acad to 3d max

[thinktank24]

I am working with AutoCAD architectural desktop version 2000i and 3d studio max version 3. On windows vista.
I have designed a model using autocad and I am trying to get it into max to map materials etc.
With max I try and open the autocad file and I get this error message:
‘Object Dbx fatal error. Duplicate service name, AEC base loader.’Then max closes.
I have tried saving as a release 14 file. This doesn’t help. I can save the file in autocad as a .3ds file then max opens a basic version of it. However I would rather have all the support available by directly opening a dwg file in max . Can anyone help?

[Lazer]

Have you looked at the import wizard on max, I think I remember being able to import an autocad model saved as a .dwg I use to use Viz at college I and imported lots of autocad models in with no problems.

[hazardman]

that version of max is probably too old to handle all the new extra info that the *.dwg file may have (as far as AEC goes)...use the export to autocad in the file menu (if it's available in adt 2000i ?) ...that should purge the "AEC" but i don't know if this would import into max anybetter then the *.3ds...keep us posted...

[hazardman]

Have you looked at the import wizard on max, I think I remember being able to import an autocad model saved as a .dwg I use to use Viz at college I and imported lots of autocad models in with no problems.


at the time, viz had better dwg support then max did...

[Lazer]

Yep I think Viz was more autocad user friendly at the time, same program different leagues.

[DavidB]

3d studio max version 3.
Wow it give me flashback of my "old-time" hehe
i dont really remember if its in the R3 but in max 7 and up there is a utility called "File Link Manager" in the utility panel. Thats what i use when i wanna merge a .DWG or a DXF. Usally it worked fine, but i cant assure you it will work with R3.

just linka selected file but they are treated like x-rex( kinda) if you need to edit them just Bind it to the file and save.

[thinktank24]

Ok sorry ive not got back sooner but I am only on the internet sometimes.
I am no further on with this problem. I am exporting as .3ds model and then importing into max. the model comes in as one element. It cannot be exploded and is therefore impossible to work with. If I saved all the different elements in autocad on different layers or different colours then I could begin to manipulate the model. But that is too complicated and time consuming. Therefore you can see how being able to open the model directly in max and have all the manipulation tools available would be so much easier. I’m still searching for a solution. Maybe there isn’t one . But if there is Please help. Thanks.
ps
Thanks david b, i'll give it a go.

[Cad64]

I've never worked with Max version 3 before, but have you tried selecting the object, right click and convert to editable poly? This should allow you to manipulate the model.

[hendie]

that version of max is probably too old to handle all the new extra info that the *.dwg file may have (as far as AEC goes)...use the export to autocad in the file menu (if it's available in adt 2000i ?) ...that should purge the "AEC" but i don't know if this would import into max anybetter then the *.3ds...keep us posted...

I think this is correct. From memory, when Max3 was current, Acad R14 was current so it's impossibel for it to recognise a later version.


I am exporting as .3ds model and then importing into max. the model comes in as one element. It cannot be exploded and is therefore impossible to work with.
That depends upon how you created the file in AutoCAD and how you defined the import process in Max.
If you have used a decent layer control then you can assign every layer as it's own object when importing.

[f700es]

Ok, not sure if you have tried this but maybe worth a shot..

Export from ADT to a vanilla autocad file. Remember ADT dwg are slightly different from plain autocad dwg files. Most likely the reason for the AEC error. I don't have access to ADT 2000i but I am sure that this "export to autocad" is in there some where.

Edit: When exporting the dwg file be sure to save it as low as you can. Not sure Max 3 can open a r14 dwg. Maybe try an r12 dwg.