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Author	Topic: Ground Pack: in a PAR file?
Harman_5 Pilot	posted 05-04- 08:40 AM Ok, so I'm working on the drivable ground object pack for SDOE, it maybe a little early to decide now, but I was originally thinking of keeping the ground pack contents as a normal add-on, that is, where the files go straight into the SDOE media folder where they should. However, the pack is closing on 30MB right now, and it will most probably grow more before it's finished. There are currently 11 vehicles in the pack, and there maybe more before release. Whichever way I go, I'm going to make the install procedure via an install program like the Planepacks. So the questions are: Should I package the Ground Pack into a PAR file and just make it install by a setup program just like the Planepack? Or: Should I keep the contents 'open' and just let the setup program install the contents into the SDOE folders? The reason I'm thinking of the PAR file option right is that it offers better 'protection' to the pack files from getting corrupted, but prevents most people from modding it, which is not good. If I do choose the PAR file option, can I use any number for the PAR file name that's not used? I know the numbers 1, 2, 3, 10, 11, 13, and maybe a few others are used, how about DATA20, 15 or something? Any other suggestions? btw, I may have to split the final release exe or zip into about 5 or 6 parts, not sure my 56K connection can upload ~30MB. ------------------ Current projects: * Drivable ground object pack: 63% * Drivable ground object tutorial: 60% * Ju88A4 DM v6.3: 95% Visit FS:SDOE Online IP: Logged
Werner Molders JAG	posted 05-04- 09:18 AM 11 vehicles = ~30MB? Whoa, how does that work, when vehicles are essentially planes from the game's perspective? My vote would be not in a parfile. Werner ------------------ Visit Abbeville Field Today! IP: Logged
Da Wing Waxer Pilot	posted 05-04- 09:21 AM Harman I think the PAR file idea is the best approach. It's easier for new people. I already have nations, PP6 and thw WWI PP split up at an NBCI site. I'd be glad to put the ground pack pieces up there too. The utility I used is called HJsplit and is a freeware program. It's at that site too. In addition, if you use that utility, I can reassemble it and send it to simfiles or wingswithwires as I have a DSL connection. I forgot to send you the models and plans. Check your e-mail about an hour from this post IP: Logged
li'l bastard Pilot	posted 05-04- 09:28 AM as usual many heads, many opinions LOL The wisest thing u could do could be a double release IP: Logged
Harman_5 Pilot	posted 05-04- 09:33 AM Werner, I know it may seem strange, but also consider that each vehicle has its own pilot sm and textures, total of about 200KB for each vehicle in "pilots" alone. My vehicles don't rely on the default textures in the SDOE PAR files, and therefore, I have to account for every texture that every vehicle uses. The Planepacks contained sm files that took advantage of some textures already installed with SDOE. Mine is sort of 'independant' in that regard, and apart from the sm files for each vehicle (which are no less than a meg)textures are mostly the cause of the large file size, apart from the fact that they are high-detail I can see how it may seem strange however. Da Wing Waxer, Yes, I am going to use the HJ Split program, as I have been for a few months now for my files. It does wonders Thanks! Lil' B, I'm not sure about two releases, let's wait a see which gets the most votes. ------------------ Current projects: * Drivable ground object pack: 63% * Drivable ground object tutorial: 60% * Ju88A4 DM v6.3: 95% Visit FS:SDOE Online [This message has been edited by Harman_5 (edited 05-04-2001).] IP: Logged
3dp Pilot	posted 05-04- 10:45 AM I vote no PAR file. ------------------ Be seeing you, 3dp Visit RAF Harkness! IP: Logged
Rendsburger Pilot	posted 05-04- 10:59 AM No PAR file! Rendsburger IP: Logged
Snickers Pilot	posted 05-04- 11:32 AM Why no PAR file??? (Don't just say no....) IP: Logged
Commando Pilot	posted 05-04- 01:04 PM Par files seem a good idea but first we need to document all the current par files used, there are only a finite number available, number 15 I think is already used by the WW1 pack and I use 20 for tundra as the orginal number for it is used in the plane pack and the online mission pack uses another. Also we may need more par files for the upcoming terrains etc. Of course the patch may supersede all this with its use of openplane folders but first we need a version that people will use 100% instead of patch 1.5, not far away by the progress achieved so far. IP: Logged
Harman_5 Pilot	posted 05-04- 01:14 PM My thoughts exactly Commando, but it seems most people like the more 'open' approach of not having a PAR file. To me, it will be much easier, as everything is in one PAR file, just drop it into the media directory, and that's it. There's no number limit on the par files as in what they're named is there? I can for example make a PAR called Data99 or something can't I? ------------------ Current projects: * Drivable ground object pack: 63% * Drivable ground object tutorial: 60% * Ju88A4 DM v6.3: 95% Visit FS:SDOE Online IP: Logged
Rendsburger Pilot	posted 05-04- 01:19 PM Why no Parfile: You can easier update. You can simple change/edit skins,sound,mods,because you know the names and where to put the stuff. You can delete a vehicle if you don�t want it. It�s easier to up- and download. Rendsburger IP: Logged
Commando Pilot	posted 05-04- 02:03 PM Harman, the highest Par file number allowed is 20, if I am wrong please shout if you know better. On my install that leaves only 16,17,18 free, all other nos are taken. IP: Logged
Harman_5 Pilot	posted 05-04- 02:09 PM Hmm, that leaves only a few PAR files to play with. I think I may go the non-PAR file option. As Rendsburger said, more moddable by users, and easier to update. Thanks for the replies so far guys. ------------------ Current projects: * Drivable ground object pack: 63% * Drivable ground object tutorial: 60% * Ju88A4 DM v6.3: 95% Visit FS:SDOE Online IP: Logged
Pye Pilot	posted 05-04- 05:19 PM I'm For a PAR file, A ground opject pack deserves a Par file number even if they are limited, and even if the file size is 100Megs,, reason, It's easier for ONLINE compatibilty issues for our new pilots that will join us. If you you don't want a vehicle , UNBIG it remove it and install the files you only want. A newbie never says I don't want this plane on my hardrive, they just say, I'm not using that one. I would recommend asking Brian Russell about parfile numberings, as it could change easily maybe, also talk to Spin, , He, i'm sure will have some tips for you.. Great work all the objects together Harmen_5,,, I had great fun driving though a village with p38J chasing me!,, If you make a despatch bike too, A Norton Commando, or whatever, comando will bow infront of you and kiss you toes . hehehe [This message has been edited by Pye (edited 05-04-2001).] IP: Logged
Psi Pilot	posted 05-04- 05:36 PM I like what Rends says because I like to change things around sometimes. I would like to be able to slap a allied hide on say the 40mm in some cases. Or if I have a mission that requires French resistance fighters I can customize that ground obj to make the mission more authentic Hell just make a PP for em, it doesn't even have to be in the 6.1 really... P IP: Logged
Commando Pilot	posted 05-05- 01:26 AM I'll not only bow and kiss your toes ,I might be persuaded to do you a full stereo engine sound pak, have a few tank sounds already from Panzer Elite. The authentic despatch M/c for the Allies would be the BSA M20 and for the Axis it would be BMW R? or Zundapp Ks750. To get then to stay up but also lean over you could retain the Alierons but make them invisable , make them into outrigger wheels which raise and drop and you can bank them round bends using the joystick, get it wrong and the bike will crash. IP: Logged
Psi Pilot	posted 05-05- 01:31 AM If I had to nominate a guy to do sounds for this project it would be Commando. Thanks for stepping up to the plate K/C (and the SSB) P [This message has been edited by Psi (edited 05-05-2001).] IP: Logged
Harman_5 Pilot	posted 05-05- 03:04 AM That's what I was initially thinking too Pye, all the other packs come in PAR files, why not this one. Psi, I know what you're saying about the modding issues, I may release a huge list displaying the locations and names of the files. LoL Commando! I was thinking of doing a German BMW Sidecar like the one in H & D, but it's on the backburner right now. The sounds for the pack are mostly taken from another WWII ground simulation, so they will be quite good, but I welcome any suggestions Let me count the votes and see who won. I may well end up like Lil' B said, releasing the whole thing as two versions, one with and without a PAR file. ------------------ Current projects: * Drivable ground object pack: 63% * Drivable ground object tutorial: 60% * Ju88A4 DM v6.3: 95% Visit FS:SDOE Online IP: Logged
Pye Pilot	posted 05-05- 12:24 PM Well If you make a soundpack, with all those separate file for download, then i may have to kiss your toes! If I can download 1 big download for all the known sounds to date, then that would be great, Need this in preparation for the Dobbler patch.. which is great for moving vehicles IP: Logged
Harman_5 Pilot	posted 05-05- 12:30 PM The BMW R75 sidecar may get added in if I have the time. I found an excellent 3D model for it today ------------------ Current projects: * Drivable ground object pack: 63% * Drivable ground object tutorial: 60% * Ju88A4 DM v6.3: 95% Visit FS:SDOE Online IP: Logged
Commando Pilot	posted 05-05- 02:27 PM Well if the Patch increases the no of sound channels from 32 up to say 128, and sorts the mulitple engines in one engine, then thats just what I am planning to do. Just got a job that has lots of travelling involved with lap-top as a nice add-on. No more time for online playing but loads for sound editing etc, no 3d card so its software only mode for a few months, the sound pack will make it worthwhile. IP: Logged
spin Pilot	posted 05-05- 05:12 PM Parfile is my vote! Number one reason is troubleshooting. Number two is compatibility Number three is updates I believe 15 is the limit on parfiles (I would have to check whether higher numbers work. I've never heard of 20 working before - this is the first time) I would suggest the openplane folder concept for this as well. I know this means the patch but I don't think it will be long before we are using it online. On parfile numbers, it could be possible to use the pp parfile # 10 for this. This is mainly ground objects now anyway. The only other stuff is training /hangar missions - which could either be moved or left in there. ------------------ Spin Visit Spin's Planepack Site to learn more about planepack V6.0 and ongoing development of the planepack IP: Logged
Jeeves JAG	posted 05-05- 11:06 PM Not saying much....but that training missions par file will be getting a bit bigger before too long- please don't move them!! ------------------ Brought to you by the campaign for a better Dauntless! Jeeves =FC= IP: Logged
Harman_5 Pilot	posted 05-06- 04:31 AM So is DATA10 a possibility now? If we leave the training/hangar missions in there, that'll be fine, so long as the whole package doesn't turn out too big ------------------ Current projects: * Drivable ground object pack: 64% * Drivable ground object tutorial: 60% * Ju88A4 DM v6.3: 95% Visit FS:SDOE Online IP: Logged
Jeeves JAG	posted 05-06- 07:07 AM I would say so....mission files don't take up much space--but there will be a better selection of them soon I already have them in data10.par and I'd like to keep them there. ------------------ Brought to you by the campaign for a better Dauntless! Jeeves =FC= IP: Logged
Pye Pilot	posted 05-06- 10:22 AM Can anyone explain how the OPEN PLANE FOLDER concept will work in the Patch, Does it mean, a folder would be a new terrain file, or a new folder for a group of new planes that , for example would be Vietnam based only, etc Commando,, sorry to hear your not gonna be online so much, but your All in sound pack will be great. IP: Logged
spin Pilot	posted 05-06- 10:44 AM Pye, The OpenPlane folder is probably a misnomer, it's really an addon folder. In it you can place parfiles in separate folders based on an addon selection. For example a ground units pack folder, a plane pack folder, a missions folder, a specific terrain folder etc etc etc. You then go to your options page, select the openplane button and it takes you to a list of the folders installed on you machine. If you have two plane packs in (for example pp6.0 and pp6.1.b4) you can choose which pack you want enabled, and deselect those you don't want. When you click ok the game then reloads in the new configuration. IP: Logged
Jerry Pilot	posted 05-06- 12:28 PM Wow Spin...that sounds great! Any idea when it might be implemented? IP: Logged
spin Pilot	posted 05-06- 04:40 PM It's been implemented since one of the early patch builds and continues to work in all of the current beta builds. I currently have the following in folders in the openplane folder: tundra multiplayer mission pack v0.99 planepack 6.1 b3 planepack 6.1 b4 and a few others - I never have to worry about parfile numbers overlapping this way. Go to www.wingswithwires.com to download the latest beta. IP: Logged
Jerry Pilot	posted 05-06- 04:54 PM I have 1.5.2.8 and Open Plane is on the Options screen...but where do you put the folders for them to show up? IP: Logged

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