Researching feasibility.

[Mork_417]

Hey guys, i am looking into doing a project with my SHIII, and if it works, i would love to use it for SH4 too. I've only been reading up on this for about a week now, and I am trying to figure out if it is possible to do the following...

Can these:

(Commands_en.cfg)

[Cmd334]
Name=Set_TDC_bearing
Ctxt=1
----------------------------------------------------------
(Dials.cfg)

[Dial11]
Name=Sol_Bearing
Type=24; DIAL_SOL_BEARING
Cmd=Set_TDC_bearing
Dial=0x3B0D00FF
CrtVal=0x3B0D0001
NewVal=0x0
DialVal=0,360
RealVal=0,360; degrees
Circular=Yes
CmdOnDrag=Yes
SndStep=5
SndList=1,Menu.TDC.Bearing,360

be adjusted so that instead of, or in addition too, the mouse being used to set the values, that i can use two keys to increment the value -1/+1 at a time?

Example: Key "<" = TDC_bearing -1 / Key ">" = TDC_bearing +1


When i was testing earlier today, I tried the following method...

[Cmd334]
Name=Set_TDC_bearing
Ctxt=1
Key0=0x59,s,"Y"

...and all it did was reset the dial/value to 0.


Any assistance or reference material you can point me to will be GREATLY appreciated. FYI, I have no code programming experience what so ever, and the only scripting knowledge i have is batch configuring networking devices, LOL.

Thanks in advance! :up:

[TorpX]

This sounds like a good idea.

I had often thought that it would be nice if we were able to use the mouse scroll wheel to make fine adjustments to instrument settings, like setting the course on the gyrocompass, or setting depth on the depth guage. However, I have no idea how, or even if such a thing is possible.

[Mork_417]

I thought so too Torp, but looks like we are the only ones. :-?

I'll keep researching it, but without community help, it doesn't look good.

[TorpX]

Alas, if the Devs had spent a little time playing the game, and working out navigation/manual targeting problems as we do, I think many of these flaws would have been eliminated at the outset.

[Mork_417]

Well, I'm actually looking at the ability so i can add some tactile enhancements to the game for me personally. Not really from a flaw standpoint, as you mention. I am building a console to interface with the game, and would like to see if I can make some rotatory encoders work with the TDC settings. This way I can make a TDC panel on the console, and manually input my TDC values by turning the knobs on the panel. I know, probably sounds goofy right? :88)

But, i wanna give it a go.

[TorpX]

Do you mean an actual physical console apart from what you have in the game, or a worked over in-game item?

In any case, it sounds like a pretty ambitious project. It really doesn't seem goofy to me. I've always thought the limits in the way the dials, guages, and machinery works leaves something to be desired.

[HW3]

Alas, if the Devs had spent a little time playing the game, and working out navigation/manual targeting problems as we do, I think many of these flaws would have been eliminated at the outset.

The developers did the best they could with the time allotted them by UBI. They even had the release date backed up 1 quarter, if I remember correctly. They also worked with SubSim on what was wanted in the sim while they designed it. That is why it is still the very popular sim it is today.

[Mork_417]

Do you mean an actual physical console apart from what you have in the game, or a worked over in-game item?

In any case, it sounds like a pretty ambitious project. It really doesn't seem goofy to me. I've always thought the limits in the way the dials, guages, and machinery works leaves something to be desired.




Yes sir, an actual physical console, kinda like what the Flight Sim guys do when they build a cockpit mock up in their garage. Except, I don't think I'm going to go that far with it. :hmmm:

[palatum]

Floppyrat, I had the same idea some time ago, explained in this (somewhat hi-jacked) thread:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=194563

I finally ordered an Arduino set, which I haven't had the time to look at, and an Enigma-E set (from Bletchley Park) which I also haven't had the time to build.

But it sounds awesome, no-one can disagree on that :D

[TorpX]

But it sounds awesome, no-one can disagree on that :D

Very much so... :yep:

[Mork_417]

Palatum, thanks for sharing your thread man. I was not aware of the Arduino project set, or the Enigma-E thingy which is SO kewl. :up:

So far i have compliled a rough parts list, for testing with, and will probably be ordering it this weekend. Basically, I will be using almost the same method the flight simers use, except I will be using Joy2Key software to interface with since SHIII doesn't have an interface setup like the flight sim does.

I have been working on how to breakout the panels of the console system, such as TDC, Navigation, Dive Control, etc... Trying to get an idea of the level of detail I want to control via that particular panel. This way I can work on a final parts list once I have an idea of how many indicators, switches, wiring, enclosures, etc to order.

So far, I'm approaching this in the way that my panels will be input only to the game, no information displaying. My TDC panel will only have the rotary encoders to input the TDC settings, but at this point, i will be unable to get them to work. This is because if i can't figure a way to adjust the values with keyboard keys (see my original post), then my setup will not work.

The other stuff, seems pretty straight forward, if I can assign a keyboard key to it, then i can setup a switch on a panel for it. I have not decided on particular USB input board yet, mostly because i will need to finish figuring out my panel layouts first. Then based on number & type of inputs, i will order the input board needed for those panels. I am already figuring out this will be a pretty big setup. However, given that there are several types of USB input board options available, mostly from the flight sim community, it really shouldn't be a problem.

As soon as I get my test setup done, i'll post of pics/video if anyone is interested. But, as i stated above, it's pretty straight forward, and i'm guessing most on here have already done something similar. I'm just hoping one of the modders can assist me with the TDC input hurdle. :)

Thanks guys!

[TorpX]

As soon as I get my test setup done, i'll post of pics/video if anyone is interested.

I would encourage you to document your methods and post them so that they would not be lost or forgetten. What you are doing might be too complicated for most of us now, but over time could be brought within reach by further developments. This is how we make progress in the SH world, after all. :up:

[Mork_417]

I would encourage you to document your methods and post them so that they would not be lost or forgetten. What you are doing might be too complicated for most of us now, but over time could be brought within reach by further developments. This is how we make progress in the SH world, after all. :up:


I can do that. :)

Update: I just placed the order for the controller board, rotary encoder, and 12 position rotary switch. I already had some left over toggle & push button switches. This will be enough to do a test panel that will include all the types of inputs i plan to use.

Will update again once parts have arrived, and I start putting the panel together. :salute:

[TorpX]

Sounds good.

[Mork_417]

Still waiting on my parts to arrive for the test console. In the mean time i have been trying to read up on assembly, and searching SubSim for information on adding new commands in the game.

This read was encouraging: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=1923637&postcount=966

I'm guessing if it can be done in SH5, it can be done in SH3 & 4 also. :hmmm: Key commands could be setup up to adjust the TDC inputs by keyboard, meaning i can get the a TDC input panel working.


The other interesting part was:http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=1626569&postcount=123

If i could get or find those memory addresses for SH3, then I could setup real gauges in the console that would display that information. I could also have a depth & speed gauge. To me that would be kinda kewl. :D

However, my main goal right now is getting the input side working. I'll tackle the gauges thing later, maybe. I don't want to get too carried away, and lose interest through frustration. :/\\!!

Wish my stuff was here already. :wah:

[palatum]

Good status report, mate :salute:

I would love to see this developed!!
What's the tracking ID for your parts? :O: I can't wait eighter...

Palatum

[Mork_417]

Tracking number doesn't really help me much. All it says...

"Your item, posted on 10/01/13 with reference RU078889964GB has been passed to the overseas postal service for delivery in UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."

I have no idea how long it takes to get stuff from overseas. :06:

[palatum]

Hehe, no problem :-)
Patience is a virtue...

[Mork_417]

Well my parts for testing came in day before yesterday. :sunny: But, work has been heavy this week with a new zone buildout, so I haven't had any time to mess with it. If i don't have to travel this weekend, i'll start working on assembling the panel. Shouldn't take too long, as this will be just for testing, so it won't be pretty. :D


Funny story: I had just stepped out of the shower, when our dane started barking. I walked over to the window, and seen the postal truck at the foot of our drive way. I started to smile as i figured it was my parts, and usually the postal worker will knock, and leave the package at the door. Then, i saw him walking back to his truck, still holding my package. :o WAIT!!! I screamed, knowing he couldn't hear me. :doh: I grabbed my pants and was trying to put them on while going down the stairs, which didn't end well. :down: I jumped back up, finish putting the pants on, flung open the front door, and ran down the drive way. As he started to drive off, he caught a glimpse of me, looked over, and stopped the truck. I gasped, "You have a package for me right?". He replied, "um, yes sir, you'll need to sign for it."

So, i signed for it, and the guy pulled away to continue his route. As i made it back into the house still trying to catch my breath, I heard my phone going off. Had a text message from a neighbor friend that read, "Man, that must be some package!!! LOL". It was then, that i had realized, I had ran outside in thirty degree weather, half naked, waiving my arms like a kid chasing down Santa Claus. :haha:

To add insult to injury, my girlfriend (who was at work) sent me a text a few minutes later saying, "Hey, someone just informed me that a half naked old fat man is chasing the mail man through our neighborhood! Just thought I'd warn you." :huh:

[Anvar1061]

SSS
Hehe!All of us with strangenesses.LOL:har:

[palatum]

:har::har:

Good one! A package well worth chasing (and earning a reputation for) :D

Keep us updated!

-Palatum

[Mork_417]

Well, I finally got some free time earlier today to make a little progress on the testing panel. Here are some pics, but keep in mind I threw this together to test with, and to get an idea of setting up the software.

I'm pooped, and going to get some shut-eye before work tonight. :dead:

[palatum]

Looking good, for something you just threw together :D

Can't wait for the test results, and then I'll ask how you did it :)

[Mork_417]

Thanks. Got a little further with it today. Benefits of doing a test box is that I've already discovered some tricks that I'm going to do differently on the next box. :doh:

149

[Mork_417]

Ok, here is the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_4d3EX2sWI&feature=youtu.be

What do y'all think? :06:

[TorpX]

Wow, I'm impressed. It looks like it is really coming along there.

When you say, for instance, that you cannot go from single TT mode to salvo, do you mean that it is impossible because of the game code, or that you haven't found a way to do it yet? I guess what I'm really asking is, how many things will the game allow you to control?

Anyway, nice work. :yep:

[Mork_417]

Wow, I'm impressed. It looks like it is really coming along there.

When you say, for instance, that you cannot go from single TT mode to salvo, do you mean that it is impossible because of the game code, or that you haven't found a way to do it yet? I guess what I'm really asking is, how many things will the game allow you to control?

Anyway, nice work. :yep:


I can't find a command in the "Commands_en.cfg" that I can map a keystroke to in order to go back into salvo mode. I'm thinking one doesn't exist, at least not in my vanilla version. :wah: Now i've have read some threads where people like TDW has found a way to add commands into the game, so I'm hoping that some of the mods out there might have already fixed this issue. If not, maybe we could sweet talk someone into checking it out for us. :06:
Another example are the TDC gauges, if we could find a way to add commands in as I have mentioned earlier in this thread. Then we could us rotary encoders to actually input our TDC settings. :D
However, i haven't had any luck getting anyone interested enough who can do coding to take a look into it. :oops:

Anywho, basically anything you can map a keystroke to in the "commands_en.cfg" file, you can map a switch, button, or knob to. Of course, depending on how much you want to control, will decide on how many USB boards to purchase. :D

My thoughts are, that i can control the manual things i want to control, and use voice commands for the things i want the crew to control, thus setting up a more enjoyable scenario for my career games.

Still haven't decide if I'm going to build a sub in my garage or not though. :hmmm:


Edit: Oh, and thanks!

[TorpX]

Still haven't decide if I'm going to build a sub in my garage or not though. :hmmm:


Me either, I mean I'd have to clean out the garage first. :O:

[Mork_417]

Ain't that the truth! Got too much track day stuff in mine right now. :doh: