amariani 4,951 Posted December 15, 2024 Any reason why some decals show in the .lod viewer but not in game? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+dtmdragon 2,719 Posted December 15, 2024 There is a maximum number of decals per node but I'm not sure what it is. Also there is some weird things when it comes to decals. For instance changing the order of the decals in the decal.ini file can make them suddenly appear when they didn't before. On the standard TW F-8 the BU numbers added to the vertical stab show up fine but on the DLC F-8K they suddenly don't but when I moved them to the front of the decal.ini list they did. Go figure 🤷 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blade 354 Posted December 15, 2024 Could you share more details and post the decals.ini? It could be a typo in the decals.ini which the lod viewer can overcome (but the game cannot) or an alias.lst interference (if it is a stock decal). Or you simply reached the number of decals per node (as dtmdragon mentioned). You can have a maximum of 4 decals per node. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+daddyairplanes 10,579 Posted December 15, 2024 (edited) 15 hours ago, amariani said: Any reason why some decals show in the .lod viewer but not in game? check the RLE compression. if you dont uncheck the box in GIMP it keeps it. does exactly what youre talking about (dont recall how to address this in PS) quickest way to diagnose is file size; if its stupidly small (single or small double digit kb) then RLE compression is probably on Edited December 15, 2024 by daddyairplanes realized side comment was on wrong post 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
amariani 4,951 Posted December 15, 2024 Here's the deal: Same decal.ini. The VF-114 is in the F-14A, the VF-143 is in the F-14A_77. Markings on the F-14A appear as they should. On the F-14A_77 the fuselage stripes are missing. Already checked compression, mesh names, all that. Still nothing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
amariani 4,951 Posted December 15, 2024 14 hours ago, Blade said: Could you share more details and post the decals.ini? It could be a typo in the decals.ini which the lod viewer can overcome (but the game cannot) or an alias.lst interference (if it is a stock decal). Or you simply reached the number of decals per node (as dtmdragon mentioned). You can have a maximum of 4 decals per node. It's just the stock decal.ini from USNGREY1 on the F-14A_77 with the following entries added: [Decal034] MeshName=Fuselage_Front DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=LEFT FilenameFormat=F14ASQFuselage Position=4.15,-0.05 Rotation=0.0 Scale=8.0 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal035] MeshName=Fuselage_Front DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=RIGHT FilenameFormat=F14ASQFuselage Position=4.15,-0.05 Rotation=0.0 Reverse=TRUE Scale=8.0 DecalMaxLOD=3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+daddyairplanes 10,579 Posted December 15, 2024 how many entries total? i wonder if Decal035 is entered another time with another filename entered also try playing with the decalmaxlod. not a hard set solution, but sometimes works for me ---------------------------------- just tried out the same skin in a vanila install of mine, and i have no stripe either. so are you sure it has one stock? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Cliff7600 1,163 Posted December 16, 2024 (edited) Hello I would set "DecalLevel=0" Otherwise it has to refer to the squadron list and the decal name (F14ASQFuselage) have to match the number of the squadron (there must be a F14AASQFuselagexxx decal for the VF-143 squadron with the xxx number in the squadron.ini list (IIR) Also the "FilenameFormat=" line must indicate where the decal is. As it is the decal is in the decals folder or it's a stock decal. If it's a new decal it has to be in a folder like "F-14A/VF143/stripes" or something like that (I guess you already know) Edited December 16, 2024 by Cliff7600 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeacePuma 607 Posted December 17, 2024 On 15-12-2024 at 2:43 AM, Blade said: Could you share more details and post the decals.ini? It could be a typo in the decals.ini which the lod viewer can overcome (but the game cannot) or an alias.lst interference (if it is a stock decal). Or you simply reached the number of decals per node (as dtmdragon mentioned). You can have a maximum of 4 decals per node. I put this in case someone is useful, in the F-16 team viper I can put 7 decals to get to that detail in the same mesh: 4 on the left side and 3 on the right side .... I guess the round number would be 8 per mesh. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+daddyairplanes 10,579 Posted December 17, 2024 you sure the front three arent all one? cause theres plenty of iterations of that marking set for Vipers thats just one whole set (begging my other question of why they are 3 seperate?) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
amariani 4,951 Posted December 18, 2024 Thanks for the replies. Like I mentioned in one of my previous post, the same decal.ini works fine with the F-14A. It's when I use it in the F-14A_77 that it doesn't work properly for some reason. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Gepard 11,621 Posted December 18, 2024 Some decals are connected with the squadrons. IIRC the fuselage stripe of the F-14s is such a decale. You should check, if there is such a strip for VF-143 available. Search in the cat files. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+daddyairplanes 10,579 Posted December 18, 2024 i dont think stock Pukin Dogs has that stripe front is F-14A, back is F-14A(77). in my very vanilla install Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
amariani 4,951 Posted December 20, 2024 On 12/18/2024 at 2:37 PM, daddyairplanes said: i dont think stock Pukin Dogs has that stripe front is F-14A, back is F-14A(77). in my very vanilla install I made both the VF-114 and VF-143 decals. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+daddyairplanes 10,579 Posted December 20, 2024 ok, if you made them then were back to a modder ini/tga issue would you mind posting the whole decal ini? also if the two entries you posted above are it, then its gonna call the stock stickers, not the ones you made Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Cliff7600 1,163 Posted December 20, 2024 16 minutes ago, daddyairplanes said: then its gonna call the stock stickers, not the ones you made I don't want to answer for Amariani, but if the names of the home made decals are the same as the stock ones and if they're placed in the decals folder it will work. I did it for insignia and finflash decals. Another thing is the decals are showing in the LOD viewer, it's the start of the thread. The LOD viewer finds them and places them, but not the game (as far as I understood the issue). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+daddyairplanes 10,579 Posted December 20, 2024 1 hour ago, Cliff7600 said: I don't want to answer for Amariani, but if the names of the home made decals are the same as the stock ones and if they're placed in the decals folder it will work. I did it for insignia and finflash decals. should work. any time you do a modded decal thats based on the stock stuff, its more likely to go wonky. if im doing modded decals, im going all the way in a decal folder and not using any native resources (decal wise) but also youd have to place it in the main "Decals" folder for that to work. rather messy way of doing business (although as you said it would then work) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
amariani 4,951 Posted December 21, 2024 Here's the decal.ini. Again, it works with F-14A but not with F-14A_77 (it's the exact same for both). Only the two last entries were added to the stock .ini from USNGREY1: // fuselage stripes [Decal001] MeshName=Fuselage_Front DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=LEFT FilenameFormat=F14ASQFuse Position=4.39,0.45 Rotation=0.0 Scale=1.85 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal002] MeshName=Fuselage_Front DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=RIGHT Reverse=TRUE FilenameFormat=F14ASQFuse Position=4.39,0.45 Rotation=0.0 Scale=1.85 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal003] MeshName=Fuselage_Front DecalLevel=0 DecalFacing=RIGHT FilenameFormat=InsigniaFuseR Position=4.57,0.25 Rotation=0.0 Scale=1.50 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal004] MeshName=Fuselage_Front DecalLevel=0 DecalFacing=LEFT FilenameFormat=InsigniaFuseL Position=4.57,0.25 Rotation=0.0 Scale=1.50 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal005] MeshName=wing_L DecalLevel=0 DecalFacing=TOP FilenameFormat=InsigniaWingL Position=-4.03,-4.95 Rotation=60.0 Scale=1.50 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal006] MeshName=wing_R DecalLevel=0 DecalFacing=BOTTOM FilenameFormat=InsigniaWingL Position= 4.03,-4.95 Rotation=60.0 Scale=1.50 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal007] MeshName=wing_L DecalLevel=0 DecalFacing=BOTTOM FilenameFormat=InsigniaWingR Position=-4.03,-4.95 Rotation=-60.0 Scale=1.50 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal008] MeshName=wing_R DecalLevel=0 DecalFacing=TOP FilenameFormat=InsigniaWingR Position= 4.03,-4.95 Rotation=-60.0 Scale=1.50 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal009] MeshName=wing_outer_L DecalLevel=0 DecalFacing=TOP FilenameFormat=InsigniaWingL Position=-4.03,-4.95 Rotation=60.0 Scale=1.50 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal010] MeshName=wing_outer_R DecalLevel=0 DecalFacing=BOTTOM FilenameFormat=InsigniaWingL Position= 4.03,-4.95 Rotation=60.0 Scale=1.50 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal011] MeshName=wing_outer_L DecalLevel=0 DecalFacing=BOTTOM FilenameFormat=InsigniaWingR Position=-4.03,-4.95 Rotation=-60.0 Scale=1.50 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal012] MeshName=wing_outer_R DecalLevel=0 DecalFacing=TOP FilenameFormat=InsigniaWingR Position= 4.03,-4.95 Rotation=-60.0 Scale=1.50 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal013] MeshName=fuselage_underside_L DecalLevel=0 DecalFacing=LEFT FilenameFormat=NationName Position=-4.87,-0.41 Rotation=0.0 Scale=1.20 DecalMaxLOD=2 [Decal014] MeshName=fuselage_underside_R DecalLevel=0 DecalFacing=RIGHT FilenameFormat=NationName Position=-4.87,-0.41 Rotation=0.0 Scale=1.20 DecalMaxLOD=2 // left vertical tail outside [Decal015] MeshName=vertical_stabilizer_L DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=LEFT FilenameFormat=F14ASQTailOL Position=-7.05,2.012 Rotation=0.0 Scale=4.8 DecalMaxLOD=4 [Decal016] MeshName=rudder_L DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=LEFT FilenameFormat=F14ASQTailOL Position=-7.05,2.012 Rotation=0.0 Scale=4.8 DecalMaxLOD=4 // right vertical tail outside [Decal017] MeshName=vertical_stabilizer_R DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=RIGHT FilenameFormat=F14ASQTailOR Position=-7.05,2.012 Rotation=0.0 Scale=4.8 DecalMaxLOD=4 [Decal018] MeshName=rudder_R DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=RIGHT FilenameFormat=F14ASQTailOR Position=-7.05,2.012 Rotation=0.0 Scale=4.8 DecalMaxLOD=4 [Decal019] MeshName=vertical_stabilizer_flange_R DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=RIGHT FilenameFormat=F14ASQVent Position=-7.831,0.749 Rotation=0.0 Scale=1 DecalMaxLOD=3 // left vertical tail inside [Decal020] MeshName=vertical_stabilizer_L DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=RIGHT FilenameFormat=F14ASQTailIL Position=-7.05,2.014 Rotation=0.0 Scale=4.8 DecalMaxLOD=4 [Decal021] MeshName=rudder_L DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=RIGHT FilenameFormat=F14ASQTailIL Position=-7.05,2.014 Rotation=0.0 Scale=4.8 DecalMaxLOD=4 [Decal022] MeshName=vertical_stabilizer_flange_L DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=RIGHT FilenameFormat=F14ASQVent Position=-7.831,0.749 Rotation=0.0 Scale=3 DecalMaxLOD=3 // right vertical tail inside [Decal023] MeshName=vertical_stabilizer_R DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=LEFT FilenameFormat=F14ASQTailIR Position=-7.05,2.014 Rotation=0.0 Scale=4.8 DecalMaxLOD=4 [Decal024] MeshName=rudder_R DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=LEFT FilenameFormat=F14ASQTailIR Position=-7.05,2.012 Rotation=0.0 Scale=4.8 DecalMaxLOD=4 // ventral tail fins [Decal025] MeshName=ventral_fin_L DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=LEFT FilenameFormat=SqName Position=-4.80,-0.96 Rotation=0.0 Scale=1.3 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal026] MeshName=ventral_fin_R DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=RIGHT FilenameFormat=SqName Position=-4.80,-0.96 Rotation=0.0 Scale=1.3 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal027] MeshName=ventral_fin_L DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=LEFT FilenameFormat=F14ASQVenL Position=-5.60,-0.864 Rotation=0.0 Scale=2.95 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal028] MeshName=ventral_fin_R DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=RIGHT FilenameFormat=F14ASQVenR Position=-5.60,-0.864 Rotation=0.0 Scale=2.95 DecalMaxLOD=3 // usn fighter numbers [Decal029] MeshName=Fuselage_Front DecalLevel=2 DecalFacing=LEFT FilenameFormat=USNFighterNum Position=7.087,0.384 Rotation=0.0 Scale=1.1 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal030] MeshName=Fuselage_Front DecalLevel=2 DecalFacing=RIGHT FilenameFormat=USNFighterNum Position=7.087,0.384 Rotation=0.0 Scale=1.1 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal031] MeshName=flaps_L DecalLevel=2 DecalFacing=TOP FilenameFormat=USNFighterNum Position=-2.801,-5.274 Rotation=51.9 Scale=.95 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal032] MeshName=flaps_R DecalLevel=2 DecalFacing=TOP FilenameFormat=USNFighterNum Position=2.801,-5.274 Rotation=-51.9 Scale=.95 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal033] MeshName=ventral_fin_scoop_L DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=LEFT FilenameFormat=F14ASQVenV Position=-5.50,-0.91 Rotation=0 Scale=1.0 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal034] MeshName=Fuselage_Front DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=LEFT FilenameFormat=F14ASQSTRIPE Position=4.15,-0.05 Rotation=0.0 Scale=8.0 DecalMaxLOD=3 [Decal035] MeshName=Fuselage_Front DecalLevel=1 DecalFacing=RIGHT Reverse=TRUE FilenameFormat=F14ASQSTRIPE Position=4.15,-0.05 Rotation=0.0 Scale=8.0 DecalMaxLOD=3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Cliff7600 1,163 Posted December 21, 2024 To test what's happening : You could replace the decals 029 and 030 entries (USNFighterNum) by the decals 034 and 035 (renaming them 029 and 030) and see if the stripes show in game. If yes, there's too many decals for the same "Fuselage_Front" mesh / If no, it's another issue. Your modded decals "F14ASQSTRIPE" has a number in its name ? to match with the VF-143 squadron entries in the squadronlist.ini. I really think it should have a number (like "Insignia025" tga is for Japan as a nation) to be selected by the squadron settings as VF-143. Just ideas... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
amariani 4,951 Posted December 21, 2024 42 minutes ago, Cliff7600 said: To test what's happening : You could replace the decals 029 and 030 entries (USNFighterNum) by the decals 034 and 035 (renaming them 029 and 030) and see if the stripes show in game. If yes, there's too many decals for the same "Fuselage_Front" mesh / If no, it's another issue. Your modded decals "F14ASQSTRIPE" has a number in its name ? to match with the VF-143 squadron entries in the squadronlist.ini. I really think it should have a number (like "Insignia025" tga is for Japan as a nation) to be selected by the squadron settings as VF-143. Just ideas... Only four decals per mesh. Squadron sequence number is "Squadron142" per the stock squadronlist.ini, which is what I'm using. Again, the same decal.ini works just fine in the F-14A (VF-114) but not on the F-14A_77 (VF-143). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+Cliff7600 1,163 Posted December 21, 2024 8 hours ago, amariani said: the same decal.ini works just fine in the F-14A (VF-114) but not on the F-14A_77 (VF-143) then, still as a test, make the VF-114 decals show on the F-14A_77 model and the VF-143 decals show on the F-14A model. It may reveal if the issue is the decals setting or the 3D model. 8 hours ago, amariani said: Only four decals per mesh It depends if you count the different decals used or if you count the entries that applies on the same mesh. I count 8 entries for the "Fuselage_Front" mesh. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+yakarov79 11,265 Posted December 21, 2024 as a side note, the number of decals per mesh decreases by one if you have assigned specular maps in the 3d model and another one for bumps. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
+EricJ 4,311 Posted December 21, 2024 10 hours ago, Cliff7600 said: then, still as a test, make the VF-114 decals show on the F-14A_77 model and the VF-143 decals show on the F-14A model. It may reveal if the issue is the decals setting or the 3D model. That's been my opinion the whole time this discussion has been going on. I think the model is shit, and amariani is doing things right, just that the model is borked. SF2NA hasn't been total quality since it came out. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites