00
Z Particle Velocity=-20.00, 20.00
X Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Y Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Z Rotation=0.00, 0.00
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Pitch=0.00, 0.00
Bank=0.00, 0.00
Heading=0.00, 0.00
[Particle.1]
Lifetime=2.00, 8.00
Type=19
X Scale=2.20, 3.20
Y Scale=2.20, 3.20
Z Scale=0.00, 0.00
X Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Y Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Z Scale Rate=0.00, 0.00
Drag=-1.00, -1.00
Color Rate=0.30, 0.70
X Offset=0.00, 0.00
Y Offset=0.00, 0.00
Z Offset=0.00, 0.00
Fade In=0.00, 0.00
Fade Out=0.00, 0.00
Rotation=0.00, 0.00
Face=1, 1, 1
[ParticleAttributes.1]
Blend Mode=2
Texture=fx_2.bmp
Bounce=0.00
Color Start=214, 214, 214, 100
//Color Start=255, 255, 0, 255
//Color End=255, 198, 137, 137, 55
Color End=214, 214, 214, 100
Jitter Distance=0.00
Jitter Time=0.00
//TempK=108.00
//TempRate=-2.00
TempK=100.00
TempRate=0.01
uv1=0.75, 0.50
uv2=1.00, 0.25
X Scale Goal=0.00
Y Scale Goal=0.00
Z Scale Goal=0.00
Extrude Length=0.00
Extrude Pitch Max=0.00
Extrude Heading Max=0.00
Your ready now to try this out in the sim
Post here if ya need any help I will be more than happy to reply
VooDoo; I hope you enjoy this,, I figure its the least I can do to repay you and Razgriz for
helping me enjoy this sim so much more so far
THANKS GUYS
Randy
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I forgot to put in the directions above to include
After creating these files "fx_firework17 and fx_firework16" make sure to install them into the
"Effects folder" after the modifications
Sorry, I tried to include all the directions as if someone like me (computer challenged) ;D
could figure out everything needed
Good Luck
Randy
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Nice one, Randy. :D Very dynamic now, with the first batch of flares being followed by a short rapid stream.
Have you thought if it would be possible to add some smokiness to the effect?
P.S. I'm heading off for a couple of weeks holiday tonight, so I look forward to catching up with things on the board when I get back. Ciao for a while.
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Thanks for the credit. I suddenly think to myself, the start up smoke! Sadly, that's not in the effects folder. Try Smoke_SML.
So, add these to the smoke system.
smoke.2=-39.91, -18.67, 0.6, fx_Smoke_SML
To Make it
[SMOKESYSTEM]//F-18
smoke.0=-39.91, -18.67, 0.6, fx_firework16
smoke.1=-39.79, 18.61, 0.62, fx_firework17
smoke.2=-39.91, -18.67, 0.6, fx_Smoke_SML
Good luck, give me pictures of how it turns out. ;)
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Nice one, Randy. :D Very dynamic now, with the first batch of flares being followed by a short rapid stream.
Have you thought if it would be possible to add some smokiness to the effect?
P.S. I'm heading off for a couple of weeks holiday tonight, so I look forward to catching up with things on the board when I get back. Ciao for a while.
I am already working on the smoke,, just haven't been able to accomplish anything yet
Thanks for your approval so far ,, it means a lot ;D
Enjoy your holiday.
Randy
ps. I will look into your sugestion Razgriz ,I was trying to figure out how to attach smoke to each individual flare piece
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Razgriz Where would I add the Line
smoke.2=-39.91, -18.67, 0.6, fx_Smoke_SML
Into my file,just at the end or somwhere else in the middle of the effect file?
I am going to try it at the end right now and will get back to ya shortly
Randy
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I added the line you suggested Raz And it created a PUFF of smoke at the left wingtip
Its a start
What a team ,,Between you Voodoo and I . I am sure we will come up with something
very acceptable, l appreciate your help,, thanks again
I will post any significant progress
Randy
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Nice one, Randy. :D Very dynamic now, with the first batch of flares being followed by a short rapid stream.
Have you thought if it would be possible to add some smokiness to the effect?
P.S. I'm heading off for a couple of weeks holiday tonight, so I look forward to catching up with things on the board when I get back. Ciao for a while.
VooDoo ; Thats a Great effect you sent me 8),thats what I was trying to get to when i started.
You should post it for all to try and maybe someone out there has an idea on how to attach
the smoke.
Razgriz ,haven't heard from you lately, are you up for a challenge?
Randy
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Umm sure, but I'm lost here. What is it that I'm doing?
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Umm sure, but I'm lost here. What is it that I'm doing?
My apologies Raz ,I thought you were following along.Voodoo and I have been messing around with flares and cant get a smoke trail to attach to the individual flares. We have come up with (I think ;D) a pretty acceptable effect so far but seem to have come up a to a road block with attaching the smoke. If you need some time to kill and interested in adding to it and ;).I will post the latest rendition of the "flare effect".
Randy
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Razgriz; take a look at this video ,when you have a chance.
8)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ywPn9Z9x7E
Randy
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Here is what Intrepid's original effect has grown into so far.
Unzip the attached zip file into your main Effects folder.
And put the following line in the aircraft.cfg file:
[SMOKESYSTEM]
smoke.0=0, 0, 0, fx_flare_decoy
The flares can be released by toggling the "I" key.
The effect only works well between 400-500 kts because the smoke is not attached to the flare and separates out at other speed ranges.
We've tried to use a Controller File to sync the release of the smoke and the release of the flare better but can't get it to do anything at all. Anyone know about Controller Files?
If we could attach the smoke to the flare with attachpoints it could be made to look better...but how to do that without 3d modelling skills???
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Looks much better than what I could come up with :o
(the smoke attachment that is)
Hopefully someone with more experience with effects manipulation can
ENLIGHTEN US ::)
I know a lot of thought and time went into your additions
Thank you Voodoo
Randy
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Sadly, the smoke is on the wrong side. I'll have a look.
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Unzip the attached zip file into your main Effects folder.
Where can I download this zip file?(probably a dumb question ;D)
Elias
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Where can I download this zip file?(probably a dumb question ;D)
It's the first of the three attachments, Elias. ;)
Looks much better than what I could come up with :o
(the smoke attachment that is)
You're being too modest, Randy...this really is your effect...all I've done is tweak it around :)
All the best
- Voodoo
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Watching the video again, Randy. The flares seem burn for a much shorter time than I thought. Maybe reduce the Particle lifetime values? Whatcha think?
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Voodoo ;Feel free ,Lately I am having more fun tweeking and messing around with files
Than actually flying the sim,,I have to admit it is a lot nicer with all the help, ;D
exchanging ideas,and Files ,this way. Much better than trying to figure out all the enhancements
alone, getting fed up,than board. :-\
THANKS For Keeping it Interesting
Randy
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OK Randy, here's what I think will be my final tweak. I've attached the zipped fx file and an illustration.
It differs from the previous effect in that I've adjusted the colours of the smoke and flare to more closely match both your original flare colours and that of the video footage. And I've altered it so the flares diverge laterally away from the aircraft after they dispense.
Over to you, Randy (or anyone), if you have some ideas for improvement.
Regards to all,
- Voodoo
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Testing that out now, very cool.
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I don't know how you guys do it! It's really cool!! Thanks ;)
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OK Randy, here's what I think will be my final tweak. I've attached the zipped fx file and an illustration.
It differs from the previous effect in that I've adjusted the colours of the smoke and flare to more closely match both your original flare colours and that of the video footage. And I've altered it so the flares diverge laterally away from the aircraft after they dispense.
Over to you, Randy (or anyone), if you have some ideas for improvement.
Regards to all,
- Voodoo
VERY NICE! 8) :o
I like what you have been able to do with that effect
Its fun working with ya
A virtual beer to you my friend
Randy
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Hey guys,
Great work. love what u've done. U guys are no where near as "average joe simmer" as u play it off as.
I have a question. is it possible to add on other effects like chaff or other things with the codes your using or are these pre programmed code skeletons that u guys are tweaking to suit your purposes. I think a full package with the flares and maybe some other diversionary devices like chaff or anything else u guys can think of would be an awesome addition to a very awesome plane.
Great Stuff,
Blakie
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Blakie; My original flare effect was created by dissecting one of the fire works effects.
Once Razgriz showed me how to attach smoke effects and Voodoo helped me with
placing and locating those effects. After that I just studied the effect files before and
after removing and replacing lines of code, An awful lot trial and error and more time than
I really would admit to my wife ::) is what it took,, its too bad that microsoft wouldn't
add a tweekers guide along with the programs to open and " PLAY " with all the files.Since
the original install of FSX was 15 or more GIGs. I am sure it wouldn't have been too much
of a stretch for the Simulator Creators to part with some of that knowledge. Imagine how
the all effects could be " Enhanced '' after the fact by tweekers that are guided by
the love of a past time and not the been counters in the board room. Maybe,when
they release FS11 ,we can only hope.
Should we start a petition ? ;D ;D
Randy
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Blakie ; I will see what I can come up with. Chaff sounds like a good idea. 8)
Randy
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Hey Randy,
So which fire works effects are u talking about. I'm a novice simmer with FSX being my only experience. So which fireworks are we talking about? I haven't played around with my F-18 alot so if there is a fireworks effect i wouldnt know. could u elaborate?
Thanks,
Blakie
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If you click on my name to get my profile,check back to my post's on july 13
and june 30 . I am not sure of the firework effect I tore apart I think it was
fx-firework15 that effect file made a square firework explosion and each
of the sides of that square have an Emitter ,Particle and ParticleAttributes paragraph
I just deleted one paragraph at a time until I found the line of fireworks that I
wanted to manipulate, at that point it was trial and error,changing numbers,etc
until I achieved what I found acceptable. That and the help from Voodoo and
Razgriz .
It doesn't hurt to play around just be sure to have your files that you are playing with
Backed UP ( more than once I have had to Uninstall and re-install the whole of FSX
because of my stupidity ,and not backing up of files )
To find out which effect files do what I added these lines to the end of the hornets
CFG file
-------------------------------------------------------
[SMOKESYSTEM]//F-18
smoke.0=-39.79, 18.61, 0.62, fx_flareEffect15
smoke.1=-39.91, -18.67, 0.6, fx_flareEffect15
--------------------------------------------------------
to activate the effect get the hornet flying straight and level on auto-pilot and when
ready press " I " on the key board
To change or try another effect change the lines above from fx_flareEffect15
to fx_flareEffect10 as an example
Feel free to ask questions as the only stupid question is the one you don't ask
If I cant help there are a lot of others on this forum that are willing to help
Randy