Spec Alpha Problem (P-51D)

[Bentwing]

Hi Folks:

I've run into a snag with my repaint of Louisiana Heatwave. Eveything goes fine until I try to save the spec alpha.

Using Photo shop, I open the p51d_t_spec.dds file with the Nvidia plugin. I copy in my spec and spec alpha layers, and all looks fine. I save back to the dds format using the plugin.

However, in the sim I notice the paint has an ugly mottled pattern. Its not nice and smoothly shaded like Jankees paints, for example.

I've traced this to the spec file. When I reopen the p51d_t_spec.dds file the the normal spec layer looks fine, but the spec alpha is all jagged and ragged rather than smoothly shaded, and this mess matches what I see in the sim. The spec alpha seems to be getting corrupted somehow when I save back to dds. Here's what the spec alpha layer looks like:



What am I doing wrong here, and how might I fix it? I'm not sure if the problem is between my ears or what, since I can't seem get this sorted out.

Thanks in advance!

Mark

[Buzz313th]

Hi Folks:

I've run into a snag with my repaint of Louisiana Heatwave. Eveything goes fine until I try to save the spec alpha.

Using Photo shop, I open the p51d_t_spec.dds file with the Nvidia plugin. I copy in my spec and spec alpha layers, and all looks fine. I save back to the dds format using the plugin.

However, in the sim I notice the paint has an ugly mottled pattern. Its not nice and smoothly shaded like Jankees paints, for example.

I've traced this to the spec file. When I reopen the p51d_t_spec.dds file the the normal spec layer looks fine, but the spec alpha is all jagged and ragged rather than smoothly shaded, and this mess matches what I see in the sim. The spec alpha seems to be getting corrupted somehow when I save back to dds. Here's what the spec alpha layer looks like:



What am I doing wrong here, and how might I fix it? I'm not sure if the problem is between my ears or what, since I can't seem get this sorted out.

Thanks in advance!

Mark

Check your export settings in the Nvidea plugin.

Also have a look at the FSX SDK and it will show you the default settings to use for dds export.

[Bentwing]

Thanks for the advice! With it I discoverd I was exporting to DDS in DXT3 format instead of DXT5. Once I exported using DXT5 all was well and my paint looks MUCH better.

Been pulling my hair out over something so simple. Lesson learned.

Thanks so much again!

[Buzz313th]

My pleasure. I'm just glad it was something real simple