Were currently trying to implement the new MSFS2024 window wiper effects to our aircraft but have been unsuccessful so far and the SDK documentation is lacking.
I have a few key questions before attempting again as follows.
Can the 2020 windshield material now be used? I see this now contains the correct texture slot and animation parameters but its not clear whether this is intended to be used.
Does the wiper need to be part interior model. We currently have the models split between 2 .max files, one for exterior and one for interior. The wipers are currently part of the exterior whilst the windshield material is part of the interior. The anim groups have been named the same in both files.
Do 10 keyframes have to be used? We currently use custom logic from 0-100 for our wipers. as they have custom behaviour.
How are independent wipers that use separate animation groups handled? Does the windshield need splitting into 2 separate objects?
If you allow me to reply to your questions, based on my experience with my 2024-native product, I can explain you:
A: In the MSFS2024 material, you should see the Wiper Mask texture slot. There, it is where you place the wiper mask texture created with the generator tool from the SDK in 3ds Max, depending on the modeling software you guys work with. I am not sure if the same mask can be used in the 2020 material because I never gave that a try and due to technical differences between both sims I prefer not to.
A: The wipers MUST be placed on the same 3ds Max scene when generating the mask (at least for the generator tool, though it is recommendable even on exporting), exterior or interior, but they must be placed on the same scene as the parts “painted” with the windshield material and where the wiper blades move, so that you can create the Wiper Mask texture without issues. In addition to the point helpers located at the end of each side of each blade, the windshield node is the other input for the wiper mask texture to be successfully generated.
A: You can have the wipers animation between 0-100 keyframes, with a custom behavior as well. I built the mask successfully with that keyframe range, so you should not have any issues on your end.
A: If you have independent wipers on your aircraft (i.e., each wiper operate with a different switch/knob from the other), then yes. You can build the mask for one of the windows affected by the wiper blades, then another mask for the other window, and link the respective mask texture to the respective window’s windshield material. In conclusion, yes, you must have one separate material AND windshield mesh per wiper and tied to the respective wiper animation.
Regards, Carlos Daniel González Gómez NextGen Simulations