Sabotage/Malfunctions Mod Update May 15

[HEMISENT]

Originally Posted by andy_311

Would this Mod affect your mission?,ie coukd the problem be fixed while on patrol or would you have to abandon your assinment and return to base?

Depending on the situation and which loaded file Commander issues some
files will require immediate return/no sense in continuing and some will be up to your discretion.

[HEMISENT]

All the affected files are completed and Random folder structure is beginning to go together. There was a problem a couple days ago where I couldn't get Commander to choose any of the Random folders containing Sabotage files. Turns out I screwed up the folder structure order. Rebuilt the whole thing from scratch and it's working fine so far.

I've run a number of tests using the IXC in single missions and I'm now starting to re-run a fresh campaign starting July 9 1944 departing from Bordeaux. For testing purposes I've built 12 Random folders and each one contains a loaded file that way I will pretty much get something chosen on each launch. I've also kept the 4 Thermal Layers activated to get a feel for how Commander deals with 2 different dated structures in the same chosen folder. Lots of fine tuning but really looks good so far.

Gouldjg, your idea about using Commander/Random to choose certain hard core damage settings is right on.

[Salvadoreno]

cant wait. With this mod we can definately tell what random folders were chosen. With the thermal layers im still not quite sure if i installed it right.

[gouldjg]

Originally Posted by HEMISENT

All the affected files are completed and Random folder structure is beginning to go together. There was a problem a couple days ago where I couldn't get Commander to choose any of the Random folders containing Sabotage files. Turns out I screwed up the folder structure order. Rebuilt the whole thing from scratch and it's working fine so far.

I've run a number of tests using the IXC in single missions and I'm now starting to re-run a fresh campaign starting July 9 1944 departing from Bordeaux. For testing purposes I've built 12 Random folders and each one contains a loaded file that way I will pretty much get something chosen on each launch. I've also kept the 4 Thermal Layers activated to get a feel for how Commander deals with 2 different dated structures in the same chosen folder. Lots of fine tuning but really looks good so far.

Gouldjg, your idea about using Commander/Random to choose certain hard core damage settings is right on.

Brilliant Hemisent


I am just waiting for a cool down and tracking yours and Jscones work in this area as it holds great potential.

The one thing about this, is that any mod in this area will probably be really small yet have great gameplay effects if sticking to zones.cfg and similar small files.

I tell you,

There is a lot left to learn about this games damage potential thats for sure.

I read Der teddys idea about the hovercraft effect being removed and that sounds so cool. Imagine, your engines get badly damaged and you slowly lose buoyancy whilst trying to repair .

Keep up the excellent work on your project as I am waiting eagerly.

You and Jscones have now become my chaos heroes.

[HEMISENT]

Originally Posted by Salvadoreno

cant wait. With this mod we can definately tell what random folders were chosen. With the thermal layers im still not quite sure if i installed it right.

Since it gets confusing I'm going to release this as a combined install with the Thermal Layers already installed. If someone doesn't want the thermals it's a whole lot easier to remove 4 folders than it is to add 40+ to an existing system.

Like Gouldjg said "CHAOS"

[iambecomelife]

Just wanted to say excellent work & concept. It's funny how in virtually all simulators you always control a sub, plane, or whatever that is in mint condition - even if you're serving with Germany or Japan late in the war, when the manufacturing base began to crumble. The player's vehicle should on occasion have the same flaws that historical servicemen dealt with.

About a year ago there was an interesting discussion about this same problem on a certain WWII aviation sim forum, but it degenerated into a flame war instead of producing something constructive.

[HEMISENT]

Funny you should mention this. I was just earlier in a PM to Jscones broaching the possibility of expanding the dates and maybe modifying things to include random mechanical breakdown or simply wear & tear.

First things first tho-get this up and running.

[HEMISENT]

Here's a sample of a campaign patrol report over a period of days
using the Random feature Save/Exit/Re-launch SHIII re-shuffles the files. Using a structure containing 12 random folders this pretty much assures that I get a loaded folder on every re-launch.
7/9/1944
22:31 Type IXC departs Bordeaux. Once clear of pens Air Raid alert is sounded. I order Flank speed to clear the area and allow evasive manuevering.
22:36 Incoming B 24 bombers sighted from the SE. AA defenses from harbor erupting all around. Numerous close explosions, a number of ships observed taking hits but the boat survives untouched. Continuing at high speed.
23:04 Radar Warning again from the SE. A second bombing raid on the pens
Flak gunners standing by. We are 11 or 12 km from the docks and all hell is breaking loose in the distance behind us. Multiple explosions, tracers and flares. Luckily the attackers pay no attention to us.
23:11 Chief informs me of difficulty with diesels we are only able to sustain 12-13 kts. He's working on it.
23:59 We are at the channel entrance altering course to 265deg. I order normal watch back to stations and reduce speed to 10kts.
Save/Exit/Re-launch
7/10/1944
00:11 I am informed that the mechanical problem with our diesels hopefully is solved. I order a gradual increase in speed. The engines are brought up in stages and ubfortunately things are worse than before. The best we can do is a mere 6kts. I order PD to avoid being caught on the surface like a wallowing pig.
02:00 The chief advises that we have a problem with the e motors as well. We are able to cruise confortably at 3-4kts but anything above that is not possible-the crew is working feverishly to locate and solve the problems.
04:51 We are travelling in calm seas so I bring the boat to schnorkel depth we might as well make sure this is working as without it we would be severely handicapped.
11:45 Aircraft sighting through observation scope Crash Dive! Maximum Speed Hard to Port! Machine gun fire is heard striking the upper structure. A single B 24 must have located our trail from the snort and strafes us. No serious damage to the boat.
Save/Exit/Re-launch
7/10/1944
13:00 The Chief has located the problem with the e motors and requests a gradual increase in speed to test. 7kts @ 290rpm's-all is apparently in order.
Speed reduced back to 3kts/depth to 25m. Course change to 235deg. We will head Southwest toward the Spanish coast.
Work continues on the diesels but those too should be back to normal. We will wait until dark to surface and bring them online.
21:00 Surface the boat. The diesels are engaged and load is gradually increased. 8kts is the best we can do. Serious consideration is being given to turning around if we cannot rectify this soon. Watch crew is ordered to maintain full alertness as we slowly plod along.
04:32 Seas are picking up engines are running perfectly up 7-8 kts then they fail miserably-fuel delivery system may require a complete rework. we will dive soon and the engine room crew will have another go at this.
7/11/1944
20:38 Surface the boat. Once more the engines are brought on line and we gradually increase the load..11kts then 12,13 and finally 14kts. Things are looking up. The chief has finally narrowed down the problems.
7/12/1944
00:47 we find ourselves approx 40-45 km from the Spanish coast which we will hug all the way to El Ferrol
04:28 Daylight approaching dive to 25m.
Save/Exit/Re-launch
20:04 Surface the boat to find heavy seas & rain. We should be somewhere between El Ferrol & Santander. Diesels functioning normally at last.
We will use the poor visibility to cover us as we head towards the Atlantic.
7/13/1944
10:42 Weather continues unchanged running west on surface at 12kts.Should be just north of the coast entering the Atlantic. All systems functioning properly.
23:50 Hdg 270deg. Have been able to run surfaced all day thanks to storm.
Save/Exit/Re-launch
7/14/1944
14:58 Course changed to 340deg. Navigator informs me that we are using excessive fuel. Either the fuel management sustem is still malfunctioning or we took damage to the fuel bunkers from the last air attack.
23:52 Arrived at assigned grid BE68
Save/Exit/Re-launch
7/15/1944
06:30 Surfaced 6kts. Patrolling assigned area. Heavy seas, lightening storm approaching from the west.All systems functioning as normal.
7/16/1944
19:28 Running surfaced 6kts Hdg 035deg. Aircraft sighted at last minute Crash dive. Upper structure once again takes minor damage. Depth charge explosions heard after we are safely under.

At this point I'm really pleased with how this is all coming together. Commander is also choosing thermal layers in the other set of dated folders. A few more tweaks and I'll be working on the addl empty folders which will give us the ratios. For that one I need Jscones' advice. If all goes well should be ready for initial release early-mid next week.

[gouldjg]

Now that sounds like a cool report.

Ones imagination can really get into that (mine can anyway). Hell I might even consider having a log book if the game goes down as good for me as it is for you .

I find myself fully looking forward to this mod and if all works well I am going to call you Sir Hemisent :rotfl:

Now if you could just add maybe one or two random damage hp files for the sub, nothing fancy, just something to show the capability.

I will call you king



I wonder how jscones is geting on??

p.s. super work Hemisnt

[HEMISENT]

Originally Posted by gouldjg

Now if you could just add maybe one or two random damage hp files for the sub, nothing fancy, just something to show the capability.

Jason
never messed with those as you were always involved in damage modelling. Perhaps once this is wrapped we can put something together?
I like your idea of a random absolute chaos file or two. Maybe a 1 in 30 chance or something way out there. Got to think on this one a bit.

[gouldjg]

Have sent you a PM.

I was just hinting lol.


Anyway don't let that stop your current work which should be your number one aim.

I want this feature up and running for when I return to the game, so I can test for you maybe monday or tuesday if a freind borrows me his copy of the game. I had to bin my copy as it is major distraction when I get busy with job and study.


Anyway damage should wait as too many things going on with that subject though it would have been nice if NYGM or GW teams looked deeply at this subject a saw the benefits it could bring to their mods.

I believe Der Teddy and Observer are doing some fantastic work on damage and maybe adding a new feature, but imagine if they or GW added your work and random damage.

WOW is all I could say

[Salvadoreno]

Hem after reading your report it seems that after save/quit/reload the old problems still stick with you. Am i right? If you made that possible that would be amazing!!! Didnt seem like the save/quite/reload fixed the problems, and it even picked out some other things to do wrong (i.e e-motors). WOW

[HEMISENT]

Originally Posted by Salvadoreno

Hem after reading your report it seems that after save/quit/reload the old problems still stick with you. Am i right? If you made that possible that would be amazing!!! Didnt seem like the save/quite/reload fixed the problems, and it even picked out some other things to do wrong (i.e e-motors). WOW

Actually occasionally Commander/Random will choose the same folder twice in a row. I think it even did it three times once testing the TL mod. In this case tho there are a number of files that are similiar yet just different enough to let you know something happened plus there are a couple files that are loaded with 2 sets of problems like the reduced diesel along with the reduced e motors speeds. I'm trying to find the right balance and not get ridiculous here. The interesting thing is that just because the player knows he can "save/exit/relaunch" and magically get that particular problem repaired he may in fact re launch himself into something a whole lot worse.

Gouldjg has come up with a concept dealing with a randomized absolute chaos file where just about anything could be thrown your way. That's also in the works but I need to wait till he gets back to his desk in a week or so to help test it.

Stay Tuned...Jscones brilliant Random function is just starting to get interesting.

[gouldjg]

Damn I just spent 10 min writing long post about all this and now I have lost it .

Hemisent

I wanted to point you to the "whats happening with sh3 commander" Jscones has the tool in testing right now. It looks really promising now.

I then waffled about how good it is that one cannot really cheat as they could end up worse life was like that.

I then was considering doing a Hollywood chaos mod on top of your thermal layers, sabotage and ideally the new NYGM Damage model der teddy is making. Just wanted to know what files/figures not to touch?

I then went on to say that rather than me rushing down a road of building up a file when NYGM are working on something not yet released, maybe it is time to ask them what they think and what possible gains/benfits or problems they forsee with their future works if one wants a combination of all three.

I would hate it if thease features had to wait to go on top of new damage mod as I know that there is some considerable work to be done in the zones.cfg alone. There is no way I want to have to do it again to please users of a new model.

I would ideally want a decent and compatible NYGM damage, thermal layer, sabotage base and then work on that.

Heres to hoping

[andy_311]

Will this work with GW?