Swallow's Hitboxing Tutorial:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dQJx7v9...e=youtu.be
^Important Note^: You can use WHICHEVER 3d software you want for splitting the model, but after that, you need to convex it and export the OBJ with Milkshape. This produces a 99% chance to get a working, proper hitbox. Here are the steps:
1.) Open model in Milkshape; (If you want to split it in another 3d program, go ahead and do it. If model was CMP, it needs to be converted to OBJ first, before you can open it in your own 3d program);
2.) Start splitting the overhanging things and anything that protrudes (if big enough that is) from the general shape.
3.) Make sure you don't go overboard on the number of split groups;
4.) After everything is split, start CONVEXING it, by using the Tools->Convex and clicking OK on every single item (its literally that easy).
5.) You end up with a new group after each convex operation, so delete the previous non-convex one.
6.) When everything is convex, export to OBJ and fire up OBJ-To-SUR Converter;
7.) Untick everything (leave all options blank) for models that DONT have moving parts (most dont, only me and Justin make models with animations);
8.) Press GO and the SUR file is created.
9.) Final step - open the SUR file with Milkshape (it has a SUR importer) and check the groups list - you should have all the previous groups + ONE extra for the shield bubble. If that is the case - SUCCESS.
* If you wind up with MORE groups than X + 1 (x being the number of groups you made previously), then SOMETHING WENT WRONG and you need to RE-DO the hitbox.
Swallow's Hardpointing Video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvm9uCD1WKw
^How To Do It^: You need only 2 things: a CMP of the model and HardCMP 1.0.0.23.
Let's get started:
1.) Make an ordered list of the hardpoints, essential to any ship:
- Hp_Engine01 (can have multiple, 02, 03, 04, etc.);
- Hp_Thruster01 (most ships have only 1 but Benzaiten has 2);
- Hp_Mount (used to place the ship model onto station platforms, place it BELOW the front of the ship);
- Hp_Pilot (for the cockpit pilot positioning and cockpit view camera);
- Hp_Shield;
- Hp_CM01;
- ...and a whole bunch of other stuff like Gun/Turret hardpoints, Hp_Headlight(s), Hp_Runninglight(s), Hp_Docklight(s), Hp_Contrail(s), Hp_Torpedo(s) and so on and so forth. Hp_SpecialEquipment is a CUSTOM hardpoint that needs to be MANUALLY written (you have that option) in the HardCMP tool.
You have 2 basic ways to place hardpoints: either fiddle manually in HardCMP, changing its coordinates to place it where you want, OR the better and faster way - open the model in a 3d program (like Blender) and create vertices for all hardpoints and just copy+paste their coordinates in HardCMP (that's how I do my precisionly placed hardpoints!)
Dont forget to save your work in HardCMP from time to time, because hardpointing a ship can take hours (some have as many as 60-70 hardpoints) and you dont wanna lose the work if you misclick or close the program by accident.
I know you have a lot of questions and this is a summary of the things that need to be done. If you are serious about wanting to learn this, let me or Justin know. We will put you on the right track.
