[REL]SH3/4 Weather Report + RealWeatherFix mod.

[Stiebler]

Subtype Zero and I have done a lot of experimental work to try to improve the weather in SH3, principally to reduce the 'rainy-storms' (periods of thick fog, heavy rain, wind 15 m/s).

This has resulted in the release of two items.

The Weather Report is another article from NYGM research, with corrections and additions by the Romanian devs. Everything you ever needed to know about weather in SH3 and SH4, combined in one five-page PDF file. You will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader (TM) to read this file.

The RealWeatherFix combines the settings that we feel are appropriate into one mod. Owing to the fact that there are so many different campaign files out there, and various alterations to the key file 'scene.dat', it is not realistic to provide separate substitute files for every available variant of SH3. Instead I have written a short program that stamps our data onto your existing files, while making back-ups of the originals. Full instructions with the read-me.

We can't fix everything, since the devs themselves acknowledge that the algorithm for SH3 weather is defective (corrected for SH4, though). There was a strong tendency to produce rainy-storms. Our parameters greatly reduce this tendency, resulting in a marked improvement to game play. Tested with stock SH3, NYGM, GWX.

Both items (NYGMWeatherReport.zip and RealWeatherFix.zip) can be downloaded from:

http://hosted.filefront.com/TeddyBar/

You can also download the current versions of NYGM from the same site. The weather changes have not been made to current NYGM, but will appear as standard in the forthcoming version 2.7. Meanwhile you can use RealWeatherFix to make the necessary weather changes.

The RealWeatherFix has been tested not least in a rolling campaign in NYGM, over a period of five game years. Before becoming too critical about supposed failures of the RealWeatherFix, please remember that the weather algorithm uses *random* parameters. We will only consider alleged defects if you can reproduce the faults in triplicate (ie, from three patrols minimum) and provide accurate documentary evidence.

Stiebler.

[onelifecrisis]

Sounds awesome! :rock: :rock:

One question... you mentioned scene.dat? Does this utility change scene.dat and if so will it affect sensors (some of the settings in there do)

[difool2]

Very cool. One thing I didn't get much of at all using my settings was fog. Will try and report back.

[Sailor Steve]

Looking forward to trying this one.:sunny:

[ReallyDedPoet]

Stiebler, I just added [REL] to your thread title :yep: May attract a few more folks to this thread. Nice work by the way :up:


RDP

[onelifecrisis]

Great! Installing now :D

(great readme btw :up:)

[Kumando]

Can it be used in a mid of a patrol?

[Uber Gruber]

I run SH3 (with GWX 2.0 Mod) via SH3 Commander, which in turn launches SH3Weather, and then the game.

Can I use this program prior to running SH3 Commander ? Is it compatible with SH3Weather or will it produce strange results ?

Thanks...

[Dowly]

Sounds nice. :up:

[mikaelanderlund]

Cool:up: :up: :up: . Can it be used with SH3Weather?:hmm: .

Mikael

[Clash]

My game won't load! Red progress bar didn't start moving and i have to reset my pc.
I use GWX 2.0 with SH-Commander 2.7

How can i restore the old status of my game? I was in my base before patrol.

[onelifecrisis]

My game won't load! Red progress bar didn't start moving and i have to reset my pc.
I use GWX 2.0 with SH-Commander 2.7

Same problem here - without SH3 Commander. I used the 16km scene.dat in case that makes a difference. I've restored my old files no problem.

[Meridian]

Getting the same error.

Progress bar moves about 5% and locks when loading a mission. I'm also using a 16km mod.

I also used the JSGME install method.

[Clash]

Looks like I screwed up the original scene.dat! Game crashes after restoring old files - game loads but CTD short before start. Is there a way to get the clean scene.dat back?:huh:

edit:
looks like the stock scene.dat is deleted after using the .exe two times:
First time: stock scene.dat->originalscene.dat plus new scene.dat
Second time: new scene.dat->originalscene.dat, stock one deleted plus new scene.dat

Is that right?

Edit: I got my game working again with the original scene.dat. Anyone got a idea where the problem is with this mod for some of us? I'am not using the 16km Mod

[Subtype Zero]

Hello, Kaluens! I am the collaborator with Stiebler on the RWF, although he did all of the coding. Although RWF was tested on NYGM and GWX 1.03, it was not tested on GWX 2.0, nor on any GWX version with the 16K mod. It should work on GWX 2.0, unless 2.0 altered the structure of scene.dat in some way that we are not aware of. Same applies to anyone that uses the 16k mod.

RealWeatherFix.exe is designed to be run only once, before you start SH3 or load a patrol. Make sure you follow the readme instructions exactly. This stamps the new values into scene.dat and copies new values to the three campaign_XXX.mis files. Then, follow the instructions to enable RWF to be loaded via JSGME. Be sure to move the backup campaign files and the scenoriginal.dat file to a safe place somewhere else on your computer. Finally, delete the RealWeatherFix.exe file from your data folder.

RWF can be used with both SHCommander and SH3Weather, although using SH3Weather with RWF will cause some unpredictable weather changes because SH3Weather also changes the campaign_XXX.mis files. Our recommendation is to not use SH3Weather with RWF, although it should not crash or damage your installation.

[MarkShot]

I followed the JSGME procedure for GWX2.

However, I plan to wait until next time I am in port to install the modded files. Just curious is that necessary? Or can this be applied while on patrol?

Thanks for making this. I am looking forward to some improved weather.

[bigboywooly]

Nice work Subtype Zero and Stiebler
Good to see you still around and modding too Stiebler :yep:

Will have to try this out real soon

[Jimbuna]

very interesting....will try this out on a secondary installation http://www.psionguild.org/forums/images/smilies/wolfsmilies/thumbsup.gif

[Meridian]

I guess it doesn't work with GWX2 and the 16k mod then, at least not on my install.

I'd love it for someone to come back here and prove me wrong though as I'd really like to use this.

[Wilcke]

Stiebler,

For folks with multiple installs, do we have any issues? The executable when placed in the DATA folder will only write to the scene.dat file correct...or does it also write to the saved game files in the MY DOCUMENTS folders?

Thanks great work!

[Subtype Zero]

I just tested RWF with GWX 1.03 16km and did not have any problems, so my guess is that the problem is installation related. RWF only writes new hex values to certain weather related parameters, so there should be no conflict with GWX unless scene.dat has been altered in some way so that RWF writes to the wrong hex locations. Always remember to roll back SHCommander before installing any mod, including this one. Further, to be on the safe side until we figure this out, ONLY install RWF while in port and before launching the game.

[java`s revenge]

Thanks for this great mod. Will try it in the weekend and will revert.

[Stiebler]

If you are using GWX2, do NOT use RealWeatherFix mod.

See this post:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=130147

Stiebler.

[goggy]

Hi guys,
after some tries I´ve finally successfully managed to scrap my scene.dat during installation. :damn:
There is no chance to roll back to the running version, let´s say ... its simply lost.
To avoid the full installation procedure I´d kindly ask you to upload a plain GWX2 scene.dat. Is this possible?
Thanks a lot for helping out of this!!

[Clash]

Here you go:
http://rapidshare.com/files/88438087/scene.dat.html

[goggy]

@Clash: Thanks a lot. GWX is working again...the hunt can go on:p. I guess you´ve saved me wasting two hours re-installation time.:yep:

[Meridian]

If you are using GWX2, do NOT use RealWeatherFix mod.

Stiebler.

Thanks for looking into this and confirming the error. Looking forward to a GWX2 compatible version in the future, I hope. :up:

[Stiebler]

The problem with GWX2 - RealWeatherFix mod lies in the fact that I was testing with the wrong file scene.dat for GWX2. The real one is *twice* as long! As a result, maximum buffer size allocated in the mod was too small for GWX. The GWX-2 file is an incredible 905 Kbytes. The cause of the problem was that the GWX-2 file was being truncated. [So why not use a dynamic buffer size? Static buffer sizes are normally much more robust.]


I've fixed this problem - trivial enough - and am testing now. The GWX-2 file loads uneventfully now.

A single patrol from Kiel with GWX-2 was also uneventful.

Apologies to all GWX-2 users for my blunder. A replacement mod 'RealWeatherFix2.zip' will be available from the previous filefront address by the end of today (UK time).
http://hosted.filefront.com/TeddyBar/

Stiebler.

[java`s revenge]

Okay, thanks!!

Will wait for it.

[papa_smurf]

Waiting very paitently for it. (Will go sink some ships while I wait)

[Clash]

@Clash: Thanks a lot. GWX is working again...the hunt can go on:p. I guess you´ve saved me wasting two hours re-installation time.:yep:Well, I copied the GWX-Mod in an empty folder and got the original scene.dat in 20 Minutes:D

It's great to hear that the mod gets updated for use with GWX! The SH-Community sure is as enthusiastic as the Sturmovik or OFP one.

[Stiebler]

I have placed 'RealWeatherFix2.zip' mod on File Front.

http://hosted.filefront.com/TeddyBar/

I've tested this with GWX-2 and NYGM, and completed a single patrol with both uneventfully. The mod certainly should work with earlier variants of GWX, since the original RealWeatherFix mod was successful.

Problem (with GWX-2) solved! (I hope).

Stiebler.

[Rasher]

Hi

Due to an earlier post, I changed the values in the Mis files for weather on a recommendation. (Not sure who it was) Do i need to change these back or can i install the RWF2 on top?

Thanks for your work :up:

Rasher

[java`s revenge]

Now it works great!!

Thanks for this mod.

[Subtype Zero]

Rasher--It should be okay for you to reinstall RWF2.0 on top. The mod should write to scene.dat and the campaign_*.mis files in your data folder.

[Stiebler]

@Wilcke:

[Also for anyone with multiple installations of SH3.]

RealWeatherFix does not affect anything in the My Documents folder.

You will need to run RealWeatherFix separately for every installation of SH3 that you have, placing the executable file in the correct position (as stated the readme) for each installation.

For GWX users:
If you are changing the default 'atmosphere' mod to the optional 16 km mod, which also uses its own version of scene.dat, then you will need to use RealWeatherFix again to alter the 16km scene.dat file.
The easy way is to place RealWeatherFix2.exe in the folder GWX - 16km Atmosphere\data folder, run the RealWeatherFix2 file, move the executable file and your back-up file to a safe place elsewhere, then install the GWX - 16 km Atmosphere mod with JSGME in the usual way.
[Note that you must FIRST have used RealweatherFix2 exactly as described in the readme, in order to change the GWX-2 campaign files.]
This is beginning to sound complicated. However, don't worry, all the weather mod will be pre-installed for you in the forthcoming GWX-2.1 mod.

Stiebler.

[Sailor Steve]

This is a stupid question, if only because sooner or later I'll find out for myself anyway, but: will this randomize the starting weather as well? I ask because I've been using the old 'Weather' mod just to have some variety at the start of a patrol.

[Progrocker]

Tried to run the RealWeatherFix2.exe, but became this message :

"This application has failed to start because the application configuration is incorrect. Reinstalling the application may fix this problem."

What should i do?

[Subtype Zero]

SailorSteve--

The short answer is no, RWF does not randomize your starting weather at present. Maybe in a future release.

[Stiebler]

@Progrocker:

You have a problem either with the mod download, or with your computer. It is inconceivable that a good download of RealWeatherFix2.exe will not run at all. It should always show a successful run, or an unsuccessful run.

To do:
1. Download the mod a second time.
2. Reboot your computer.
3. Check your computer for viruses.
4. Then try to run the mod again.

@Sailor Steve:

Even if we were to randomize starting weather, the randomness would disappear after the first three or four days of patrol. Random starting weather might sink every ship in your harbour when you leave, or cause you to run into an escorting destroyer in thick fog. Leave the start as the devs made it!

I'm not familiar with the older weather mods that set random events when you leave port.
However.... if they alter the weather settings of the campaign files, these older mods *will* adversely affect RealWeatherFix. I'd advise against their use, unless you are certain that their only effect is on starting wind heading, speed, and initial rain.

Stiebler.

[Wilcke]

@Wilcke:

[Also for anyone with multiple installations of SH3.]

RealWeatherFix does not affect anything in the My Documents folder.

You will need to run RealWeatherFix separately for every installation of SH3 that you have, placing the executable file in the correct position (as stated the readme) for each installation.

For GWX users:
If you are changing the default 'atmosphere' mod to the optional 16 km mod, which also uses its own version of scene.dat, then you will need to use RealWeatherFix again to alter the 16km scene.dat file.
The easy way is to place RealWeatherFix2.exe in the folder GWX - 16km Atmosphere\data folder, run the RealWeatherFix2 file, move the executable file and your back-up file to a safe place elsewhere, then install the GWX - 16 km Atmosphere mod with JSGME in the usual way.
[Note that you must FIRST have used RealweatherFix2 exactly as described in the readme, in order to change the GWX-2 campaign files.]
This is beginning to sound complicated. However, don't worry, all the weather mod will be pre-installed for you in the forthcoming GWX-2.1 mod.

Stiebler.

Thanks for the answer. Great work, will wait for RWF to be incorporated into GWX 2.1. I completely hosed my GWX 2.0 install last night, so I now have a brand new one up and running and a big headache. My own fault!:nope: Having a drink and in no mood to start modding the mod (16KMod+RWF).

Thanks this is a great fix. One last question will this be compatible with SH Commander? Now or in the future? Or maybe it is now.

[Stiebler]

@Wilcke:

Subtype Zero and I both forgot to test RealWeatherFix mod with SH3Commander, so I can't answer. Maybe someone can provide the answer?

[SH3Commander is a great program, but I wrote NYGM's SH3Patrol, which suffices for my needs, so I tend not to think of SH3Commander.]

Stiebler.

[Subtype Zero]

Wilcke and Stiebler--

Actually, I did test RWF with SH3 Commander and never experienced a problem, so you should be good to go! No special installation required.

[Wilcke]

Wilcke and Stiebler--

Actually, I did test RWF with SH3 Commander and never experienced a problem, so you should be good to go! No special installation required.

Thanks Mucho!!!! Great stuff, I got ambitious and combined 16K GWX Atmosphere with RWF2 and quess what it works! Excellent!:up:

[Clash]

No problems with SH3-Commander. Everything working, well done!:up:

[JScones]

@Wilcke:

Subtype Zero and I both forgot to test RealWeatherFix mod with SH3Commander, so I can't answer. Maybe someone can provide the answer?

[SH3Commander is a great program, but I wrote NYGM's SH3Patrol, which suffices for my needs, so I tend not to think of SH3Commander.]

Stiebler.
I haven't tried the tool but from a quick read of the installation instructions I can't imagine why it wouldn't work with SH3Cmdr.

My only suggestion would be to add to the instructions the usual "SH3Cmdr users must rollback first before enabling or disabling" statement.

And perhaps an addition of something warning users not to use SH3Weather.

[Stiebler]

@JScones:

Thanks for the input.

Several people (as well as Subtype Zero) have now confirmed in practice your view that RealWeatherFix is compatible with SH3Commander.

I take the point about an instruction needed for roll-back of SH3Commander before use of RealWeatherFix, and I shall add it to the instructions for any future update. However the mod will in any case appear in the next releases of NYGM and GWX, so fewer people will need to install the mod themselves.

Concerning other people's attempts at weather mods: I can't remember much about them, except that all are old, clearly none work well (or they would be widely used), and (from memory) all just make minor changes to the campaign files whose effect lasts only for the first three days out of port.

But I agree that probably players should not risk upsetting the benefits of RealWeatherFix by installing any other weather changes.

Stiebler.

[onelifecrisis]

Meh, ignore me! I disabled RWF and did some testing, and the problem persists, so it's not being caused by RWF. Now that I think about it I seem to remember KL saying something about the 16km visibility mod re-introducing VNV.

Previous post deleted - sorry.

[Subtype Zero]

Regarding the use of RWF with SH3 Weather:

While using SH3 Weather with RWF will not break RWF or completely nullify the changes that RWF makes to scene.dat, it will cause unpredicatable (and likely undesirable) effects on the weather changes brought about by RWF. So, our advice is not to use RWF with any other weather mod.

By the same token, if you use RWF, we do not recommend making any radical manual changes to the campaign_.mis files because of the possible adverse effect on RWF. If you must alter the .mis files, make sure to make a backup of the original file and to make only minor changes to only one, or at most, two variables at a time. Then, go out on at least a three week patrol to evaluate any changes you have made. :p

[Renesco]

Ever since I installed this its been heavy rain heavy fog 15 m/s winds non stop for months on end

[Sailor Steve]

Wow! Three-year necro.

Stiebler is still around, so you should be able to get some help. Never used it myself.

[Stiebler]

@Renesco:

There must be something wrong with your set-up, since no one else has ever reported this problem, and RWF is installed as standard with NYGM and GWX3.

The short answer to your problem is to un-install RWF. Then, presumably, you will not get foggy storms for months on end.

However, there is in any case a much better solution now available - H.sie's weather patch, which modifies file envsim.act and should work with all variants of SH3. It comes as standard with NYGM (version 3_4A), or else carry out a search using keywords H.sie and envsim.act. [Note that NYGM 3_4A cannot be used alone, it must be installed as part of the NYGM super-mod, see instructions by clicking on my signature below.]

Good luck,
Stiebler.

[h.sie]

@Renesco:

Bad weather fix for SH3

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=177507

h.sie

[Renesco]

Thanks for the help I'll use the h.sie mod instead, also didn't mean to necro I found the thread through the search function had no idea of the thread's age, is it just the original scene.dat I need to restore to uninstall the RWF? or do some campaign files need to be removed too?

[Sailor Steve]

...also didn't mean to necro I found the thread through the search function had no idea of the thread's age...
No real problem. I get annoyed more than I should, and forget that some people do actually use the search button.

Quick to judge, quick to condemn, and quick to kick myself for doing it. :sunny:

[Stiebler]

@Renesco:

Just restore the scene.dat file.

Stiebler.