[REL] Dark Waters

[propbeanie]

It does not look like your mod list would be the cause of the issue CapitainEA. However, looking at your video, I do have a question: what is that program that interrupts your gameplay just before the 46 minute mark? That is a "shell-out to Windows Desktop", and that can cause issues with the game, since it is an old single-core program, written for DirectX v9.0c. It does not understand "multi-tasking" or the cpu powering up or down, etc., none of that 'modern' OS stuff. So when the computer shells-out, sometimes not all of the resources are in the same place for the game to find. I notice also that there is pixelation on the ship's wake there just after the 46 minute mark, and if that is in the game, that is not correct. Of course, it could be a video processing artifact, I don't know, but if it is displaying like that in the game, there is something amiss in the video stream... You might experiment with the SH4.exe "Properties" on the "Compatibility" tab for some of the video settings, and see if anything improves there.

But I am at a loss as to what would be impacting your game, other than game mechanics (bandwidth) when ships and planes spawn nearby, which each spawn will cause a slight "hitch" in the display if you are using much time compression, so as a convoy gets within roughly 24nm, you'll start experiencing little "hiccups" as each ship spawns into the game, and if using high TC, the whole convoy might spawn within a second or two of real time, and cause a noticeable "pause" in the game, but then it should resolve, and then just the bandwidth used for display would impact the game. This is somewhat similar in nature to getting close to a major port with a lot of ships and planes in the area.

What game-date was that video encounter showing? I cannot quite read it in the video. Also, latitude and longitude location?


@ Mad Mardigan: Didn't somebody do a "fix" for the version number display not too long ago?

[Mad Mardigan]

Originally Posted by propbeanie

@ Mad Mardigan: Didn't somebody do a "fix" for the version number display not too long ago?

Yeah, that'd be fellow subsimmer "themrwho", who did that... to cover for the lack of the splash screen having the proper tag of it being v6, rather than v5 that we saw on the load up.


That can be found here, in post # 1194, on page 80 of the thread... or just click the link thoughtfully provided, 6 that leads directly to that post:

https://www.subsim.com/radioroom/sho...postcount=1194




I think, KaluenMarko, redid it, in 1 of the mod add ins that he did... if, I am not mistaken... tagging it, I believe as being now v6.67...



(Just checked & there is indeed a flash screen tagged as 6.7, rather than 6.67... it's all Oldtimerz fault... I lay the blame, squarely at their feet...
)








M. M.

[Bubblehead1980]

Updated version of my DW mod will be posted later this evening. I've made some adjustments as in further testing, did not like how things were playing out.

Just a heads up for those interested.

[CapitainEA]

Originally Posted by propbeanie

I do have a question: what is that program that interrupts your gameplay just before the 46 minute mark? That is a "shell-out to Windows Desktop", and that can cause issues with the game, since it is an old single-core program, written for DirectX v9.0c. It does not understand "multi-tasking" or the cpu powering up or down, etc., none of that 'modern' OS stuff. So when the computer shells-out, sometimes not all of the resources are in the same place for the game to find.

@probeanie. No, the software did not interrupt my game, it was me who did CRTL+ALT+SUP to return to the desktop, because returning to the desktop fixes the graphical bug. As you can see before the 46mins the destroyers are transparent and after the 46mins the destroyers are no longer transparent.
The software is just the windows music software and it's not what bugs my game, because when I don't activate it it's the same problem.
On the other hand, I noticed that the bug appears when I go to the "command post" of my submarine.
And this bug does not appear at the beginning of the mission. Indeed, when I start a mission I can put the graphics to the maximum everything works correctly.

I too have a question: can DirectX be the cause of this bug?
In fact, when I install my game, the game asks me to install the old DirectX files... If I refuse, will my game still work with the new DirectX files? and can it fix my problem if i leave the new ones?

Originally Posted by propbeanie

I notice also that there is pixelation on the ship's wake there just after the 46 minute mark, and if that is in the game, that is not correct. Of course, it could be a video processing artifact, I don't know, but if it is displaying like that in the game, there is something amiss in the video stream...

These pixelations are not a problem at all, when I activate the "Texture quality high" option in the graphics options these pixelations in the wakes of the ships and my submarine disappear.
For information, I do not activate this option when I am in the presence of a large convoy otherwise my game crashes.

Originally Posted by propbeanie

You might experiment with the SH4.exe "Properties" on the "Compatibility" tab for some of the video settings, and see if anything improves there.

I tried all the compatibilities of the "Properties" of SH4.exe. They don't solve the problem. But, thank you for this idea

Another question, can the problem be caused by a defect in the refresh of the image, because when I lower the Hz of my screen compared to that of my game the bug is less strong?
For example, when I set my screen to 1920*1080 60Hz resolution and my game to 1920*1080 60Hz resolution when I return to desktop, my game crashes. However, when I put my screen at 60Hz and my game at 59Hz, my game does not crash when I return to desktop...

Originally Posted by propbeanie

But I am at a loss as to what would be impacting your game, other than game mechanics (bandwidth) when ships and planes spawn nearby, which each spawn will cause a slight "hitch" in the display if you are using much time compression, so as a convoy gets within roughly 24nm, you'll start experiencing little "hiccups" as each ship spawns into the game, and if using high TC, the whole convoy might spawn within a second or two of real time, and cause a noticeable "pause" in the game, but then it should resolve, and then just the bandwidth used for display would impact the game. This is somewhat similar in nature to getting close to a major port with a lot of ships and planes in the area.

It is true that I use the time compression a lot and at its maximum capacity, because I always sail at minimum speed, because I play with the limited diesel in order to save my diesel.
Indeed, I feel it's small jumps when a convoy is in my hydrophone detection zone.

Could this bug be caused by the fact that I compress time a lot?

Another question, what is the “Vertical Sync” option in the graphics option for? Because my game bugs a lot more when I activate it?

Cordially, Captain_PUJOL

[propbeanie]

Originally Posted by CapitainEA

@probeanie. No, the software did not interrupt my game, it was me who did CRTL+ALT+SUP to return to the desktop, because returning to the desktop fixes the graphical bug. As you can see before the 46mins the destroyers are transparent and after the 46mins the destroyers are no longer transparent.
The software is just the windows music software and it's not what bugs my game, because when I don't activate it it's the same problem.
On the other hand, I noticed that the bug appears when I go to the "command post" of my submarine.
And this bug does not appear at the beginning of the mission. Indeed, when I start a mission I can put the graphics to the maximum everything works correctly.

I too have a question: can DirectX be the cause of this bug?
In fact, when I install my game, the game asks me to install the old DirectX files... If I refuse, will my game still work with the new DirectX files? and can it fix my problem if i leave the new ones?
...

These pixelations are not a problem at all, when I activate the "Texture quality high" option in the graphics options these pixelations in the wakes of the ships and my submarine disappear.
For information, I do not activate this option when I am in the presence of a large convoy otherwise my game crashes.
...

I tried all the compatibilities of the "Properties" of SH4.exe. They don't solve the problem. But, thank you for this idea

Another question, can the problem be caused by a defect in the refresh of the image, because when I lower the Hz of my screen compared to that of my game the bug is less strong?
For example, when I set my screen to 1920*1080 60Hz resolution and my game to 1920*1080 60Hz resolution when I return to desktop, my game crashes. However, when I put my screen at 60Hz and my game at 59Hz, my game does not crash when I return to desktop...

Another question, what is the “Vertical Sync” option in the graphics option for? Because my game bugs a lot more when I activate it?

Cordially, Captain_PUJOL

One thing to remember about the SH games, is that they were written in the days of Windows XP, single-core cpu, and analog CRT monitors. The game has no concept of 'virtualization' of today's 'modern' OS and expects to find everything in the same place every time. When you "shell-out", the game can potentially "lose its place" in the game scencario. Sometimes, as you've seen, doing such can apparently initiate a "refresh" of sorts. However, something else has probably gone astray somewhere else. Generally speaking, nothing major such as a crash will come from it, but you will notice that some of the sounds you heard before no longer sound, or perhaps the sound of the background ocean noises are no longer in the background, and do not quit when you are in the sub interior view. Maybe you'll see a "steam cloud" following your submerged sub around, or any one of a number of graphic anomalies. Perhaps the CO2 builds up, and then will not clear when you surface, and crew members then start dropping like flies. Any one of a number of apparent issues are caused by shelling-out to Windows. If you do experience these symptoms, it is better to Save and Exit the game. Then re-start the game and Load that Save, then continue.

Similarly associated with this is the video stream of the computer through the game. Unlike modern games that can detect your computer's hardware and settings, Silent Hunter cannot. The best set-up for the game in this regard is to find your monitor's "native" resolution and set Windows to that. When you look at the Display Resolution settings, Windows will show a "(recommended)" next to what it sees is the display monitors native resolution. Be sure you have that. The refresh rate is also in there somewhere. In the game at its Options menu, Graphic Settings, use the drop-down box to change to the same setting. There should not be a huge difference between choosing 59Hz and 60Hz... but the old US analog standard was 29.97Hz, which was usually display rounded up to 30Hz. Similar is done for 59.94Hz. It is usually rounded to 60Hz. If you notice a difference between a 59 and 60 setting, that surprises me... Perhaps they have a difference addressing scheme or something...

Anyway, on a 'modern' computer with a digital display, the use of sync lock in the game generally will cause issues with the display of the water, and can turn it into a sea of "jello". Really odd looking. On the old analog displays, it did help with keeping the "clocks" of the game in sync with each other. The game is written to attempt to display a 30fps video stream (and it still runs best at), which most user computers at the time did not quite attain. The DirectX v9.0c supplies the library files that the game uses, and the "timer" function, as well as the "random number generator" used by the game come from that DirectX v9 dll set, hence you definitely need to install the DirectX v9.0c and its codecs, else the game will not run in the 3D environment. Doing the DirectX v9 install does not overwrite anything on the computer - Windows will not let it. However, it does add some files to the Windows install setup that the game then calls on. Any older game that ran on DirectX v9 needs the files.

When recording video of gameplay, if you do not have the functionality of the Windows Game Bar, or a video card applet that you can use hotkeys to start without changing screens and / or turning from the gameplay, then it is best to start the game and get to the menu. Then shell-out to the desktop to start your recording app, go back into the game and then start your career, Load a Save, Single Mission, or whatever. Then use a hotkey combination to begin recording when you want. You want to avoid, if at all possible, shelling-out to Windows while you are in the game's 3D world. If you do have to, pause the game (ESC or BACKSPACE key or whatever), and it might not impact it as much.

Sorry for the wall of text, but it is a rather complex subject. If you still have little niggly issues, post back with your JSGME active mod list.

[CapitainEA]

Originally Posted by propbeanie

Sorry for the wall of text, but it is a rather complex subject.

Don't apologize, you seem so passionate and competent in your field that I really feel that you will solve my problem that it is a pleasure to read you

Originally Posted by propbeanie

Anyway, on a 'modern' computer with a digital display, the use of sync lock in the game generally will cause issues with the display of the water, and can turn it into a sea of "jello". Really odd looking. On the old analog displays, it did help with keeping the "clocks" of the game in sync with each other. The game is written to attempt to display a 30fps video stream (and it still runs best at), which most user computers at the time did not quite attain. The DirectX v9.0c supplies the library files that the game uses, and the "timer" function, as well as the "random number generator" used by the game come from that DirectX v9 dll set, hence you definitely need to install the DirectX v9.0c and its codecs, else the game will not run in the 3D environment. Doing the DirectX v9 install does not overwrite anything on the computer - Windows will not let it. However, it does add some files to the Windows install setup that the game then calls on. Any older game that ran on DirectX v9 needs the files.

Thank you again for this idea .

Is there a tutorial to properly install DirectX 9.0c with SH4?

Where should I install DirectX 9.0c? In x64 or x86?

Should I install certain DirectX files or subfiles directly into the game data?

And which ones should I install, because there are so many

Should I install only the June 2010 ones or the others are important too?

Originally Posted by propbeanie

If you still have little niggly issues, post back with your JSGME active mod list.

Where can I find this list?

Another problem example of my situation: here I am in SCAPA FLOW, there is just an enemy destroyer patrolling. And I am unable to launch a backup with the “Texture Quality High” option selected....

Cordially

Captain_PUJOL

[propbeanie]

Originally Posted by CapitainEA

Don't apologize, you seem so passionate and competent in your field that I really feel that you will solve my problem that it is a pleasure to read you

Thank you again for this idea

Is there a tutorial to properly install DirectX 9.0c with SH4?

Where should I install DirectX 9.0c? In x64 or x86?

Should I install certain DirectX files or subfiles directly into the game data?

And which ones should I install, because there are so many

Should I install only the June 2010 ones or the others are important too?

...

Where can I find this list?

Another problem example of my situation: here I am in SCAPA FLOW, there is just an enemy destroyer patrolling. And I am unable to launch a backup with the “Texture Quality High” option selected....

If your game runs in the 3D world, which it looks and sounds like it does, then you do not have to worry about the DirectXv9 files. They are apparently there. In theory, they are not the source of your trouble. However, if you do happen to re-install the game, do NOT skip them. The game will not enter the 3D world without them.

As for the JSGME list, open JSGME.exe, and on the middle bar is a "Tasks..." link. Click on that, and at the bottom is "Export activated mods list to >", and from that, you can choose "text file" or "clipboard". If you choose clipboard, you can use the <Ctrl><V> key combo to past it into your next post.

[CapitainEA]

Originally Posted by propbeanie

As for the JSGME list, open JSGME.exe, and on the middle bar is a "Tasks..." link. Click on that, and at the bottom is "Export activated mods list to >", and from that, you can choose "text file" or "clipboard". If you choose clipboard, you can use the <Ctrl><V> key combo to past it into your next post.

Generic Mod Enabler - v2.6.0.157
[C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Silent Hunter 4 Wolves of the Pacific\MODS]

OM_DarkWaters_V6
OM_Med_Env
OM_Warm_Clothes
DBSM_SH4

Is there a tutorial that explains how to install the OM DW mod on windows 10?

In order to observe if I have not omitted a step ....

Cordially, Captain_PUJOL

[propbeanie]

Originally Posted by CapitainEA

Generic Mod Enabler - v2.6.0.157
[C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubisoft\Silent Hunter 4 Wolves of the Pacific\MODS]

OM_DarkWaters_V6
OM_Med_Env
OM_Warm_Clothes
DBSM_SH4

Is there a tutorial that explains how to install the OM DW mod on windows 10?

In order to observe if I have not omitted a step ....

Cordially, Captain_PUJOL

What I highlighted in "Orange" above is the main problem you are having. Windows is not friendly at all to the old DirectX v9 games, and especially to "modded" games. The Program Files folders are 'protected' by Windows, and as such, it will not allow any editing of what are perceived to be "system" files, such as anything with an ini or cfg extension, among others. You do not have a complete mod activation is the main trouble. Your mod list itself should be fine. What I would do is use JSGME and de-activate all of your mods. Then navigate into the Program Files (x86) folder and select the "Ubisoft" folder below it. Press and hold the <Ctrl> key while you press the <C> key, which will copy the folder and all below it. Now navigate to the root C:\ drive, and paste the folder and its contents with a <Ctrl><V> key combination. It will probably take a minute or several to copy everything over. This will leave the game in the Program Files (x86) folder for those times you want to play stock. But back to what is now hopefully a "C:\Ubisoft \Silent Hunter..." path, go into the downloads section here on SubSim, and get yourself MultiSH4. Put it inside your new "C:\Ubisoft \Silent Hunter..." folder and run it. In the little window it brings up, type a 3-character folder name for your Saves to go into, such a ODW or whatever yo want. The create yourself a desktop shortcut if you want, and point it to the new copy. Now activate the DW mods as you had them before, start the game, and make your settings match what you had. In theory, you should not have any more trouble...