Blender can't import car .DAE file

Hello all,
Today, I tried importing the Bruckell Moonhawk .DAE file into Blender using the "Import Collada" function, but when I imported it, I just got this error message in the console:
"
AL lib: (EE) UpdateDeviceParams: Failed to set 44100hz, got 48000hz instead
found bundled python: C:\Program Files\Blender Foundation\Blender\2.78\python
I/O warning : failed to load external entity "file:///C:/Program%20Files%20(x86)
/Steam/steamapps/common/BeamNG.drive/content/vehicles/moonhawk/vehicles/moonhawk
/moonhawk.dae/"
Couldn't open file
Schema validation error: Critical error: ERROR_COULD_NOT_OPEN_FILE Additional: C
:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\BeamNG.drive\content\vehicles\moonh
awk\vehicles\moonhawk\moonhawk.dae\
COLLADAFW::Root::loadDocument() returned false on 1st pass
"
Edit: I just noticed that Blender was trying to open an empty .DAE file in a folder that it created automatically rather than opening the correct .DAE file in the zipped folder. However, when I click on the (correct) .DAE file in the vehicle folder, Blender still won't open it saying it cannot recognise the file format.

Edit 2: I tried extracting the Moonhawk files to a new folder in case the .zip extension was tripping Blender up, but I get the same error when I try to open the .DAE file.

Edit 3: Sorry, I've solved it now - I was opening the file the wrong way.

Do you know what is causing this? I'm just getting started with modding and 3D modelling, so please excuse me if I've missed something obvious.

 

Youll have to unpack the file first, looks like your trying to import from a packed file. Right-click on the file and select unpack/unzip, then try to import the dae from the unpacked folder

 

I tried that before you replied and got it to work, but thanks for the advice anyway. Also, since I am creating a mod, do you know how I could create bumpers for the Moonhawk that are black instead of chrome (like on the Covet)? I assume you create a new J-Beam in the bumper file but I don't know how colors are determined.

 

Not in the jbeam file but in the materials file and possibly the jbeam file, there are a few different ways to achieve what you want. I think the best way would be to duplicate the bumper in blender, rename it, and export the .dae file, next create a custom color for it. When I have some time I can PM you how to do it.

 

Thanks. Also, on the subject of Blender, if I only want the game to use the custom bumpers and engine from the Moonhawk .dae file included in my mod, am I right in saying that renaming all of the other Moonhawk components (body, hood etc.) in Blender will force the game to use the ones from the stock .dae file instead of my file?

 

That's right if your mod only adds new bumpers and not a whole new vehicle. If so, you can even delete the other parts. I'd suggest renaming the .dae to something like moonhawk_bumpers_addon.dae (but honestly as long as it does not overwrite/have the same name as moonhawk.dae, the name can be anything you want).

 

Thanks. The mod I am creating for the Moonhawk adds an i4 engine option, similar to the notorious real-life Iron Duke Camaro. I have swapped in the LeGran's engine in Blender along with the textures and created a JBeam file that should in theory slot into the Moonhawk's engine bay while using the performance characteristics, meshes and textures of the LeGran's engine. However, when I tried to load the mod, I could not find my engine in the configuration menu. Here is my J-Beam file: does anybody have an idea as to why this isn't working? If you think the problem may lie in the other files, I can upload the zip file containing the mod here.

Spoiler: J-Beam

Code:

{
"moonhawk_engine_i4": {
    "information":{
        "authors":"BeamNG",
        "name":"2.2L I4 Engine",
        "value":350,
    }
    "slotType" : "moonhawk_engine",
    "slots": [
        ["type", "default", "description"]
        ["moonhawk_exhaust_R","moonhawk_exhaust_R", "Right Exhaust"],
        ["moonhawk_transmission","moonhawk_transmission_4M", "Transmission"],
        ["moonhawk_intake_i4","moonhawk_intake_i4", "Intake",{"coreSlot":true}],
    ],
    "powertrain": [
        ["type", "name", "inputName", "inputIndex"],
        ["combustionEngine", "mainEngine", "dummy", 0],
    ],
    "mainEngine":{
            "torque":[
            ["rpm", "torque"]
            [0, 0],
            [500, 71],
            [1000, 101],
            [2000, 136],
            [3000, 171],
            [3500, 175],
            [4000, 171],
            [5000, 159],
            [6000, 124],
            [7000, 70],
            [7500, 30],
        ],

        "idleRPM":800,
        "maxRPM":6000,
        "inertia":0.16,
        "friction":14
        "dynamicFriction":0.023,
        "burnEfficiency":0.32
        "torqueReactionNodes:":["e1l","e2l","e4r"]
        "particulates":0.026
        "energyStorage": "mainTank",
        "requiredEnergyType":"gasoline",

        //cooling and oil system
        "thermalsEnabled":true
        "engineBlockMaterial":"iron"
        "oilVolume":4

        //engine durability
        "cylinderWallTemperatureDamageThreshold":120
        "headGasketDamageThreshold":1500000
        "pistonRingDamageThreshold":1500000
        "connectingRodDamageThreshold":2000000

        //node beam interface
        "waterDamage": {"[engineGroup]:":["engine_intake"]}
        "radiator": {"[engineGroup]:":["radiator"]}
        "engineBlock": {"[engineGroup]:":["engine_block"]}
        "breakTriggerBeam":"engine",
    },
    "vehicleController": {
        "clutchLaunchStartRPM":1600,
        "clutchLaunchTargetRPM":2200,
        //**highShiftDown can be overwritten by automatic transmissions**
        "highShiftDownRPM":[0,0,0,2500,2950,3050,3150,3150]
        //**highShiftUp can be overwritten by intake modifications**
        "highShiftUpRPM":5700
    },
    "flexbodies": [
        ["mesh", "[group]:", "nonFlexMaterials"],
        ["moonhawk_engine_i4", ["moonhawk_engine"]],
        ["moonhawk_header_i4", ["moonhawk_engine","moonhawk_exhaust_R"]],
        {"deformGroup":"radtube_break", "deformMaterialBase":"moonhawk", "deformMaterialDamaged":"invis"},
        ["moonhawk_radtube_i4", ["moonhawk_radiator","moonhawk_radsupport","moonhawk_engine"]],
        {"deformGroup":"", "deformMaterialBase":"", "deformMaterialDamaged":""},
    ],
    "props": [
        ["func"      , "mesh"              , "idRef:", "idX:", "idY:"            , "baseRotation"        , "rotation"                 , "translation"        , "min", "max", "offset", "multiplier"]
        ["rpmspin"  , "moonhawk_coolingfan_i6", "e2r","e2l","e4r",  {"x":0, "y":0, "z":0}, {"x":0, "y":1, "z":0}    , {"x":0, "y":0, "z":0}, -360, 360, 0, 1],
    ],
    "nodes": [
         ["id", "posX", "posY", "posZ"],
         //4.0L I6 Engine
         {"frictionCoef":0.5},
         {"nodeMaterial":"|NM_METAL"},
         {"selfCollision":true},
         {"collision":true}
         {"group":"moonhawk_engine"},
         {"nodeWeight":25},
         {"engineGroup":"engine_block"}
         ["e1r", -0.12, -1.08, 0.32,{"chemEnergy":2000,"burnRate":0.39,"flashPoint":800,"specHeat": 0.2,"selfIgnitionCoef":false,"smokePoint":650,"baseTemp":"thermals","conductionRadius":0.14}],
         ["e1l", 0.14, -1.08, 0.32],
         ["e2r", -0.12, -1.80, 0.32,{"chemEnergy":2000,"burnRate":0.39,"flashPoint":800,"specHeat": 0.2,"selfIgnitionCoef":false,"smokePoint":650,"baseTemp":"thermals","conductionRadius":0.14}],
         ["e2l", 0.14, -1.80, 0.32],
         {"selfCollision":true},
         {"engineGroup":["engine_block","engine_intake"]}
         ["e3r", -0.12, -1.08, 0.82,{"chemEnergy":2000,"burnRate":0.39,"flashPoint":800,"specHeat": 0.2,"selfIgnitionCoef":false,"smokePoint":650,"baseTemp":"thermals","conductionRadius":0.14}],
         ["e3l", 0.21, -1.08, 0.82],
         ["e4r", -0.12, -1.80, 0.82,{"isExhaust":true,"chemEnergy":2000,"burnRate":0.39,"flashPoint":800,"specHeat": 0.2,"selfIgnitionCoef":false,"smokePoint":650,"baseTemp":"thermals","conductionRadius":0.14}],
         ["e4l", 0.21, -1.80, 0.82],
         {"engineGroup":""}
         {"group":""},
    ],
    "beams": [
          ["id1:", "id2:"],
          {"beamType":"|NORMAL", "beamLongBound":1.0, "beamShortBound":1.0},
          {"beamSpring":9130830,"beamDamp":168},
          {"beamDeform":359100,"beamStrength":"FLT_MAX"},
          //engine
          ["e1r","e1l"],
          ["e2r","e2l"],
          ["e3r","e3l"],
          ["e4r","e4l"],

          ["e1r","e2r"],
          ["e1l","e2l"],
          ["e3r","e4r"],
          ["e3l","e4l"],

          ["e1r","e3r"],
          ["e1l","e3l"],
          ["e2r","e4r"],
          ["e2l","e4l"],

          ["e2r","e3r"],
          ["e2l","e3l"],
          ["e2r","e3l"],
          ["e2l","e3r"],

          ["e1r","e4r"{"isExhaust":true}],
          ["e1l","e4l"],
          ["e1r","e4l"],
          ["e1l","e4r"],

          ["e1r","e2l"],
          ["e1l","e2r"],
          ["e3r","e4l"],
          ["e3l","e4r"],

          ["e1r","e3l"],
          ["e1l","e3r"],
          ["e2r","e4l"],
          ["e2l","e4r"],
          {"beamPrecompression":1, "beamType":"|NORMAL", "beamLongBound":1.0, "beamShortBound":1.0},
    ],
}
"moonhawk_intake_i4": {
    "information":{
        "authors":"BeamNG",
        "name":"I4 Intake",
        "value":70,
    }
    "slotType" : "moonhawk_intake_i4",
    "flexbodies": [
        ["mesh", "[group]:", "nonFlexMaterials"],
        ["moonhawk_intake_i4", ["moonhawk_engine","moonhawk_airbox"]],
    ],
    "nodes": [
         ["id", "posX", "posY", "posZ"],
         {"selfCollision":false},
         {"collision":true}
         {"nodeMaterial":"|NM_METAL"},
         {"frictionCoef":0.5},
         {"group":"moonhawk_airbox"},
         {"engineGroup":"engine_intake"},
         {"nodeWeight":2},
         ["airb", 0.40, -1.72, 0.66],
         {"engineGroup":""},
         {"group":""},
    ],
    "beams": [
          ["id1:", "id2:"],
          {"beamType":"|NORMAL", "beamLongBound":1.0, "beamShortBound":1.0},
          {"beamSpring":100600,"beamDamp":150},
          {"beamDeform":12000,"beamStrength":36000},
          ["airb","e1r"],
          ["airb","e2r"],
          ["airb","e3r"],
          ["airb","e4r"],
          ["airb","e1l"],
          ["airb","e2l"],
          ["airb","e3l"],
          ["airb","e4l"],
          {"beamPrecompression":1, "beamType":"|NORMAL", "beamLongBound":1.0, "beamShortBound":1.0},
    ],
}

 

Well if that is your whole jbeam it is missing a second "}" at the end of the file.

 

I actually solved the problem before you replied (it was the missing curly bracket as well as incorrect folder naming) and the Moonhawk I4 engine now works in the game, but it looks like this, and when I drive it, the engine spins around the centre of the car as I turn and glitches through the body:

If you don't mind, I've uploaded the whole mod into this thread. Could you please give me some ideas as to what could be causing the mod to break the textures and position the engine outside of the car? (Ignore the .blend files in the .zip, they do nothing). I think that the orange texture might be caused by the materials.cs file in my mod replacing the stock file since they have the same name - is that the case?
About the Blender model, the Moonhawk parts named "null" are not added by the mod - I kept them in the file for positioning reference and added the "null" name so that the game would (if I did it right) use the stock models for everything except the engine.

 

Fixed both of those. The materials.cs was indeed overwriting the original one, so I moved all the files to a subfolder called I4_engine and changed the materials to match the new folder structure. Also when exporting models in blender, first hit A to select all objects and Ctrl+A to apply location, scale and rotation.

 

Thanks, Taza!
The next step is to add new transmissions since the current ones are very sluggish under the reduced engine power. Since I don't know much about gear ratios, how should I change the gear ratios to "shorten" the gears and make acceleration faster?

 

Code:

"gearbox": {
        "gearRatios":[-4.53, 0, 4.83, 3.3, 2.32, 1.72, 1.48]
        "friction": 1,
    },

"gearRatios" in the transmission jbeam control, well, gear ratios. Higher value = shorter gear. Negative values for reverse. Or alternatively you could make a new differential, where again in the differential jbeam "gearRatio" controls gear ratio.
https://wiki.beamng.com/ManualGearbox
https://wiki.beamng.com/Differential

 

Well, I already knew how to change the gear ratio in the files but didn't know what it meant - thank you for educating me. Also, in my attempt to create a new interior, paint.net refuses to open any of the "n" (normal map) .dds files for the interior of the Moonhawk but it will open all of the "d" and "s" files - do you know what is causing this error? (It can't be the .zip folder because I am trying to open the images from an unzipped file).
Thanks!

 

Well I don't know why it doesn't work I use gimp for image editing but it shouldn't have anything to do with the program. Maybe the normal map got corrupted at some point?

 

With the mechanical workings of the mod almost complete (reply if you want the alpha), does anybody have any experience with skins? I want to create a "beater" exterior skin as well as a worn-out interior with rotten wood and dirt etc., and while I can figure the skin system out by myself (I think), I don't know which of the .dds files I should modify (diffuse, spectral or normal) if I want to add dirt and other marks to the exterior and interior.

 

I really hope you don't mind helping me out again, but in the Alpha 0.2 of my mod I have included a "beater" version of the V8 engine which is supposed to produce less horsepower and create black smoke. The mod is working well in my game at the moment, and the beater engine can be fitted to the Moonhawk and the black smoke works perfectly, but the torque curve and horsepower are the same as the stock V8 engine despite me changing them in the JBeam file (I replaced the torque curve code from the V8 with the torque curve code from the I6 in order to simulate loss of horsepower). I've put the J-Beam for the V8 Beater engine in the spoiler and I can send you the mod .zip if you think something else might be causing the problem.

Spoiler: moonhawkbeaterengine.jbeam

{
"moonhawk_engine_v8_beater": {
"information":{
"authors":"BeamNG",
"name":"Beater 378 CUI V8 Engine",
"value":200,
}
"slotType" : "moonhawk_engine",
"slots": [
["type", "default", "description"]
["moonhawk_exhaust_R","moonhawk_exhaust_R", "Right Exhaust"],
["moonhawk_exhaust_L","moonhawk_exhaust_L", "Left Exhaust"],
["moonhawk_transmission","moonhawk_transmission_3A", "Transmission"],
["moonhawk_intake_v8","moonhawk_intake_v8", "Intake",{"coreSlot":true}],
],
"powertrain": [
["type", "name", "inputName", "inputIndex"],
["combustionEngine", "mainEngine", "dummy", 0],
],
"mainEngine":{
"torque":[
["rpm", "torque"]
[0, 0],
[500, 170],
[1000, 280],
[2000, 340],
[2500, 335],
[3000, 315],
[4000, 280],
[5000, 250],
[6000, 180],
[7000, 120],
[8000, 80],
],

"idleRPM":700,
"maxRPM":4700,
"revLimiterRPMDrop":0,
"inertia":0.26,
"friction":20
"dynamicFriction":0.027
"burnEfficiency":0.28
"torqueReactionNodes:":["e1l","e2l","e4r"]
"particulates":1
"energyStorage": "mainTank",
"requiredEnergyType":"gasoline",

//cooling and oil system
"thermalsEnabled":true
"engineBlockMaterial":"iron"
"oilVolume":8

//engine durability
"cylinderWallTemperatureDamageThreshold":140
"headGasketDamageThreshold":1500000
"pistonRingDamageThreshold":1500000
"connectingRodDamageThreshold":2000000

//node beam interface
"waterDamage": {"[engineGroup]:":["engine_intake"]}
"radiator": {"[engineGroup]:":["radiator"]}
"engineBlock": {"[engineGroup]:":["engine_block"]}
"breakTriggerBeam":"engine",
},
"vehicleController": {
"clutchLaunchStartRPM":1500,
"clutchLaunchTargetRPM":2000,
//**highShiftDown can be overwritten by automatic transmissions**
"highShiftDownRPM":[0,0,0,1700,2300,2500,2500,2500]
//**highShiftUp can be overwritten by intake modifications**
"highShiftUpRPM":4500
},
"flexbodies": [
["mesh", "[group]:", "nonFlexMaterials"],
["moonhawk_engine_v8", ["moonhawk_engine"]],
["moonhawk_header_v8", ["moonhawk_engine","moonhawk_exhaust_L","moonhawk_exhaust_R"]],
{"deformGroup":"radtube_break", "deformMaterialBase":"moonhawk", "deformMaterialDamaged":"invis"},
["moonhawk_radtube_v8", ["moonhawk_radiator","moonhawk_radsupport","moonhawk_engine"]],
{"deformGroup":"", "deformMaterialBase":"", "deformMaterialDamaged":""},
],
"props": [
["func" , "mesh" , "idRef:", "idX:", "idY:" , "baseRotation" , "rotation" , "translation" , "min", "max", "offset", "multiplier"]
["rpmspin" , "moonhawk_coolingfan_v8", "e2r","e2l","e4r", {"x":0, "y":0, "z":0}, {"x":0, "y":1, "z":0} , {"x":0, "y":0, "z":0}, -360, 360, 0, 1],
],
"nodes": [
["id", "posX", "posY", "posZ"],
//6.2L V8 Engine
{"frictionCoef":0.5},
{"nodeMaterial":"|NM_METAL"},
{"selfCollision":true},
{"collision":true}
{"group":"moonhawk_engine"},
{"engineGroup":"engine_block"}
{"nodeWeight":39},
{"chemEnergy":2000,"burnRate":0.39,"flashPoint":1000,"specHeat": 0.2,"selfIgnitionCoef":false,"smokePoint":900,"baseTemp":"thermals","conductionRadius":0.13}
["e1r", -0.13, -1.08, 0.32],
["e1l", 0.13, -1.08, 0.32],
{"chemEnergy":2000,"burnRate":0.39,"flashPoint":1000,"specHeat": 0.2,"selfIgnitionCoef":false,"smokePoint":900,"baseTemp":"thermals","conductionRadius":0.2}
["e2r", -0.13, -1.60, 0.32],
["e2l", 0.13, -1.60, 0.32],
{"chemEnergy":false,"burnRate":false,"flashPoint":false, "specHeat": false,"selfIgnitionCoef":false,"smokePoint":false,"baseTemp":false,"conductionRadius":false},
{"selfCollision":false},
{"engineGroup":["engine_block","engine_intake"]}
["e3r", -0.32, -1.08, 0.78],
["e3l", 0.32, -1.08, 0.78],
["e4r", -0.32, -1.60, 0.78{"isExhaust":true}],
["e4l", 0.32, -1.60, 0.78],
{"engineGroup":""}
{"group":""},
],
"beams": [
["id1:", "id2:"],
{"beamType":"|NORMAL", "beamLongBound":1.0, "beamShortBound":1.0},
{"beamSpring":9130830,"beamDamp":168},
{"beamDeform":359100,"beamStrength":"FLT_MAX"},
//engine
["e1r","e1l"],
["e2r","e2l"],
["e3r","e3l"],
["e4r","e4l"],

["e1r","e2r"],
["e1l","e2l"],
["e3r","e4r"],
["e3l","e4l"],

["e1r","e3r"],
["e1l","e3l"],
["e2r","e4r"],
["e2l","e4l"],

["e2r","e3r"],
["e2l","e3l"],
["e2r","e3l"],
["e2l","e3r"],

["e1r","e4r"{"isExhaust":true}],
["e1l","e4l"],
["e1r","e4l"],
["e1l","e4r"],

["e1r","e2l"],
["e1l","e2r"],
["e3r","e4l"],
["e3l","e4r"],

["e1r","e3l"],
["e1l","e3r"],
["e2r","e4l"],
["e2l","e4r"],
{"beamPrecompression":1, "beamType":"|NORMAL", "beamLongBound":1.0, "beamShortBound":1.0},
],
}
}

Thanks again, Passengerpigeon.

 

Well personally I'm not that familiar with engines. But I guess it is the V8 intake overwriting your torque curve. Try making a new "beater intake" with lower values and see if that changes something

 

OK, so I tried creating the following piece of J-Beam code which is based on the Moonhawk V8 intake but with a torque curve matching that of the beater engine:

Spoiler: moonhawk_beaterintake.jbeam

{
"moonhawk_intake_v8_beater": {
"information":{
"authors":"BeamNG",
"name":"Worn Out Two-Barrel Carburetors",
"value":0,
}
"slotType" : "moonhawk_intake_v8",
"mainEngine":{
"torque":[
["rpm", "torque"]
["rpm", "torque"]
[0, 0],
[500, 170],
[1000, 280],
[2000, 340],
[2500, 335],
[3000, 315],
[4000, 280],
[5000, 250],
[6000, 180],
[7000, 120],
[8000, 80],
],
},
"flexbodies": [
["mesh", "[group]:", "nonFlexMaterials"],
["moonhawk_intake_v8", ["moonhawk_engine"]],
],
}
}

When I added that code to the same file as the beater engine J-Beam, the Moonhawk wouldn't load at all in the game (which I'll come back to later). When I put it into a separate file, the mod worked fine and the Worn Out intake appeared in the configuration menu, but when I attempted to select it, I got a fatal vehicle exception.
One recurring error is that the Moonhawk simply fails to load whenever I try to put another engine component or engine variant in the same file as the beater V8 engine, but the mod works fine when the engine is in the J-Beam file by itself. Do you know what might be causing this? Overwriting perhaps?

 

If you have a file in /vehicles/moonhawk/ it will overwrite any official files that have the same name. You can send me the files so I can take a look if you haven't figured it out yourself

 

Good idea, but I doubt that that is the cause. The faulty files are in the subfolder vehicles/moonhawk/modfiles which does not exist in the official Moonhawk directory, and none of the files in the mod's /moonhawk directory could be conflicting, because the mod only broke the Moonhawk when I tried to combine two engine components into the file vehicles/moonhawk/modfiles/moonhawk_beaterengine.jbeam. Also, the intake that caused the fatal vehicle exception was stored in vehicles/moonhawk/modfiles/beaterintake.jbeam which couldn't conflict with any official files.