How to Raise Maximum Periscope Extension?

Stiebler · 12-08-07, 05:56 AM

Many thanks indeed to RacerBoy and Anvart for these prompt replies. It never occurred to me to look in the Turm files, but I'll do that asap. Nice to see you again in this forum, incidentally, old friend Anvart.

The reason for the query was this:
When approaching convoys recently, in 15 m/s winds, but good visibility, and periscope fully up, at time compression = 32, I was quite struck by the flashing of the water on the periscope as I tried to track the convoy visually. It suddenly occurred to me that people subject to epilepsy might well have an attack after this kind of flashing. I'm not a sufferer myself, thank goodness, but even I felt very dazzled by this display very quickly.

It has also occurred to me that another solution to this visual problem would be to reduce wave heights in file scenes.dat. This would have also the advantage that the U-boat would be more readily detected at periscope depth by escorts. And I could even make the usual mindless claim that the mod complies with Britain's irritating law, the Health and Safety Act.

So I shall try both approaches.

Many thanks again, everyone who replied.

Stiebler.

Koondawg · 12-08-07, 11:07 AM

curosity setting in....what prog are you using to open the .sim files please?
thanks in advance

Stiebler · 12-08-07, 11:55 AM

Quote:

curosity setting in....what prog are you using to open the .sim files please?
thanks in advance

TimeTraveler's FileAnalyzer, if it has the appropriate text files pre-created for the relevant data files. This provides very secure input, since data positions and values are defined by their relationship to the nearest preceding key text words.

TimeTraveler's TweakFile program is very competent, and has a wider range of pre-defined text files for different data files, but data positions seem to be defined relative to the first byte of the data file. If the size of the file changes, you may find that you get access to irrelevant data bytes. Most variables used in SH3 are, for some reason, single floating point (four-byte) variables.

If these fail (i.e. lack of appropriate pre-written text files to access the SH3 data), I shall use a simple hex editor. Usually I use that provided with Microsoft's Visual C++ compiler.

At the time of writing, family commitments prevent me from trying out any of these choices.

Stiebler.

TheDarkWraith · 12-08-07, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Koondawg

curosity setting in....what prog are you using to open the .sim files please?
thanks in advance

hex-editor, I use Hex Workshop 4.2.

Stiebler · 12-09-07, 07:02 AM

I've now had had the chance to test these issues.

SH3 FileAnalyzer and Sh3 MiniTweaker (both by TimeTraveler) both lack pre-written rules for examining the turmxy_m_hd.sim files. (Found in the data\object\ folder.)

Therefore I have examined the files with a hex editor and, for convenience, written a rule suitable for use with SH3 FileAnalyzer. This one rule works for all the turms, provided the values of 'xy_m_' are changed (eg, to turm9c_2_hd.sim).

I have raised the max_height of the periscopes (types 0 and 1) by one (metre) for all turms.

I have also lowered the 'maximum wave height' in file scene.dat from the previous value of '256' to '224'.

In testing in Single Mission mode, this combination works perfectly for the purposes I require. The periscope can be raised well above the waves even with winds 15 m/s, the U-boat is more readily detected by convoy ships (escorts and merchants), the lower waves give the merchants better stability (they don't rock so badly), and the nauseating effect of trying to watch a closing convoy in a storm is now greatly reduced.
Also the lower waves largely reduce the massive crew fatigue that occurs when schnorchelling. The crew no longer has to switch between diesel and electric compartments so frequently.

Since SH3FileAnalyzer is not as well known as MiniTweaker, probably because it comes with a much smaller pack of prepared rules, I have packaged up TimeTraveler's original installable executable and a selection of my new rules as file 'SH3FileAnalyzer_Build367.zip'. This can be found at:

http://files.filefront.com/SH3FileAn.../fileinfo.html

However, Filefront's new ruthless deletion policy means that you had better download this file quickly, before it vanishes like everything else.

Thanks again for all your help, RacerBoy and Anvart. I hope you may find the new 'Turm' rule for SH3FileAnalyzer too.

Stiebler.

Anvart · 12-09-07, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stiebler

...
Thanks again for all your help, RacerBoy and Anvart. I hope you may find the new 'Turm' rule for SH3FileAnalyzer too.

Stiebler.

Thanks, Stiebler.
My favorite tool is Hex Edtor ... with its help i can make all ...

TheDarkWraith · 12-09-07, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anvart

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stiebler

...
Thanks again for all your help, RacerBoy and Anvart. I hope you may find the new 'Turm' rule for SH3FileAnalyzer too.

Stiebler.

Thanks, Stiebler.
My favorite tool is Hex Edtor ... with its help i can make all ...

I have to agree Anvart. The hex editor allows you to turn an idea into reality!

Hartmann · 12-09-07, 01:35 PM

Perhaps could be interesting raise the observation periscope and not the attack periscope.:hmm:

gimpy117 · 12-09-07, 11:56 PM

gah!! might as well make a modern sub with it's really long scope while your at it... god i could imagine it... taking out a convoy with homing torpedos in a seawolf while running silent at 20 knots...all the time the destroyers wondering where your came from and how you can outrun them at silent speed!!

12-08-07, 05:56 AM	#1
Stiebler Fuel Supplier Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,237 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 4	Many thanks indeed to RacerBoy and Anvart for these prompt replies. It never occurred to me to look in the Turm files, but I'll do that asap. Nice to see you again in this forum, incidentally, old friend Anvart. The reason for the query was this: When approaching convoys recently, in 15 m/s winds, but good visibility, and periscope fully up, at time compression = 32, I was quite struck by the flashing of the water on the periscope as I tried to track the convoy visually. It suddenly occurred to me that people subject to epilepsy might well have an attack after this kind of flashing. I'm not a sufferer myself, thank goodness, but even I felt very dazzled by this display very quickly. It has also occurred to me that another solution to this visual problem would be to reduce wave heights in file scenes.dat. This would have also the advantage that the U-boat would be more readily detected at periscope depth by escorts. And I could even make the usual mindless claim that the mod complies with Britain's irritating law, the Health and Safety Act. So I shall try both approaches. Many thanks again, everyone who replied. Stiebler. __________________ NYGM Tonnage War Mod - More than a mod: it's an experience!

12-09-07, 07:02 AM	#5
Stiebler Fuel Supplier Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: London, UK Posts: 1,237 Downloads: 29 Uploads: 4	I've now had had the chance to test these issues. SH3 FileAnalyzer and Sh3 MiniTweaker (both by TimeTraveler) both lack pre-written rules for examining the turmxy_m_hd.sim files. (Found in the data\object\ folder.) Therefore I have examined the files with a hex editor and, for convenience, written a rule suitable for use with SH3 FileAnalyzer. This one rule works for all the turms, provided the values of 'xy_m_' are changed (eg, to turm9c_2_hd.sim). I have raised the max_height of the periscopes (types 0 and 1) by one (metre) for all turms. I have also lowered the 'maximum wave height' in file scene.dat from the previous value of '256' to '224'. In testing in Single Mission mode, this combination works perfectly for the purposes I require. The periscope can be raised well above the waves even with winds 15 m/s, the U-boat is more readily detected by convoy ships (escorts and merchants), the lower waves give the merchants better stability (they don't rock so badly), and the nauseating effect of trying to watch a closing convoy in a storm is now greatly reduced. Also the lower waves largely reduce the massive crew fatigue that occurs when schnorchelling. The crew no longer has to switch between diesel and electric compartments so frequently. Since SH3FileAnalyzer is not as well known as MiniTweaker, probably because it comes with a much smaller pack of prepared rules, I have packaged up TimeTraveler's original installable executable and a selection of my new rules as file 'SH3FileAnalyzer_Build367.zip'. This can be found at: http://files.filefront.com/SH3FileAn.../fileinfo.html However, Filefront's new ruthless deletion policy means that you had better download this file quickly, before it vanishes like everything else. Thanks again for all your help, RacerBoy and Anvart. I hope you may find the new 'Turm' rule for SH3FileAnalyzer too. Stiebler. __________________ NYGM Tonnage War Mod - More than a mod: it's an experience!

12-09-07, 01:35 PM	#8
Hartmann Sea Lord Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Grid CH 26, Spain ,Barcelona Posts: 1,857 Downloads: 204 Uploads: 0	Perhaps could be interesting raise the observation periscope and not the attack periscope.:hmm: __________________ But this ship can't sink!... She is made of iron, sir. I assure you, she can. and she will. It is a mathematical certainty. Strength and honor

12-08-07, 11:07 AM	#2
Koondawg Grey Wolf Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pasadena, Ca Posts: 852 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	curosity setting in....what prog are you using to open the .sim files please? thanks in advance

12-09-07, 11:56 PM	#9
gimpy117 Ocean Warrior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kalamazoo, MI Posts: 3,243 Downloads: 108 Uploads: 0	gah!! might as well make a modern sub with it's really long scope while your at it... god i could imagine it... taking out a convoy with homing torpedos in a seawolf while running silent at 20 knots...all the time the destroyers wondering where your came from and how you can outrun them at silent speed!!