How on earth do people afford 3ds Max?

[Buzzles]

So due to a fairly sudden onset of a lot of free time, I'm looking at things to do to expand my skillsets and keep me occupied for a while.

 

As I've a background as a software developer I quite fancy having a play around with flight models and systems models in DCS, and as I've not done any 3d modelling since 2001/2002 (Half Life 1 days), I'm also considering knocking two birds out with one stone.

 

Obviously if I want to do my own aircraft I'm going to need to 3DS Max to use ED's plugin to get them into DCS, however I've just looked at the prices and my immediate thought was: "how much?!".

 

I cannot see how people can get access to 3DS Max and start learning it if they're not a student (or being paid for by a company), as the price is well outside the realms of the hobbyist.

 

Anyone got an suggestions on how I can go about getting a handle on 3ds Max, or should I just nip this in the bud until I can afford to throw lots of cash away?

[joey45]

It's a premium product with the price tag to match.

[totoaero]

You can learn 3D modeling by using Blender.

 

http://www.blender.org/download/

[Spasticatedtoad]

If it's just to learn 3D modelling and not make any money off it, you can always download the FREE STUDENT EDITION. You don't need to provide any proof of Student Qualifications to be able to use the full version.

I have seen this posted in other areas of the net and have also connected Autodesk directly to confirm that is right.

And yes, I was pleasantly surprised to find out it IS PERFECTLY LEGIT.

I've had it installed with no issues for more than 6 months with FULL Server Access. ;)

 

I should add, it also gives you access to several previous editions of 3dsmax as well. Both 32 and 64bit.

 

EDIT: I'm not sure about the previous editions of 3dsmax, but the 2014 edition has some great Basic tutorials built in, with access to many more on their server. Also, if I remember correctly, there's also direct access to tutorials made by other user's.

Edited September 9, 2014 by Spasticatedtoad

[towsim]

3D Max would be perfect if there wouldn't be the price. But there is a similar software, which should be sufficient for designing aircraft and other simulation objects. G-Max is a derivative of 3D-Max with some limitations. It is delivered as freeware. The handling and the GUI is almost the same like in 3D-Max. I would estimate 80% of all FSX developer use G-Max. The only limiting factor is the format of the resulting files. But there are a lot of free converters available. Have a look the FS Developer Forum or go directly to http://www.turbosquid.com/gmax.

[Buzzles]

You can learn 3D modeling by using Blender.

 

http://www.blender.org/download/

 

Oh, I know I could use blender for 3d work, I've even got it installed ready to do some work to slot into a OpenGL C++ project I've been writing.

 

However, that doesn't help with the problem of being able to export to edm files :)

 

@Spasticatedtoad

 

Interesting. As it happens I've still got a student email account anyway, but I'll definitely look into that as yes, it's for non commercial purposes.

 

@towsim

Gmax was discontinued in 2005, I'd actually looked into it but it's far too old at this point to be of much use to me.

[SkateZilla]

What ever happened to GMAX, lol,

 

GMAX was based off 3DS Max, and Free.

 

So Many GamePacks (Packages of Tools for a Title).

 

I remember using SimCity 4 to build terrains, then export the splines to GMAX to make bare terrains for other Sims :)

 

 

As for 3ds Max Pricing,

 

There's a 30 Day Trial, then there's the "Student Edition" which is cheaper but has different license terms. (not to mention, you have to be a student).

Edited September 9, 2014 by SkateZilla

[cichlidfan]

If it's just to learn 3D modelling and not make any money off it, you can always download the FREE STUDENT EDITION. You don't need to provide any proof of Student Qualifications to be able to use the full version.

 

That is good to know. :thumbup:

[sydost]

Blender, GMAX and expensive 3ds Max have been mentioned in this thread. Is 3ds Max the only one of these three which can be used to make objects for DCS?

[SkateZilla]

DCS Uses 3DS Max Plugins.

[RagnarDa]

If ED posted the source for their 3DS Max Plugin it would be possible to start making converters for other 3d-software, which would be in their interest.

[SkateZilla]

I don't think other Software Suites have all the Options that 3DS Has.

[leafer]

Oh, I know I could use blender for 3d work, I've even got it installed ready to do some work to slot into a OpenGL C++ project I've been writing.

 

However, that doesn't help with the problem of being able to export to edm files :)

 

@Spasticatedtoad

 

Interesting. As it happens I've still got a student email account anyway, but I'll definitely look into that as yes, it's for non commercial purposes.

 

@towsim

Gmax was discontinued in 2005, I'd actually looked into it but it's far too old at this point to be of much use to me.

 

I will probably never can afford it. :D Speaking of will, there's always a way... :music_whistling:

[TAW_Blaze]

Here's my 5 cents on what I would do:

 

1) Pirate it and learn how to use it, possibly create your stuff that you're going to market later.

 

2) Before you start selling your product buy it, this way it's more or less legal.

[joey45]

If ED posted the source for their 3DS Max Plugin it would be possible to start making converters for other 3d-software, which would be in their interest.

 

There's always Pros and Cons with that...

 

Pro-

like you mentioned it will open up to more 3D software

 

Cons-

Probabaly easier to reverse engineer models.

 

But like what Skate says.

 

I don't think other Software Suites have all the Options that 3DS Has.