BAT4Max v.5

[GaryReggae 80]

I'm afraid that hasn't fixed it. I have made sure that the files BAT4MAX installs in c:\gmax have been copied into D:\gmax.

When I try and do a preview render, it comes up with those error messages about Unknown Class: No stand in, then the missing DLLs and then 'Can't find camera Z5'.

In XRefScene, the TB2_CameraLightRig.max file is in red. I have tried opening that file itself and have exactly the same problem Rottenart did.

The file location of that is c:\Program Files\Autodesk\3dsMax8\gamepacks\BAT\scenes\CamLightRigs\TB2_CameraLightRig.max

Rottenart seemed to get that fixed by replacing that file with one from a previous version of BAT4MAX (4.5?) but I can only find v5 on the STEX.

Either that file doesn't like my version of Max or there's still something I'm doing wrong with the file locations. What might be useful perhaps is some instructions for manually instaling BAT4MAX instead of using the script? That way, I can make sure everything is where it's supposed to be.

Thanks again!

Gary

[rottenart 1]

I'm afraid that hasn't fixed it. I have made sure that the files BAT4MAX installs in c:\gmax have been copied into D:\gmax.

When I try and do a preview render, it comes up with those error messages about Unknown Class: No stand in, then the missing DLLs and then 'Can't find camera Z5'.

In XRefScene, the TB2_CameraLightRig.max file is in red. I have tried opening that file itself and have exactly the same problem Rottenart did.

The file location of that is c:\Program Files\Autodesk\3dsMax8\gamepacks\BAT\scenes\CamLightRigs\TB2_CameraLightRig.max

Rottenart seemed to get that fixed by replacing that file with one from a previous version of BAT4MAX (4.5?) but I can only find v5 on the STEX.

Either that file doesn't like my version of Max or there's still something I'm doing wrong with the file locations. What might be useful perhaps is some instructions for manually instaling BAT4MAX instead of using the script? That way, I can make sure everything is where it's supposed to be.

Thanks again!

Gary

Just saw this response and thought I'd chime in, though I haven't really had time to mess with my "fixed" version to test the preview render issues I discussed.

As I look at it now, I actually DL'd the source files from v2.5 HD rather than v4.5 as that DL seems to have been deleted from the STEX. HERE is the link to a Rapidshare DL of the v2.6 version.

That DL contains the files themselves, with no installer script. I found that if I simply navigated to the location that the BAT4MAX tool was looking for (the one in red/the one that seems to be corrupted) and replaced the file itself with the older version, the problem seemed to be fixed. I imagine that there hasn't been a change in the TB2_CameraLightRig.max file iteself, so that's why the older version works. Keep in mind that I did not alter the installation of BAT4MAX v5 itself, only replaced the single .max file.

Like I said, once that's done, then the basic problem of the unopen-able file seems to be fixed.

[GaryReggae 80]

I'm afraid that hasn't fixed it. I have made sure that the files BAT4MAX installs in c:\gmax have been copied into D:\gmax.

When I try and do a preview render, it comes up with those error messages about Unknown Class: No stand in, then the missing DLLs and then 'Can't find camera Z5'.

In XRefScene, the TB2_CameraLightRig.max file is in red. I have tried opening that file itself and have exactly the same problem Rottenart did.

The file location of that is c:\Program Files\Autodesk\3dsMax8\gamepacks\BAT\scenes\CamLightRigs\TB2_CameraLightRig.max

Rottenart seemed to get that fixed by replacing that file with one from a previous version of BAT4MAX (4.5?) but I can only find v5 on the STEX.

Either that file doesn't like my version of Max or there's still something I'm doing wrong with the file locations. What might be useful perhaps is some instructions for manually instaling BAT4MAX instead of using the script? That way, I can make sure everything is where it's supposed to be.

Thanks again!

Gary

Just saw this response and thought I'd chime in, though I haven't really had time to mess with my "fixed" version to test the preview render issues I discussed.

As I look at it now, I actually DL'd the source files from v2.5 HD rather than v4.5 as that DL seems to have been deleted from the STEX. HERE is the link to a Rapidshare DL of the v2.6 version.

That DL contains the files themselves, with no installer script. I found that if I simply navigated to the location that the BAT4MAX tool was looking for (the one in red/the one that seems to be corrupted) and replaced the file itself with the older version, the problem seemed to be fixed. I imagine that there hasn't been a change in the TB2_CameraLightRig.max file iteself, so that's why the older version works. Keep in mind that I did not alter the installation of BAT4MAX v5 itself, only replaced the single .max file.

Like I said, once that's done, then the basic problem of the unopen-able file seems to be fixed.

Yaay, thank you very much! I put the TB2_CameraLightRig.max file from the BAT4MAX v2.6 in place of the existing one and it works now and lets me render.

I'm not sure the settings are correct, though, as the render result window was about 8 times higher than it was wide, with nothing but black at the top and my model very small at the bottom (it was at the correct Camera 5 size when I zoomed in to that).

I'm guessing this is a LOD issue but I haven't really had time to fiddle about with it properly yet. I copied the objects from my BAT project into a new scene and there was nothing obvious that was causing this. I will try experimenting with it and creating my own LODs but if I get stuck again I'll post here.

Anyway, thanks for all your help, I'm getting there! It's much appreciated.

Regards,

Gary

  Edited January 26, 2012 by GaryReggae  

[rottenart 1]

Anyway, thanks for all your help, I'm getting there! It's much appreciated.

Regards,

Gary

I'm glad it worked for you as easily as it seemed to for me. I wonder, though, if this is a common issue? Has SimFox come across this problem in v5 with others' installations too? I wonder if maybe a check of the file included with the installer script should be examined. I dunno, some people seem to have got it working out of the box, so perhaps we're just special!

Looking forward to seeing your BATs!

[Toothless Stitch 2,901]

I have a big problem and I really hope that anyone can help me.

I made a building in 3ds Max and started to texture it, after one side was textured I made a preview and everthing worked fine, then I textured the right side of the building, but then I got an error looks like so:

Unfortunately I saved it and it doesn't matter what I do., the error comes up over and over again.

I also deleted the textures, the ground and the whole building but nothing works.

EDIT: Fixed it

  Edited January 29, 2012 by skyscraper241  

[Delecto 941]

Hello all, I need a little advice with the "Glare" setting with BAT4Max v.5.

I did a search on the forum but I can't find info how to change the settings of "Glare" with Darknight. I apply the basic settings in the menu but can't change the settings of this feature. Can anyone help me?

Best regards.

Sam.

[Jasoncw 11,840]

Do a search in Help>Autodesk 3ds Max Help or google instead.

[Toothless Stitch 2,901]

Oh no

The error postet above comes up again, and I don't know how, I also set sky and day but nothing help, how to fix

[simplybatman 1]

Hey guys,was this meant to happen? I was trying to get BAT4Maxv5 working. I am still unsure if I need 3ds Max for it. I had downloaded the mzp file from the stex the other day and couldnt open it,so i came back to do some reading and saw something about opening using Maxscript. I only have Gmax,and the BAT with the update.

So I went into Gmax,not the BAT, and opened up that bat4maxv5 installer mzp and a dialog box came up saying checking for previous versions and then it came up with an error about not being able to 'create file' or something or another. I immediately thought "oh no,what did I just do? " knowing that something had changed. So i shrug it off and close gmax and opened up the BAT.

Mucking about with this light mast prop I wanna use on a cool MCG looking AFL stadium I DL'd the other day,(it needed resizing to fit the model and retexturing) I went to muck about with the lights,and as I was looking at the nite textures in gmax,you know the standard Beige,Blue and Green nite windows bit and I noticed I got a new one in there.....

RED NEON nitewindow textures in Gmax!!!!

I am sure that wasnt there before. I made a quick model and tested it out and it works.....so cool. So did I miss seeing that before,or did that just occur from trying to get the BAT4Maxv5 to work?

Dunno....I thought it was cool and maybe worth sharing for peope who dont have 3dsmax and want a little more zing out of gmax.

  Edited February 6, 2012 by simplybatman  

[IPayItForward 3]

i have installed this program following the instructions given, but when i go to launch sc4bat now, i get the following error:

can you please assist me?

PS i am running windows 7 with 3dmax design 2012

Thanks Stephen

[SimFox 802]

Have you installed original BAT?

[IPayItForward 3]

Yes Sir i did install the original bat. I am currently using it to make billboards and other props. It is working very well for that, but as far as 3ds max 2012 goes... nothing i have made so far has been successful at creating. However, if i make something very small in size, and then export it as a 3ds, i have been able to import it into gmax and so far, been able to create a working model. Well, i say working, but i have yet to test them... LOL

It appears that either windows 7 or 3ds max simply does not like my setup... LOL As i stated earlier... every design so far has failed, ending up in the 3ds max software completely locking up. Thinking maybe i should downgrade to say 2010 or 2011? But, before i do that drastic of a move... i have ordered a new copy of windows xp for a secondary machine i have... i am wondering if that might be a more viable solution to my troubles? As currently all 4 of my pc's are windows 7 sp1.

Oh, Mr Fox - let me say that the error pictured above was taken care of when i completely removed everything and then resinstalled.from scratch. Now its on to the issues above. LOL I am also thinking it has something to do with my image sizes/types or perhaps the fact that most of my creations so far, have been very large...... 25,000 poly's or more. Could that be a huge issue?

[Odainsaker 2,134]

Something seems odd about your setup given the gmax screenshot provided.

I don't have SimFox's BAT4Max script file CPTB2Startup.ms at all in the gmax directory, though your error message says BAT for gmax at startup is encountering errors running C:/gmax/gamepacks/BAT/scripts/startup/CPTB2Starup.ms, indicating that your script file is in a gmax scripts folder.

Instead of in the gmax directory, I have the script file CPTB2Startup.ms in the main 3dsmax scripts directory as C:/3dsMax/scripts/startup/CPTB2Startup.ms (your primary 3dsmax location may be different depending on where your had orignially installed the main 3dsmax program). The only file I have in the c:/gmax/gamepacks/BAT/scripts/startup folder is TB2Startup.ms.

This suggests that either one of our installations of SimFox's BAT4Max files is not correct, but, I know mine works. However, mine is a different version of 3dsmax than yours, and I do not know or remember if different versions, particularly Design, have different file installation placements. BAT4Max comes with custom files for two separate-yet-necessary programs, gmax and 3dsmax, which are only here interlinked for SimCity custom content purposes, and while a few of the files must specifically be installed into gmax, other files must specifically be installed in 3dsmax.

You might try going through the installation and making sure the BAT4Max files are all in their appropriate locations, or, if untangling everything becomes too confusing and you didn't save backups of the relevant original gmax and 3dsmax scripts and scenes folders, you might try clean reinstallations of gmax, BAT, 3dsMax, and lastly BAT4Max, being sure each program works correctly independently before proceeding to the next, especially as BAT4Max makes significant changes to all of the previous three. It may very well be that you will not have to face the extreme nightmare of changing operating systems afterall, as BAT4Max will most assuredly work within Windows 7, provided that everything is setup correctly.

  Edited February 15, 2012 by Odainsaker  

[SimFox 802]

Stephen, I've tried to read and re-read you message several times...And, sorry to say can't really make heads or tails of it! I'd say go lighter on "LOL"s and heavier on meaningful details and precise (perhaps illustrated) descriptions.

Yes Sir i did install the original bat. I am currently using it to make billboards and other props. It is working very well for that, but as far as 3ds max 2012 goes... nothing i have made so far has been successful at creating.

Here, for instance, what exactly "nothing i have made so far has been successful at creating" ?

It appears that either windows 7 or 3ds max simply does not like my setup... LOL

Again, it's utterly meaningless phrase. "Appears" , "simply does not like"... I mean are serious talking about piece of software as it would be a person? The worst thing about such an approach is that it completely removes out consideration the only actor that actually is responsible for any of it - you! Like it all magic.. It is, I assure you, NOT! BAT4Max works just fine with both Windows 7 and 3ds Max (Design) 2012. The only reason why it doesn't work in your case is some erroneous actions on your behalf during either installation or operation of the tool. Or both...

The real problem here is that give info you've been providing the only conclusion I can draw is that you have no clue about things you're trying to do. For instance you're posting this picture:

and right under it write:

PS i am running windows 7 with 3dmax design 2012

You don't see anything strange here? Where did you install Bat4Max? in GMAX or in 3ds Max? How about BAT?

You also write:

i have installed this program following the instructions given, but when i go to launch sc4bat now, i get the following error:

Together with the picture I can only say that you didn't follow the instructions. Unfortunately I can't be exactly sure of what you didn't do... In fact instruction were written precisely in order to avoid this guessing game. I just have a nagging feeling you don't understand the difference between GMAX, Max, BAT, BAT4Max

As i stated earlier... every design so far has failed, ending up in the 3ds max software completely locking up.

Again it is totally non-descriptive! It could mean anything and everything and as such means nothing.

Thinking maybe i should downgrade to say 2010 or 2011? But, before i do that drastic of a move... i have ordered a new copy of windows xp for a secondary machine i have... i am wondering if that might be a more viable solution to my troubles? As currently all 4 of my pc's are windows 7 sp1.

Well, you trying somehow to prove that the problem is external, in a sense that it has nothing to do with you, but just about anything else. Yet I assure you this is not the case. The problem is in your actions, or failure to take such according to the instructions. Changing Windows or Max version will not help. Unless you yourself somehow, accidentally perhaps, make things right.

Oh, Mr Fox - let me say that the error pictured above was taken care of when i completely removed everything and then resinstalled.from scratch. Now its on to the issues above. LOL I am also thinking it has something to do with my image sizes/types or perhaps the fact that most of my creations so far, have been very large...... 25,000 poly's or more. Could that be a huge issue?

Above above ... Same problem I've addressed , well, above... You are quick to jump to the most bizarre and ungrounded conclusions/explanations - software versions, file sizes texture resolution etc, etc, etc. All are total non-sense. If for no other reason than for for the simple fact that you can't really provide any logical connections.

I know this reads harsh. And it is. But it is absolutely necessary if any of your problems to be solved. Otherwise you'll be getting polite silence, or generic try this, or that. which rarely help, simply because they are generic, meaning practically never (rather than by chance) have any connection to the actual problems.

So, you really want to solve it than you should understand the issues preventing you from doing so and others from providing meaningful help. Now, please give step by step, with precise names of programs used and order, what exactly you've done while installing and than running the tools. Also all the messages you've been given by programs in the process.

It may be tedious that that is the only way to know for sure at what point you gone astray.

[SimFox 802]

I'm afraid that hasn't fixed it. I have made sure that the files BAT4MAX installs in c:\gmax have been copied into D:\gmax.

When I try and do a preview render, it comes up with those error messages about Unknown Class: No stand in, then the missing DLLs and then 'Can't find camera Z5'.

In XRefScene, the TB2_CameraLightRig.max file is in red. I have tried opening that file itself and have exactly the same problem Rottenart did.

The file location of that is c:\Program Files\Autodesk\3dsMax8\gamepacks\BAT\scenes\CamLightRigs\TB2_CameraLightRig.max

Rottenart seemed to get that fixed by replacing that file with one from a previous version of BAT4MAX (4.5?) but I can only find v5 on the STEX.

Either that file doesn't like my version of Max or there's still something I'm doing wrong with the file locations. What might be useful perhaps is some instructions for manually instaling BAT4MAX instead of using the script? That way, I can make sure everything is where it's supposed to be.

Thanks again!

Gary

Just saw this response and thought I'd chime in, though I haven't really had time to mess with my "fixed" version to test the preview render issues I discussed.

As I look at it now, I actually DL'd the source files from v2.5 HD rather than v4.5 as that DL seems to have been deleted from the STEX. HERE is the link to a Rapidshare DL of the v2.6 version.

That DL contains the files themselves, with no installer script. I found that if I simply navigated to the location that the BAT4MAX tool was looking for (the one in red/the one that seems to be corrupted) and replaced the file itself with the older version, the problem seemed to be fixed. I imagine that there hasn't been a change in the TB2_CameraLightRig.max file iteself, so that's why the older version works. Keep in mind that I did not alter the installation of BAT4MAX v5 itself, only replaced the single .max file.

Like I said, once that's done, then the basic problem of the unopen-able file seems to be fixed.

Yaay, thank you very much! I put the TB2_CameraLightRig.max file from the BAT4MAX v2.6 in place of the existing one and it works now and lets me render.

I'm not sure the settings are correct, though, as the render result window was about 8 times higher than it was wide, with nothing but black at the top and my model very small at the bottom (it was at the correct Camera 5 size when I zoomed in to that).

I'm guessing this is a LOD issue but I haven't really had time to fiddle about with it properly yet. I copied the objects from my BAT project into a new scene and there was nothing obvious that was causing this. I will try experimenting with it and creating my own LODs but if I get stuck again I'll post here.

Anyway, thanks for all your help, I'm getting there! It's much appreciated.

Regards,

Gary

Garry, I think I know what was at the root of your problems - the RIG files included in Bat4Max v5 were made in versions of 3ds Max newer than yours. These new versions of Max have some plug-ins that are missing from your version. And when you try to open such a file Max looks for those plug-ins and failing to find them spits out that error message.

Problem is that at the moment I don't have access to the old version of 3ds Max in order to fix those files. Taking them out of Bat4Max v2,5-2,6 may be a problem though... as I simply don't remember what do those contain. Do they have lights in them, or only cameras... Rig files that would be compatible with Bat4Max v5 must have ONLY CAMERAS in them.

So, check the Rig Files you're using now and delete all lights if there are any.

The problem you see at preview - disproportionately tall and largely empty window is most likely cause by the fact that you haven't set up you system units right. If I remember correctly...

What you should do is to set them up (remember system unit HAS to be meters) before you start modeling anything. This set up will be performed when you click any of lighting setup as well. But if you had modeled something already it may end up being scaled. This works somewhat different in different versions of Max that's why in instructions it's said that you should click on lightning setup first! Before you start modeling anything. This, I may add, hold significance only the very first time you run 3ds Max since unit setup will stay what you've set it till you specially go and change it.

[Durfsurn 539]

1. SD or HD.
   Decide if this models should be exported as SD (standard definition – pixel perfect Zoom5 and 2x stretched Zoom6) or HD (pixel perfect Zoom6 and 2x reduced zoom5).
   
   Typically HD export is only sutable for smallest models - trash cans, benches and like. or traffic signs at which you wish texts to be redable.Things that would be typically looked at at biggest zoom - Zoom6. Anything else should be exported as SD, since this way you would get better qualtity Zoom5 views.
   
   Make a selection. Done that, press Export button. You’ll be asked to save the GMAX file. Do that and give it appropriate name so you could easily identify your coming SC4Model file later in 3ds Max.
   Once export is finished you can return to Max and
   
2. Exporting from 3ds Max.
   In Export Sequence Roll-out:
   Press (1) Select Target Model button. It shall open the window showing you your SC4 Plugin folder. Select desired SC4Model and make sure you’ve selected same settings for SD/HD export as in GMAX BAT, when exporting the LODs.
   Press (2) DayExport
   Acknowledge on-screen dialogs that will inform you about completion of the various stages of export process.
   
   You're Done!
   

Where can I select SD or HD. Where is the "Export" button apart from in the file menu???

[Jasoncw 11,840]

The same place as it is in the normal BAT.

[Durfsurn 539]

I'm not so experienced. Can you show me a screen shot plz!

[Cockatoo 2,256]

I'm not so experienced. Can you show me a screen shot plz!

Sure.

[Durfsurn 539]

LOL thanks Cockatoo!

[harishna 847]

So, I got myself a new computer to which I installed 3ds Max 2012 and BAT4Max v5, everything seems to be working fine except for a small annoyance, BAT4Max gets re-installed every time I launch max. I am guessing it has to do with windows 7 but not so sure, I mean it is something I could live with, however, I will welcome any suggestions on how to fix this.

(Solved: Installed BAT4MAXv5 in a different folder, I had originally used the 3dsMax plugin folder)

  Edited April 19, 2012 by harishna  

[gutterclub 2,729]

Sounds basic but have you tried setting it to run as administrator?

[Girafe 1,729]

Did someone already tested 3dsmax 2013?

  Edited April 14, 2012 by Girafe  

[WhiteCatty 1]

I got an error code=6 when exporting ..

why it happened

Can someone help me?

I've solved the problem.

I delete all the lights&cameras also remove the xref object.

Then click the reset lights&cameras.

Now I'm trying to export my BAT.

  Edited April 18, 2012 by WhiteCatty  

[thesantiagossj4 26]

jaajjjajjjjajjj xDxDxDDD

chek this out

The Nakheel Tower it's in progress

[harishna 847]

thesantiagossj4: this is not the place to post your progress, you can open your very own thread and post everything relevant to your work there.

[Aaron Graham 4,417]

BAT4Max v.5 and 3ds Max 2013

3ds Max 2013 Design does work for BAT4 Max I have downloaded it and did a test export for you guys, so I'm sure that 3ds Max also does work too sense both are mostly the same, mostly 98% of it.

If there's any problem just post here and I'm sure someone will help.

  Edited April 21, 2012 by Aaron Graham  

[Sciurus 323]

Good news Aaron!!

[Girafe 1,729]

Thanks Aaron, did you spotted news and good features in this new version?

[Aaron Graham 4,417]

I have seen some new features, they looks cool.

Here's one.

  Edited April 22, 2012 by Aaron Graham