specular problems :/

[Wesley Tack]

Hi,

I've made props with specular maps before, but up to this point I made the specular maps a separate file, like so:

door_07.vmt

door_07_spec.vmt

With this for the door_07.vmt:

(This shows my specular maps correct)

"vertexlitgeneric"

{

	"$baseTexture" "models\props/door_07"

	"$model" "1"

	"$envmap" "env_cubemap"

	"$envmapmask" "models\props/door_07_spec"

}

What I would like to do, is place the specular map in the base texture alpha channel. When I copy/paste that same spec map in the alpha channel and compile it, the whole model is being reflected. This is the code I use for when the spec map is in the base texture alpha channel:

"vertexlitgeneric"

{

	"$baseTexture" "models\props/door_07"

	"$model" "1"

	"$envmap" "env_cubemap"

	"$basealphaenvmapmask" 1

	"$envmapcontrast" 1

	"$envmapsaturation" 1.5

	"$envmaptint" "[0.4 0.4 0.4]"

}

The door itself shouldn't reflect, only the window. But the whole door reflects. But it does work when I use a separate _spec file. Anyone know whats up? Or should I just keep using separate _spec files and don't bother?

thanks!

[Dennispls]

why is this in wip model section?

[PhilipK]

Well it works if you use the normalmapalphaenvmapmask (alpha in normalmap), so perhaps you need basemapalphaenvmapmask?

Worth a try maybe

I know I had this problem too but I just used the specs separately or in the normal alpha.

[Wesley Tack]

why is this in wip model section?

cause I got no place else to go!

thx philipk, i'll try it and let you know

*edit*

nope, didn't work

[FrieChamp]

It's usually a safe bet to post any technical questions in the "engine discussion" section, although the description doesn't really fit in this case. It should be changed actually and I've asked for it before, maybe if we all scream for it it will happen and I won't have to move threads all the time anymore

[e-freak]

put it in the normal map - that's what im doing normally (wordjk ^^)

[Wesley Tack]

It's usually a safe bet to post any technical questions in the "engine discussion" section, although the description doesn't really fit in this case. It should be changed actually and I've asked for it before, maybe if we all scream for it it will happen and I won't have to move threads all the time anymore

Sorry, I wasn't sure where to post it, since its for a model I thought this was the best bet. I actually doubted between posting it in engine or modeling.. looks like I picked the wrong one

e-freak: I dont have normal maps, where do I put it then ?

[PhilipK]

Did you try what I said?

If not you will have to use it in a separate file if you don't have a normal map.

[Wesley Tack]

yea i did, i posted it, it didn't work.

and since I don't use a normal map I'll just do as i did before and keep the spec map separate.

Thanks for the help!

[PhilipK]

Np, it's wierd tho they don't have support for spec in the alpha of the diffuse.

[Wesley Tack]

There's so much stuff weird about how Valve makes stuff

[Campaignjunkie]

This is kind of a weird quirky hack thing, but I think when you're using the base alpha as the spec, you have to actually invert the alpha channel in Photoshop. At least that's what I remember. I think.

[PhilipK]

hmm the problem here tho is you need to specify that it will use the alpha channel in your diffuse map as specular in the shader.

[Campaignjunkie]

Well that's what

"$basealphaenvmapmask" 1

is for. So, I would just use seperate spec files to save time and headaches.

[PhilipK]

so that actually does work?

but you need to invert the alpha?

weird shit.