II.JG1_Vonrd

As noted above by @Mach3DS the model itself isn't that important to skinning (unless we could use it in Substance Painter and AFAIK none of the skinners use SP generally). Maybe if they are part of a development team where they are allowed access to the 3D model and are constrained by an NDA will they use SP. Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to be able to make use of SP but I have done pretty well without it as long as I have full use of the MV. What IS needed is unencrypted access to the textures and shapes through MV and it's wonderful tools. Why these files are encrypted makes no sense to me as far as protecting the IP of ED's products. They have insisted that the 3D model is what is being pirated (and it's apparent that it is being ripped by unscrupulous parties but fail to note how easily the encryption of the 3D models is overcome) and thus the reason for this whole fiasco. I fail to see the threat to IP by allowing access to textures and shapes (edm files). How would a bad actor make any money selling these by themselves? As @thepod / FIsh says: "Please ED, work with us and let us help you."

I've been trying to think of something to add but y'all have already said it all better than I can. We just need to keep the squeaky wheel squeaking.

Does that mean that encryption will continue and be incorporated into the MiG-29 in the future and thus rendering the Model Viewer still useless? Will this planned "more detailed tool" match the abilities of the extant Model Viewer? If so, that would be wonderful but if not... all of the above issues and complaints will surely return. I certainly have all fingers and toes crossed in anticipation of a resolution satisfactory to all. Thank you

Maybe I have jumped the gun a bit having only read the release notes about "Added livery selection to encyclopedia with ability to seamlessly reload livery" I just assumed that the new release MiG-29 Fulcrum would be encrypted. Out of curiosity I tried looking for the .edm files and found them in Coremods the same as usual prior to encryption. I then opened Model Viewer and IT LOADED! Hopefully this isn't just some mistake by ED through the hecticness during release. If this is to be the norm, all is saved. Am I missing something?

Anybody have their controls bindings set, particularly for Radar / weapons? There seems to be very little in common with the FC version and no manual AFAIK. EDIT: I stand corrected... Manual here: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/downloads/documentation/filter/aircraft-is-mig-29/apply/ and Wags' videos do help somewhat in deciphering what the controls are now.

Whatever the existant "anti-piracy components" are, could they not be implemented into the MV? Asking in ignorance... I don't know.

Stated so much better than I could. Thank you @Mach3DS!

In release 2.9.20.15010 it is announced: "Added livery selection to encyclopedia with ability to seamlessly reload livery (will help livery creators to check changes made to the livery, without restarting DCS) WIP we will look for feedback. A more detailed tool for viewing models inside DCS is planned." Since feedback is requested... A simple reload of textures in the ME will not be a sufficient replacement for the powerful Model Viewer and will not placate the vast majority of Livery artists. While the effort to work around the difficulties that encryption has emplaced is much appreciated, I would ask that dev / team efforts be directed into returning functionality of the MV rather than the minimal "solution" of simply refreshing in the ME. We (Skinners) are mostly of the opinion that it IS possible to revise the Model Viewer to work with encrypted files. If this is incorrect, please state so and explain why.

I truly hope that he is doing well.

Nope, nothing seems to work. I made a separate livery for AI only and tried various values both minus and plus values for the custom args. Pilots visible in external view no matter what. I found args for VR Pilot and VR WSO in the draw args lua but no affect either (I didn't try it in VR though). The pylons removed did work. Here's the complete "custom args": custom_args = { [50] = -0.60, --Pilot removed [308] = -0.60, --Pylon removed [312] = -0.60, --Pylon removed [316] = -0.60, --Pylon removed [512] = 0.6, -- 0 is no mirrors, 0 - 0.4 is both mirrors (mickey mouse) and 0.5+ is top mirror only. [701] = 0.60, --WSO removed [775] = 0.60, --VR Pilot removed [776] = 0.60, --VR WSO removed [2006] = 0.95, --Pilot Helmet, 0.95 is HGU-55 [2016] = 0.26, --Pilot, 0.26 is white male, no mustache [2017] = 0.6, --WSO, 0.6 is black male, no mustache [3004] = -0.60, --Pylon removed [3004] = -0.60, --Pylon removed } name = "USAF_QF-4E-Target Drone_IA Only"

Cool, I'll try it. Thanks!

Yeah, it's the latter. I doubt that there is a work around. Am I correct in that assumption? Although this would be a cool feature, it would only be applicable to drones and not really worth Dev time to implement. Besides, it's a NOLO aircraft and shouldn't have live player. You seem to be implying that it would work in an AI aircraft to remove the crew. Where would the draw args be placed? Should there be a copy of the livery for AI use only with the args in it's description lua?

I had tried those ARGs in my QF-4 skin and was unable to make it work. Perhaps one of the Wizards at Heatblur could make it work (probably needs something like what turns the in person pilot view on / off).

Had some issues and had to do a full repair. Now Model Viewer doesn't have the drop-down textures bar. Also, I now have a "VP00 ToneMapper" (which I've never seen before but it's pretty useful for adjusting lighting) and an "OmGui toolbox" which I have no idea what it does. Are there other dropdowns that might be useful and how does one activate / deactivate these bars? There used to be a thread called "Useful tools and tips for Model Viewer" but it seems to have been removed. Why? I sure wish there was better documentation about all of the tools and features of the MV. Anybody up for doing some advanced tutorials or another "tools and tips"?

There used to be a thread on MV tips and tricks but it looks like it was removed? Am I missing something? https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=268718