External Modding Resources
Editors, Converters, and Tutorials
Graphic Editing (.TGA)
Paint .NET http://www.getpaint.net/
GIMP, an image editing program: http://www.gimp.org/
3D Models (.SOD)
Storm 3D viewer, a .sod 3D object viewer: http://armada2.filefront.com/file/Storm_3d;3182
CV Tool, a .sod 3D object viewer that is helpful in moving / rotating hardpoints.
Joint/Hardpoint Tree Structure Tool: http://armada2.filefront.com/file/Muldrfs_Hierarchy_Joint_Assist_Tool;118829. A video tutorial on how to use this tool can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqJRElpVG_s.
Assimsoft 3D Editor. Though not easy to use, and not for editing an actual .sod object, it is great for hardpoint manipulation. Still, very hard to use: http://www.armadafleetcommand.com/afc/modules.php?name=Downloads&d_op=getit&lid=76
MilkShape 3D, a 3D modeling program: http://armada2.filefront.com/file/Milkshape_3d;4328. Bear in mind that MS3D can handle around 250 joints.
MilkShape 3D exporters: http://armada2.filefront.com/file/Milkshape_SOD_importerexporter;18853
Milkshape SOD Tutorial for showing how to move hardpoints, joints, and manipulate SODs: http://armada2.filefront.com/file/Milkshape_3D_SOD_Tutorial;24066
3dsMax5 outdated exporters: http://armada2.filefront.com/file/3DS_Max_Exporter;3186 Recommended - 3dsMax (any version) exporter with enhanced features for Armada 1 OR 2 : 3dsMax SOD Exporter V1.5.1
3dsMax5 SOD importer, to import any SODs: 3dsMax SOD Importer V1.0
Sounds
Audacity, a sound editor: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Miscellaneous
Here is a useful tool that will allow you to remove blank lines and commenting if you so choose http://armada2.filefront.com/file/ODF_Packer;3188. This means that you can have a back up ODF directory (developer versions with blank lines and comments) and your release version (blank lines and comments removed) for smaller file sizes.
This website provides you with the ability to write in many different fonts and effects - giving you the ability to create customized script on your ship / station's textures: http://cooltext.com/
This tool allows you to find and replace simple or multiline text in multiple files. Thus it can be very helpful if an ODF command name has changed, or if you don't know in which file the ODF command is located: http://www.abacre.com/afr/
A multipurpose tool which can help to calculate balance between units, alter weapon damage by percentage, simplifies changing the color of sprites and more: http://armada2.filefront.com/file/The_Modders_Toolbox;114485
Westworld's Big Book of Modding has information on a variety of subjects - from modeling to ODF editing. Note that the ODF commands list is incomplete and has a vast quantity of incorrect commands or descriptions, so do not rely on this aspect for modding.
Additional Modding Sites
Filefront Mod Repository: A huge site full of many cool mods. It is a good resource for models - just make sure you have permission to use the stuff. http://armada2.filefront.com/
MSFC Sci-fi and Gaming: A very neat site with many friendly people and mods hosted by Majestic. The models here are all high quality. Be sure not to release any mods with stuff from this site anywhere but there though. A good site to get modding advice from as well. http://www.msfc.com.au/
Armada Fleet Command: Another Armada II modding site with many of the older modders who have sprinkled their advice throughout the site. Hosts mods and tutorials as well. http://www.armadafleetcommand.com
Terradyhne-Yards: hosts Terradyhne's Armada I/II work exclusively for a variety of factions and map objects. http://www.terradyhne-yards.de/
Example Mods (used in the modding guide)
Adm. Zaxxon's Menu bitmap mod: http://www.fleetops.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,3/topic,5815.0/
Adm. Zaxxon's Generic Race GUI: http://www.fleetops.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,3/topic,7746.0/
Lantean Aurora Class warship (npc_aurura) converted by Tyler for Fleet Ops 3.1.3: http://www.fleetops.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,3/topic,8352.0/
Aquiescent Class textures (used in Adm. Zaxxon's alpha channel tutorial): http://armada2.filefront.com/file/Aquiescent_Class;94808