The Model Viewer

The Nexus Model Viewer

As the name suggests, this little application allows you to see any models made in the Nexus:TJI format without having to load the game up first. As you can see in my little screenshot, the viewer displays a model (whether textured or not) over a generic starfield so that you can see what it will look like ingame.

In the top left of the screen (although you can't really make out the details here) is the information about the actual model (name, layers, poly count, etc); while in the bottom left, we have a mix of data and options. And at the bootom of the above pic, you'll also see the Nexus Viewer log (or at least a part of it). This opens in a separate window and will give you a rundown of what operations the viewer has done and highlights any possible problems with the model (the Nexus Modding Manual that came with the game contains virtually all the data that you need to resolve these issues).

Although it does exactly what it says on the tin, the viewer is also capable of doing a lot more. Hopefully, this little page will highlight most of these abilities. So without further ado, what can we use the viewer to do..?

As well as just looking, the viewer is also capable of doing a 'quick convert' of a model (it'll take your .LWO and .TGA files (assuming it can find them)and convert them into a .mesh format and store them in the /Nexus: The Jupiter Incident/Temp folder.

Some controls of the viewer (there may be more that are as yet, undiscovered!).

1. The 'A' key - This key turns on/off any flashing lights that the model may have.
2. The 'S' key - This key will activate/deactivate a shield animation around the model.
3. The 'E' key - This key will cycle through the engine settings...
   1. Setting 1 - Fires the main engines.
   2. Setting 2 - Fires the secondary engines (if applicable).
   3. Setting 3 - All engines off.
   4. Special - While either main or secondary engines are on, you can use the numpad to activate the manoeuvering thrusters (note: to my knowledge, this is only possible with a dedicated numpad. Using the 'Function' numpad on a laptop never worked for me).
      • Numpad '1' key - Not used.
      • Numpad '2' key - Deactivates manoeuvering thrusters and returns to previous engine state.
      • Numpad '3' key - Not used.
      • Numpad '4' key - Activates 'left' thrusters.
      • Numpad '5' key - Not used.
      • Numpad '6' key - Activates 'right' thrusters.
      • Numpad '7' key - Activates 'lower' thrusters.
      • Numpad '8' key - Activates 'forward/retro' thrusters.
      • Numpad '9' key - Activates 'upper' thrusters.
      • Numpad '0' key - Increases the intensity of the engine flare. 'CRTL'+'0' decreases the intensity of said flares.
      • Numpad '+' key - Zoom in on the model.
      • Numpad '-' key - Zoom out of the model.
4. The 'C' key - On capship models only, this key will activate any and all turrets on the model. Does nothing on strikecraft!
5. The 'D' key - This key will cycle through the levels of damage that the model can show in game (have to add this during conversion!)
6. The 'L' key - This key will either add or remove a second light source to the viewer, illuminating both sides of the model.
7. The 'F' key - This key will hide/unhide the light sources from view (obviously, the light itself remains).
8. The 'R' key - This key will hide/unhide any flashing mesh errors.
9. Pressing 'CRTL' + 'Q' - This combination will close the model viewer.
10. keys '1' through '9' - These keys will play any animations that the model may have. To play the animation in reverse, press 'CRTL' plus the key that played the animation.
11. The 'F3' key - This will open a new window that allows you to choose a new model.
12. The 'F5' key - Same as F3 but to select a new normal weapon.
13. The 'F6' key - Same as F3 but to select a new siege weapon.
14. The 'F7' key - Same as F3 but to select a new flak weapon.

1. Keys 'F9' through 'F11' - These keys will alter any present bump map. Possibly a space/ processor saving measure?

If several models are present in the directory that the viewed model came from, then you can use the following keys to cycle through them... 'Home' 'End' 'Pg Up' 'Pg Dn'

If you know of any other controls/ commands for the viewer, then feel free to add them.

Till next time,

The Old Dragon.