DEV Programs / Tools - 12 October, 2006
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Links might be outdated!
*Tip3: links offline? Try them on the
waybackmachine.*
Note: a few sites / links went offline, files might
change from web places or be made for previous Orbiter versions,
etc...
I'm trying to check links but the best is that you really read the
docs...
Download: OrbiterSDK_060929 (P1)(see
download
page for mirrors)
Note:
How
to convert add-ons from Orbiter 2005 to 2006
Orbiter SDK has the following tools (and also folders doc, lib,
include, samples):
- shipedit.exe: to edit/know several parameters of your
spacecraft 3D msh
- pltex.exe: to apply planetary textures
- dxtex.exe: to convert textures to dds
|
Generic DLLs
Generic DLL / Tools related posts from Orbiter Forum... The ones
I like most are about the parachutes and attachements... I
recomend that you DO READ 1st the Orbiter manual and sdk (3D
model) / generic dll's / addons docs and after... go ahead:
See also:
Next, a few links about fuel, ISP, cross sections, etc:
|
 |
Spacecraft.dll
v060302 (v3)
for Orbiter build 050216 - see also S3 2006-P1 patch! |
Links: |
Vinka
strikes again! You are now able to create nice spacecraft with
working HUD, virtual cockpit, new aerodynamic models, attachment
management, robotic arms, etc!
See Vinka's site for full packages (with docs) and also this
Orbiter Forum Post:
Spacecraft3.dll
new version is available... |
/ |
| spacecraft |
| author's
site |
Previous version files:
 |
Multistage
- Spacecraft base_package_040110 |
Links: |
| Multistage
/ Spacecraft generic dlls allows you to easily "program"
rocket's / spaceship's behavior by just using notepad... very good
if you do not know how to program c++ (or if you wish to quickly
test some parameters before buiding a custom dll). Here is the
direct link for older version. |
download |
| author's
site |
| / |
 |
Aircraft
v1.0 |
Links: |
| Aircraft
DLL works like Vinka's spacecraft.dll: use notepad and INI files to
"program" and animate your atmospheric craft. Great job!
(author's site offline?) |
download |
| author's
site |
| / |
 |
Pylon
Addon v0.91 (Beta) |
Links: |
| Vessel
class + MFD that support script-like sequences execution and manages
attachments. The main purpose is to make dynamic scenarios,
buildings, stations, etc though it allows to make movable vessel
parts with attached vessels, and more... |
orbithangar |
| author's
site |
| / |
 |
CVE-lite |
Links: |
| CVE-lite
is a programming library to aid developers of add-on vessels.
Continuation of the CVE-GPDS effort (see next) |
sourceforge |
| author's
site |
| read
about |
 |
CVE-GPDS
Orbiter Addon Project v0.1.12 |
Links: |
| CVE,
the COMMON_VESSEL Extentions, is an LGPL-licenced library to allow
programmers to simply and easily write vessels that support multiple
payloads and user-definable additional stages via the Generic
Payload Description System (GPDS2). |
sourceforge |
| author's
site |
| / |
Advanced Configuration Tools for Addon
Makers
 |
System&PanelSDK
v1.7 |
Links: |
| "Now
there's a Generic vessel feature (using spsdk.dll), that allows
muti-stage vessel w/ panels to be build w/out C++ (for the MSDEVless
of you there)" :-)) |
download |
| author's
site |
| / |
 |
dbVessel
and dbConfigurator Beta (Candidate) 0.1.725 (offline) |
Links: |
| Fairly
advanced tool to configure your rockets and spacecraft. If you are
an addon developer you will love this one! |
download |
author's
site |
| / |
|
Collision
Detection Kit v0.14 (beta) |
Links: |
| Basic
Collision Detection Library for Orbiter. The system works as a
plugin which monitors CD Enabled vessels in the background. You will
find other intersting files in this site... |
sourceforge |
| / |
| / |
The C++ Realm
- Hispaorbiter's Onubas:
1st,
touchdown,
IA,
guid1,
guid2,
IIa,
ovcConsumeKey,
files
- Hispaorbiter's Argantonio:
colors
(launcher),
RCS,
EngGimbal
, Error,
heatshield
|
Some 3D related posts from Orbiter Forum:
|
Viewers & Converters
 |
Mesh
Viewer v10.2 |
Links: |
| You
can view msh with this tool (Point assistant and group assistant
added for ship developers). Ho! If you have a non-US keyboard /
system and Mesh Viewer is not working... Try
this
language converter utility. |
orbithangar |
| read
about |
| / |
 |
S4
VesselMesh Dialog (beta) |
Links: |
| "Tool
developed to allow for mesh review and configuration files
validation purposes. There are a number of mesh viewing software
implementations currently available. This one simply uses the
internal graphics engine inside Orbiter to ensure 100%
compatibility." |
orbithangar |
| author's
site |
| / |
 |
Cam
Control |
Links: |
| Yep,
I know... Not exactly one usual 3D msh viewer... But… This is
very handy also for addon developers to check out their Orbiter 3D
works, particularly in what concerns internal renderings / texture
mappings. Very cool! |
orbithangar |
| author's
site |
| / |
 |
3ds2msh
Windows interface |
Links: |
| Graphical
Interface for Vinka's "3ds2msh" (see next entry). Note:
but if you want to use all 3ds2msh parameters stay with the "DOS"
command line! |
orbithangar |
| / |
| / |
|
3ds2msh
Converter v050630 (It's a MUST HAVE!) |
Links: |
| Convert
3ds to msh files. (msh = Orbiter 3D models format) |
download |
| author's
site |
| / |
|
MshMaker
v2.1 |
Links: |
| Convert
3ds to msh files. (msh = Orbiter 3D models format). Supports Shadow
feature. |
orbithangar |
| author's
site |
| / |
|
LightWave
3D LWO -> MSH converter |
Links: |
| Convert
lwo to msh files. (msh = Orbiter 3D models format) |
/ |
| read
about |
| / |
 |
Multi
Import Script v1.2 (for gmax - offline) |
Links: |
| Search
in the gmax section for multi import script: with this tool you can
import to gmax the following formats: 3ds, dfx, obj (download
offline?) |
download |
| author's
site |
| / |
 |
CVA
Converter v1.0 |
Links: |
Very
good converter: you can use it with FSDS or as an independent
program.
Imports: fsc, fsp, dxf, lwo
Exports: fsc, fsp, dxf, obj |
download |
| / |
| / |
 |
3D
Crossroads v1.0 |
Links: |
| Funny
name, funny program: lots and lots of import/export functions
(please see for yourself!) (download OK but author's site offline?) |
download |
| author's
site |
| / |
 |
3D
Explorer v1.5 |
Links: |
| Older
version of Deep Exploration but it still handles some formats and
has no time limit. You can use it to view/convert. |
download |
| +tools |
| / |
 |
3D Object
Converter |
Links: |
| Another
utility allowing to view / convert between many formats. Supports
Orbiter's msh and parameters visualization such as materials, 3D
statistics, etc. |
formats |
| author's
site |
| / |
Visit Essential
Gmax Tools, where you will find goodies like the md3
exporter, tools, tutorials ;-)
Visit gmaxsupport.com
- downloads (offline?),
many importers there...
...Hummm, try this page for some "missing tools":
http://cloud.prohosting.com/talone/gmax/converters.html
Editors
 |
Anim8or |
Links: |
Perhaps
the best tool to start making Orbiter addons: it's freeware, small
and has nice tutorials in its home site.
Imports: an8, 3ds, lwo, obj
Exports: an8, 3ds, lwo, vtx, c
See also
this
Anim8or Utilties page,
Leslie's
an8 Boolean Subtraction,
JB
tutorials |
/ |
| Anim8or |
| / |
 |
gmax |
Links: |
| Also
freeware, powerful, and you can use it to make versions of your
spacecraft to both Orbiter and FS but… it is a more challenging
tool to learn… |
download! |
gmax |
| / |
|
Blender |
Links: |
|
Another powerful editor, opensource but also a challenging tool to
learn… |
download! |
| blender |
| / |
 |
FS Design
Studio |
Links: |
| If
you are a FS addon creator then it is probable that you are used to
work with FSDS and find gmax a little disorienting place… you
can do all 3D work in FSDS and after texture in another program…
|
/ |
| FSDS |
| / |
 |
ProgMesh
(offline?) - google for it |
Links: |
| This
is not a 3D editor but I'm sure you will find it very useful: with
ProgMesh you can optimise your 3ds file; it also has other
interesting features like the materials editor and a very easy to
use interactive real-time texture mapping tool. (see also
other interesting tools available at Paralelo site). |
/ |
| author's
site |
| / |
|
Summing up, here are a few of several
possible ways to create an Orbiter rocket/spacecraft/station/crazy
stuff 3D model:
a) Anim8or > 3ds > 3ds2msh > msh
b) gmax > max2msh > msh
c) FSDS > fsc > CVA program > dxf > Crossroads >
3ds > a)
d) FSDS > fsc > CVA program > dxf > gmax multi import
script > b)
See also: Orbiter Forum:
mdl
to 3ds? |
And if you want to try a custom ground msh...
 |
Terragen |
Links: |
Scenery
generator, created with the goal of generating photorealistic
landscape images and animations. You can also export the landscape
to your favorite3D editor, edit it and after do the usual 3ds >>>
msh.
Related thread:
Terragen
& Orbiter! |
/ |
| Terragen |
| / |
 |
3DPaysage |
Links: |
| Very
easy and direct scenery generator: can export to .an8. Check also
the author's site for other nice programs. |
download |
| author's
site |
| / |
3D Surface related post from Orbiter Forum:
|
You can use dxtext.exe in Orbiter SDK to convert your
textures.
Some Texture related posts in Orbiter Forum (and Moonport):
The next links may also interest you:
|
Calculators
 |
Orbital
Utilities |
Links: |
| Tools
that allow you to calculate commonly requested data (DeltaV of
various spacecraft, MJD's corresponding to times/dates, launch
azimuths). Also calculates level II hohmann transfers. |
read
about |
| orbithangar |
| / |
 |
Orbit
Calculator v2.0 |
Links: |
| Allows
you to create specific orbital parameters for use in custom
scenarios. Also includes built-in MJD calculator for generating
exact historical/future timings. (CW) |
/ |
| avsim |
| / |
 |
MJD
Converter |
Links: |
| Converts
between the 4 different date formats important to Orbiter: modifying
a value in any field changes the values in other 3 fields to match.
Automatic exportation of result to .scn file. |
download |
| author's
site |
| / |
|
TLE to
Orbiter Elset converter |
Links: |
| Recent
(May2005) Orbital elements conversion tool. |
/ |
| avsim |
| info |
 |
TLE2ECL -
Equatorial to ecliptical elements converter |
Links: |
| Convert
orbital elements in the Equatorial format (TLE) to ecliptical format
(used by ORBITER). |
download |
| author's
site |
| / |
 |
.cfg Data
Calculator |
Links: |
| Choose
the object you'd like elements for, the object that this first
object orbits and an epoch date. The program generates text an
e-mail to JPL's Horizons system. When you get your repply from
Horizons, paste it into the .cfg calculator and it then generates
the elements you'll need to paste into your .cfg file! |
download |
| author's
site |
| Info |
 |
Geostationary
Calculator |
Links: |
| Enter
the date and time of your scenerio, and the longitude on Earth you
would like your satellite to hover over. Then copy the MJD and
Vectors and paste them into your scenario. |
download |
| author's
site |
| Info |
 |
Excel
Orbit Simulator |
Links: |
| This
Excel program simulates orbital motion, by propagating iterated
straight-line motion over short time intervals, from an initial
position and velocity, using Newton's Law of Gravitation and
mechanical equations. |
download |
| / |
| / |
Editors and Related Stuff (note: Orbiter2006+ includes its own
editor)
 |
Orbiter
Config Editor v0.04 |
Links: |
| Syntax
Highlighting Config and Scenario Editor |
/ |
| sourceforge |
| / |
 |
Orbiter
Scenario Editor (plugin) |
Links: |
| This
editor is useful for create a new ship where you want in the Orbiter
Universe while you play and it's simple to use too. |
orbithangar |
| author's
site |
| / |
 |
City
Builder v0.1 |
Links: |
| By
using this tool you can easily place blocks, rivers, airports,
churchus etc. and "draw" a city around your base. Then you
just add the new base in the "earth.cfg" file and Orbiter
will render it. |
/ |
| avsim |
| / |
Surface
Base Tile calculator available
Free Sci-fi Fonts:
http://www.acidfonts.com/scififonts1.htm
Misc. Posts from Orbiter Forum:
|
Home Site:
http://simcosmos.planetaclix.pt
|
