Particle models are black

[Nrealus]

Hi. When a model is loaded, the models rendered by particle systems will be completely black.
When there are no more models, the problem is gone.
Is there any known way to fix it ? Or I guess particles are unusable with models...

[Pte Jack]

If you are using File - Export - Poster, Try File - Export - Image instead you have to give the image a filename and a valid image extension like .png or .jpg (maybe .tga as well) for it to render. See if the particles are still black.

If they aren't, instead of exporting posters, use the File - Export _Movie and change the export type to Image Sequences and render about a second's worth of images around the point that you want the poster. Then pick the best image and delete the other 20 or so. You'd be surprized at how the images change during that second and you might find one even better in the process.

[Nrealus]

They are still black actually.

But there is something weird I just noticed.

When loading the particle system into the project, it actually rendered correctly (but without receiving the lights).

When I instanciated the system and changed the model, it generally turned black ("generally" because there were a few ones that worked, surprisingly...)

Then I changed the model again to the original one and it worked again !

I tried the same thing with another particle system using a model, and this one didn't show up correctly on load.

So yeah that's kinda weird. Seems like it really depends on the model. (all the models I've been trying to use are from the props_foliage pack)

Maybe it's something involving materials associated to the model ? (the models which worked were all variations of the same "grass" model)

[Zappy]

I've replied to a recent, related thread about this problem. Here is my response to that thread:

Originally posted by Zappy:

Use a severely outdated, horribly obsolete version of Source FilmMaker. Or don't use model-based particles. Sadly, those are the only options here.

[Nrealus]

Sorry, I did some research a couple of days ago and couldn't find a solution, was too early. Should've checked up again...
Thank you for your answer

[Pte Jack]

Originally posted by Zappy:

I've replied to a recent, related thread about this problem. Here is my response to that thread:

Originally posted by Zappy:

Use a severely outdated, horribly obsolete version of Source FilmMaker. Or don't use model-based particles. Sadly, those are the only options here.

Crud Zappy, when did that break, how far back do we have to go. I use to create model particles but stopped doing that quite some time ago.

[Nrealus]

Originally posted by Zappy:

I don't think they would state "model-based particles no longer receive lighting from lights, tough luck" in the patch-notes, let alone do that and then not fix it later if they clearly know about it.

Yes I figured my last question was kinda stupid, I edited my post.

Originally posted by Pte Jack:

Originally posted by Zappy:

I've replied to a recent, related thread about this problem. Here is my response to that thread:

Crud Zappy, when did that break, how far back do we have to go. I use to create model particles but stopped doing that quite some time ago.

I think it's the last update to date

[Zappy]

Originally posted by Pte Jack:

Crud Zappy, when did that break, how far back do we have to go. I use to create model particles but stopped doing that quite some time ago.

I have absolutely no idea when it broke, I just know it doesn't work right in the latest version of Source FilmMaker.

[Nrealus]

Anyway the most recent version before the current one available in the "Properties" tab is 0.9.7.8
Even though there were a number of updates between now (0.9.8.15) and that. (Just checked)

[Pte Jack]

Well, if you want to use them, you'll have to backtrack and use an earilier version. Don't expect it to be fixed as the last update will probably be the last update. It appears Valve has abandonned SFM all together.

[Nrealus]

I am aware of the current situation of SFM. But I've seen people who still have hope ^^

(They claim Source 2 Filmmaker (for Dota) is used to test things to prepare a big update for SFM) (Saw this on these forums, didn't remember who said that)

I think I'll actually do everything in the current version the best I can, then I'll try to see if I can add the grass particle system to the already 90% finished project. imo this would prevent any bad surprises when continuing the project in an older version.

Thank you for your answers guys.