[TEC] Env Units GR2 Format Conversion

gap · 09-27-16, 03:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkyBaron

So you're quitting your job to have more time to mod SH5?

just kidding!

More or less...

gap · 10-05-16, 04:49 AM

Rosomaha's S3D configurator gave me the idea of checking the controllers of some of the "problematic" units, and I discovered that they feature a number of old SHIII controllers which have been updated in SH5. I wonder why no one, including me, thought about it before

Controllers which have been updated in SH5 generally share the same structure than their SHIII-IV counterparts, but they add a few customizable properties to the latter. While still working in SH5, at least partially, out-of-date controllers are a potential cause of fatal errors, because the game might try reading vital information which is missing, or located at the wrong address, within the binary file(s) containing those old controllers.

There are still excellent reasons for processing all the dat units added to the game so far so that they become granny objects, but before we embark in the conversion work we should at least track down all the "bad format" controllers contained in their binary files, and replace them with updated controllers.

vdr1981 · 10-15-16, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gap

Rosomaha's S3D configurator gave me the idea of checking the controllers of some of the "problematic" units, and I discovered that they feature a number of old SHIII controllers which have been updated in SH5. I wonder why no one, including me, thought about it before

Controllers which have been updated in SH5 generally share the same structure than their SHIII-IV counterparts, but they add a few customizable properties to the latter. While still working in SH5, at least partially, out-of-date controllers are a potential cause of fatal errors, because the game might try reading vital information which is missing, or located at the wrong address, within the binary file(s) containing those old controllers.

There are still excellent reasons for processing all the dat units added to the game so far so that they become granny objects, but before we embark in the conversion work we should at least track down all the "bad format" controllers contained in their binary files, and replace them with updated controllers.

So far I have learned that CTDs involved around problematic DAT units are not related to duplicate IDs , weak hardware or memory issue.

Recently I have imported several more units from SH4 and noticed something really strange.

Editing sim,val,dsd and zon files with Goblin would always give me CTD in one of mine rigorous tests which is loading single mission with one playable sub and then quick jump to museum to render as much units as possible until game CTDs, simulating long campaign patrol with lot of unit types encountered (effect is the same). New units worked just fine with stock SH4 files.

Then I used new S3D with SH5 configuration to edit controler files (except zon files, still don't know how to do it with S3D) and new units passed all the tests.

This was only noticeable with some units while some had no problems with files edited with goblin editor.

In short, I managed to isolate several units which will always result in CTD in previously mentioned test no mater which editor, files or controllers are used:

VIIA/B: Tug boat, Akita

VIIC: Tug Boat, Akita, War Melody, Express, SV fishing boat, Hog Island(SH4), Taihosan, Paula, Zinbu.

U-Flak, VIIC41: same units like VIIC but without Akita

Targor Avelany · 11-06-16, 06:14 PM

the trick is, unfrotunately, is that not all of us know the files very well. I have high respect for people who do, but i, myself, can't do it the way of just opening the files, like Steve or TDW. That is why I used to do this all with help of TDW's GR2 editor. Problem with it - it is not complete and still has lots to be figured out. My mines project, for exmample, still have major issues of lacking damage model. The amount of time I have spent on it.... ooooo.... LOL

Obviously i've been away and some things might have changed. Once I get my main computer out of storage (probably still few month), i'll start lokking into this a bit again.

10-05-16, 04:49 AM	#2
gap Navy Seal Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: CJ8937 Posts: 8,215 Downloads: 793 Uploads: 10	Rosomaha's S3D configurator gave me the idea of checking the controllers of some of the "problematic" units, and I discovered that they feature a number of old SHIII controllers which have been updated in SH5. I wonder why no one, including me, thought about it before Controllers which have been updated in SH5 generally share the same structure than their SHIII-IV counterparts, but they add a few customizable properties to the latter. While still working in SH5, at least partially, out-of-date controllers are a potential cause of fatal errors, because the game might try reading vital information which is missing, or located at the wrong address, within the binary file(s) containing those old controllers. There are still excellent reasons for processing all the dat units added to the game so far so that they become granny objects, but before we embark in the conversion work we should at least track down all the "bad format" controllers contained in their binary files, and replace them with updated controllers. __________________ _____________________ \|May the Force be with you!\| ...\/

11-06-16, 06:14 PM	#4
Targor Avelany Ace of the Deep Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada Posts: 1,183 Downloads: 225 Uploads: 0	the trick is, unfrotunately, is that not all of us know the files very well. I have high respect for people who do, but i, myself, can't do it the way of just opening the files, like Steve or TDW. That is why I used to do this all with help of TDW's GR2 editor. Problem with it - it is not complete and still has lots to be figured out. My mines project, for exmample, still have major issues of lacking damage model. The amount of time I have spent on it.... ooooo.... LOL Obviously i've been away and some things might have changed. Once I get my main computer out of storage (probably still few month), i'll start lokking into this a bit again.