External Camera Question

[Col7777]

Sometimes when I install another model I can get the external camera but it doesn't rotate around the vessel the same as it does on the default models.

When I got to rotate round the vessel it just goes from left to right, if I want to view from the rear, front or the other side it takes a lot of manoeuvring to get in to position, is there a simple way round it please?

Col.

[mikesn9]

if your curser arrow shows on the screen when using external camera, the left (or right) button will rotate the view in a circle.
If the curser arrow is not showing, the the buttons move the view left and right.

[Col7777]

Hi Mike,

Yes that is what I'm asking if there is a way to rotate and not just go left and right, maybe I didn't explain it properly.

Col.

[Moonlight]

Originally Posted by mikesn9

if your curser arrow shows on the screen when using external camera, the left (or right) button will rotate the view in a circle.
If the curser arrow is not showing, the the buttons move the view left and right.

If your cursor shows on the screen when viewing your sub externally use the left or right arrow keys on the keyboard and the screen should rotate in a circle, by clicking the screen with the mouse the left or right arrow keys on the keyboard will move it left to right or vice versa.

[Col7777]

OK I went on my version of WDAD, selected the U-Class sub, got the arrow icon on the screen but can only go left or right, can not rotate.

Went on another version and selected a default sub and can rotate no problem, so some vessels for some reason won't let you, I've tried various models with no other mods installed and like I said some will some won't.

Is it just me having this problem?

Col.

[XenonSurf]

There is the 'Free Camera' and the 'Unit View'. In Unit View you don't have the freedom to move around your camera, you can zoom-in / out and slightly move left / right that's it. In FC you have total freedom.


Beware that in TMO (and maybe FOTRSU) the difficulty level in campaign will change if FC or UV is available. You would have to manually edit the save files to get them all if you want.



XS

[Col7777]

Thanks XS,

So is there a way to select to have the free view and not the unit view?

When the mission starts and I select to view the vessel like I said above, some will let you rotate some won't, so this is what I'm asking why won't they?
Is there a file in some units that won't allow the free view I'm wondering?

Col.

[XenonSurf]

Originally Posted by Col7777

Thanks XS,

So is there a way to select to have the free view and not the unit view?

Col.

For single missions you can set it directly in the gameplay options.


For a career (campaign):
It's more complicated, you must change these files in your specific savegame located in your Documents\SH4 folder:

For example in C:\Users\[your account name]\Documents\SH4\data\cfg\SaveGames\00000002

Edit the file GameplaySettings.cfg, and also the same file in ...\UPCInitial\
and the one directly located in Cfg folder. Things to edit are:


NoEventCamera=false
NoExternalView=false


In the above you will have both in the game. Change to 'true' if you no cameras or no unit views.



XS

[Col7777]

Again thanks XS,

Forgive my ignorance but in the game play settings what do I edit?
Sorry just re-read your post I'll try that.

Col.

[KaleunMarco]

Originally Posted by Col7777

Thanks XS,

So is there a way to select to have the free view and not the unit view?

When the mission starts and I select to view the vessel like I said above, some will let you rotate some won't, so this is what I'm asking why won't they?
Is there a file in some units that won't allow the free view I'm wondering?

Col.

there are two options for viewing the world outside of your boat. XenonSurf lists them: NoEventCamera, NoExternalView.

the Event Camera is a pop-up window to alert you to an event happening near you.

• one of your torpedoes nearing a target
• a target sinking
• a plane attacking
• an enemy firing a torpedo at you

if you want to see these events, make NoEventCamera=false.

The External View is a feature that you activate with the < or > keys. you can cycle through a view of the ships/subs that you are detecting at that time. while you are viewing the enemy vessel, you can use the left & right arrow keys to move the view. whether you are allowed to move fore and aft OR rotate around the perimeter of the enemy is determined by the Mod creator. In Stock, you are able to rotate around a vessel but in FOTRSU, you can only move fore/aft. this capability is controlled by a file whose name i cannot remember. i, myself, have not been clever enough to figure out this parameter well enough to modify it.

if you want to see these other ships/subs, make NoExternalView=false.

Last part now, it's been a long post so stay with me.
There are two areas where you can modify these two game settings. keep in mind that each option is independent of the other.

• in the main menu
• in the mission/career menu

when you change an option in GamePlay Settings at the Main Menu, it affects Single Missions and War Patrols.
To change an option for a Career, the Difficulty level you selected at the time you began your career will set both of these options (as well as several more) a certain way. to review or change GamePlay settings for your career, you must change them in port. for US-Pacific careers, click on the Radio (on the left side). for the German-Pacific career, click on the file cabinet (right side).

hope this helps. if not, let me know.

good luck.

[Col7777]

Thank you Marco,

For taking the time and trouble typing a very informative reply that was very helpful, not just to me but many others I should think.

I know some don't like the external view as they like the sim to be real life, I understand and respect that, but personally I like it, I'm a bit of an eye candy man lol.
Plus being a bit of an amateur I've been so busy firing at a target only to be attacked from the rear and I haven't noticed, so the external view helps me there, not real I know but I need it.

Col.