[RELEASE] Yarin's BF2 Mesh Viewer (w/ SCREENSHOT)

[Yarin]

Yarin's Mesh Viewer
Short description:
The Mesh Viewer is a tool which is able to import meshes (3d models such as vehicles, buildings, weapons, vegetation, ...) used in Battlefield 2, display and export them into other file formats.

Screenshots:
Version 1: click here (http://www.yarin.de/bf2modding/MeshViewer/screenshots/rev1.png)
Version 2 (will not be released): click here (http://yarin.de/bf2modding/MeshViewer/screenshots/rev2.png)
Version 3: - under construction -

Download:
- disabled for now - you'll find the download link for v3 here when it's out.

Development progress:
Current release: 1
Next release: 3 (COMPLETE REWRITE)
Progress:

|||||||||| Multi-Language-Support
|||||||||| Front-End
|||||||||| 3D Rendering unit
|||||||||| Virtual file system
|||||||||| ZIP archive support
|||||||||| Mesh file format loading
|||||||||| Top secret and very dangerous feature nobody will ever find

Original thread:
Hi,
as I noted already serveral times here, I'm currently working on a mesh viewer for Battlefield 2 meshes. Because there are no official specs of the *.*mesh format available, everything I assume concerning the file format is just a big guesswork.

Anyway, I'm already able to import, display and export a subset of the staticmeshes you can find in the Objects_client.zip!

Screenshot:
http://www.yarin.de/bf2modding/MeshViewer/screenshots/rev1_thumb.png (http://www.yarin.de/bf2modding/MeshViewer/screenshots/rev1.png)
(Click to zoom)

It shows two windows:
The left is my mesh viewer, which is displaying the mesh controltower.staticmesh in smooth shaded view with axis and mesh statistics visible.
I exported the mesh into the Wavefront OBJ file format and imported it into the right window, which is a popular low-polygon 3d modelling program to demonstrate the mesh export capabilities of my mesh viewer.

Even if, as i said already, you can only import a very small subset of all .staticmeshes, I release a first version of the mesh viewer to the community to help me finding bugs, for playing around with it a minute and whatever.

Here it is:
http://www.yarin.de/bf2modding/MeshViewer/releases/YarinsMeshViewer_rev1.exe

I would prefer if you would only link to this thread instead of uploading the program to your own server for now (if somebody wants to link it at all)

Camera controls:
Drag left mouse button to rotate the object, scroll the mouse wheel to zoom in and out (you'll have to zoom out on almost every mesh to see it). That's it.

Some meshes that work already (relative to BF2\mods\bf2\Objects_server.zip):
- staticobjects\military\buildings\controltower\
- staticobjects\military\objects\militarymast\
- Develop\Cube\ (very impressive ;P)
- Develop\SoundHouse\
- vegitation\middle-east\deadlog\

Known bugs:
- Projection is always free view, fixed perspectives don't work atm
- MS3D export is broken (use OBJ instead!)

Todo:
- Improve mesh format support
- Allow export to bf2 mesh format
- Add wireframe overlay
- Improve mesh statistics
- Add texture / material support
- Improve camera
- Auto-align-cam-to-mesh-function

Sourcecode, file format specs:
Will be released as soon as they are sophisticated enough.

Further releases will be posted in this thread.

p.s.: I spent quite a few time to prevent this program from crashing if it runs across something unexpected in a mesh file. You should see a warning message with the ability to report the problem to me if something goes wrong. 1) please don't report problems concering mesh file importing to me, I know that it works rarely :D 2) if it crashes instead of displaying this warning message, please let me know!

[imported_annerajb]

i love you know i can get dirty on bf2.
btw this only works for statics mesh files right.
and could you import all the staics mesh you tried or some of them.

[$G-MONEY SMITH$]

how come there is not a bunch of people all over this get it out on the web man hurry!! this is excellent! :D

[Yarin]

Thanks guys :-)
annerajb, as I said, I'm working on it as fast as possible to make this tool at least a bit useful but it's not easy. The mesh format is quite complex, many things change from file to file and it takes time to find out what changes, what it means and what is causing these changes.

p.s.: the next feature will be probably material support, because I'll need this to implement a staticmesh exporter (to export your models into the bf2 format to use them in the game)

[Seigman]

Excelent work, man. Can't wait for the source... :)

[Yarin]

Forgot to comment the MS3D export code out, it's broken so please don't use it. It will crash Milkshape if you try to load it (btw Milkshapes crashes permanently - even if just feed it with invalid indices..)

p.s.: thanks for making this thread sticky, anonymous admin / mod! :cool:

[Doorstop[DCON]]

I cant even get it to open the control tower mesh as you said that it could. Odd..

[Yarin]

The screenshot above shows the mesh viewer with the controltower open - it works!? What exactly is your problem? Does it give you a error message? Does it crash? Or can't you find the mesh file?

[Doorstop[DCON]]

no.. it gives me the typical pop up box that you designed into it that says you cant open cause of Unknown header extension flag. then the usual this feature may not be in yet.. blah blah blah

c:\staticobjects\military\buildings\controltower\m eshes\controltower.collisionmesh

even tried the cube.. same errors.

[CLIXBY]

Finally EA is starting to release mod tools... Wait, this isn't from EA! What are they doing?

Anyway, good work.

[Seigman]

Doorstop; you're trying to open the .collisionmesh for the object, when you should be opening the .staticmesh file for the object that's contained inside the "objects_client.zip" file.

[Doorstop[DCON]]

ok I'll give that a whirl...

[Doorstop[DCON]]

works great.. I see the error of my ways.. LOL any progress on the bundled meshes?

[satcomNL]

hey man, this is awesome!

you should list it on bf2scripts.com!
i can arrange an exclusive support-forum for you there!

keep up the coding!

[Yarin]

Thanks for helping Doorstep, seigman :-)
-
Thanks, CLIXBY!
-
Interesting link, satcomNL. I think I will enter the mesh viewer at the next release. Currently it just isn't mature enough, as you can see by the many problems in this thread :-)

I'm still working on the mesh viewer, mainly on texture / materials support (already works from time to time) and the thing I called the "header extension flag" which seems to be much important. Could be wrong, but it seems that this stupid flag has also effect to the size of the vector struct (only that the vertices are of variable length makes this file format hard to read and is causing most of the problems)

[Darksniper75]

Nice, but safe yourself the effort, the tools are near completion.

Cheers

[Yarin]

Nice, but safe yourself the effort, the tools are near completion.

Cheers
Thanks, but I'm not making this as a replacement for the bf2 modding tools. I do this for me, to "learn how the professionals do", to get a bit more practice in tools programming and to meet the challenge :cool:

p.s.: Will the file format specs or the editor source code be released to the public at all? If not, this tool could be still of use when the mod kit is out...

[Yarin]

Hey everyone,
I'm currently trying to integrate texture / material support. It works from time to time, but I load the textures from the extracted game archives atm. I don't want everyone who wants to use the mesh viewer to extract gigabytes of zip data. This is why I'm currently looking for a free ZIP library (or zlib wrapper) for C++ Win32. If someone here wrote something for his own projects or knows where to get this - please post it here.
I mean, I could write one by myself but this would be very time consuming and I would like to concentrate on the mesh file format.

Thanks.

[FLIPINOM4D]

I Love You!

[Souljah]

Keep up the great work Yarin.
this is how the bf42 tools were made by passionate ppl like urself.

Can some Admin put it as a news headline im sure some modders would find this tool usefull.

[imported_annerajb]

try the same that bf2 use zlib

[[BG2]Panzaman]

This is a very interesting project - I'm impressed.

[Yarin]

Hey guys,
I just wanted to let you know that this project is not dead, I'm still working on it.
Moreover, I wrote a Battlefield 2 RCon tool. I know there are already a few out there, but I'll release my tool as open-source so that others can learn from it.

I will open a new thread for this tool tonight or tomorrow.

[Light]

Can you also make that we can import BUNDLEDMESH-files?:D

[Yarin]

Can you also make that we can import BUNDLEDMESH-files?:D
Sure :D
I'm still on it. There are some real life things that keep me busy atm (I switched school two days ago, my scooters crankshaft broke and so on) but I'm still making progress. In the meantime, you can view about 80% of all meshes, including bundledmeshes and animatedmeshes!

Here is a screenshot:
http://yarin.de/bf2modding/MeshViewer/screenshots/rev2.png

There are still some bugs and problems that keep me from releasing it but if I release version #2, I'll let you know in this thread!

[WOW]

thats wicked yarin

[Light]

Will this is great.

I like the program :D

I got a Idea:

Maybe it will be cool ive you can make the option. That the user can select some differed languages. So that everyone will find a good way to control the program... So that more people will download and use it. If you want i can do the Dutch part. :D (contact me by PM)

For example you can make this in version 3.

Bye,
Light

[Yarin]

It's nice to hear that the community is willing to contribute to this project! :) But the mesh reading capabilities should have the highest priority. I'll maybe implement multiple languages in a later release.

@wow:
thanks :D

[WOW]

when do you plan your next release

[Yarin]

As fast as possible. When it's done. Yesterday. ;)

Well, I can't tell you when #2 will be released as I don't know myself. I'm exploring the mesh file format as i write the program. Because there are no file format specs, I have to find it out all by myself. And I can't tell you when I find out how x or y works. See?

[WOW]

yup,ok

[Light]

Good luck on the progress! :D

Cant wait to use the program

[Yarin]

I currently need help by someone who knows 3ds max:
http://www.totalbf2.com/forums/showthread.php?p=329661#post329661

[WOW]

any more progress

[GnBanditoCI5]

Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your time and effort Yarin, there are many out here that will benefit from your hard work. And I personally look forward to future releases as this is a tool I will need for work that I plan on doing, but am at a standstill until you work out the bugs and support all meshes and textures etc.

Again, great work brother, and I/we look forward to an update !

Also, Be aware...if you would like, I can write an installer for either the finished product, or for future releases as it becomes more mature. This would allow those less computer proficient to easily install the app to say c:/program files/Yarins Mesh Viewer/ as well as create a shortcut on their desktops etc.

I would also be willing to make a custom icon for the app as i see that you do not yet have one.

Also, if you wish...I could write a help .chm file ( assuming you provided a document that explained everything that needed to be included )...that you could then be included in the app, for example HELP/TOPICS. All you would have to do is update the app to include a TOPICS feature under your HELP menu that opened a file named help.chm or topics.chm etc. And then as I said...provide me with the content as you would be more understanding as to what exactly people would need to be HELPED with ...lol


Anyway, just a suggestion to help in any way I can.....let me know brother !

[ironmonkaa]

cool idea

[GnBanditoCI5]

I guess Yarin isnt monitoring this thread anymore !

[bfe_gg]

Don't worry, he is. Its incredibaly difficult to read the meshes out of the file. Just be a little more patient :p
bfe_gg

[N2K]

i miss my milkshape, i lost the key and forgot the email i used

[Yarin]

Thanks, bfe_gg. I'm really sorryGnBanditoCI5. Thanks for the great offer, I'll get back to that as soon as the mesh viewer - as you said - is mature enough. I didn't replied mail the last days because some stupid construction worker cut my dsl line ... again. *angry*

[GnBanditoCI5]

Not to worry Yarin, just send me an email when your ready to have me make an installer, be aware, I could write an installer for the version you have now, and in future releases all I would have to do then is replace the older version with the newer one and recompile the installer....simple process once the main installer is written.

Anyway, just email me when your set....

Glad to help in any way i can brother....

[Light]

Yarin Do you have new screenshots?:D

[Yarin]

Nothing really interesting to show, but bfe_gg and I have nearly solved the ominous big problem that kept me from releasing #2 all the time. Btw, the release will come along with some additional improvements (solved some bugs, TGA screenshots, Wireframe overlay mode, ..)

[Light]

Man thats great to here

I hope the donate buton will work!;)

[bfe_gg]

And you can donate for me also :D
bfe_gg
P.S. Seriously, as Yarin mentioned, we hope to have it solved soon. I'm going to use it for another prog that might be interesting. But I'm not going to talk about that one until its mature :laugh:

[ironmonkaa]

thats great guys

[Yarin]

Hey,
bfe_gg and I solved the problem! :banana:
It's only a matter of days now till next Mesh Viewer can be released! :banana:

[bfe_gg]

Might I add :yay: :yay: :yay: :yay:
bfe_gg

[Yarin]

Updated the thread head. Hope it's more clear now.

p.s.: :banana: :banana: :banana:

[ironmonkaa]

eeeeeeee, cant wait

[GnBanditoCI5]

Offer still stands for installer...maybe new release will qualify for PUBERTY !

[Yarin]

GnBandito, didn't you get my mail?

[imported_Foxen]

Continue on topic or thread will be closed

[GnBanditoCI5]

Ty Foxen...We shall ( or atleast myself ) continue on topic as I am working with Yarin on this project, so please dont LOCK the topic as we need it.

[antoine]

Wow. Well done man.

[GnBanditoCI5]

Installer is almost complete Yarin. just making a few custom images and tweeking one. also, waiting on your second release w/ icon for packaging. let me know where you stand brother, contact me.

**UPDATE 9/21/05**
As of this morning, the installer is finished and awaiting your approval Yarin, again..just need the new release ( with associated Icon ) to include in the final build.

Contact me via email and let me know when your ready for me to send you what I have right now for you to check out and suggest any changes if needed.

Talk soon brother. :D

[Feersum]

Is it ready yet!....is it ready yet? :)

[GnBanditoCI5]

Is it ready yet!....is it ready yet? :)

We just need the Dancers to show up for the release party Feersum...then after the 2 day hangover, Yarin will release it...LMAO !

[ironmonkaa]

ur sick

[GnBanditoCI5]

Damn IronMaiden, do you have like a personal vandeta against me where EVERYTHING I say you feel you must reply with a childish comment attempting to disrespect me?....Grow up brother !

[bfe_gg]

Still some last issues to solve on the meshes and its ready to be used in the programs we are building. :cool:
bfe_gg

[ironmonkaa]

I Did Grow Up

[[21CWDev]JD7]

Any update on release ? TIA

[GnBanditoCI5]

Any update on release ? TIA

From what I understand, due to Yarin being sick lately...Rev 2 is schedualed to be released this upcoming weekend ( September 30th'ish )

Do not quote me on this, but atleast thats better than no reply...or a "I dont know"...lol :evil:

[[21CWDev]JD7]

From what I understand, due to Yarin being sick lately...Rev 2 is schedualed to be released this upcoming weekend ( September 30th'ish )

Do not quote me on this, but atleast thats better than no reply...or a "I dont know"...lol :evil:

Thanks for the update much appreciated :)

[Feersum]

I'll be waiting with antici ... pation! :)

[GnBanditoCI5]

Well, seeing that Yarin has been MIA for a week and 1/2 , I guess the Mesh Viewer Rev 2 will not be being released this weekened, well, thats kind of obvious due to it being Tuesday right now, DUH !!!

And further information I will pass along as it becomes available...

[bfe_gg]

Ok, so you are waiting for Yarin's mesh viewer, right?
Well, I've got another teaser that hopefully will blow your socks off.
As I said earlier, I'm making another implementation based on our findings. As I'm progressed quite far with the tool, let me give you...
3dstrat, a 3d strategy program for clans.
This program will load all the maps, vehicles and objects and will let you discuss strats in 3d. Discuss online with teammembers, enable the flagradius to actually see where you can hide out the flags etc.

Some screenshots of the program:
Initial page:
http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/6807/pic22aq.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Load page. While the map is uploading, you can already walk on the map and see everything appearing.

http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/940/pic39vp.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

More to come
bfe_gg

[ironmonkaa]

cool!

[GnBanditoCI5]

As I said Bfe_gg great work so far brother....

[GnBanditoCI5]

Hmmm, still no word from Yarin people...Hopefully hes ok and nothing is wrong serious....again, I will keep you updated as to any new news..till then

[[21CWDev]JD7]

thanks for the info Bandito - I know it's not much, but at least it's something. I also hope Yarin is okay

[bfe_gg]

Yeah, I hope it too. Did not hear from him the last two weeks.:(
bfe_gg

[bfe_gg]

While we are waiting for Yarin, new screen of the export of meshes in the prog. As you can see, still searching on the fx files to show the maps on the meshes
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/6672/pic44kd.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img414.imageshack.us/img414/3294/pic59nz.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

bfe_gg

[Feersum]

Yarin, try and crawl to the keyboard...hit the "any" key....let us know your'e alive!

[GnBanditoCI5]

He is not even answering his emails...hmmm !

[Bird Killer]

Blast it, I ordered my ninjas to "take care" of him after he releases the software, not when he's about to.

I need to buy some snipers and solid snakes...

*flees*

[BrotherEstapol]

This seems a bit suspect...anyone else think he was silenced by EA and Dice cause they didn't want people "stealing" their content? :laugh:

Yarin = :censored:

[ironmonkaa]

maybe

[Porteous]

This seems a bit suspect...anyone else think he was silenced by EA and Dice cause they didn't want people "stealing" their content? :laugh:

Yarin = :censored:

If this IS the case, it would be good if some kind of announcement could be made, let us all know what's what etc..

If NOT the case hope all's good with Yarin..

I guess we all look forward to some kinda reply....
Shame if this doesn't get off the ground though....

Cheers P :)

[BrotherEstapol]

Shame if this doesn't get off the ground though....
Yeah, all I want to do is add some (proper) camo to the vehicles and change the scope on the the M4, but at the moment Dice/EA are too afriad that someone is going to steal their content...

[bfe_gg]

Hmm, I have the same knowledge as Yarin but I was not silenced by Dice. Well, not that I'm aware off anyway. I'm using the same technology Yarin is using for my 3dStrat program and can export the meshes out. So in my humble opinion, Yarin is not silenced by Dice. However, I'm not planning to make a mesh exporter to 3dsmax as this belongs to Yarin. Hope he will show up soon...
bfe_gg

[BrotherEstapol]

Would it be hard make an exporter?
Even just to a simple 3ds file?(that pretty much every 3d application could read.)

[Turtle-ZED]

Yeah- seems highly unlikely that EA have acted upon this.
They spend their time developing a limited range of MOD tools so that we can at least create fresh maps and gameplay tweaks.

EA know that MODs= continued product interest and extended shelflife. They know that the community will develop the necessary tools to make the MODs they want to make. It is not in their interests to interfere with non-profit making MOD ventures. That would be harmful to their reputation...and sales..

I simply think that Yarin has probably discovered a life away from the keyboard and mouse (shudder...!!!).

Yet I think the community needs the mesh exporter. Even without the kind of gui Yarin's used- maybe a file converter/extractor into .obj or 3ds would be advantageous to the masses at this point in time.

bfe_gg Over to you...

[bfe_gg]

Lets wait and see if Yarin pops up guys. I saw a next version of the meshviewer, and it was pretty good. But that was before he dissapeared...
bfe_gg

EDIT
You know you can already export meshes to 3dsmax, right? Not the vehicles though, but if you use the tools Rexman provided, you can export to 3dsmax.
If someone needs help with this, let me know. Will try to explain

[GnBanditoCI5]

Bfe_gg,
If you could take the time please bro, write a tut here explain just that for the community, or start a new thread, and link to it here please.

As for the issue that Yarin was possibly silence by Dice, this COULD be a possiblility due to another thread a started at another forum asking if was indeed possible to export Dice content into 3DS Max, and this thread was addressed by Mr.Brown ( EA's public Relations ), and he stated that although you were free to do anthing to the game that you wished to do eg. make your own mods and content and place it in game...you were FORBIDDEN to modify and and all Dice content. Which I can understand, that people would potentially take one of their meshes, make small changes ...skin it etc and then try to call it their own.

However, I personally still see that some type of legitamate utility be provided to the communtiy to allow people to make use of their content for bare minimum learning purposes. Such as seeing how they built something or something along those lines. But you have to respect that although you bought the game...EA and Dice owns the rights to the game and any and all content within. Just the way it is guys...

In regard to Yarin...I would hope that he takes the time to atleast post here one way or another...But who knows...maybe something happened to him in his personal life...I for one wish him the best, and look forward to hearing from him.

See you in the trenches all....

[BrotherEstapol]

Well I just hope that Yarin's illness wasn't something serious...

[bfe_gg]

K, to open a mesh in 3dsmax:
* Install the tools from Rexman (you can find them in the forums of the bf2 editor). Now you should have a bf2 folder in 3dsmax
* Extract a map in a certain directory. (you need especially a file called staticobjects.con).
* Open this file and look at the mesh you want to display in 3dsmax. Delete all the rest. You should have run .... and after that the detail information like the position and rotation. (its also better to change the position to 0/0/0 as it will then be saved at that origin)
* Save the file
* Open 3dsmax and go to the bf2 tab, click lightmap (or something). Here you will find: "import buildings" button.
* press on that button and select the staticobjects.con file
The object is now loaded in 3dsmax
bfe_gg

[BrotherEstapol]

Thanks! :D

I'm assuming this method doesn't work for bundledmeshes though?

[bfe_gg]

Nope, only for staticmeshes. All other meshes do not work (as Rexman's tool is using some sort of compiled importer and that only works for staticmeshes I think). But as mentioned before, the program I'm using can do that also.
bfe_gg

[Feersum]

...you were FORBIDDEN to modify and and all Dice content. Which I can understand, that people would potentially take one of their meshes, make small changes ...skin it etc and then try to call it their own....

Nothing would give me greater pleasure than modifiying DICE content and calling it my own.....so SUE ME EA!!!

...now broadcasting the fact is another matter!;)

[USMCRP]

N/aaaa

[Porteous]

I think this thread is getting a little off the subject...

Let's face it.. We all want to know if the Mesh Viewer is still being developed and if so.... will it become available to the community...

Futher more we ALL want to know what's happend to Yarin and I'm sure you will all agree we hope he's all good and OK.

Yarin... if you see this post and if you can... drop a quick line or two.

PP

[bfe_gg]

K, if Yarin does not pop up in the next two weeks, I will see what I can do. Until then, lets hope he returns
bfe_gg

[GnBanditoCI5]

Thank you BF_GG...

[ironmonkaa]

this isnt good iwish u good luck yarin

[bfe_gg]

Hi All,
Here's an update of the 3dstrat program. As you can see, there's already some things done. Here you can see the 3 different camera views. (up, soldier and fly cam)
Hope you like it. For the guys that do not know what it is, its a completely seperate program that allows you to generate strats with arrows etc. for clans
Here you see the actual flag radius to hide out a flag
bfe_gg

http://img333.imageshack.us/img333/9938/pic14ht.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


http://img333.imageshack.us/img333/8297/pic26ff.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img333.imageshack.us/img333/9809/pic33dg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[ironmonkaa]

thats really good,keep up the good work

[Sir. SashDaMan]

Well his website hasn't been updated since either the 7th of October or July the 10th.
He has either messed up the Mesh Viewer or his computer has blown up and in the proccess of buying everything from scratch and or blown off his leg in the proccess.
I will let you guys decide but I have added hi German friend to try and find out his whereabouts. Whether it be 6 feet under or 2000 miles away in the Seychelles.

[Sir. SashDaMan]

UPDATE:
I have some guy phoning his house to find out where he is and WTF is up with him.
Next update?:Tomorrow very early for you Americans 6 ish for us europians or however you spel it.
I said to the guy who is phoning him "Expect the worst" He said he has already expected it... So it aint looking too good for our friend Yarin..

[GnBanditoCI5]

Thanx for the update Sash...and LMAO at the blown off leg...

BFE_gg, looking great brother !
Contact me if you need an installer etc.....

[bfe_gg]

good thinking Sashdaman, let us know how he's doing (and I really hope he's ok)
bfe_gg

[Sir. SashDaMan]

Well I will be finding out in a couple of hours. Even though I live in England I can track down and contact someone in a different contry :S weird huh?

Yer bfe_gg you stuff looks good and if there is no sign of Yarin coming back then it would be good if you finished off the program, if you can that is ;)

**EDIT**
Negative, the German who has his contact number is offline because he is +1 GMT so, maybe tomorrow guys

[Porteous]

Thanks for the update Sashdaman... been following this thread daily..

Don't know Yarin personally but hope the guys OK..

Cheers P

[bfe_gg]

Well, here's in the meantime an example of a bundledmesh with the data Yarin and I found. I really hope Yarin can finish his own project...
http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/3316/pic63sh.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Sir. SashDaMan]

Well, another day and no sign of Yarin, I will bug the guy who knows him and get him to ring him ASAP.

Thanks bfe_gg it's looking cool and I also want/need Yarin to finish his mod.

[GnBanditoCI5]

Hey Bfe_gg, can you please email me, I need to discus something with you...I tried to email you via these forums but get this message...

"Sorry! That user has specified that they do not wish to receive emails. If you still wish to send an email to this user, please contact the administrator (http://www.totalbf2.com/forums/sendmessage.php) and they may be able to help."

You should be able to email me via my forum profile if you forgot my email addy.

Thanks bro, and i will reply to your email with what i ned to talk to you about. Please include YOUR email address in email to me.

Talk soon...peace 4 now !

[Sir. SashDaMan]

SashDaMan۞ Good Things Come To He Who Waits.. says:
Hey are you there?
۞SashDaMan۞ Good Things Come To He Who Waits.. says:
Hey
Digimon | digi die düse | digi die deutsche dogge says:
hi
۞SashDaMan۞ Good Things Come To He Who Waits.. says:
Have you phoned Yarin?
Digimon | digi die düse | digi die deutsche dogge says:
no, but he answered me via mail =)
۞SashDaMan۞ Good Things Come To He Who Waits.. says:

Digimon | digi die düse | digi die deutsche dogge says:
he had a lot of problems the last weeks, so he wasn't able to connect someone
۞SashDaMan۞ Good Things Come To He Who Waits.. says:
Phew
۞SashDaMan۞ Good Things Come To He Who Waits.. says:
So, when will he be back online?
Digimon | digi die düse | digi die deutsche dogge says:
don't know =)
۞SashDaMan۞ Good Things Come To He Who Waits.. says:
Great, hey ...he's online...he emailed you
۞SashDaMan۞ Good Things Come To He Who Waits.. says:
So he must be online...
Digimon | digi die düse | digi die deutsche dogge says:
hmm? =)
۞SashDaMan۞ Good Things Come To He Who Waits.. says:
You understand me yes?
Digimon | digi die düse | digi die deutsche dogge says:
no =)
۞SashDaMan۞ Good Things Come To He Who Waits.. says:
=) Sehr Gut
erm, if he emailed you
then he must be online...
Digimon | digi die düse | digi die deutsche dogge says:
of course =)


That's all I have to say guys.

Finice.

[GnBanditoCI5]

Again, thank you SashDaMan, for lack of a better term, you DA MAN !

[Sir. SashDaMan]

Why thank you :)
So Yarin is to my knowledge, alive and well, and should be online withing the next couple of weeks/months.

[bfe_gg]

Great news indeed :)
Hope he will be online soon

[Yarin]

Hey everyone,
man, I'm really impressed. If I would have known what's going on here, I really would have got online earlier.

As you already found out (*lol*) my life was a bit mixed up lately. Everything is going back to normal atm so .. sorry for being AWOL! Especially (but not exclusively!) bfe_gg and GnBanditoCI5. I hope you don't hate me now.

I will exchange the newest discoveries in the bf2 mesh format with bfe_gg now and then see what I can do to get the Mesh Viewer finished.

See you,
Yarin

p.s.: feels good to be back :-)

[USMCRP]

Welcome back Bro!!!!!!!

[ironmonkaa]

welcome back yarin :)

[Turtle-ZED]

Phew! He's back.
Hope everything is fine Yarin. We can call off the search parties (and the sniffer dogs!):D :D :D :D :D :laugh:

[[21CWDev]JD7]

Glad to see that your back Yarin, there's been quite a lot of peeps concerned

[GnBanditoCI5]

Rgr that Yarin, glad you got eveything sorted and are once again in the trenches with us. Woot !

[Sir. SashDaMan]

Hey Yarin,
It was me who got your freind to contact you:)
Welcome back

[bfe_gg]

You did a great job SashDaMan :)
In the meantime, Yarin is aware of the changes. He has some important real life things to do first (he has exams), so you all know that he is going to look at it, but it will take some time (hopefully not long).
bfe_gg

[GnBanditoCI5]

REAL LIFE??? Perish the thought !!!

[bfe_gg]

Hey all,
Yes, another update coming to you from the dark side of the universe :-)
http://img272.imageshack.us/img272/1696/screen44ke.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
As you can see, the menu is up and running (still to change the first and last picture of the menu).
As you can see, we have the soldier cam, Topdown cam (like commander view), Freecam, Terrain mode (where you can do lots of fine things with the terrain), record (now what would this do ;-) ),Options to enable things like fog etc., Save/open strats and exit.
More to come
bfe_gg
P.S. Special thanks to Bandito for the menu ideas

[ironmonkaa]

cool,good job

[GnBanditoCI5]

I think it should have ICON buttons rather than menus....LMAO !!!

Sorry G...couldnt resist !!

By the way, where ya been...have not seen you in Vent in awhile...does my bretah stink?...lol Ok scratch that question, im not good with honest answers...lol

Anyway, lookin good brother, hope to see ya soon.

[bfe_gg]

Nope working quite a bit on the prog. Want to have a pré alpha in December as you know ;)

[bfe_gg]

Hi guys,
Update on the program. First is the water. Still working on it, but this is how it looks like
http://img494.imageshack.us/img494/4409/screen71uw.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Secondly, the "terrain paint" feature. This will allow you to paint on the ground by choosing a thickness (left side), and a color (right side). You might notice two times paint as submenu. Disregard the second one, it was for testing purposes

http://img494.imageshack.us/img494/5217/screen67mi.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

And last but not least, the disable fog feature. This will allow you to disable the ingame fog you have ingame.

With fog:
http://img494.imageshack.us/img494/8835/screen86iq.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Without fog:
http://img494.imageshack.us/img494/2141/screen90sf.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Lastly, pré alpha tests will be held this month. More to come on this one
gg

[Sir. SashDaMan]

Nice one, they look sweet. I like the water, it looks cool.

[ironmonkaa]

good job

[Yarin]

Hey everyone,

+++ news +++ news +++ news +++ news +++ news +++

I know some of you are waiting for a new Mesh Viewer release but I decided to stop development on the _original_ Mesh Viewer tool. INSTEAD I'm currently working on a new tool which preliminary name is "Battlefield 2 Browser", which will include the functionality of the mesh viewer.

The Battlefield 2 Browser (aka B2B), focused on mod developers, will be something between a browser for Battlefield 2 game files and a development environment. It has a interface similar to typical file browsers like Windows Explorer and will allow you to browse through the zip files comfortably. You will be able to view, export and maybe even import game files not limited to 3d meshes (even If I'm still focused on them).

I made the decision mainly because of bad code of the mesh viewer: It was written to be a quick-n-dirty tool to test my speculations on the bf2 mesh file format. In time, it evolved to a still dirty but everthing but quick "code bastard" which is very hard to develop further.

I'm working hard on it (last night I programed from 20:00 till 7:00 non-stop) so I hope I can release an alpha soon.

It would be nice to hear what yall think of it and what file formats you would like to see supported. There will be definitely support for the mesh, font and texture files.



btw.. the water looks nice except for the bad artefacts on the shore.

[Turtle-ZED]

Nice one Yarin- Thanks(and good luck)

.obj works for me (.xsi as well if you're feeling generous...there are a few of us who prefer XSI to 3D MAX/MAYA)

[GnBanditoCI5]

You might notice two times paint as submenu. Disregard the second one, it was for testing purposes

I think that the second paint menu should be an ICON rather than a submenu...LMAO !!! Good work G...BTW, saw my Ventrilo logs and seen youve been popping in lately, sorry I keep missing you, hope to catch up with you soon brother.

And to Yarin....
I think it should support .mp3.... .MOV and maybe a little .swf !!! Then slap it all in a portable carrying device, slap a 2 gig memory card in it, and we could call it B2B, Battlefield 2 music Blaster..... LMAO, just kidding...

.3ds , .obj , .lwo , .sm and I doubt you can actually do it but if you can .3di

Anyway, read yer email I will reply.....

[ironmonkaa]

ya maya,3ds max and most all 3D modeling programs will import .obj

[Yarin]

ya maya,3ds max and most all 3D modeling programs will import .obj
I meant I wanted to know what Battlefield 2 game file formats you would like to see supported, not what export formats:

Meshes (*.*mesh)
Textures (*.dds, *.png)
Fonts (*.dif, *.font)
Python scripts in general (*.py, *.con, *.ai)
Demos (*.bf2demo)
Terraindata / Undergrowth
Languages (*.utxt)
Cursors (*.ani)
Shaders (*.fx)
Mod description files (*.desc)

[GnBanditoCI5]

Yea, those should work...LMAO

Might as well work em all huh ?

[ironmonkaa]

sounds good

[GnBanditoCI5]

Ok people, BFE_GG has released a pre alpha version of the 3DStrat to those of us who are SPECIAL....yea...SPECIAL like Jerry Lewis's kids...lol

But anyway, due to personal non disclosure agreements made with GG, I/we are unable and UNWILLING to further make it available to anyone else. So why am I making this post you ask ? Well I am glad you asked !!

The reason I am posting this statement is to ensure you all that this application is coming along VERY nicely and I would like to let you know that you should definatly look forward to getting your hands on this little gem.

I/we at Clan International are hard at work stress testing the 3dStrat and looking for bugs and issues as well as coming up with new ideas for functionality and content in the hopes of providing GG the feedback needed to produce the best possible 3DStrat program for the entire Battlefield community.

Furthermore I would hope that the community itself gets involved and provide BFE_GG feedback as to options and functionality that they would like to see implemented into the 3DStrat. I mean after all, GG's hard work IS for you ! And if YOU dont voice your needs and opinions, who will ?

I do realize that is kinda alot to ask considering that you are unable to beta test the 3DStrat as it currently stands, but this does not mean that your thoughts and suggestions are not important. I am sure GG will do his very best to accomodate each and every idea.

With that said...We look forward to all your suggestions people.

At ease men !!

PS
Yarin, if you would, send me another email contacting me in regard to your project brother, As with GG, I would like to get you set up on our voice server to better facilitate my/our helping you with the BF2 Browser.

Talk soon...

[Turtle-ZED]

So guys- how goes the progress with the tools you are making?

[bfe_gg]

Good, pré alpha version of 3dstrat is out and I had positive responses. I'm now making a new version. Hopefully it will be mature enough soon to have an open beta
gg

[Yarin]

I abandoned the battlefield browser idea.. I did this because I'm always talking about the project but can't show you any results. I want to get this thing out as fast as possible now.

btw I just brought my website back up.
http://www.yarin.de/

[Silenced Jester]

wait I dont get it. What does this do?

[Yarin]

Huh? What does what do?

I _WAS_ working on a tool to supersede the Mesh Viewer - called BF2 Browser. I _STOPPED_ working on this tool to _CONTINUE_ work on original BF2 Mesh Viewer because I want to give you a working release of a tool to view/export BF2 meshes at last.

Got it? :-)

[Yarin]

Just FYI, I updated the thread head with my current status. I'm currently dedicating all my spare time to this project!

[zzDimaxx]

ANy pogress?

[Yarin]

ANy pogress?
Yep. Updated the thread head again and added some more detailed information about the progress. I just got the front-end working so far. The vfs / zip support will be the next I'll work on.

P.S.: Some programmer wrote me a mail about the mesh viewer. I lost all my mails (my computer just rebooted without warning [probably caused by the rather weak electricity network in this area but I never had that before] and after the reboot this stupid thunderbird just had forgotten all my mails >:-( ) so if you read this, please send me that mail again!

[bfe_gg]

Which mail Yarin, was it one of mine?
gg

[wam]

Hi all ,i just register when i ve seen yarin's work,if u need beta tester i am ur man .I make some 3d,i am not a pro but if u need a little help ,don t hesitate .
A little signature a made for a friend ,a lady killer (clic on bear's picture).
http://x4.putfile.com/5/13907355984.gif (http://x4.putfile.com/5/13907325562.gif)

[Yarin]

Hey wam,
thanks for your support. Currently the mesh viewer is still not in beta stage (you maybe would call the current stage pre-alpha or something), even if it's evolving fast so there is no need for testers right now.
btw the signature looks really nice :-) (even if it's a bit oversized => 1.8 MB)

@Everyone:
I'm currently on some so-called vacation. Actually I'm at home thru tuesday and I'll use the time to work on the mesh viewer.

Yesterday I did a lot of work on all those invisible but necessary things. The multi-language support is now complete (ok, there is no Unicode support yet but I don't think that I'll even need that), as well as the configuration of the program (for simplicity, everything is saved in an ini file - I hate the concept of the registry) and a lot of other internal things and bug fixes.

[ironmonkaa]

cool,good luck

[Yarin]

Hey everyone,
I could use your help to compile a list of mod directory names. So if you have any mods installed, please have a look at your \Battlefield 2\mods\ directory and report mod directory names in this thread:

http://www.totalbf2.com/forums/showthread.php?p=672318

Thanks!

[Yarin]

I posted a little screenshot of the mesh viewer in another thread.. It shows not much but the multi-language functionality and the cool mod selection dialog :-) Just wanted to update this thread again.

http://yarin.de/bf2modding/MeshViewer/screenshots/rev3_mod_selection.png

p.s.: development is going fast now. updated the progress-o-meter on the front page.

[bfe_gg]

way to go Yarin
gg

[Yarin]

Thanks! But what's about your strategy tool? Have you finished it already? Is there an early release to play around with? I want to try it out :-)

[bfe_gg]

Yeah, its going great. Early alpha stages for the moment. Maps will already load up, and you can already do some stuff in it.
You will get playing with it very soon :) (will send you a pm somewhere this week)
gg

[ironmonkaa]

looks cool yarin

[Yarin]

I said I would try to update progress information on a regular basis, so here is what I'm doing right now:

The new mesh viewer doesn't require you to unzip the zip files, it will load the meshes directly from the zip files.

The problem was, that every zip library I could find out there takes hours to load these zip files (some of the zip files are really huge, Objects_client.zip of the bf2 mod weights ~650 MB!!). If you want you can try to open this file with a regular zip file viewer. All of which I know suffer from the same problem. 7-zip for example needs 15 seconds to load Objects_client.zip, which is way to long to allow you working with the mesh viewer fluently.

This is why I'm currently writing my own, high-speed zip library. It is nearly done now and very fast :) Takes about 0.1 second to load the whole Objects_client.zip!

p.s.: Loading = Reading in all file attributes, names, sizes etc. Not copying the whole 650 MB into RAM ;-)

p.p.s.: I'm investing all my spare time into the mesh viewer atm. I even haven't played the new patch 1.2 till now.

[ironmonkaa]

wow thats amazing,keep up the great work!

[Feersum]

Yarin, save yourself the time of writing a zip library. All modders work from a un-packed zip anways, eg Objects_client.zip ... and usually in a different directory than BF2. Unpacking the zips is a must for other programs like photoshop and 3Ds Max (exporting meshes) etc.

[USMCRP]

http://drecobstudios.sytes.net/home/default.aspx?content=toolsinfo

[USMCRP]

http://drecobstudios.sytes.net/home/media/ExtendedBF2Tools.zip

http://rex3d.net/bf2/files/3dsmax/bf2_3dsmax_29Sep2005.zip

Here, you need the lower link tool as well.

[Feersum]

http://drecobstudios.sytes.net/home/media/ExtendedBF2Tools.zip

http://rex3d.net/bf2/files/3dsmax/bf2_3dsmax_29Sep2005.zip

Here, you need the lower link tool as well.

Except the last link to the 3DSMAX plugins is old...the newer one is http://rex3d.net/bf2/files/3dsmax/bf2_3dsmax_22Dec2005.zip

[Turtle-ZED]

So...it's been a while...any update Yarin?

[Turtle-ZED]

Another month later...I was wondering whether the gremlins had carried Yarin away...bound and gagged him and forced him to work on another project.

[viathan]

What happened to this? I need to import the left and right sides of the dam into 3ds Max...any thing else other then this viewer that might be able to do that??

[[BG2]Panzaman]

You could try Professor Dred's Necessary Tools - there'll be a link in this forum somewhere, or try a google.

[KungFuScoobyDoo]

I apologize for bumping such an old thread, but does this tool no longer exist? I've had a rather hard time finding the tool. If anyone could assist, I'd highly appreciate it. Thanks!

[[BG2]Panzaman]

It seems to be dead - just go with Professor Dred's Necessary Tools (try the BfEditor forum).