Project H-10-K Enterprises Gateway Station

[Capt_hensley]

Here's the mesh(.MAX) and textures I used to put together the CBM-LIDS adapter (CDA)

I can't seem to get max2msh script to export it(errors), nore can I get the DDS Converter 2.1 to convert the textures to .DDS(just plays stupid)

If someone wants to play with it and turn it into a module for ISS that would be great, I'd like to see something of mine in orbiter. Warning they need alot of work to optimize. I don't have the slightest idea how to do this.

http://h-10-k.net/downloads/gateway/gateway.zip

There are six textures I barrowed from other models, untill I can get them replicated/made in AI. They were in my bulk texture folder so I can't say who made them, or what model they are from, but I wish to say thanks for the great textures whomever you are.

PS. does anybody know of a .DDS export plug-in for Adobe AI CS4?
Thanks in advance, Darren

 

[Wishbone]

I'll have a look at the adapter file, hope Blender can import MAX files. Own solution to the docking ring problem was taking NASA's 3DS model of the ISS and cutting off the ring (I do the 3D work mostly in Wings3D).

EDIT: Are your iLIDS based docks aligned with the current standard? The reason am asking is there might be significant interest in transfer of fuel and oxidizer (at the moment - cryo hydrogen for Mars missions ), and the standard says nil about that...

 

[selden]

I have some minor quibbles with the station design shown on your Web site.

For example, the perspective views like
http://www.h-10-k.com/pics/darren.hensley/gateway/station_top_pers_1080.png
don't seem to show any heat radiators.

Having the HST nearby wouldn't be so good for the telescope. For example, the gasses emitted by the station would do unfortunate things to its optics.

 

[Capt_hensley]

I'll have a look at the adapter file, hope Blender can import MAX files. Own solution to the docking ring problem was taking NASA's 3DS model of the ISS and cutting off the ring (I do the 3D work mostly in Wings3D).

EDIT: Are your iLIDS based docks aligned with the current standard? The reason am asking is there might be significant interest in transfer of fuel and oxidizer (at the moment - cryo hydrogen for Mars missions ), and the standard says nil about that...

I did that too. Hated the result but came across several source doc(PDFs) and have revised from there, this is the result. It's alot of work for three little objects out of 300.

Yes they are actually based on the NASA IDSS/IDD Rev a standard from May this year.

the mesh is not 100% complete, but it would work to transfer fluids, as does the CBM, When you view the render you can see the transfer interface on the IDSS side, and the Blue and Red caps on the CBM side are the feed and return lines.

Found a small problem with the source file I uploaded. There were multiple copies of objects like the target,and rings, so I'm trying to get rid of the copies and I'll upload a fresh rev 28 of the CBM-LIDS Adapter(CDA)

Some of the stuff was a few mm off center as well. I will center the adapter in the 3D IDS as well.

New mesh:

http://h-10-k.com/lcars/downloads/gateway/parts_aa_cbm-lids adapter_v28.max

 

[n0mad23]

I'll try to give actual helpful feedback as this develops.

In the meantime I just have to give a mega-thumbs up :thumbup: for incorporating ETs into the design. As 'ready-made' structures, they've got so much going for them.

 

[Capt_hensley]

I have some minor quibbles with the station design shown on your Web site.

For example, the perspective views like
http://www.h-10-k.com/pics/darren.hensley/gateway/station_top_pers_1080.png
don't seem to show any heat radiators.

Having the HST nearby wouldn't be so good for the telescope. For example, the gasses emitted by the station would do unfortunate things to its optics.

There are 4 TPS modules that project out of the top of the station, these align with the 4 fuel cell modules which together make up the 8 modules that comprise the "sector 1" of the top portion of the station

The TPS are the funnel looking white rings around the modules. They work on the same principal as the ISS radiator panels but are far more efficient as they were designed in 2010, as opposed 1979 or so. The fuel modules have green tanks externaly mounted.

The gasses should pose no problem as the HST adapter places the HST several meters from any source. Gateway uses gyrodynes to maintain attitude and position, and on the lower portion of the station it uses ATV derived Prop Modules pointed away from HST to maintain Altitude.

In previous discussion the HST may be tethered to the station (I haven't decided) which would allow for more distance from the station Tethering would cause a danger of impact if the station(or HST) were to take a radical change in attitude. Mounting on an adapter keeps HST firmly attached and in position, but causes some undesirable vibration transfer. I'm not sure how to remade this quandary. But I'm not going to allow HST to burn up in de-orbit. I have to find a way to recycle it.

 

[Wishbone]

Sorry, no joy here. I installed GMax and the max2msh script, and managed to convert a sample gmax file to MSH, but it would not open MAX files. Is there any chance you could export the stuff to 3DS or OBJ or STL or X3D formats?

 

[Capt_hensley]

Sorry, no joy here. I installed GMax and the max2msh script, and managed to convert a sample gmax file to MSH, but it would not open MAX files. Is there any chance you could export the stuff to 3DS or OBJ or STL or X3D formats?

Find the new files here, Let me know if I can do anything else, Glad you're trying to help.

For 3DS The texture files will need to be renamed as shown in the 3DS.PNG in the docs folder.

http://h-10-k.com/lcars/downloads/gateway/gatewayv28.zip

Thanks again, Darren

 

[Capt_hensley]

The CBM-LIDS adapter is now up to version 35, no pics, since it was a refinement of the mesh more than the textures. However the LIDS side of the mesh now has a more realistic texture, I added the seams, and corrected the interior circle. The mesh was updated with a proper camera port, and the latch handle was added. I tweaked the docking target, and added the electrical plugs to the torus shroud.

I found duplicate objects in the CBM side and removed those, I've been able to shred out the parts, PDGF, CBM rings, and LIDS ring for use in upgrading the modules, I still have to finish the placards for each object to get one, something like 250 individual cards, but it will be easy since they are made from the MS Access database.

Next object to work on will be the hatch for the airlock modules, this should be a bit more simple to make than the CBM rings, I have to figure out how to make quarter round hand rails (probably the hardest part) The hatch will be rigid on the inside, and have a fabric outer cover similar to the STS airlock. My way of adding a nice design that brings in some legacy touches from STS.

For those who might wonder, the airlock hatch will be single purpose only, it will not be a docking port/hatch dual function. It will however be nearly as large as a CBM port. Since there is no prototype for this it will be mostly "near tech". Which means I will have to make another end-cap for a module sized object. That will make four end-cap variants in all. (the type 4 will be a smooth cap for the TPS modules)

The TPS, and Airlock modules are the only module with one PCBM
The power modules will have one PCBM and one ACBM
The Modified ETs will have two ACBMs
The Power "T" modules have One PCBM and two ACBMs
The nodes are equipped with six(6) ACBMs
Tugs use ACBMs with PCBM gender changers if needed
All other items and VVs use PCBM or IDSS or may barrow a CBM-LIDS adapter

IDSS Rings are androgynous and will accommodate LIDS, APAS, NDS, SCS and HCS, or ODS standards, most VVs will probably use (A)SCS or (A)NDS I'm trying to stay away from HCS, APAS and ODS legacy systems as they are nearly obsolete
http://www.internationaldockingstandard.com/

What docking systems do the Delta Glider systems use?
my inventory has these types:

DG
DG 1
DG III
DG IV
DG EX
DG HR
DG R
DG XR1
DG XR3
DG XR5
DG XR3

Did I get them all, or too many?

 

[Wishbone]

Attaching a quick translation I did from 3ds this morning. Not all textures were present in the original pack (v28), and I took the liberty of renaming the converted dds files in the 8.3 fashion

 

[Capt_hensley]

Attaching a quick translation I did from 3ds this morning. Not all textures were present in the original pack (v28), and I took the liberty of renaming the converted dds files in the 8.3 fashion

Thank You, I have updated to "very near final" version 37, I have also renamed the texture files, and found the missing ones, I've tried to consolidate them into the proper folders, but still have some more tunning to do. I'll check out your progress with the attached file. I'll get the "Asset Mangement" corrected and delete the bad stuff in there.

If you have notes or sugestions please feel free to forward anything you have, or need corrected.

If things work out, you can take the final meshes, convert and go with the release of the add-on.

---------- Post added at 10:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:24 PM ----------

Yeah, It seems the the conversion lost a whole bunch of stuff, I could make a list but it seems pointless. At least it went through a conversion. I'll box up rev 37, and get it out soon, I don't want to waste more of your time. I'll get it as right as I can, and we can go forward from there if you're still willing.

Did you use DDS converter 2.1 to convert the textures?

 

[Capt_hensley]

Well I made some real progress. I managed to get the mesh refined, textures sized properly, renamed in 8.3 spec, found the missing textures and put them in the right folder, corrected the references in the 3DS asset manager, I created a folder template for the future modules, I'm working on a master document, and each object will have it's own volume starting with this one. I'm working on a CBM hatch, as of today I have lots of reference photos and will make them as reasonable as possible. I'll be adding STORRMs DTO modules to the docking target on the IDSS.

The latest version is 39, but the one I converted and zipped is ver 38 for help with the next step, which is what?

If these modules are to be as nice as I can get them what specs need to be listed?
see list below for what I have

I've been looking at .cfg and .scn files for ISS modules, I'm confused!

to be UMMU compatible what is needed?
to be UCGO compatible what is needed?
to be dockable on both sides what is needed?
what needs to be animated? if anything...
what specs for a SC3.dll file are needed?


box dimensions:
4' long
6'11" dia +/- an inch or so
about 1000 lbs +/- 200 lbs
Calculated pressurized volume is about 252.3304 cubic cm (probably 50 cm3 less when i get the interior dimensions correct)

Features:
3 PDGFs placed 120 degrees apart at 90, 210, and 330 degrees from zero and 45 degrees from perpendicular for each grapple post

1 IDSS docking ring with removable pressure hatch{axial forward}[number 0]
STORRMs and DragonEye equipped)

1 CBM docking ring with removable pressure hatch{axial aft}[number 1]
DragonEye equipped

DragonEye should be enabled by USB port address and commands from parent object(numbering schema probably like a mac address?)

no exterior lights
no interior lights
no thrusters
no engines
no wet storage
no gaseous storage
no thermal control, just passive insulation
no batteries
no fire control
no power generation

is an HVAC terminator module
has pass through utilities including power, fuel components, gasses, and data IAW IDSS standards for visiting vehicles(VVs)

Please respond for the newbie, that's right I'm new at this, and the tutorials I found seem to be less than forth coming.

Thanks in advance, Darren

 

[Wishbone]

Re: conversion losses - the faulty link seems to be conversion to 3ds, since all other models open up nicely in blender. I used Paint.NET to convert to DXT1 DDS. Will be glad to help you with setting up 3ds2msh.

Re: UMMU and UCGO compatibility - I haven't done that myself, but there are hopefully enough hints in the UMMU and UCGO SDK docs.

To be dockable on both sides you'd need to define two docks, with dir vectors facing in opposite directions.

 

[Capt_hensley]

Re: conversion losses - the faulty link seems to be conversion to 3ds, since all other models open up nicely in blender. I used Paint.NET to convert to DXT1 DDS. Will be glad to help you with setting up 3ds2msh.

Was able to convert without issues to .3ds, then used max2msh to get it to mesh no problem.

Re: UMMU and UCGO compatibility - I haven't done that myself, but there are hopefully enough hints in the UMMU and UCGO SDK docs.

OK I'll lookinto the SDK docs

To be dockable on both sides you'd need to define two docks, with dir vectors facing in opposite directions.

OK, I'm clueless there, where do I define the docks, how do I make "dir vectors"

 

[Capt_hensley]

Very good this is what I like to see in my students. I have a challenge for one and all of you!

I need you to go to my thread, and tear my Gateway Station apart, piece by piece.
http://orbiter-forum.com/showthread.php?t=21930

If you agree to the terms listed below, PM me with an afimative, then check your PM inbox I'm giving you the rarest privalige of anyone in here. You will have the GWS Reference Guide in draft form so you can see what I'm trying to accomplish. It's for your eyes only, not to be published untill I release it to the public in whole. This work was always going to be free once I submitted it for a grade, so it's just a temporary gag order.

You can work the death out of it. I can take it, because you're not the degree board that has to approve it. But you are the way for me to improve the station and subsequint add-on.

I'm sreious, I need someone like you who can dish it out heavy for me to correct all the mistakes I've made putting this thing together. I may need serious help putting the add-n together right now, but every day my skills get better because of this forum and your contributions.

Thanks to the great feed back from Grover, Orbiting Pluto, Wishbone, IZACK, Hlynkacg, Selden, and N0mad23
Wishbone has been a very steady supporter, with interest. Thank you Sir! now we need more of you to follow suit. Bring it on

1 challenge, two conditions
Condition 1, help by backing everything you critisize. Give citation and sources of current, applied, or near tech science(no further out than 2020)
Condition 2, do not release or publish in any way shape or form the draft GWS refernce guide I'm permitting you use as background data on the station the add-on being developed from it. It will be in PDF format with DRAFT written all over it.

In exchange I'll give you full credit for your contributions to the paper in the bibliography of it. And that goes to the creation of the add-on as well. You deserve no less, I would expect no more.

If you see something in the paper that does not have a credited source, point it out so I can correct it. Publicly.

PS Repeated and Continued in the Gateway Thread, see ya there!

 

[Capt_hensley]

Uh! Comments, questions!!

I want to move forward to the GNC module, should I post the CBM-LIDS adapter mesh here as a WIP, and let someone figure out how to make it a dockable module? I need feedback on the mesh so I can move on.

 

[Capt_hensley]

GWS Update, Hab Type 2 Module

I worked on the station tonight, I wanted to get some progress on a few modules.

I worked on:
Power module
X Axis module
Y, TCS, Fuel base module
Hab type 2 module

I'm not happy with the way the ACBM sticks out of the side of the module, but I will probably cut in a rectangle, then inset the ACBM several inches, Like the node modules.

I am however pleased with the way the PDGFs, Hand Rails, and Decals turned out. I can now use them in amodular fassion, draggin and droping them into any standard module file as I edit it up.

I still have to reverse the compass numbers on the skins(if you notice the heading 270 shows on the fwd right it should be on the fwd left), and these are .png skins. I want to eventually figure out a single panel, then tile the panels on the exterior in .dds.

This particular skin is basically a generic panel skin, but the node skin is a modified skin for the inset and cutouts.

 

[n0mad23]

I need to go back and reread this all with "a fine-tooth comb", but if you're doing this with SC3 initially (C++ later?), UMMU compatibility is really simple with computerex's UMMUFA. All you need is a working docking port - also really easy to do with SC3. Though, if you're like me you'll get all the directions wrong at least once.

Right you are - the handrails are righteous! :thumbup:

 

[Capt_hensley]

Thank you for the feedback, although it seem like it's a long way off, we get closer everyday. There are only 20 modules that need work like this, then they get replicated and named, to finalize the 60-65 main station modules. Then I have to move on to replicating other authors work, or modifying those I have permission to use.

 

[Capt_hensley]

Mesh update

Was able to work on a few modules the past two days, I've been home with a cold.
PMA(minor tweeks)
Airlock(the plain TCS end with a hatch cut-in)
Fuel Module
Hab type 1
Hab type 2
Node(All active CBMs)
TCS(the radiators were interesting)
Y module

Enjoy.