4x4Evo PC->DC converter: - make downloadable LTE tracks run from CD!

[Moi]

temp.lte -> POD converter v01208 by Moi
==========================

1.What is it
---------------------
This converter allows you to covert 4x4 Evolution tracks saved in commonly used for
online races LTE format to .POD archives allowing you to run them on your burnt Dreamcast cdr.
The track will also appear in Single player mode, so you can play it without having
to go online and to download it. The coversion into the new format allows experienced users
to add new features to the track such as AI drivers.


2.Features
---------------------
+generates full customized instruction file on how to the track
+add snow to an originally non-winter track
+edit the track's game menu name
+precopies DC, DC2, DC3 files required to make the track run on DC in your ISO folder


3.Requirements
---------------------
-Windows XP or Win7/Vista (with a VM to create an ISO)
-Java Runtime Environment
-4x4 Evolution Track Editor (TrackED3)
-temporary files generated by TrackED3


4.How does it work
-----------------------
Since LTE files are compressed in order to fit on Dreamcast's VMU there is no way to
edit them without figuring out the compression algorithm. Luckily the TrackED3 is generating
temporary files each time you load up and save an LTE. Those files (temp.lte and related LRW file)
can be used to rebuild the files needed for a track:
- SIT(track objects, waypoints etc)
- RAW(heightmap e.g.mountains)
- CLR files(position of the texture tiles)
The RAW files are completely generated by TrackED while the SIT and CLR files
need to be extracted and converted by this converter.
This version of the tool addionally archives the files into a ready to burn POD file.


5.Usage
---------------------
1) Open the LTE file of your choice in TrackED3
2) Click 'Save' to generate temp.lte in your 4x4 Evolution game's folder
and the LRW file inside the DATA subfolder
3) Minimze or close the Editor and start the converter by doubleclicking on converter.jar
4) Use the 'Browse' buttons to configure the temp.lte, the LRW and the Export folder's locations.
The LRW file required for the track has the same name as your LTE file with an LTW extension.
So if you are trying to convert MYTRACK.LTE the required LRW will be called MYTRACK.LRW
5) Click convert to generate the track's plain files
6) Open the export folder in windows Explorer and follow instructions inside INSTALL.TXT


6.Limitations
-----------------------
-DC, DC2 and DC3 files must be included for each newly converted track making it
totally 3-4 megabyte in size and therefore limiting the number of tracks on one CDR.
-Converted tracks are untested in multiplayer mode


7.Future Features
-----------------------
+More customization options for the tracks such as skyboxes, soundtrack
+conversion of 4x4 Evo 2 tracks to 4x4 Evo 1 DC
+reverse engineering of the DC, DC2 and DC3 formats allowing custom made textures and models

New version:
http://hotfile.com/dl/136984376/fe1e...e-pod.rar.html


Old version:
http://hotfile.com/dl/136509741/ca37...e-sit.rar.html

[Anthony817]

Amazing work Moi! This will be so awesome!

[Moi]

Thx, Anthony.
I've just found out that Game Extractor supports the POD file format and is open source!
WATTO STUDIOS - http://www.watto.org
I'll try to include its POD creator into my converter, to get rid off of the PODTool.

[Moi]

Link and description updated.
Newest version can create POD files and plain files. Required DC,DC2,DC3 files are also copied into the same direction as the POD files, so now there is less steps needed in order to make a track DC compatible.

[Anthony817]

Cool, I'm uploading this to Theisozone to mirror it if you don't mind. I will be sure to give you credit and link back to the original pages too.

[Moi]

Actually I'd prefer my link being the main download link, so I can keep track of download numbers. Also spreading the converter would potentially make the 4x4pro project less interesting for the already limited audience. I'd suggest waiting until the mod has been released before spreading the word about converter. However I'm open for diffferent views suggestions on the subject.

[Anthony817]

Ok no problem on that. When I tried uploading it it wouldn't work 2 different times, so the Dreamcast gods smiled upon you and knew you didn't want it spread lol.