SH3 Commander Release 2.2 now available!

[JScones]

Release 2.2 of SH3 Commander is now available. This is a full minor release - no previous version of SH3 Commander is required.

Changes:
- Improved insertion of date based variable menu text. No more need to include *_menu.txt files in the Date folder structure
- Now recognises when a career is "mid-patrol" and ignores realistic career length and realistic crew transfer options accordingly
- "U-Boat Aces" listing now includes other player Commanders (marked with single asterisk)
- Added "Use real ship names" option which if selected replaces standard SH3 ship labels in patrol logs with real ship names. Note that changes are irreversable (credit to Observer for the extensive research undertaken on this one)
- Improved random tonnage calculations (essentially Observer's mod re-engineered and integrated within SH3 Commander)
- Now randomises the time Escorts spend looking for U-Boats after losing contact (by default between 15 and 45 minutes)
- "Randomise crew names" renamed to "Use realistic crew configurations". Functionality is unchanged
- Moving the mouse cursor over text "hidden" under the Commander's image now shows the text
- Improved the robustness of recording a Commander's pre-career history
- Improved the insertion method of Basic.cfg modifications
- Modders can now use a /nolaunch switch to stop SH3 loading (ie for mod testing purposes)

New mod inclusions:
Skins added for Sergbuto's two new merchants (credit to iambecomelife for early war skins and Beery for late war skins)

No screenshots this time as this release focusses on "under the bonnet" tweaks and improvements. The interface is largely unchanged.

Note that this release marks the separation of SH3 Commander and RUb. You'll notice that SH3 Commander no longer copies in full versions of the *_menu.txt files, only the labels that it is asked to adjust (by default #46 for the NewsMod and #902-904 for the pre-1940 Flotilla names - but you can add whatever you like by following the instructions outlined in SH3Cmdr Help.html). This means no more text "side effects". Likewise, real U-Boat availability dates are now written individually to Basic.cfg, meaning that there are no Basic.cfg files included with SH3 Commander either.

These improvements mean that major mods can now work harmoniously with SH3 Commander.

One key thing to remember about SH3 Commander is that it can be modded and tweaked too - you can browse any file within the Cfg sub-folder and by following the instructions outlined at the top, you can tweak to suit your individual gameplay style and preference. Just remember to back up the original files first as neither Beery or I have the resources to answer every "I've stuffed up an SH3Cmdr file" question.

And modders, if you have created camo skins, dials or whatever that are U-Boat, Flotilla or Date related, you can zip them up to run with SH3 Commander just as you can with JSGME. Let Beery or me know if you have questions or if you would like your creations included in a future release of SH3 Commander.

To download, use your SH3 Commander "Updates" feature or click here. To make it easier for users, this release comes with full install/uninstall support - no more .7z file. When installing, please ensure that you read the !!PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING!! information.

Notes:
-When you first load SH3 Commander please review the "SH3 Options" screen. Failing to review prior to launching Silent Hunter III may result in unwanted (albeit temporary) gameplay experience.
-For efficiency and dynamic reasons, I have slightly changed the Fatigue key names in "Crew fatigue models.cfg". Please note this when reinserting your own models. This change now allows you to add other CREW_* block values that exist, such as FatigueMin and so on.
-The setup wizard version is approximately 43mb. Alternatively, the same release is available as a 31mb .7z download at http://www.beerymod.com/SH3Cmdr22.7z. Please read SH3Cmdr Help.html before installing the .7z version. Should demand call, a "Lite" version will be made available which will include everything except for the random ship skins.

As always, please post your questions/feedback/problems to this thread...

[Lane]

Thank's JScones for the new commander I just d/l it and saw the
new setup program. A few dumb questions from me
I see no readme before running the set up program?
Do I need to roll back my present Commander? or just leave as is for now?
Will I be able to set fatigue to zero? I saw you said you won't have the
basic.cfg file So I will have to make the changes? my basic.cfg file is set
up for zero fatigue.
Will we still be able to set water to clear? and adjust deck gun reload time.
One more will we be able to adjust time in port? I am running Rubini
HT 1.46 have it set for 1 day for the milkcow mod.
Thank's for any comeback on my questions
Lane

[Lane]

JS,

One more request Would you write what is in blue in your above post?
I can't read the blue letters?

Thank's
Lane

[JScones]

Originally Posted by Lane

I see no readme before running the set up program? Do I need to roll back my present Commander? or just leave as is for now?

Cyan text = "To download, use your SH3 Commander "Updates" feature or click here. To make it easier for users, this release comes with full install/uninstall support - no more .7z file. When installing, please ensure that you read the !!PLEASE READ BEFORE CONTINUING!! information."

When you run the install file it will tell you what to do before continuing.

Originally Posted by Lane

Will I be able to set fatigue to zero? I saw you said you won't have the basic.cfg file So I will have to make the changes? my basic.cfg file is set up for zero fatigue.
Will we still be able to set water to clear? and adjust deck gun reload time. One more will we be able to adjust time in port? I am running Rubini HT 1.46 have it set for 1 day for the milkcow mod.

I think you asked these questions in another thread. The answer is the same, this is an *update* to an existing version, with *extra* features. Current functionality remains unchanged, except where stated above.

[Lane]

JS,

I think I have it set up look's good Did a roll back, and Delete my old Data, Flottila,and Random Sub Folders. And did the install. Set it up like my older version. the crew fatigue and my other settings
Now can I delete the older CMD now it was in folder on desk top?
Seem's to have all the new things like your above post
Will start SH 3 and see if she runs ok.
Thank's
Lane

[JScones]

Originally Posted by Lane

I think I have it set up look's good Did a roll back, and Delete my old Data, Flottila,and Random Sub Folders. And did the install. Set it up like my older version. the crew fatigue and my other settings
Now can I delete the older CMD now it was in folder on desk top?
Seem's to have all the new things like your above post
Will start SH 3 and see if she runs ok.

What's a CMD?

[Lane]

JS,
"CMD" Just my slang for Commander
Start Sim with new commander works fine.
I am running Rubini's HT 146 and I still click under Attack orders to
See his Milk cow Data still invisable no big deal I just click under
attack orders and it pops up.
Sorry I miss spell some words I am a senior and just don't spell well
Wish these forums had a spellchecker
Thank's JS for the new Commander
Lane

[JScones]

Originally Posted by Lane

"CMD" Just my slang for Commander
Start Sim with new commander works fine.

OK. It sounds like you did not install over your previous installation. If that is the case, copy the old SH3Cmdr.ini file into your new installation before deleting your old SH3Cmdr folder. If you don't, you'll lose your Commander histories and SH3 Commander settings (not that the settings are a big deal - they're easily reset, but you may not want to lose your Commander history information).

Originally Posted by Lane

I am running Rubini's HT 146 and I still click under Attack orders to See his Milk cow Data still invisable no big deal I just click under attack orders and it pops up.

Well, you say you've deleted the "Date" folders, which contained the files that caused the conflict, but besides, you've installed to a fresh location, so the problem is not SH3Cmdr related this time. I recommend the following:
1. Rollback SH3Cmdr
2. Disable HT1.46 in JSGME
3. Re-enable HT1.46 in JSGME

See if that fixes it.

[oRGy]

Great stuff!

[Pkunzipper]

Thanks!!
It's really great!!

Just a small request...
I like very much the snaming of the ship you sink, but is it possible to have the type of the ship too??

Something like "CVE - S.S. Breton" or "Bogue Class - S.S. Breton"?

[HEMISENT]

Thanks.
The hits just keep on coming!
Downloading now.

[Schultzy]

Thanks mate.

Love it, and it keeps getting better!

Originally Posted by JScones

- Now randomises the time Escorts spend looking for U-Boats after losing contact (by default between 15 and 45 minutes)

Huh? Where can i configure this? I think it would be better to set this to 6 - 11 hours, because of the "2 minute wabo attacks"... maybe we could stretch this procedure a little bit? :hmm:

[Beery]

Originally Posted by Nippelspanner

Huh? Where can i configure this? I think it would be better to set this to 6 - 11 hours, because of the "2 minute wabo attacks"... maybe we could stretch this procedure a little bit? :hmm:

If it goes beyond 45 minutes the escorts will lose the ability to catch up with the convoy (outside a certain range the escorts assume they are the only convoy survivors and they chug along at the standard convoy speed). Since, if the U-boat is not detected, it usually takes only 45 minutes or so to escape the search area, this means that you can catch up with an unescorted convoy and play havoc with it, which is very unrealistic.

However, if you want to extend the limits of the search you can adjust the range in SH3 Commander\Cfg\Miscellaneous.cfg. Just input the desired upper and lower values (in minutes).

[jaxa]

JScones - I've read in SH3Commander Help this:
"Fuel resupply strategy simulated from April 1942 until December 1943 by extending range of Type VIIC during this time period."
I use the newest HT 1.46 with Milk Cows mod, so I don't need this feature. How to disable it?