I Need Help Converting .SRF Image Files...

[Fretslayer]

I'm working on a mesh conversion and I can't seem to load the SRF files into anything other than LWO.

I have Photoshop CS2 but it can't load them and I'm sort of stuck now.

Anybody know how I can convert the files or perhaps able to convert them for me?


Thanks.
:thumbup:

[Darrell Lawrence]

.srf files are surface/material information for LW models.

When you go into the Surfaces editor, you will see a button that says Save? That saves the surface information you just applied.

So... when you load the model in LW, it will load those .srf files. Then just go to the surface and see what images/settings were loaded.

[Fretslayer]

Cool deal.
:)
Thanks a bunch.

I'm loading up LWO now and with luck I'm one step closer to finishing the conversion.
I've been lucky so far that DE converts image files and does are pretty solid job of translating UV mapping.

I'm working with one of those awesome 1701-A meshes and the only bit that's really buggering me up is the saucer top/bottom. The hull, pylons and nacells each converted fairly easy.

[Darrell Lawrence]

Dennis is the only person I know that uses .srf files ;)

[Darrell Lawrence]

What version of LW do you have again?

[Fretslayer]

Dennis is the only person I know that uses .srf files ;)

Well, yah it's one of his ships I'm working with.

I have a pretty cool story I've written that takes place in the Trek universe and I really want to use his mesh in the animation. I'm trying to do the entire project in Carrara.

I know enough in LWO to animate scenes and such but I'm still very green.

Thanks again for helping.

**
I'm running LWO 9.3.1

[Darrell Lawrence]

Ok... 9 should be real similar still to 7.5, so I'll pop up some screens and instructions on what to do here in a bit.

[Fretslayer]

Awesome deal.
I can see what I need to do - jumping between LWO and DE I can set the files up so the conversion works.

Warrior, you kick a$$ man.

I'll probably have to thank you in the next 20 animations I do.
LOL!

[Darrell Lawrence]

Before I try this, rename the folder the .srf files are in, and see if LW calls for the .srf files or just the images.

[Fretslayer]

Dupe post.

Not sure what happened by my comment posted 2x.

[Fretslayer]

Well, if one of the images or folders gets buggers up it won't hurt. I still have the zip install file.

I'm looking at the image files and IFF files in DE. At the moment I'm looking online for a plug-in for my Photoshop CS2 that will let me open them. Once I can do that I can save them as a TIFF or something else that Carrara can easily open.

I still appreciate any help though.
I may have a handle on it though.

[Darrell Lawrence]

The thing is, I do believe you can ignore the .srf files altogether. I loaded the mesh up after renaming the folder and everything loaded ok.

[Fretslayer]

Ok, I'll give that a go and see what happens.
I'm reading where I should be able to open the IFF files with CS2 but I will have to find my install discs so I can look through the 'goodies' folder.

I did notice that DE can read the IFF files and when I save the converted mesh (as an obj) it (DE) converts the image maps to a BMP file so that may make my task a bit easier.

If the conversion comes out looking good I may try and contact the original artist and ask perhmission to release it. I've never done anything like that before so I have no idea what to expect. I'm used to doing conversions for my own projects but not sharing the conversion.

I can't thank you enough though. You really are cool cat for helping me out.

[Darrell Lawrence]

NP. It's what this site is all about :)

[Fretslayer]

NP. It's what this site is all about :)

That is true but I still really appreciate it.

***

Ok, I found my 'goodies' folder and dropped the Maya plug-in into my CS2.
I can open the IFF files now and everything will be smooth from here on out.

Again, many thanks.
:D

[Darrell Lawrence]

Again, NP. If anything, you made me realize we didn't have a friggin' Help Zone! :D

Now we do.

[Fretslayer]

Cool deal then.

I know some good tricks with MAX and if anybody needs help with Carrara, DAZStudio or Poser I have a real nice bag of tricks. Perhaps I'll be able to assist somebody else in return for your helping me.