[TEC] SH5.exe patches to fix bugs and add functionality

[TheDarkWraith]

Now I embark upon the long journey of trying to implement what gap and I discussed here publicly. I will take a baby step approach to this. First order of business is modifying my unit spawner code so that I can specify minimum and maximum spawn ranges (I already have the maximum range coded in just have to add the minimum range). After that I have to figure out how the game keeps track of all units in game (when spawned where are they added to, specifically which function is called that adds them and when despawned what function is called to handle this).
The current version of the patcher allowed for 3 extra words in memory per spawned sub that are currently free and can be used for whatever. One of those words will hold the pointer to the spawned sub when I update the code (this way I can get information from it - depth, speed, number of waypoints, etc.). The other two words are for future use which I currently have no plans for.
After storing the pointer to the spawned sub I should be able to spawn the subs very far out (>=50km maybe even 100km away) and force the player to send status reports frequently which will update the spawned sub's waypoint so they continue heading on the correct course. This all depends on how the game handles waypoints which I'm not well versed in yet (for example when a unit attains a waypoint is that waypoint deleted from memory or is there a pointer that points to the current waypoint and is just updated to point to the next waypoint?) This, ultimately, will decide if I can implement gap's idea. I also have to figure out how to update a unit's waypoint for I will need that for this patch and for some ideas I have for the future.
I also have to figure out how to send the radio messages (the official ones) the game has so I can remove the messagebox one. This is needed again for this patch and for some crazy ideas I have for the future

[gap]

Originally Posted by TheDarkWraith

Now I embark upon the long journey of trying to implement what gap and I discussed here publicly. I will take a baby step approach to this. First order of business is modifying my unit spawner code so that I can specify minimum and maximum spawn ranges (I already have the maximum range coded in just have to add the minimum range). After that I have to figure out how the game keeps track of all units in game (when spawned where are they added to, specifically which function is called that adds them and when despawned what function is called to handle this).
The current version of the patcher allowed for 3 extra words in memory per spawned sub that are currently free and can be used for whatever. One of those words will hold the pointer to the spawned sub when I update the code (this way I can get information from it - depth, speed, number of waypoints, etc.). The other two words are for future use which I currently have no plans for.
After storing the pointer to the spawned sub I should be able to spawn the subs very far out (>=50km maybe even 100km away) and force the player to send status reports frequently which will update the spawned sub's waypoint so they continue heading on the correct course. This all depends on how the game handles waypoints which I'm not well versed in yet (for example when a unit attains a waypoint is that waypoint deleted from memory or is there a pointer that points to the current waypoint and is just updated to point to the next waypoint?) This, ultimately, will decide if I can implement gap's idea. I also have to figure out how to update a unit's waypoint for I will need that for this patch and for some ideas I have for the future.
I also have to figure out how to send the radio messages (the official ones) the game has so I can remove the messagebox one. This is needed again for this patch and for some crazy ideas I have for the future

Keep us informed on any progress you will be doing TDW

[TheDarkWraith]

Well I just found the function that's responsible for the game radio messages So one down, many to go!

Here's an interesting tid bit of info: while decoding this function call it called out to another function at the start that compared the sub's true depth to -20. The result of that determined whether you received the radio message or not. So 20m depth is the cutoff point where the game says you cannot receive radio messages

This was an important find (function responsible for radio messages) because I need this for some upcoming ideas

EDIT: it appears that if the message is critical then depth is ignored

[Mikemike47]

Originally Posted by TheDarkWraith

Here's an interesting tid bit of info: while decoding this function call it called out to another function at the start that compared the sub's true depth to -20. The result of that determined whether you received the radio message or not. So 20m depth is the cutoff point where the game says you cannot receive radio messages

This was an important find (function responsible for radio messages) because I need this for some upcoming ideas

EDIT: it appears that if the message is critical then depth is ignored

You have created a depth option in TheDarkWraithUserOptions.py under the Radio button, "Below this depth (in meters) do not receive radio contacts/reports". default is set for 30 presently.

[volodya61]

Originally Posted by Mikemike47

You have created a depth option in TheDarkWraithUserOptions.py under the Radio button, "Below this depth (in meters) do not receive radio contacts/reports". default is set for 30 presently.

I think this option configures the radio messages from the NewUI not from the game..

[TheDarkWraith]

the things I get into......





Notice that I can spawn official radio messages now (and they are automatically added to the captain log also!) I can make the body of the message be anything I want, looking into how to change the to/from now

Those using my UIs mod the mod will intercept this and reroute it to the radio messages tab of the mod.

Oh and it will adjust the TC level to the appropriate one just like the game does when you get a radio message from it.

Now I need the official statement that Bdu would send to the U-boats for this. We can have multiple statements and I can have the patch randomly choose one if need be.

I'll be updating the Contact report wolfpack patch here in a few

If I can figure out how to change the to/from it will open up a whole world of possibilities and ideas that I have...

[gap]

Originally Posted by TheDarkWraith

I also have to figure out how to send the radio messages (the official ones) the game has so I can remove the messagebox one. This is needed again for this patch and for some crazy ideas I have for the future

What about friendly units asking for our support?

Originally Posted by TheDarkWraith

the things I get into......

Notice that I can spawn official radio messages now (and they are automatically added to the captain log also!) I can make the body of the message be anything I want, looking into how to change the to/from now

Those using my UIs mod the mod will intercept this and reroute it to the radio messages tab of the mod.

Oh and it will adjust the TC level to the appropriate one just like the game does when you get a radio message from it.

Originally Posted by TheDarkWraith

Now I need the official statement that Bdu would send to the U-boats for this. We can have multiple statements and I can have the patch randomly choose one if need be.

something like this?

Your request has been processed. U-xx, U-xx U-xx and U-xx are in your area and have received instructions to join your attack. Stay in front of the convoy, keep undetected and send regular position reports while you are waiting for them.

B.d.U

[TheBeast]

Very nice!

Would these messages be hand written or typed?

Does the game support Script type Font that looks like hand written message?

Regards!
TheBeast

[TheDarkWraith]

Originally Posted by TheBeast

Very nice!

Would these messages be hand written or typed?

Does the game support Script type Font that looks like hand written message?

Regards!
TheBeast

They are typed. As far as changing the type font it's not possible. The font is dictated in the .ini file for the radio messages (so yes you could change it there via the menu editor included with the game).

I like gap's idea for the reply back from Bdu. Anyone else have any suggestions

[gap]

Two more

Request of support on convoy attack approved. Be careful. Gain a favourable position in front of the convoy and send regular position reports while waiting for reinforcements.

B.d.U.



U-xx, and U-xx have been dispatched to your patrol area as per your request and will join you briefly. Follow enemy contact from distance and send regular updates on your position.

Befehlshaber der U-Boote


Post your ones guys: variety is the salt of life!

[TheDarkWraith]

Originally Posted by gap

Two more

Request of support on convoy attack approved. Be careful. Gain a favourable position in front of the convoy and send regular position reports while waiting for reinforcements.

B.d.U.

I'll use this one for now. I can always change it later

Actually if you can come up with some that don't include U-xx in them I'll randomize it.

[gap]

What about BdU sending us a reminder, if the first U-boat is about to get to its first waipoint and we haven't sent a position report yet?

[gap]

Originally Posted by TheDarkWraith

I'll use this one for now. I can always change it later

Actually if you can come up with some that don't include U-xx in them I'll randomize it.

Can't you add random U-boat numbers within the text? Would be a cool feature but not a vital one indeed.

You could have reworked yourself the messages I've alredy posted, to fit our needs. They are royalty free
Anyway, since you asked me to do it, you can change the phrase:


"U-xx, U-xx U-xx and U-xx are in your area and have received instructions to join your attack"
to:
"All the U-boats in your area have received instructions to join your attack"

and this one:

"U-xx, and U-xx have been dispatched to your patrol area as per your request and will join you briefly."
to:
"several submarine units have been dispatched to your patrol area as per your request, and will join you briefly."

[TheDarkWraith]

Originally Posted by gap

Can't you add random U-boat numbers within the text? Would be a cool feature but not a vital one indeed.

You can rework the messages I've alredy posted to fit our needs. They are royalty free

for instance, you can change this phrase
"U-xx, U-xx U-xx and U-xx are in your area and have received instructions to join your attack"
to:
"All the U-boats in your area have received instructions to join your attack"

and this one:

"U-xx, and U-xx have been dispatched to your patrol area as per your request and will join you briefly."
to:
"several submarine units have been dispatched to your patrol area as per your request, and will join you briefly."

Yes I could (just have to figure out how to use formatting in assembly via the functions the game exposes)

[TheDarkWraith]

Originally Posted by gap

What about BdU sending us a reminder, if the first U-boat is about to get to its first waipoint and we haven't sent a position report yet?

That's an interesting idea. I have to figure out the spawning and despawning functions first in order to avoid using a null pointer and causing a CTD