[TEC]Adding Upgrade Packs
 

A little of my MOD'ing history:
I am almost totally new to MOD'ing as you can see by my Join Date of "Jan. 2010". I started MOD'ing in Feb, 2010 without even realising I was creating a MOD. I began by merging changes from various MOD's touching the same files into a single MOD. This enabled me to benifit from Multiple MOD changes all at the same time. I have released a few Merged MOD's and a couple of my own for SH4/SH5 but this was only possible because of some of the excellent tools Developed and Shared by other's in the Silent Hunter MOD'ing community. Keeping this in mind, I am not a MOD expert, I am a retired old fart, MOD novice with to much time on my hands and decent background in computing, dating back to the early 80's.

PURPOSE:
The intent of this post is to emphasize the importance of sharing knowledge, community effort(s) or building upon the work of others and the functional accuracy of the work being done resulting in a stable and enjoyable gaming experience.

NOTE: This discussion is dealing with functional accuracy, not historical accuracy. Please keep comments pertaining to historical accuracy, out of this forum thread Topic and I encourage you to post those comments to a thread pertaining to Historical Accuracy. Availability Dates, Submarine Type Availability Dates, Time of Service Dates, Renown Costs, etc. All may be adjusted in this discussion for testing purposes.
I say, let us fix what is currently broken. Then lets talk about Historical Accuracy.

Source files referred to / used as examples:






During this post, I will be referring to items contained in the following files as examples:

• data\Objects\Sensors\Uboat_Sensors.sim
• data\UPCDataGE\UPCUnitsData\Equipment.upc
• data\UPCDataGE\UPCUnitsData\UpgradePacks.upc
• data\Sumarine\NSS_Uboat7c41\NSS_Uboat7c41.upcge

If you want to follow along, please create your own MOD and copy these files to the appropriate folder structures in your MOD. Never edit the game files in their default location(s).
NOTE: At a minimum, the ethic's touched on here in this post should be aligned too when dealing with, or creating any MOD.

ASSUMPTIONS:
This discussion IS NOT a Tutorial. Since this Topic is posted in the "SH5 MODS Workshop" Forum, I am making this post, assuming you (the reader) know how to use the tools and applications touched on in this discussion.

GENERAL INFO:
The first thing I want to point out is, the Uboot_Sensors.sim, Equipment.upc,UpgradePacks.upc and NSS_Uboat7c41.upcge files all (out of box and post patch v1.2) may contain errors, otherwise know as bugs.
If you plan to release MOD'd forms of these files, or any MOD'd files for that matter. please take the time and ensure (to the best of your abilities) you are building on a solid foundation. Either fix the known existing problem(s) as you start your MOD or start your MOD by building on the work of someone else that has already fixed the known existing problem(s). This will prevent others (who might and should) from building upon your work and compounding the problem(s). Stopping a snowball effect before it starts.

START(BASICS):
I want to start by looking at and tracing the FUMO_61_base_dummy Radar Antenna and use it for a example, as defined in the Uboat_Sensors.SIM to where it can actually be installed as a upgrade on the Type-VIIC/41 Conning Tower.





NOTE: I did ensure items of same types were grouped together and renumbered correctly before going any further. Radars listed with other Radars, Sonar's listed with other Sonar's, etc. Keeping things some what organized.

1. Is it Available in the Uboat_Sensors.sim (Not dealing with Defined Controls yet. Just the Dummy object. Defining Controllers is still a little beyond me at this time.)
2. How it is enumerated in the Equipment.upc
3. How it is made available as a Upgrade Pack in the UpgradePacks.ups
4. How does the game know the Upgrade Pack can be used on my current Type Submarine.

1.) (GoblinEditorApp) Looking in the Editor Scene Tree I find the FUMO_61_base_dummy but it has no controllers assigned to it. How does it work? It has children named FUMO_61_ShipWake and FUMO_61_antenna, The ShipWake does not have controllers assigned to it at this time ((BUG BUG)just realized). We want to put the Antenna on the 7c41 boat Tower so we don't care about the ShipWake at this time but it should be revisited and fixed later.
-=[EDIT 2011-04-01]=-
This is not a bug. The Shipwake controller is in the FX file.

2.) To enumerate the FUMO_61_base_dummy in the Equipment.upc so it is usable in the UpgradePacks.upc and define DamageDescription. We edit the file with any ASCII Text editor. I find the FuMo 61 Antenna list with unique [Equipment Number] and a unique ID the UpgradePacks.upc can use.3.) There were no Upgrade Packs in the UpgradePacks.upc that included the FUMO_61_Antenna so I creating the Upgrade Pack in UpgradePacks.upc file. It required me to make a new entry so I copied the existing FUMO30 Upgrade and modified it:

Quote:

[UpgradePack XX] ;<-- XX is a number determined by how many other Upgrade Packs are listed above it and must be unique ID= UpackUb7FUMO61Radar;<-- Unique ID name defined. the NSS_Uboat7c41.upcge uses thid NameDisplayable=UpackIXFUMO30Radar-Name Info=This is the FuMo-61 Radar Antenna Upgrade;<-- Information displayed (as I entered it here) in port on upgrades list menu Notes=UpackIXFUMO30Radar-Notes;<-- Notes displayed in port on upgrades list menu as called from some where.(MENU.TXT???) FunctionalType= UpFTypeSensorRadar UpgradePackSlotType= UboatType7RadarAdvanced Type=NULL ImageIndex=15 ;UpgradePackInterval=1941-12-01, 1942-08-01 UnitUpgradePackIntervalOptionCurrent= NULL, NULL, 0 UnitUpgradePackIntervalOptions1=1939-01-01, 1939-02-01, 0;<--Example Availablity Date period with Zero Renown Cost UnitUpgradePackIntervalOptions2=1939-02-01, NULL, 0;<--Example Availablity Date period continued to unknown end date with Zero Renown Cost IDLinkUpgradePackElements= EqpFumo30RadarApp, EqpFuMO61, NULL;<--Changed from EqpFuMO30 to EqpFuMO61 as defined in Equipment.upc TrackingID=603;<--I incremented this number from the UpackUb7FUMO30Radar upgrade pack. I think this number must be unique but not sure.

4.) Looking in the NSS_Uboat7c41.upcge file. The new upgrade pack is not listed because we just finished something Ubi lost track of, Ignored in order to meet Delivery Dates or just forgot completely about it. This upgrade should have been available as the VIIC/41 was still in service at the Wars end. To enable it as a upgrade for this boat type we have to add a entry:RESULT:
I now have the Upgrade Pack(s) listed and available for use from my in port repair Mechanics Upgrades list. I have installed the FuMO65 Radar Antenna with the FuMO30 Radar PPI display and it is obviously displayed on my Conning Tower. The Radar still works, however weak that it is but it works.
This is what I have learned so far. You can follow this example I provided and add the FuMO61/FuMO65 Radar Antenna, Snorkle, etc. as additional Upgrade Packs.

If you have any additional information pertaining to getting these upgrade packs completed and you would like to share, please do so!
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/pict...pictureid=2390

Revisiting the missing Antenna ShipWake
 

The FuMO65 Antenna ShipWake controller is missing, or is it. Should this Equipment Item actually create a Wake as it is suppose to be lowered into it's own little box when diving.
I say the bug in this case is that the Antenna is missing the Toggle that enables the Raise/Lower functionality for this Antenna Mast. I think the controller "obj_Extensible @ FUMO_65_antena" should be link to the power switch of the Radar Station. Every time the Radar is turned on, The Antenna Mast Raises and the Antenna Mast Lowers when the Radar is turned off..

I was just messing about with those files yesterday trying to get the Snorkel to work after finding it in the sensors.sim
But had no luck getting it to work. Have you got it working, I have placed some commands in my Officers Orders that I'm currently working on that relate to the Snorkel in the hope it can be incorporated.

Any help on this would be appreciated :up:.

Extending the Raound Radio Antenna
 

BIGREG was kind enough to share some information on how he was able to Raise the Round_Radio_Dummy out of it stowed position.
This is a HACK just for looks and not what would be the true implementation of this Antenna making the Antenna work as a dial.
Again, you need to use GoblinEditorApp to make this change to the Uboot_Sensors .SIM file.
If you have other MODs installed that change this file, make a backup and MOD that file so both MODs are in place.

I was looking at that myself. I should have started there rather then the Radar Antenna. The Snorkel has a lottle more to it then just changing the appearance of the boat. It also adds functionality so not sure what needs to be done.
I am having trouble Enabling Access to the Improved Alberich, Tarnmatte and Improved Tarnmatte Coatings so they list correctly while in port selecting Upgrades to install on your boat. Kind of the same story as the Snorkel, these coating upgrades actually change/add functionality to the boat.
I personally spend a lot of time camping a traffic lane waiting for something to enter within range monitoring redio reports for possible targets coming my way. I dont burn fuel looking for to many targets. A snorkel would greately increase my boats stealth.
Not sure if in game land based radar and aircraft patrols radio in reports if they spot you or not. Haven't had and Destroyers come out to play obviously looking for me (ever) but I think about it. I have had a few DE patrols pass by many times.
If the Snorkel is in the SIM file correctly with all required controller, you should be able to follow what I did in post #1 and get it installed as a upgrade.

:salute:

For the snorkel is a alone 3D model with annimation ( idem with periscopes,torpedos doors etc ) :

C:\Ubisoft\Silent Hunter 5\data\Submarine\NSS_Uboat7c\Submarine Parts\Room_EXT - Snorkle + Anim.gr2

i think we need to add a Ext_object dial in sensors.sim ( idem as periscopes ? )

Activation of the SNorkel already has a Key Binding in the Commands.cfg
I dont think we need to add any controller to it in order to make it work.
QUESTION: Is the 3D Model the Hinged Type or Telescope Type Snorkel or do bo type 3D models exist?
I think the Telescoping Type Snorkel replaces one of the Periscopes.

No idée :hmmm::06: i have not try to make workable snorkel ,but with Ext_object you have the choice between Obs,attack periscopes radar and radio (make bug ,i think that come in no data .Gr2 for 3D+annimation ) antennas and snorkel :hmmm:

The 3D Model in UBoot_Sensors.GR2 looks like the Telescope Type Snorkel.
I cant find a defined mount location for the Snorkel anywhere.
This issue we may need answers from Ubi.

Followed your tutorial above, changing all I could in relation to the Snorkel.
No luck getting it to show up in the Menu as an upgrade :nope:.

Did you list in your boats NSS_Uboat7xxx.upcge file?

NOTE: I never saw the Snorkel as a upgrade in SH4. Someone made a MOD and it was there by default. I didn't try SH/SHII/SHIII so dont know if/how they did it.
Maybe we can just make some change that puts it there and skip the in Port Upgrade List.

-=[EDIT 2011-05-01]=-
The OM Super MOD did have Snorkle's listed as upgrade option
Snorkel uses cfg#SNK node as attach point in SH4

Listed in the File ok - but not sure if the entries I used are correct.

Any idea what mod was used in SH4, maybe It still works with sh5 (It is the same base) :DL

I have look in the other data , (open with notepad)

C:\Ubisoft\Silent Hunter 5\data\Submarine\NSS_Uboat7c\ NSS_Uboat7c ( .EQP .SNS .PRT ) :hmmm:

SH4 not installed right now and I am leaving to go out for Dinner so no time to look at SH4 MODs.
Maybe later if I get home early enough.

Trying to Add the SNORKEL
 

I've been playing around, trying to get the Snorkel to install. NO LUCK as yet. Maybe someone can see something I missed or a error I made.

Here is what I have so far:

Created [Equipment 24] like a Periscope and renumbered all other items.
EQUIPMENT.UPC
Created [UpgradePack 71] at the end so I don't have to renumber all other entries.:haha:
UPGRADEPACKS.UPC
Created [UserPlayerUnit 1.UpgradePackSlot 8] but I am think there is more to do'
NSS_UBOAT7C41.UPCGE
Going to bed....

Thats pretty much what I had too. :wah:

EQUIPMENT.UPC
UPGRADEPACKS.UPC
NSS_UBOAT7C41.UPCGE

:salute: Hi

Have you try with this snorkel :

C:\Ubisoft\Silent Hunter 5\data\Submarine\NSS_Uboat7c\Submarine Parts\Room_EXT - Snorkle + Anim.GR2 :06:

and why not merge the snorkel in a .prt ( i have see the torpedo annim in :hmmm:) other in .lnx ( links :06:)

and i think snorkel is not a sensor :03: , but just an object with annimation

I want Granny SDK :wah:

Maybe adding the Snorkel (SCHNORCHEL_RWR) as Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) rather then Periscope will work???:06::06::hmmm:

I was just starting to play with that as you can see in my previous post.

This animation is Hinged Type Snorkel that lifts out of cavity in Deck. Not like Telescoping Snorkel in Uboot_Sensors.GR2/.SIM
Appears the Height is a little higher then the ObsPeriscope.
Maybe we can copy this to "data\Submarine\NSS_Uboat7C41\Submarine Parts" folder? Worth a try...

NOTE: The Animation will not render on 7C/41 so apears it only works on the 7C
http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/pict...pictureid=2437
Maybe the Snorkel is added as Radar Warning Receiver (SCHNORCHEL_RWR(Hinged)) for the Type-VIIC and added as Periscope (SCHNORCHEL(Telescoping)) for Type-VIIC/41
:hmmm:

Well it would make sense, the naxos detector was mounted on snorkels quite often. I wonder about the placement, though, since most pics I've seen show the snorkel right alongside the front of the tower when raised...

http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/ETO/...SRH009-p58.jpg