I have used UVmapper to create two diffent groups but poser still sees the helmet as one object, as you can see from the picture (above) though it can recognise the groups in the grouping section.

am i doing this the wrong way or am i just not doing something right?

Thanks

See the little upside down triangle drop down, near the top of the Group Tool Palette, that says "polSurface...?"  WHat happens when you open tht drop down, how many groups are there?  THat is the list of Groups(/Material ZOnes) you have in that object.

With that Pallette you could Edit the ones that are there, dlete them, and/or create new one.

FYI - Material Zones define what part of the surface will be texture(Like V3.)

With one surface selected click on assign material in the group editor and name the material

Then click on invert and repeat using a different name.

You'll now have two materials

hey thanks guys, both of you were very helpful. I will upload the helmet to the free stuff section soon.

Thanks again!

@nghayward:  That's a great timesaver!  I didn't even notice the 'invert' button
on the grouping tool, let alone think of using it!