veiw and or edit files
 

what program should i use to look at and/or edit the following types of files:
.ZON
.SIM
.DSD
.VAL

All of these files can be opened with Silent 3Ditor though this tool was designed to work with SSHIII/IV files. As a consequence, the parameters of some controllers whose format has changed since SHIV, can't be edited using s3d. Still, you can use s3d for moving, removing, duplicating them, or for modifying their ID and parent ID.

For tweaking new SH5 controllers you need Goblin Editor (found in the main SH5 folder). This tool is a bit tricky though. Using it, you cannot simply open zon, sim, etc. files, as you would do with s3d. By doing so their controllers would be lost once you save them. You should instead open their pertaining dat or gr2 file, and then merge into it the files you want to edit.

Before you start fiddling with Goblin Editor I suggest you to have a look at this quick tutorial: http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/show...39&postcount=1.

Finally, be aware that Goblin Editor is more prone to ctd's than s3d, if something goes wrong. In other words: backup the files you want to edit, and save often your changes while you are using this tool. :yep:

are there any alternatives to goblin?

The previously mentioned Silent 3Ditor is a good alternative in many cases. Or else you could use any hex editor, but I wouldn't suggest to do it, unless you know what you are doing.