C++/VB Direct3D Mesh Importing Help

[Adam Shapiro]

I am trying to create a new dashboard program that is 3d using DirectX 8.1 but I'm having a lot of trouble. I was hoping that someone would be able to help me code a Direct3D interface in either C++ or VB that could import a .x mesh (converted from a .3ds) and rotate it as well as possibly make parts of it light up. If I can get this program working, I am planning to make it readily available to all teams. I hope someone can help me (I would prefer VB since I know it better but I know that you can do more in c++ so either will do). Thanks.

[rbayer]

That's a HUGE question. Just getting a spinning cube takes many, many, many lines of Direct3D code. How far along are you? Do you know any DirectX?

Anyway, gamedev.net has some excellent DirectX tutorials and examples that you could look at.

BTW, what exactly are you going to make 3d?

[Jeremy_Mc]

yes gamedev.net is an awesome place...

also check out www.pscode.com . there's some really useful stuff on there if you don't rip it off and actually learn from it...


*jeremy

[Adam Shapiro]

I've checked out gamedev and pscode and have used them for quite a while. As to rbayer's question, I've done a small bit in DirectX before (simple polygons with a tiny bit of rotation) using c++ and a bit more using vb. I once tried to import a .x mesh by way of the SDK tutorials but it didn't work correctly. I wasn't sure if it was my code, the .3ds file, or the mesh conversion... I would like to get it working though...

[JonathanE]

If I am reading this correctly, then if you can spare the time to write all the DX code, that would be a truly AWESOME dashviewer.

Are you talking about a rotating 3D model of your bot, with trouble spots or motor actions or sensor hits lighting up in their positions?

Waaaaayyyyy cool, man.

Sorry, I don't have a clue how to do it, but go for it!
Good luck!

[Jay Lundy]

There are some great DX 8 tutorials at http://www.andypike.com/tutorials/directx8/. All of those tutorials are good, but the one you are looking for is "Loading Complex Models" where he loads a .x file of a spaceship model he made in milkshape and rotates it with 3 different viewports.

[Adam Shapiro]

Originally posted by JonathanE
that would be a truly AWESOME dashviewer

You got it!

Originally posted by Jay Lundy
http://www.andypike.com

That was where I started. I actually figured out the mesh loading but I'm having trouble modeling a low polygon robot. I'm doing it in Inventor, importing to 3DS, then exporting to .X. I want to make it completely open source and open it to all teams who want to use it. My new problem is that the dashboard port seems to be giving me weird input to the serial. I used the old viewer and it worked fine but the numbers I get are rediculous (negatives, etc)... Hopefully I can figure it out soon and I will upload the first version to our website (http://www.mvrt.org/team555 <--Under construction). I'm going to start a new thread on ideas for the 3D aspect. Please post any ideas you have.