while compiling the model i get a request for a shader type (1-9) for the shader "01 - default".
I only have 2 materials(neither are 01-default), and two pieces of geometry in the model....anyway, i picked trans-chicago and later in sapien i get this error:

EXCEPTION halt in \halopc\haloce\source\tag_files\tag_groups.c,#3157: #0 is not a valid shader_transparent_chicago_map_block index in [#0,#0).

it could be that i didn't set the shader up, but i don't even know what that shader is referencing

Make the shaders before you export. That happens when you change the type of a shader after you have exported. Re-exporting it is the only way I know how to fix it.

before i export or before i compile?

I deleted that shader, made two for the textures i have, fixed the linking in the model.....it still gives me that 01-default shader.

so i tried both bitmaps in that shader....both times both parts of the sky end up having the same texture...but at least i got it into sapien without crashing...the error must be from not having a map in the shader.

still, the sky is no good with the same texture on everything

Go back into max / gmax and put the correct shader names in. Then export again. That should fix the problem.

not working, still gives me one extra shader.

setup:

starsfour.tif>1/2 sphere material name: starsfour> starsfour.bitmap>starsfour.shader_transparent_chicago

planetone.tif>plane material name: planetone>
planetone.bitmap>planetone.shader_transparent_chicago