Creating Skins that work without having to use 'Force Models
 

Hey guys,

To preface....I'm NOT an avid modder, programmer, or genius. I am just good at figuring out what others have done.

I have successfully created our clan avitar (45th Inf.Div. "Thunderbirds") and am in the process of trying to create a custom "Skin" or uniform for each member (to include individual ranks and regimental insignia) in our clan. Problem is that even with ALL members having the .pk3 file(s) in their MOHAA/main folders, the new skins are ONLY visible with "Force Models" selected in Multiplayer Options...arghhh

Here's what I've done. I have downloaded and examined just about every skin posted at alliedassault.com (they all do the same thing too). I have just created my own graphics replacement files (with different/new names of course to avoid file reference confusion) and properly edited the file name references in the shad. and .tik files.

I know I did it right because they look GREAT...just as I entended...and work exactly the same as the numerous .pk3 skins I've downloaded here. I just have that ONE TOUGH problem!! arghhhh.

Surely there is a way around this as I can see map and vehicle alterations from downloaded pk3 mods.

PLEASE help me.....but in simple, non-computer genius terms.

By the way...Yes, I have thoroughly searched the internet til my hands bled and my head ached for tutorials (walk throughs) in this area. PLEASE HELP!! Thank you VERY much!!

The skins have to be on the server also.

The skins should also feature textures in .dds format for uncompressed texture modus!

There is a plug in from Nvidia to convert .tga to .dds in PSP7 or Photoshop.
Then you can see your custom skins in compressed mode too.

Maybe thats also a prob?

Still a problem
 

[img][img]1. pk3 IS on the server friend. I thought about that too....tried it....but no change/no solution.

2. I appreciate VERY much you guys trying to help. I know you don't have to. It's just nice to find those who give a crap about helping somebody else out with a prob.

The file type conversion may be a possible fix as you suggested...but I'm thinking more along the lines of additional specific lines/references of instruction for the game to existing art or files that tells MOHAA to do something MORE with what already has been created.....since the skins work...just ONLY with Force Models. Can someone verify my theory and, if so, can you tell me what file needs the reference/instruction, what that instruction should say...etc.

Maybe email me a complete example. I know it's asking alot but, as I stated earlier, I'm just a good detective and troubleshooter...not a programming or modding whiz who can start from scratch or put things in the right place on my own.

Thanks! My email addres is mpvoice@hiwaay.net

[img]http://www.markpeeples.com/TB/FrontPageFiles/New%20LOGO/TBPatchsml.bmp[/img]

easy! just rename the skins that u want to use by the normal palyer models for example American Ranger open his tik and edit it!
than save at and vola!! u can use the skin without force model
angel:

Apparently you're doing everything right. Just try to save the textures in jpg format (I do so with all my skins and they don't look so bad). If they work as jpg, then try to convert them to tga if that's what you want, though the dds file shouldn't be needed if you uncheck the compressed textures options. I must say I had that very same problem with my first skin pack, which I solved much like you, by downloading a different pack from the internet and then editting it.

Good luck