GMAX 1.2 Error

GeoffreyHansen · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:54 pm

A long while back I downloaded GMAX version 1.2 but I only installed and registered it the other day but when I try to start it I keep getting the message

"Interactive 3D Renderer initialization failed.
Please check your device settings by using the –H command line option." and then the program closes.

Does anyone know how to solve this problem?

Thanks
Geoffrey

superheatedsteam · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 8:53 pm

Sounds like gmax has a problem determining which video driver to use for its display or is set to use a driver not supported by your video card.

As the message indicates add a ‘–H’ to the target field in the gmax trainsim icon (right click on the gmax trainsim icon and left click properties). Below is an example from my pc.

C:\gmax\gmax.exe -h -i gamepacks\trainsim\gmax.ini -p gamepacks\trainsim\plugin.ini

Now when gmax loads then you will be prompted with the ‘gmax Driver Setup’ form. Select Direct3D and click on OK. You could also try OpenGL if your video card supports it.

Now you should be in gmax. Exit gmax and remove the “–H” from the target line in the icons properties then gmax should now load without any problems.

Hope this helps.

GeoffreyHansen · Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 10:34 pm

Thanks for your help superheatedsteam but I'm still having the problem.

Geoffrey

superheatedsteam · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:12 am

Geoffrey,

Try the following link, which may help.

http://www.turbosquid.com/Forum/Index.cfm/stgAct/PostList/intThreadID/20593

The following link provides more info from other gmax users with the same problem and what worked (and didn’t) to resolve.

http://www.turbosquid.com/Forum/Index.cfm/stgAct/PostList/intThreadID/16358

Marek.

podolski · Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2007 4:21 pm

I got this problem just the other week as well. After fiddling around with it for about an hour I just went and re-installed gmax and the train-sim gmax pack on an administrator account. Then when logging back into my normal account, ran the train-sim gmax.exe as the administrator account first off. Works good now (except the whole exporting part!)

superheatedsteam · Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 1:31 pm

podolski · Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 9:54 pm

Once making an object (and textured it in an image and tried a second time with just a plain colour) I click on the whole Export tab and export .S but when I load it up in shape viewer I get a blank shape viewer...

I think it is to do with no .sd files for the .s file. It's been a while since I last read everything there is to read on exporting, just have to go find it again.

superheatedsteam · Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 11:06 pm

The SD file primarily provides additional information to MSTS about the .S files dimensions (for collision detection) and alternate seasonal textures. I has no bearing on wether the shape can be seen in Shape File Viewer.

In my experience the 3 most common reasons for not being able to see a .S file in SFV created by gmax (wihout error messages) are:

1. No textures have been applied to at least one of the objects.

2. The LOD Distance value in the Trainsim LOD export Tool is left at the default setting of zero instead of a positive value in the 1 to 2000 (metre) range.

3. The point of origin (pivot point) for the parent object is above the 3D model. MSTS and Shape File Viewer assume the pivot point of the main parent object is at its centre and at ground level. If the pivot point for the model is above the highest point on the model then the model will be drawn below ground level. You should still see the models in the respective wire frame views for both programs.

Happy modelling. Smile

podolski · Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 3:14 pm