cubemap problems...

Pink_Panther

L3: Member
Dec 14, 2008
129
45
I feel like a bit of an idiot, but here goes.

I am basically finished with a map, I added env_cubemap entities. I linked them to all the textures I thought were reflective... aka glass and the chrome textures. When i load it up, i get the classic purple/black texture and turned off the specular, ran cubemaps for both ldr and hdr, then turn specular back on and still have the purple/black textures.

I figured it could have been because I didnt attach a env_cubemap to all the 'reflective' textures, but even the glass and chrome were a nice transparent purple.

I put a env_cubemap entity in all large rooms (didnt attach them to anything) and a few in the larger open area between the team bunkers.

Not sure if this helps, but I compiled with only one env_cubemap during development and had no purple/blacks but the props would glow white until I ran buildcubmaps. after I put them in, the props no longer glow before the buildcubemaps.

Any suggestions on what I did wrong?
 
Jan 31, 2008
555
1,482
After you've built all cubemaps you need to reload your map.
Open the console and type:

changelevel my_map

When it is done reloading; open the console again and write:

mat_reloadallmaterials
 

Pink_Panther

L3: Member
Dec 14, 2008
129
45
did that

even wierder, the cubemaps took because I can see the correct reflection in the sniper scope. (havent moved over the impulse81 thing yet
 
Last edited:
Aug 19, 2008
1,011
1,158
took this from Cameron´s post:
http://forums.tf2maps.net/showthread.php?t=4530&highlight=cubemaps

1. Compile and load your map.
2. mat_specular 0
This turns off reflections.
3. buildcubemaps
The game will pause for a second, and lots of little pictures will flash up the top of the screen.
4. disconnect
If you are not using HDR, you can step to step 11
5. mat_hdr_level 0
Turn off HDR.
6. map “your_map_name”
Load the map again
7. buildcubemaps
8. disconnect
9. mat_specular 1
10. mat_hdr_level 2
11. map “cp_dustbowl”
We need to load another map, to clear the caches of your map contents, otherwise it will not reload any of the cubemaps.
12. Disconnect again, and load up your map. Enjoy!

works for me like a charm
after you build your cubemaps and everything, you must not change the filename, or they are gone

you don´t need to tie every reflective surface to cubemaps, only if you get weird reflections and you need to adjust them. normally reflective surface use the nearest env_cubemap

hope that helps
 

Pink_Panther

L3: Member
Dec 14, 2008
129
45
ok, i found out the problem. and yep, i was being stupid. I added the custom textures into the bsp before running the buildcubemaps. Apparently you cant do that.
 

Apom

L6: Sharp Member
Sep 14, 2008
366
65
ok, i found out the problem. and yep, i was being stupid. I added the custom textures into the bsp before running the buildcubemaps. Apparently you cant do that.
Ooooooooh, that's why my cubemaps weren't working either (and just like you, they were working in the sniepr scope, as well as on props by the way).
 

Pink_Panther

L3: Member
Dec 14, 2008
129
45
Ooooooooh, that's why my cubemaps weren't working either (and just like you, they were working in the sniepr scope, as well as on props by the way).

nope, now they arent working again. this is really pissing me off

I made some changes, and then recompiled. tried buildingcubemaps before attaching textures and nothing. runs the picture party and just will not display the reflections, just lots of purple and black.

I even tried the process on a different computer.

so, anyone want to give this a go or me and help show me that im just an idiot?
http://www.pinksrealm.com/maps/ctf_sandbox_bad.zip
 

Pink_Panther

L3: Member
Dec 14, 2008
129
45

Pink_Panther

L3: Member
Dec 14, 2008
129
45
nope, no errors other than that one. there is one at the begining saying something about it not being the a game.