[REL] EQuaTool - Elite Quality Map Tools for SH5 by AvM

[Abd_von_Mumit]

Version 01.01 (2010 Sep 22)

EQuaTool changes the default Map Tools to better ones (packed in "Styles") that SubSim community has developed for years of modding SH series. Pick one Style out of many available (do NOT install whole mod!) and trim it with add-ons. Check the documentation folder to see how each of the Styles looks like.

Most Styles substitute only the "extended" series of Map Tools in game, leaving the "simple" series intact. Styles marked as "double" will however substitute both series of tools - these are intended for very demanding navigators who plot a lot and need extreme accuracy. Large tools included in them may also prove useful to shortsighted persons.

There are also add-ons. One replaces the "simple" series of tools with better looking ones, second allows adding a Large Style Ruler to any standard sized Style. Before installation check their respective descriptions below!

Download: EQuaTool - Elite Quality Map Tools for SH5 v. 01.01 by AvM (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads.php?do=file&id=2819)

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads/equatool-cover_6b1.jpg



Included styles and add-ons

For comparison - this is how stock tools look like:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads/stock_sh5_tools_924.jpg


Flat Style
Standard sized, most similar to default set, but with much better looking tools for higher precision.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads/flat%20style_NJV.jpg

Kriegsmarine Style Family
All standard sized, they come in various flavours (check the Styles descriptions below). The hallmark of the Family is the Nazi Eagle on the tools - an exact copy of markings stamped on all tools/equipment officialy owned by Kriegsmarine (there were a few different designs of these stamps, only some were used).
Version without svastikas (much lower quality and not historically accurate) is discontinued, but available in version 01.00 of this mod (check my FileFront site: http://www.filefront.com/user/Abd_von_Mumit).

Kriegsmarine Regular Style
Standard sized, similar to default tools but more precise. The Eagle is a copy of real markings.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads/kriegsmarine%20regular%20style_S7Q.jpg

Kriegsmarine Light Style
Standard sized, similar to default tools but more precise. The Eagle is a copy of real markings.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads/kriegsmarine%20light%20style_7Ru.jpg

Kriegsmarine Golden Style
Standard sized, similar to default tools but more precise. The Golden Eagle is my idea for eye-candy ("a luxury set") and may not be historically accurate (however the Eagle shape IS accurate).

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads/kriegsmarine%20golden%20style_Vwo.jpg

Kriegsmarine Woody Regular Style
Standard sized, similar to default tools but more precise and with wooden handles/grips. The Eagle is a copy of real markings.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads/kriegsmarine%20woody%20regular%20style_7PV.jpg

Kriegsmarine Woody Light Style
Standard sized, similar to default tools but more precise and with wooden handles/grips. The Eagle is a copy of real markings.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads/kriegsmarine%20woody%20light%20style_RbU.jpg

Kriegsmarine Woody Golden Style
Standard sized, similar to default tools but more precise and with wooden handles/grips. The Golden Eagle is my idea for eye-candy ("a luxury set") and may not be historically accurate (however the Eagle shape IS accurate).

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads/kriegsmarine%20woody%20golden%20style_k5g.jpg

Woody Style
Standard sized. These tools don't provide better accuracy than stock, but... they have wooden handles/grips.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads/woody%20style_9C3.jpg

Large Style
Non-standard sized. All tools are the same - they are large, VERY accurate and look professional. In fact they can be used in a truly professional manner, unlike their smaller brothers - check manual written for this tool by Moose Malloy, included in \documentation\manuals\malloy's ruller.rtf (written for SH3, some details may not apply to SH5 - I have not yet verified it for SH5).

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads/large%20style_pv4.jpg

Medium Style
Non-standard sized. A good compromise between standard and large sized tools. Very legible with thick markings.

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads/medium%20clean%20style_g8L.jpg

Medium Faber-Castell Style
Non-standard sized. Same as "Medium Clean Style", but with additional markings (historically accurate KM Eagle, copy of real "Kriegsmarine" writing and pre-war "Faber-Castell" logo as producer of the tool, for immersion).

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads/medium%20faber-castell%20style_tCn.jpg

Double Set - Large plus Flat Style
Non-standard sized. Large Style as "extended" series of tools with Flat Style as "simple" series. For maximum precision and flexibility when plotting a lot. Uses coloured Eraser tool coming from "Add-on - Coloured Simple Tools".

Add-on - Large Style Ruler
For any "standard sized" Style replaces Ruler tool (extended series) with a Large Style Ruler (see Large Style description to see the Ruler).
Install ONLY on top of "standard sized" Styles - if installed on top of any "non-standard sized" Style, will render tools useless. This add-on may NOT be used independently (needs a "standard sized" Style installed first).

Add-on - Coloured Simple Tools
These are here for eye pleasure - they add more colours when working with a map, the also look more real than stock tools.
Install ONLY on top of "single" Styles - if installed on top of any "double set", will render tools useless. This add-on may be also used independently (without any Style installed).

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads/add-on%20-%20coloured%20simple%20tools_0LY.jpg



Requirements
Silent Hunter 5 game, any version
JSGME 2.6 or higher


Installation
Install/uninstall ONLY using JSGME (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=173323) - mod will not work or can even render your tools useless if JSGME is not used. Copy and activate only one chosen Style folder (combining Styles may need manual tweaks in Mouse.cfg file) and optionally add-ons (check every add-on description for info on compatibility dependencies). For technical instructions on installation check JSGME help files.
"New UIs" by TDW mod users (so called "TDW mod"): any Styles must be activated after "New UIs". You will get a warning about overwriting "New UIs" files - ignore it (click "Ok") - it's perfectly safe. Otherwise you may install EQuaTool in any order relative to other mods.
You can safely install EQuaTool mid-patrol (NO need to start a new career or return to port).
Install while game is closed.


Updates
For current version of EQuaTool check: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=175050
To update remove any previous version of EQuaTool and install the new one.


Known issues/conflicts
To my knowledge EQuaTool is fully compatible with all mods available for SH5 on SubSim as per version 01.01 release date ("New UIs" users - check Installation notes).
In the future EQuaTool may conflict with mods that change Map Tools (especially when using the bigger than default size tools).


Further notes
All tools in EQuaTool come from other mods. I am very grateful to their authors for first making them, then releasing, and then letting me use their work.

Although I intend to develop EQuaTool further, I want it to remain very simple - for full compatibility with other mods. Thus I'm not planning to add or alter any GUI (interface) elements. If you are looking for a mod completely revamping Navigation Map look, EQuaTool is not the one.

Most probably there are some other good quality Map Tools created by SubSim community that I missed - if you happen to know about them or have them, please contact me. I'll be happy to include them in EQuaTool as well, for greater diversity, and also simply so that they don't vanish in our community's memory.


To-Do

Add "Huge Style" high resolution tools.
Add a lattitude/longitude grid overlay tools.
Add "depth checking" tool.
Add "Triangle Style" tools.
Add "Square Style" tools.
Add a trig slipstick (in a new mod?).



Documentation
EQuaTool replaces game files only in /data/Menu/MouseCurs/ folder. Depending on which Styles/add-ons are activated, always some .dds files are removed (.dds-remove feature of JSGME) and corresponding .tga files are placed instead. Every Style and some add-ons also install own (replace existing) Menu.cfg.
For list of files from external sources check documentation folder. For list of files that are replaced by EQuaTool check respective mod folders.


License
The parts of EQuaTool that do not come from external sources are released under license of your choice: "GNU General Public License" v. 2 or later or "ShareAlike" License.
The above means: you are free to do whatever you want with EQuaTool, but if you publish/distribute it or its derivatives, you must make it available under the same license I do (EQuaTool is to stay free forever). For details check the license of your choice or contact me.
For work of others' that I used, you are free to use it and modify it for your personal purposes. Other uses may require permission from rights owners - check respective readme files included in documentation folder, or contact the authors.


Credits
These people allowed me to use their work. EQuaTool wouldn't be created without their skill, effort and kindness:

[501]Otto - used his work as a "cover" illustration for this mod,
h.sie - used files from his SH3 mod "ACM-GUI Reloaded - h.sie's Edition V1.15",
latemail - used files from his SH3 mod "SH4 Maptools for SH3-Stock",
makman94 - used files from his SH3 mods "ImprovedMalloy'sRuler" and "The MaGui mod (version 3.4)",
reaper7 - used files from his SH5 mod "HiDef Realistic Interface V2.0",
TheDarkWraith - used files from his SH5 mod "NewUIs_TDC_4_3_1_ByTheDarkWraith".

I'm aware that other people also have contributed to development of Map Tools a lot for many years of SubSim community modding history. I am not able to list them all. I am grateful to them too.



All criticism, feedback, tips and requests welcome. Meet me on SubSim Forums (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/).


(-) Abd_von_Mumit http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4344/crazy2.gif


-------------


Changelog
2010.09.18, v. 01.00

Added "Flat Style".
Added "Kriegsmarine Style".
Added "Large Style".
Added "Medium Style".
Added "Woody Style".
Added "Double Set - Large plus Flat Style".
Added "Add-on - Coloured Simple Tools".

2010.09.22, v. 01.01

Researched symbols used by logistics service to mark goods and equipment that belonged to Kriegsmarine, then copied most often used markings and applied them to chosen Styles.
Added "Add-on - Large Style Ruler". Also replaced large Ruler (as in "Large Style") with a Ruler of size and style in line with rest of the tools in: "Flat Style", "Kriegsmarine Style". To have your large Ruler back, just install "Add-on - Large Style Ruler" after installing your standard sized tools.
Discontinued "Kriegsmarine Style", it now became a whole Family of Styles (see below). They have now much better quality and historically correct Eagle ("Reich's Eagle" instead of "Party Eagle"), the very one used by Kriegsmarine logistics.
Added "Kriegsmarine Light Style" - historically accurate, very simplified Eagle.
Added "Kriegsmarine Regular Style" - historically accurate, simplified Eagle.
Added "Kriegsmarine Golden Style" - eye-candy, large golden Eagle.
Added "Kriegsmarine Woody Light Style" - "Kriegsmarine Light Style" plus wooden handles/grips.
Added "Kriegsmarine Woody Regular Style" - "Kriegsmarine Regular Style" plus wooden handles/grips.
Added "Kriegsmarine Woody Golden Style" - "Kriegsmarine Golden Style" plus wooden handles/grips.
Refurbished "Woody Style" - same handles, but better new shadows and looks now more three-dimensional.
Renamed "Medium Style" to "Medium Clean Style".
Added "Medium Faber-Castell Style".
Replaced default Eraser Tool in "Double Set - Large plus Flat Style" with coloured Eraser from "Add-on - Coloured Simple Tools". Future double sets will use coloured Eraser as well.
Replaced all .dds files with .tga files, for disk space economy and better performance on slower computers. Added corresponding ".dds-remove" files for JSGME (this makes EQuaTool fully JSGME dependant - it won't work unless installed via JSGME).
Added "To do" section to documentation.
Fixed some minor issues with documentation files and folders.

[DavyJonesFootlocker]

Care to explain what are these tools and what makes them different from the rest?...erm nevermind.:O:

[Abd_von_Mumit]

EDIT: Removed. Maybe TDW didn't notice. :D

[DavyJonesFootlocker]

The Kriegsmarine style looks rad...nice work.:yeah:

[Abd_von_Mumit]

A forgotten note to "New UIs" mod users (so called TDW mod, by TDW): any EQuaTool Styles must be activated _after_ New UIs. You will get a warning about overwriting 4 "New UIs" files - ignore it (click "Ok"). The add-on may be activated in any order.

[DrJones]

Thats look really great. I've created yesterday nearly the samer for me and wantet to release them here today. ROFLLOL :woot:

I Don't mind.

Thanks a lot.

[Abd_von_Mumit]

Thats look really great. I've created yesterday nearly the samer for me and wantet to release them here today. ROFLLOL :woot:

So release it, especially that it's ready. :up: Competition can only bring benefits (unless it turns into hostility, which is unlikely). And if you won't release it - share ideas/files - I'm in constant search for good map tools and ideas for better "Styles" or add-ons for this mod. Diversity (like competition) also brings rather good things.

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4344/crazy2.gif

[BowfinSS287]

very nice work,they look great :up:

any chance you could make the Kriegsmarine Style with wood?

thanks

[etheberge]

Wow, these look awesome, thank you! I love all the different choices. Bravo!

[vickers03]

thanks, very nice:yep:

[Abd_von_Mumit]

any chance you could make the Kriegsmarine Style with wood?

Do you mean a combined double set or adding wooden handles to KM tools?


Glad you like it, gentlemen.

[BowfinSS287]

I use your Kriegsmarine Style, but the wood really looks good
i bet you'll get the request for all versions to have the wood

[SteelViking]

I use your Kriegsmarine Style, but the wood really looks good
i bet you'll get the request for all versions to have the wood

I completely agree, the wood grips for the tools really adds a nice touch of realism. Excellent job.:up:

[Abd_von_Mumit]

Working on KM Style + wooden handles/grips (which word suits better? - I'm not an English native speaker).

If you have any more requests, shoot.

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4344/crazy2.gif

[Trevally.]

Hi Abd_von_Mumit, thanks for this mod:up:

Dont know if this is possible but it would be great if we could draw parallel lines with the ruler.

At the mo we can grab a line at either end and adjust.

X------------X

If there could be a way to grab the whole line, say from an extra point and move it keeping the same bearing.

X-----X-----X

I know this would require more than image work.
What do you think?

[Abd_von_Mumit]

Hi Abd_von_Mumit, thanks for this mod:up:

Dont know if this is possible but it would be great if we could draw parallel lines with the ruler.

At the mo we can grab a line at either end and adjust.

X------------X

If there could be a way to grab the whole line, say from an extra point and move it keeping the same bearing.

X-----X-----X

I know this would require more than image work.
What do you think?

I dream about such solutions as well - REAL applied geometry, with rulers, set squares, drafting compasses... But this is much more than simple substitution of tool images.

At the moment I have no idea if and how your request could be done. However I started experimenting with lines manipulation, and if I find anything useful, I'll let you know.

As to the very issue of parallelity - the tool used in Large Style could do the job to an extent - when you start drawing the line, you check where the original line starts (close to which tool's dot), and then you end drawing the line when the second end of the original line is alligned exactly in the same spot. Not a very handy method, but good as a workaroud.

Actually... you gave me an idea. http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4344/crazy2.gif

[Trevally.]

This ability is within the compass tool (grab and move).
If somehow that could be copied into the ruler:salute:

[Abd_von_Mumit]

When playing with lines I discovered a damn useful feature: with tool selected, hold Ctrl when pressing left mouse button - this will start drawing the line exactly in the middle of your boat. http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4344/crazy2.gif No more need to scroll all the way to biggest zoom before plotting bearing to target and so on. It also lets you start multiple lines in the same pixel.

[Sepp von Ch.]

Great idea! Thank you! Love this Kriegsmarine version;)

[Abd_von_Mumit]

I need some feedback from users:
Is it ok with the big circle as ruler in KM/Flat Styles, or would you rather have all tools of the same size as default (then all of them would be KM/Flat Style), and the big circle as an option (added by installing an add-on)?

I can't choose what's better. I have ease of installation (user friendliness) on one side of equation, and flexibility on the other... Need your opinions.

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4344/crazy2.gif

[Sepp von Ch.]

Current KM Style is OK for me.

[Abd_von_Mumit]

Still working on KM-Woody. Shadows gave me a hard time (I never worked with graphics before).

As it is supposed to be a luxurious set of tools (a gift from the Onkel?), I made a Golden version as well.

Only handle added:
http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/8490/kriegsmarinewoodycompas.jpg

Eagle changed from Party Eagle (incorrect) to Reich Eagle (correct). RIght now looks to dark/heavy, will work more on it.

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/8490/kriegsmarinewoodycompas.jpg

Eagle in gold:

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8490/kriegsmarinewoodycompas.jpg

[Sepp von Ch.]

Really nice!:yeah:

[pascal4541]

:yeah:It's a very good Mod and very good job
Thank's for the communauty :03:

[Abd_von_Mumit]

As I don't like the big-pitch-black eagle I posted above (too heavy and consists of too many details, that produce a messy stain), I searched the internet for some REAL markings used on tools/equipment. And I found them. There were basically 3 to 4 versions of a single marking used throughout whole the Nazi era: A very simplified eagle holding a svastika in a wreath, and letter M below it (where M stands for "Marine" - "Navy"). Whatever was marked with this sign was KM property.

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/6603/kmreichsadler01.jpg

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/8453/kmreichsadler02.jpg

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/8320/kmreichsadlerklein02.jpg


I saw at least 1 original plotting tool marked with this sign (a large wooden triangle), so it is historically VERY accurate to us those markings instead of the black, detail-heavy eagle we can find on Wikipedia pages nowadays (actually the little one would look cute if not the svastika, wouldn't it?). This is what I got so far:

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/8490/kriegsmarinewoodycompas.jpg

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/8490/kriegsmarinewoodycompas.jpg

I paste it not only for anybody interested, but also for me... to see how little I achieved in sooo many hours. Couldn't there be less colours?

http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4344/crazy2.gif


EDIT:
More noteworthy examples:
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/4160/kmreichsadler03.jpg http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/985/kmreichsadler04.jpg http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/8736/kmreichsadler06.jpg http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/4129/kmreichsadler08.jpg http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/3269/kmreichsadler09.jpg

[Kentrat]

Dzien dobry AvM,

Like the stylized line-drawing version; very simple, very effective!

Keep up the good work

Regards

[pascal4541]

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/8490/kriegsmarinewoodycompas.jpg
Very nice :yeah:

[Abd_von_Mumit]

Updated to version 01.01. See the first post for new Styles descriptions and pictures. Quite a few new styles added, some refurbished, added "To do" section. Users of previous version: read at least the highlighted part of Changelog below.


Changelog
2010.09.22, v. 01.01

Researched symbols used by logistics service to mark goods and equipment that belonged to Kriegsmarine, then copied most often used markings and applied them to chosen Styles.
Added "Add-on - Large Style Ruler". Also replaced large Ruler (as in "Large Style") with a Ruler of size and style in line with rest of the tools in: "Flat Style", "Kriegsmarine Style". To have your large Ruler back, just install "Add-on - Large Style Ruler" after installing your standard sized tools.
Discontinued "Kriegsmarine Style", it now became a whole Family of Styles (see below). They have now much better quality and historically correct Eagle ("Reich's Eagle" instead of "Party Eagle"), the very one used by Kriegsmarine logistics.
Added "Kriegsmarine Light Style" - historically accurate, very simplified Eagle.
Added "Kriegsmarine Regular Style" - historically accurate, simplified Eagle.
Added "Kriegsmarine Golden Style" - eye-candy, large golden Eagle.
Added "Kriegsmarine Woody Light Style" - "Kriegsmarine Light Style" plus wooden handles/grips.
Added "Kriegsmarine Woody Regular Style" - "Kriegsmarine Regular Style" plus wooden handles/grips.
Added "Kriegsmarine Woody Golden Style" - "Kriegsmarine Golden Style" plus wooden handles/grips.
Refurbished "Woody Style" - same handles, but better new shadows and looks now more three-dimensional.
Renamed "Medium Style" to "Medium Clean Style".
Added "Medium Faber-Castell Style".
Replaced default Eraser Tool in "Double Set - Large plus Flat Style" with coloured Eraser from "Add-on - Coloured Simple Tools". Future double sets will use coloured Eraser as well.
Replaced all .dds files with .tga files, for disk space economy and better performance on slower computers. Added corresponding ".dds-remove" files for JSGME (this makes EQuaTool fully JSGME dependant - it won't work unless installed via JSGME).
Added "To do" section to documentation.
Fixed some minor issues with documentation files and folders.


Enjoy! http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4344/crazy2.gif

[andycaccia]

:o WOW!

That's BRILLIANT! Well done, it's a great mod!! Great quality, and it adds a considerable amount of "immersion" and realism. Excellent!
Keep up the good work!!:yeah:

Andycaccia!

[pascal4541]

The 1.01 is GREAT :up:
Very very good job
Thank you very much Abd_von_Mumit ;)

[Abd_von_Mumit]

Glad you like it, Kentrat, andycaccia and pascal4541. Remember - ANY feedback is welcome, also critical, so when you see space for improvement, or simply something is wrong in your opinion - name it. No honest opinion would hurt or offend me. :yep:

If you don't mind, I'd also love to know which Styles you picked - out of pure curiosity, and also to know which Styles might need more attention to be equally popular/competitive. I'd really like to keep all these tools afloat.

[Trevally.]

Hi AvM

Very well done mod:yeah:

I could not resist the golden woody style with large ruler.

I also copied the eagle and wood onto the large ruler.

[Abd_von_Mumit]

I also copied the eagle and wood onto the large ruler.

Thanks for the feedback. :up:

I also thought about adding something to Large Ruler, but as it is designed to be an accurate tool with maximum resolution/visibility, I decided not to trash it with unnecessary markings. Also I'd have to make as many versions of it, as many Styles we had - this would be too puzzzling for many, I suppose.

Could you show it?

[BowfinSS287]

thanks for your new updated version with wood....:up:

[Trevally.]

Hi AvM

I just did a simple cut and paste

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/34c6a3a391.jpg

[Abd_von_Mumit]

I just did a simple cut and paste

This one would probably work a little bit better, since it contains less pixeled graphics that were enlarged:

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/479/lineextfortrevally.jpg

Download: http://www.filefront.com/17313443/LineExt-for-Trevally.tga

[pascal4541]

I use "Kriegsmarine Golden Style"
with the perfect Mod IO StategicMap, the immersion is big :yeah:
Thanks everybody :03:
http://ups.imagup.com/multi2/1285277299_SH5Img@2010-09-23_22.14.35.jpg (http://www.imagup.com)

[Trevally.]

This one would probably work a little bit better, since it contains less pixeled graphics that were enlarged:

Thanks AvM:up:

[Abd_von_Mumit]

Lots of ideas for further mod development. Chances are the next update for EQuaTools would include:

1. Depth checking tool (modified SH3 tool). No idea were to add it though - I can:
- add it to marker in extended lines of tools (every Style would then have one),
- make an add-on out of it (which would allow to supply it in various flavours if need be, for mods that use various map depth colours), that would add it to marker,
- include it in the basic line of tools with marker.
Adding it as a draggable tool is not anoption because of compatibility issues with major mods.

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/7769/depth.jpg

Still trying to figure out strange map behaviours/colours in various zoom states.

2. A nomograph tool instead of one of simple line tools, based on of good-looking SH3 nomographs, like this:

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/5881/nomo.jpg http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/6465/nomo2.jpg

3. "Plastic Style" tools, again based on what we can see in SH3:

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/843/plasticstyle.jpg

4. Also considering replacing the rather coarse looking marker in EQuaTool Styles with a smoother looking one, like for example this one:

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/6805/protractorsmall.jpg


The pictures shown are just mock-ups. I still don't have all owners' permissions to include them in the mod.

Requests/suggestions welcome. http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4344/crazy2.gif

[Venatore]

Abd_von_Mumit,

Awesome mod presentation matey, thank you for your time in delivering a mod with such good quality.

Kind Regards

Ven

[Zedi]

Is this mod include the compass from TDW UI ...

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=273&pictureid=1985

or something similar? A 2 ring compass that can be rotated with keys or mouse.

[Abd_von_Mumit]

Is this mod include the compass from TDW UI ...

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/picture.php?albumid=273&pictureid=1985

or something similar? A 2 ring compass that can be rotated with keys or mouse.

No, this mod only replaces regular NavMap tools. It doesn't add any new items to NavMap view, also doesn't add new interface elements. I want it to stay this way to avoid incompatibility with major mods people use, and for simplicity sake.

Frankly speaking, I don't even know (yet?) how to add a new interface element, however I seriously consider trying to develop a slipstick (a trig slide rule) in foreseeable future.

Right now this mod only uses one file from TDW's mod (part of the draggable compass), but only to use it as a regular NavMap tool.

Although I'm think

[SteelViking]

Wow Avm, this mod is going to really increase the realism of navigating not just from an aesthetic point of view, but also from a functional point of view. Thanks for your work on this.:up:

I really like the idea of the depth checking tool, because realistically, using the atlas echolot could alert a nearby enemy ship to your presence. I don't know if this behavior is actually in SH5, but I am always afraid to check depth when near an enemy either way.

[Abd_von_Mumit]

I really like the idea of the depth checking tool, because realistically, using the atlas echolot could alert a nearby enemy ship to your presence. I don't know if this behavior is actually in SH5, but I am always afraid to check depth when near an enemy either way.

And you're right. If the sound is lound enough to bounce of the muddy bottom and come back to you so that you hear it - it's definitely loud enough to alert enemy sonar monster (who never sleeps). I'm stuck with the depth tool, but will unstuck on weekend. Hopefully. :)

[andycaccia]

"Knots" and "minutes" are quite inappropriate for a german submarine.:hmmm:
Please make a german version as well. :D

BTW Great job so far, this mod is becoming one of the best currently available for SH5!:rock:

[[501]Otto]

This mod is a "must have", great work Abd :rock:

[Abd_von_Mumit]

Otto;1506402']This mod is a "must have", great work Abd :rock:

Thanks Otto. Your "cover photo" makes the mod look better than it really is. :D

"Knots" and "minutes" are quite inappropriate for a german submarine.:hmmm:
Please make a german version as well. :DThe pictures shown are just mock-ups. I still don't have all owners' permissions to include them in the mod.
No worries. When we include cigars in it, they won't be British, they'll be Cuban, too. :sunny:

Weekend is close, and hopefully some time to play, and mod. At the moment I'm very busy finishing a project. I've been a practically jobless freelancer for a year, and suddenly last week I received more orders than I'm able to cope with... and more were seen on the horizon. That's good... not, that's bad... no... good... bad... Dunno. Back to work. http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4344/crazy2.gif

[Abd_von_Mumit]

I don't want to start another thread for the below message, so I'll post in this thread instead:

today I bought ten cheap original WW2-like German slide rules, with intention to distribute them among SubSimmers, as a great immersion tool (I use slide rules, it's a lot of fun and pleasure). For details visit this thread on SH3 forums:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?p=1513150#post1513150

[SashaKA001]

I don't want to start another thread for the below message, so I'll post in this thread instead:

today I bought ten cheap original WW2-like German slide rules, with intention to distribute them among SubSimmers, as a great immersion tool (I use slide rules, it's a lot of fun and pleasure). For details visit this thread on SH3 forums:
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?p=1513150#post1513150

And when will be ready and how to use it?:oops:
If you do it.

[Abd_von_Mumit]

And when will be ready and how to use it?:oops:
If you do it.

I think you didn't understand me. I bought 10 slide rules cheap, in hope I'll find 10 SubSim users who would like to buy an original German slide rule for themselves.

As to "how to use it" - I did a fast Google search with "как пользоваться логарифмической линейкой" and I found some useful links in Russian (one is in Ukrainian, especially for you):
http://nsg.upor.net/library/srbooks/index.htm
http://www.mediafire.com/?qwjx2mj4kmmwtjd#1
http://www.mediafire.com/?tkn5rtngdko3hgv#2
http://www.mediafire.com/?dqujdtnmk2bzzvm

Enjoy. http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4344/crazy2.gif

PS. As I collect slide rules, I often check various auction sites. Right now http://aukro.ua/ has many very interesting rules (usually they have plenty of USSR and Czech rules, they are very cheap (though not as good as Faber-Castell's), but most sellers don't accept PayPal, thus making any purchase very hard for me. It's a Ukrainian site, so it should be ok for you. :)

[Sepp von Ch.]

Hello Abd von Mumit,

is your mod EQuaTool 01.01 by AvM - Kriegsmarine Woody Regular Style compatible with Ui-Boat V2.2 (http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=173147) please?

I wanted to use your mod and I overwrite activated Ui-Boat V2.2, but I have not noticed any changes...

[col_Kurtz]

Sorry guys for this... strange language... But I have to write this... It`s my country mate:)
Piêkna robota:) ----> Great job - wrote col_Kurtz:arrgh!:

[dan corvs]

I can't put the equatool files on jsgme. I have download the file put it can't be unzip like when I download the others mods.

[mia389]

I had no problems unziping. I used winrar. I just installed them yesterday. They are GREAT! and a must for real navigation. Maybe try unzipping to desktop and then open the folder and you will pick one folder to copy to your mods folder. I use large style
http://www6.picfront.org/picture/fPdskE8JFRe/thb/Clipboard01.jpg (http://www.picfront.org/d/8imn)

[CVKolm]

Very nice mod. This nav tools do really look greate. :up: But there's one thing making them not so convinient to use with real navigation. The scale is reverted - 0 is down and 180 up. So, when plotting bearings have to subtract 180 all the time.:damn:

[gap]

The scale is reverted - 0 is down and 180 up. So, when plotting bearings have to subtract 180 all the time.:damn:

It is not reverted: it is as supposed. Just click on your last plotted position, move the tool toward your target/next waypoint and read the correct angle where the plotting line is crossing the tool's scale :yep:

[CVKolm]

Of course, but the problem occures, when trying to mark psition manually using landmarks. The best solution is to make all these tools double scaled, as it is in real life. :rock:

[gap]

Of course, but the problem occures, when trying to mark psition manually using landmarks. The best solution is to make all these tools double scaled, as it is in real life. :rock:

If you show me a good picture of an original Kriegsmarine compass featuring the double scale, it shouldn't be a big issue to reproduce it in game.

[CVKolm]

The modern protractors are not round but triangle, so you could work with it combining with the ruler. And they are double scaled. For me it's hard to belive that german protractor was round (as tool in the game) because it's impossible to use this thing with ruler. This makes it absolutely useless while plotting on chart. Anyway, if it was realy round (not the best choise :oops:) you can just rotate it to place 0 up or down. As this ingame tool is not turnable - the second scale will be a good solution anyway :yep:

[Sailor Steve]

It's not absolutely useless. In fact it's very useful. Place the center over the sub icon and move it to the target. The line will be on the proper degree. Place it over the target and move it to the sub icon. The line will be on the proper degree. Thousands of players have used this since SH3, seven years ago, and had no problems.

[gap]

It's not absolutely useless. In fact it's very useful. Place the center over the sub icon and move it to the target. The line will be on the proper degree. Place it over the target and move it to the sub icon. The line will be on the proper degree. Thousands of players have used this since SH3, seven years ago, and had no problems.

Yep, I agree with Sailor Steve:

I am sorry CVKolm, but I am not sure to understand your problem in using the existing protractor. :oops:
I can't see any use in adding a second scale, other than reproducing historical plotting tools used by Kriegsmarine, but atm you failed to support your arguments with a photographic evidence. Maybe try to explain more in depth what makes current tools useless to you... :)

[CVKolm]

All right guys. Here you are. The evidence :DL http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/3144/winkel2.png
It's double scaled: red and black numbers.

Sailor Steve, you misunderstood me, not the ingame tool is useless but the reallife protractor, if it would be round. But as we can see, it's not round. By the way, i also played sh3 GWX for several years.

It was just a suggestion to make the second scale to improve this tool's functionality. It will be neded if you want to mark the player sub's position on chart manualy using landmarks, when playing with "real navigation". :salute:

Best regards.

[yosua_o]

Wow, this is a simple tweak yet a POWERFUL addition to comfort!

[bombacan]

thank you looks really nice

[Trevally.]

Anybody can upload it to mediafire or similar please?
Can't get this file because of subsim limitations.

Post more comments = download more mods
Its fun, try it:D

Oh and welcome to SH5:)

[Dragonlord47]

I love you mod makes Real Navigation even more realistic. My only problem is that the marks you can make on the map are way to light grey. I saw a youtube video were someone was making lines and they were all different colors. each line was its own bright color.

Now I know that is not real but if I can't see the course I plot or the lines of were the enemy ship is heading its going to make the game so much more stressful. I'm posting this here cause this is the only map tool mod I could find. Doing a google search did not bring up anything for a mod allowing you to change colors of markings. Can anyone help me find a mod that will allow me to make custom colors OR even just make the markings and lines a lot darker then they are?

[gap]

I love you mod makes Real Navigation even more realistic. My only problem is that the marks you can make on the map are way to light grey. I saw a youtube video were someone was making lines and they were all different colors. each line was its own bright color.

Now I know that is not real but if I can't see the course I plot or the lines of were the enemy ship is heading its going to make the game so much more stressful. I'm posting this here cause this is the only map tool mod I could find. Doing a google search did not bring up anything for a mod allowing you to change colors of markings. Can anyone help me find a mod that will allow me to make custom colors OR even just make the markings and lines a lot darker then they are?

New UIs by TheDarkWraith lets you to choose the drawing color of each plotting tool. IIRC the colors you choose are not stored anywhere, i.e. they are reset to tha standard light grey every time you restart the game. In order to change plotting line colors permanently, you need to download the generic patcher by the same TDW, enable the appropriate patch, and replace stock standard colur(s) your favorite one(s).

[sENoZ]

can you make that mod work for SH 3 ?

am trying to find better and bigger nav tools for sh 3, am only doing 100% realist play, i calcul speed of torpedo and targer to get my solution, so i need to use only my tools for doing this.


i would thank you a lot if you can make these tools to work with sh 3 really ^^