<<reversemytrailer
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<<reversemytrailer
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The model editor allows you to create models that closely match the dimensions of your own vehicle and trailer combination. The editor uses a set of pre-defined template models which can be adjusted in a variety of ways.
You can make as many copies of each model as you wish, using different settings for each. In particular, you can adjust dimensions that modify the turning characteristics of the model. Also, on some trailer models the loads they are carrying can be removed allowing you to practice with the same trailer in both a loaded and an unloaded state (see below)
Please note that the template models have been deliberately simplified to reduce the effects of distortion caused by the adjustment of individual dimensions.
In order to link correctly to the simulator, the model editor and simulator must both be installed on the same machine. This will also allow the model editor to use the registration details of the simulator, if they are present.
The Model Editor contains two model gallery panels. One displays a list of template models and the other displays a list of saved models. These are selected using the VIEW TEMPLATE MODELS and VIEW SAVED MODELS menu buttons.
To start the editing process, you must first select one of the template models by clicking on it. You can then click on the CREATE NEW MODEL button to open the editor window.
The initial overall length of each model is shown in the gallery as a rough guide.
After editing, any models you save will appear in this panel.
You can return to your saved models at any time and make further edits using the EDIT MODEL button.
This is where you can view the effects of adjustments made to the selected model. On the right side of the window is a panel containing a combination of adjusters and buttons. The exact combination available will vary depending upon the model that has been selected.
Each adjuster corresponds to a dimension or other setting that can be individually modified. This is done either by entering the appropriate value into the edit box or by using the associated slider control. Settings are limited to plus or minus a fixed percentage of their original values (typically 30%). This is to prevent models from becoming too distorted.
Some adjustments can take a number of seconds to complete, especially when model textures are being updated. For this reason a message is displayed on the main menu bar to indicate when updating is still in progress (‘ADJUSTING – PLEASE WAIT...’).
The units of measurement applicable to each adjuster are displayed in its title. For dimensions, these can be either metres (m) or inches (ins). You can change the units in use at any time via the Settings menu option.
The effect of any adjustments that modify the overall length of the model is shown in the blue bar at the top of the adjustment panels.
A special adjuster is provided for vehicle models, which can be used to scale all dimensions at the same time by plus or minus 25%. The scaled model can then be used as the starting point for further adjustments where necessary.
When dimensions are adjusted independently, it is possible for unwanted conditions to occur, such as wheels overlapping with the ends of the vehicle body. For trailers, overlap could also occur between the front of the body and the trailer hitch, or between the wheels of multiple axles. When such a condition is detected, a warning message is displayed in the main menu bar (‘CORRECTIONS REQUIRED’). Clicking on this message will display instructions on how to resolve the problem.
For most vehicle ranges, the height of doors and windows usually vary with overall vehicle height but this is not necessarily the case for vans. Within any given range of vans, parameters such as wheelbase, length and height can vary significantly but the cab size and shape typically remain the same.
To deal with this special behaviour, the van model has a front end that retains it proportions correctly when height and length adjustments are made.
Certain buttons can be used to enable or disable features of the model. Others allow you to alternate between various selectable options. The set of buttons available will depend upon the model being edited.
You can change the background colour of the entire model. Click this button to display a colour palette where you can select one from a basic template or create your own custom colour.
This allows you to specify a default mirror offset to match your vehicle. Click the button to display an approximate field of view cone for one of the rear view mirrors.
An adjustment slider will also become visible to allow you to make any necessary adjustments. Changing this value will affect how the scene appears in the mirror views of the simulator.
The buttons labelled NUMBER OF AXLES, ENABLE MUDGUARDS and ENABLE LOAD can be used in any combination to change the configuration of the trailer model.
The model being edited can be rotated to allow the effects of adjustments to be viewed more easily. This is done by clicking the left mouse button and then dragging left and right across the Editor View screen.
A chequerboard ground surface is visible in the model editing view to help visualise changes in model size. Each square measures 1m x 1m.
Once all required adjustments have been made the model can be saved for use by the simulator. You can make as many copies of each model as you wish, using different dimensions and settings for each one.
To make an entirely new copy, go back to the Template Models Gallery and select the template for editing again. To make a copy of the model you have just edited, you can use the SAVE AS... button instead.
When the program starts up, an Assistant panel will appear on the left side of the main window. This contains instructions to lead you through the creation of a vehicle or trailer to your own specifications using a template model.
The panel can be closed at any time, giving direct access to all adjustments available for the selected template. To close it you can click on the button marked CLOSE ASSISTANT. Alternatively, click on the left-most panel labelled ‘Assistant’.
You can re-open it by clicking on the same panel. You can also control the visibility of the panel using the Settings menu option.
You can run the model editor either at the same time as the simulator or on its own. Any new models created will appear automatically in the gallery next time the simulator starts up.
If the simulator is already running, use the ‘Reload Models’ menu option of the main menu to reload the latest version of the model along with the latest gallery. This allows any changes made to the model to be reviewed without closing and restarting the simulator.
By default, all measurements are given in metres. You can change this to inches via the Settings option in the main menu.
The template gallery contains a sample set of models which will be added to over time. If your own vehicle/trailer combination can’t adequately be represented using the existing templates, please let us know via the Contact page.
© 2019
Technospeak Limited
