Gimmee better sub! (TUTE)

[Sniper297]

With all due respect, SIR, send this antique back to the junkyard you stole it from and gimmee a REAL sub. What do you mean they haven't invented a real sub yet? Slackers. :nope:

For those who want to start a career in 1941 with the options that SHOULD have been available at the time, this is a hacking tutorial involving only text editing in notepad. For this example I'm using the porpoise, substitute GAR or GATO for porpoise if that's the one you want to hack. Red indicates where a date was replaced with "NULL" so there's no restriction on the first date the upgrade is available, or the early/mid conning towers were replaced with late.

\Data\Submarine\NSS_Porpoise\NSS_Porpoise.upc

Find "conning"

[UserPlayerUnit 1.UnitPartSlot 1]
ID=PorpoiseConningSlot
NameDisplayable=Conning Tower Slot
Type=NULL
AcceptedTypes=PClassConningTower
IDLinkUnitPartIntervalDefault1= NULL, 1942-07-31,

PClassConningLateWar
IDLinkUnitPartIntervalDefault2= 1942-08-01, 1943-05-31,

PClassConningLateWar
IDLinkUnitPartIntervalDefault3= 1943-06-01, NULL,

PClassConningLateWar
ExternalNodeName3D= Z01

Now whatever year you start a career you got a late war conning tower.

\Data\UPCData\UPCUnitsData\UnitParts2Porpoise.upc

EDIT, REPLACE in the FIND window "AcceptedTypes=USLightAA"

REPLACE WITH window, "AcceptedTypes=USLightAA, USHeavyAA".

Replace all.

Now a 40MM BOFORS can be mounted on a Porpoise.

Same folder UpgradePacks.upc

Find "heavy"

[UpgradePack 10]
ID= Upack40mmSingle
NameDisplayable= 40mm AA Gun
FunctionalType= UpFTypeWeaponFlak
UpgradePackSlotType= USHeavyAA
Type=NULL
UnitUpgradePackIntervalOptionCurrent= NULL, NULL, 0
UnitUpgradePackIntervalOptions1= NULL, 1943-04-05, 300
UnitUpgradePackIntervalOptions2= NULL, NULL, 150
IDLinkUpgradePackElements= 40mmSingleUS

Now whatever year you start a 40MM BOFORS will be available.

Find "porpoiseSJ"

[UpgradePack 17]
ID= UpackPorpoiseSJRadar
NameDisplayable= SJ Surface Search Radar
FunctionalType= UpFTypeSensorRadar
UpgradePackSlotType= PorpoiseSurfaceRadars
Type=NULL
;UpgradePackInterval=NULL, 1943-09-01
UnitUpgradePackIntervalOptionCurrent= NULL, NULL, 0
UnitUpgradePackIntervalOptions1=NULL, 1942-10-01, 500
UnitUpgradePackIntervalOptions2=NULL, 1943-04-01, 100
UnitUpgradePackIntervalOptions3=NULL, 1943-09-01, 0
IDLinkUpgradePackElements= SJRadarApp, NULL,

SJRadarAntennaEarlyPorpoise, SJRadarAntennaEarlyPorpoise2


Find again (F3);

[UpgradePack 20]
ID= UpackPorpoiseSJ1Radar
NameDisplayable= SJ-1 Surface Search Radar
FunctionalType= UpFTypeSensorRadar
UpgradePackSlotType= PorpoiseSurfaceRadars
Type=NULL
;UpgradePackInterval=NULL, 1943-09-01
UnitUpgradePackIntervalOptionCurrent= NULL, NULL, 0
UnitUpgradePackIntervalOptions1=NULL, 1942-10-01, 500
UnitUpgradePackIntervalOptions2=1942-10-02, 1943-04-01, 100
UnitUpgradePackIntervalOptions3=1943-04-02, 1943-09-01, 0
IDLinkUpgradePackElements= SJRadarApp, SJ1RadarApp,

SJRadarAntennaLatePorpoise, SJRadarAntennaLatePorpoise2

That's optional, for an actual career I edit the SJ but not the SJ-1, so I start the war with the earlier cranky model - better than no radar at all. Result;

https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1/1486649_698213743556242_1990629544_n.jpg

More options for the Porpoise in 1941.

https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/v/t1/1975248_698213733556243_437503093_n.jpg?oh=c56a760 01eae6c4d4d9da7073a53d7be&oe=5372AB24

Now I can teach enemy planes not to mess with the US Navy. :salute:

[Den0]

Thanks for writing that up. I killed my game lastnight trying to do all that have a fresh install now to edit :haha:

Thank you Sir!

[Sniper297]

If you don't have winzip or winrar or something like it, get it. If you have it, right click on the
\Silent Hunter 4 Wolves of the Pacific
folder, select the winzip or winrar or whatever you got, Add to Zipfile. If you keep a zipped copy of the entire game in a safe place you'll never need to reinstall again.

[TG626]

Better still, make a COPY of the file you want to edit and the build up a folder tree for it so you can turn it on and off as a MOD.

[Den0]

Lastnight was the straw that broke... well you know:yep:

[Den0]

I can not get the tower to open up on the Narwhal. I did it somehow lastnight but I don't recall. I have one AA but not 2. :doh::/\\!!:/\\!!

UserPlayerUnit 1]
ID=Narwhal
NameDisplayable=Narwhal
UnitName= USS Narwhal
Type=Narwhal
UpgradeClass=1
UnitInterval= 1930-01-16, 1946-12-11
ExternalClassName=SSNarwhal
Nationality=American
CrewRanks=12
Evolution= Normal
Damage= 0
TextureName=data/Submarine/NSS_Sargo/NSS_Sargo_T01.tga
LightmapTextureName=data/Submarine/NSS_Sargo/NSS_Sargo_O01.tga
NormalmapTextureName= NULL
MenuSilhouetteTextureName= Salmon_Class_01.tga
[UserPlayerUnit 1.UnitPartSlot 1]
ID=NarwhalConningSlot
NameDisplayable=Conning Tower Mount
Type=NULL
AcceptedTypes=NarwhalConningTower
IDLinkUnitPartIntervalDefault1= NULL, 1942-07-31, NarwhalConningLateWar
;IDLinkUnitPartIntervalDefault1= 1941-12-01, 1941-12-31, NarwhalConningLateWar
;IDLinkUnitPartIntervalDefault2= 1941-12-01, 1943-05-15, NarwhalConningLateWar
;IDLinkUnitPartIntervalDefault3= 1941-12-01, NULL, NarwhalConningLateWar
ExternalNodeName3D= Z01
Even set the dates to career start and nothing CRAZY!

[Den0]

had to alter the Porp class sub for it to take on the Narwhal now tell me that aint odd.

Now just wish I could figure out how to unlock the 5in deck guns..... HeavyAA is not what I would need maybe Artillery?

[Sniper297]

Better still than Better still, do both! :know:

If you've never tweaked VISTA it's probably like XP, instead of file names with extensions you're looking at pictures.

http://www.trainsim.com/vbts/showthread.php?304396-Windows-Explorer-for-dummies

Set it up so file extensions aren't hidden, then you won't be trying to open a DAT file when you think it's a UPC or CGF file.

Also when you right click on a file and select "Open With" then "Choose Program" there's a check box in the lower left corner, "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file". Check that ON and you can just double click on any file with a UPC or CFG extension and it will automagically open in notepad.

[Den0]

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/LonewolfStudio/Silent%20Hunter%204/pimped.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/LonewolfStudio/media/Silent%20Hunter%204/pimped.jpg.html) :rock:


Now if you could just get my Sargo to tote a bow gun with crew at career start you would be "The man" :rock:

[Sniper297]

"When all else fails, cheat" - Joliet Jake, "The Blues Brothers". :sunny:

Them crooks are gonna charge me cash money just to move the deck gun from one end of the boat to the other I'm just gonna steal the money. :arrgh!: A career start has choices for year, home port, sub type, and renown - that defaults to 1000, but I always change it to 2000 before going into the office because I know they're gonna gouge me to move the cannon to where they should have put it in the first place. If I do figure out how to change the default from stern to bow I'll let you know, meantime increase renown before going to the office, then spend the extra dragging the 3"50 bow gun to replace the stern gun. Better still trade it for a 4"50 bow gun.

"Why would I want a stern deck gun? Who am I running away from?" - Sam Dealey, USS Harder

[Den0]

It just takes the crew slot away. There is a few huge threads on it about well this fixes it and that fixes it but I looked at some of the files they where talking about and did not see what exactly had to be changed or deleted or if something was said to be deleted I didnt have that phrase in the file. I do know its somewhere in the crew area but its crazy. If I start out in a Sargo no telling how long I am going to have to wait for a Gato to get a Bow gun. I know if you start in a Gar its about 2 return to ports.

I guess I will have to use the rudder alot again :-?

[TabbyHunter]

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/LonewolfStudio/Silent%20Hunter%204/pimped.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/LonewolfStudio/media/Silent%20Hunter%204/pimped.jpg.html) :rock:


Now if you could just get my Sargo to tote a bow gun with crew at career start you would be "The man" :rock:

Any chance you or anyone could tell me which mod this camo comes from? Of all the things I like about SH3 more,..The varried amount of U-boat camo's makes the game for me. Found very few for the fleet boats.

[Sniper297]

Hmmm, Le Bug. Version 1.3 often did that, I thought it was fixed in 1.4. Still got the bug where you start with an aft gun you got an aft gun forevermore, there's no changing it between patrols. At the very start of a career it works fine though in 1.4, just moves the gun crew to empty slots.

What I always did for 1.3;

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1/1549215_698576556853294_1617440298_n.jpg

Increase renown,

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/1798519_698576570186626_221265616_n.jpg

Move the gunners out of the crew slots for the aft deck gun so it don't have a crew.

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/t1/10006979_698576596853290_1239829525_n.jpg

Spend some renown to slide a fore gun to replace the aft gun.

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1911742_698576550186628_2132085_n.jpg

Check that the slot now says fore deck gun, slide the scurvy swabs back in.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1488247_698576660186617_90794382_n.jpg

Gots fore deck gun so I can shoot where I'm going instead of where I been. :up:

Possibly that Narwhal is gumming up the works somehow, if I'm reading your previous posts correctly it uses some parts from the Porpoise? If so it might be using something from Sargo as well, and screwing up the base model it's taking parts from. Where did you get the Narwhal?

[TabbyHunter]

And Den0, I find it hilarious your subs tower is 818 and hull is 101...


And as for OP, this will likely help me out a bit as I am just NOT used to the early war boats...or..anything at all. I've always played SH3 GWX as my laptop could play it, but not SH4....I'm a sneaky Type VII skipper!

[Sniper297]

Actually saw that on a helicopter once, the AM guys painted 554 on one side then knocked off for the night, next day painted 557 on the other side. This was on a shore station so a night at the enlisted club was probably a factor. (HIC!)

I still don't have 1.5 yet so no SH4 Das Boot, but when I played SH1 through SH3 the type VII was my favorite too. :up:

[Den0]

I moved them to DC changed then mount bow went back to put crew and deck gun slot is gone.

The narwhal comes with 1.5

Ok disregard my last.... If you do it before you touch anything else on the sub it works!

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/LonewolfStudio/Silent%20Hunter%204/sar.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/LonewolfStudio/media/Silent%20Hunter%204/sar.jpg.html)

[Den0]

Like Sniper has figured out along with me will trying to get it modded out. It is put together with different model sub parts. Why I don't know. I do have a regular Nautilus skin but I am not to crazy about the skinny new black look. Just my taste. Its here. http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showthread.php?t=211702

[Sniper297]

Hmmm. Troubleshooting 101, compare faulty thing to "known good" thing, see what the difference is. I assume you saved a backup after last re-install before you started hacking? If you copy the entire \Silent Hunter 4 Wolves of the Pacific folder to a different folder, you can just open either folder in windows explorer, double click on SH4.exe, and launch a game with a different set of mods. I frequently unzip the compressed original to a folder on the desktop to test hacks and mods, at the moment I have three folders with a complete SH4 folder on my desktop, C:\Program Files\Ubisoft, C:\Ubisoft, and three more in different folder names on the F drive for a total of 8. That simplifies the whole backup and restore procedure, C:\Program Files\Ubisoft is an untouched original I never play with at all so restoring an original file is just copy from that one and paste. Also have two zipped files in different places, only once had a disaster that required using one.

There I go rambling again, what was I talking about? Oh yeah, fore deck gun. I got 1.4 and can't duplicate here, I start a Sargo career and got the two gunners in the aft deck gun slot, change to systems and slide the 3"50 bow gun in to replace the aft gun, change back to the crew screen and there's an empty fore deck gun with the crew kicked upstairs to the torpedo rooms. Just now tried the no-no, started a career with the aft deck gun, returned to port and swapped for a fore deck gun, it automatically kicked the gunners up to damage control and changed to fore deck gun.

I HAVE seen the missing slot once, but only when I tried to mod a sargo for fore and aft 5"25s. Otherwise nary a problem, I'm wondering if all the guys getting this have a mega mod that's causing it?

[Den0]

I was not doing it first thing has to be done then I believe works although it is only showing one man on the gun I hope he fires it lol.

[Den0]

Once I get the gimp software figured out and but tbh the stock skin isn't to bad I just need to figure out how to add a tower emblem and I would be happy with it. After mentioned the numbers thing I had to take it off got to be some type of bad omen to run two number sets!!!:hmm2:

[Sniper297]

I downloaded this;

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads.php?do=file&id=1552

To look into how to attach these decals and get numbers on the conning tower that didn't reverse on the other side. However, I got so many projects on back burners I actually have back burners stacked on back burners and tend to forget what I was gonna do next. Since I forgot what it was I repainted a Porpoise. :salute:

https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/1888460_698711373506479_1952551185_n.jpg

https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1911894_698711353506481_558977751_n.jpg

[Sniper297]

Found it. While tinkering with this Porpoise I started scrolling through the deck gun upgrade packs and found this;

[UserPlayerUnit 1.UpgradePackSlot 3]
ID= UpgDeckGun
NameDisplayable= Deck Gun
Type=NULL
AcceptedTypes=USDeckGunBasic
UserCustomizable=Yes
IDLinkUpgradePackSlots= BowDeckGun, SternDeckGun
IDLinkUpgradePackSlotsIntervalDefault1= NULL, 1943-09-01, Upack3in50calDGStern
IDLinkUpgradePackSlotsIntervalDefault2= 1943-09-02, NULL, Upack3in50calDGBow

NULL means anytime, but the kicker is the first slot "default1" sounds like it might be the first choice and therefore what it automatically starts with. So I swapped them;

[UserPlayerUnit 1.UpgradePackSlot 3]
ID= UpgDeckGun
NameDisplayable= Deck Gun
Type=NULL
AcceptedTypes=USDeckGunBasic
UserCustomizable=Yes
IDLinkUpgradePackSlots= BowDeckGun, SternDeckGun
IDLinkUpgradePackSlotsIntervalDefault1= NULL, 1943-09-01, Upack3in50calDGBow
IDLinkUpgradePackSlotsIntervalDefault2= 1943-09-02, NULL, Upack3in50calDGStern

That's all it took, started a new career and got the 3 inch 50 on the bow as a default. Work for a bigger gun? Tried Sargo next,

[UserPlayerUnit 1.UpgradePackSlot 3]
ID= UpgDeckGun
NameDisplayable= Deck Gun
Type=NULL
AcceptedTypes=USDeckGunBasic
UserCustomizable=Yes
IDLinkUpgradePackSlots= BowDeckGun, SternDeckGun
IDLinkUpgradePackSlotsIntervalDefault1= NULL, 1943-09-01, Upack4in50calDGBow
IDLinkUpgradePackSlotsIntervalDefault2= 1943-09-02, NULL, Upack3in50calDGStern

and the default gun for a career start with a Sargo is a bow mounted 4 inch 50.

So to do this, open
\Data\Submarine\NSS_SubType\NSS_SubType.upc (not SubType, change that to the type of sub you want to mod) then EDIT FIND (or CTRL F) "UpgDeckGun" and it will take you right there. Cut and paste to swap the Upack3in50calDGStern and Upack3in50calDGBow and you got a bow gun instead of stern gun by default.

[Den0]

Sniper have you tried that Sargo file out? Man now that is some diesel exhaust :har:

[Snarf]

Don't forget, while you are in that file change the 40mm twin from USDeckGun to USHeavyAA, also .50 BMG from USMGAA to USLightAA
Then you will have access to the 40mm twin and the .50 Cal Browning.

[Sniper297]

If desired. Frankly with the single mount 40s fore and aft I had to cut down the available HE and AP ammo down to avoid the temptation to operate like a German E boat sinking everything in sight by punching 96 holes the size of dinner plates at the waterline on every target. :arrgh!: Incorrigible sinner, when tempted I fall. :rock:

Latest simple mod;

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/downloads.php?do=file&id=4364

Does nothing more than change the default for career start to bow deck gun instead of stern, so those who want a bow gun but always forget to change it before leaving don't have to worry about it anymore. :up:

Latest question, how do I start a career in 1941 with a Balao? Should be easy, open the Data\Submarines\NSS_Balao\NSS_Balao.upc, change this;

UnitInterval= 1943-02-04, 1963-07-11

to this;

UnitInterval= NULL, 1963-07-11

No joy, no Balao listed in 1941, probably gotta bribe a politician. Well, let's look at

\Data\UPCData\UPCCampaignData\Flotillas.upc and search for Balao.

[Flotilla 1.UserPlayerUnitType 5]
ID= F1Balao
NameDisplayable= Balao class
AvailabilityInterval= 1943-08-01, NULL
IDLinkUserPlayerUnitType= Balao

Easy enough, change 1943-08-01 to NULL. Start game, no Balao in 1941. :/\\!! That's okay, sent Fat Louie Gerrettie to get my money back and break that politician's legs to teach him not to mess with Chicago boys like that. Next up;

\Data\UPCData\UPCCampaignData\CareerStart.upc

Copied one of the late war sub lists and pasted to overwrite the 41 flotillas lists.
That works, now I got a Balao in the 1941 Pearl menu, selecting that crashes the game. :/\\k:

After an hour or so of hack crash restore original hack again crash again, this file is one of the delicate ones that reinforces the constant preaching about having backups.

[CareerStart 1.Flotilla 1]
ID= C1Flotilla1
NameDisplayable= Pearl Harbor
IDLinkFlotilla= PearlHarborCommand ; link to ID in Flotilla upc file
IDLinkUserPlayerUnits= F1Porpoise, 4, F1Tambor, 5, F1Gar, 4 ; enumeration of ID(s) that point to submarine upc file
FlotillaBriefingText=
FlotillaCommonality= 1 ; to be used when a random choice is assigned

[CareerStart 1.Flotilla 2]
ID= C1Flotilla2
NameDisplayable= Manila
IDLinkFlotilla= FremantleCommand
IDLinkUserPlayerUnits= F2Sboat, 6, F2Porpoise, 7, F2Salmon, 6, F2Sargo, 11
FlotillaBriefingText=
FlotillaCommonality= 2 ; to be used when a random choice is assigned

Note that all subs in Pearl have F1 for flotilla 1, all at Manila F2 for flotilla 2. So copying the entire line from a 1944 flotilla and pasting to overwrite won't work, you have to use the correct number and syntax to add a comma after the last number then paste F1Balao, 10 or F2Balao, 10 after the last sub listed.

[CareerStart 1.Flotilla 1]
ID= C1Flotilla1
NameDisplayable= Pearl Harbor
IDLinkFlotilla= PearlHarborCommand ; link to ID in Flotilla upc file
IDLinkUserPlayerUnits= F1Porpoise, 4, F1Tambor, 5, F1Gar, 4, F1Balao, 10 ; enumeration of ID(s) that point to submarine upc file
FlotillaBriefingText=
FlotillaCommonality= 1 ; to be used when a random choice is assigned

[CareerStart 1.Flotilla 2]
ID= C1Flotilla2
NameDisplayable= Manila
IDLinkFlotilla= FremantleCommand
IDLinkUserPlayerUnits= F2Sboat, 6, F2Porpoise, 7, F2Salmon, 6, F2Sargo, 11, F2Balao, 10
FlotillaBriefingText=
FlotillaCommonality= 2 ; to be used when a random choice is assigned

That file is the persnickety one, the other two need to have the dates changed on whichever late war sub you want for a 41 career start, but if the game crashes look carefully at the syntax in CareerStart.upc because that's the usual suspect.

[Den0]

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/LonewolfStudio/Silent%20Hunter%204/bala.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/LonewolfStudio/media/Silent%20Hunter%204/bala.jpg.html)

1941 BEWARE!!!

[Den0]

I would then have a Narwhal on steriods if I could mount those on the Balao, and have crew to man them:arrgh!:

Spelling Fail bore equal FORE.....

[Snarf]

Well after 1945 in stock you can have bow and stern 5/25's and bow and stern 40MM's, even a twin 40mm. No reason you couldn't hack your way into having that in 1941

bow + fore = bore:D

[Sniper297]

I haven't bought 1.5 yet so no gots Narwahl, but I could swear I saw a Gato or Balao with stubby 5s fore and aft. Tried starting careers in 44 with various subs to see which it was, if I could find it maybe I could dope out what's needed to have complete bow and stern slots on older subs.

[Snarf]

I actually got a 4" fore and 5" aft as I was trying to get dual 4" guns. It's very hard to get the time with a family to dive deep in the files and tweak this stuff. I'm sure with a little more work dual 4's or 3's could be had on an early sub too.

1.5 is less than 10 bucks online, it has the added benefit (at least purchasing thru amazon) of eliminating the need for the disc to play the game.

[Den0]

Got them mounted on my Balao right now. They are pure evil. Got tired of a Destroyer circling me lastnight so I poped up with the stern pointed at him at flank and let him have about 4 or 5 rounds from just the stern gun and well lets say he didn't like the outcome.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j306/LonewolfStudio/Silent%20Hunter%204/5in.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/user/LonewolfStudio/media/Silent%20Hunter%204/5in.jpg.html)

That was just one :arrgh!:

[Sinkmore]

Thank you for demonstrating modding/hacking techniques.

Since you are dispensing deck gun wisdom, I have a question. I started a career on a Gar - I'm led to believe there are no bow-guns for Gar & Tambor, so I didn't do the bow-gun-before-leaving-port-or-never workaround. So, my question: Will I ever be able to have a bow gun, on for instance a Gato, later in the war? Or am I stuck with stern guns forever?

[Snarf]

part of my master deck gun mod will be to make the stock guns all available fore, aft, and double. :yeah:

[Sinkmore]

I look forward to the mod. I expect a fleet boat could briefly exceed 40 knots, with 16" guns. After firing them. Possibly 40 kts straight down lol. I wonder whether the sub could even float the weight of the turret. Maybe with outriggers!

But until then - do you know the answer to my question? Am I stuck with stern guns on all future subs? If so, I am tempted to start a new career - just started this one yesterday.

part of my master deck gun mod will be to make the stock guns all available fore, aft, and double. :yeah:

[Snarf]

Well, I can't really help with that today, I will look into making a patch to allow for the option of bow or stern for all classes (except S-boats), all years. Just needs some modifying of the UPC files to take care of that.

I was actually making a 'Super Gato' and had it doing 60kts on the surface and 30kts submerged, and had the double 6" turrets fore and aft, with 50 torpedoes, and 'robotic reloading' to reload a torpedo in 10 seconds. Then I decided to start the Deck Gun Mod.