Units database needed

[coralsaw]

Hello all,

First, I'd like to say once more how enjoyable I'm finding this whole release after so many years. I've bought and played all three games when they were originally released, but 2nd time around is still great! Well done folks, and I hope you continue to evolve the series. Great design never goes out of fashion. [:)]

Back in those days, when I had a bit more time, I had created a sort of database browser utility for units that would get all unit data including range, stick a unit photo in and present a nice little screen that you can Alt-TAB to and check out even if you're playing with FoW. Old timers might remember this.

I personally found this utility useful, especially since I like to play with FoW/ExFoW and F2 is not available in these cases. Granted, Help menu has all the data but it takes a long time to get to them, and a photo is not available, so if you're playing with ExFow you're out of luck until you start recognising units by experience.

Anyways, I unfortunately don't seem to have a copy of that one, although I'll look again. Question for you is:

1. Is there a chance of getting a Unit browser in a patch, dear development team?

2. Failing that, is there any kind programming soul with a bit of time to develop such a utility?

3. Failing that too, is there any Unit DB even in spreadsheet format that someone can point me to?

Many thx chaps.

/coralsaw

[coralsaw]

Update:

I've managed to get a copy of the old utility and fix it to work with the new version, see below a screenshot that might bring back memories. However, in order to make it work for all 3 games and make sure that unit data are correct, I need an up to date unit database for all 3 games.

Jason, is there a way to get such a database without having to create it manually from Help files, (which BTW also don't contain terrain MP cost data)? I tried looking at the files but couldn't find any data in cleartext form, just the descriptions. I can get you the structure of the DB if it helps.

Of course, the best solution would be to just get an official unit browser utility from you guys, but every little helps. [;)]

/coralsaw

[Arkady]

FYI help files within this new release are from original Talonsoft's version, they don't reflect new units/nations in Matrix release

[coralsaw]

Yep, I found out about that when I had a Russian M3A1 Scout car appear..

/coralsaw

[Jason Petho]

That's a brilliant screenshot! A rather useful tool indeed.

1. Is there a chance of getting a Unit browser in a patch, dear development team?

Potentially.. if we do it, it would be released later.. if someone else does it, we can incorporate it sooner.

2. Failing that, is there any kind programming soul with a bit of time to develop such a utility?

Hopefully there is, and they volunteer!

3. Failing that too, is there any Unit DB even in spreadsheet format that someone can point me to?

Not a 100% complete one, no.

Jason, is there a way to get such a database without having to create it manually from Help files, (which BTW also don't contain terrain MP cost data)? I tried looking at the files but couldn't find any data in cleartext form, just the descriptions. I can get you the structure of the DB if it helps.

Every little bit helps, of course. One could start populating the database.

Do you have a link for this utility?

Jason Petho

[Gudadantza]

Wow! A Unit browser like that is a must have in future patches!

[Arizonus]

We would need to manually go through the help files to get data for new units? That sounds like a job we should split between several of us - I'll volunteer -

[Karl Berg]

I have modified the same .dbf old program used by Coralsaw and imported new dates from files
[font=arial]  Platoon##, [/font][font=arial] Weapon and [/font]Unittext. The program is redy for EF. I will incude also WF and RS. If someone wish to tray it plese send his E-mail aadress to mine (carlo.monti44@fastwebnet.it).
   Karl Berg  
 

[coralsaw]

@Karl: Wow, cool stuff.

@Jason: I have the utility on my drive and can send it to you, but it uses old data, best to get it from Karl if he has updated it.

Me, I've given it a thought last night and can spend some time writing a new unit browser utility. The major benefit will be it will deliver a self-contained .net app that installs and uninstalls normally. And I'll brush up a bit on my skills myself (as if I didn't have work to do). [:D]

In any case, the major problem is the up-to-date unit database. I can see the following solutions:

1. We decide on the format and split the work among volunteers, that need to go through F2 screens etc and get all data.

2. Jason can run a programmatic query (if possible) in the source files and dump to us in any format all the unit data included in F2 screen and range popup (copyright will be observed) so we can build a nice browser around them. I can provide required fields if needed.

I strongly prefer 2. since it will result in less work and fewer mistakes. Jason, are you able to do that?

/coralsaw

[Arkady]

all data are present in known format, you don't need populate unit viewer manually, just combine data from platton##.obx (simple encryption only), weapon.dat and unittext.txt

[coralsaw]

Thanks for the info Arkady. There are the following files:

- platoonXX.oob: lots data, includes assault etc values, doesn't seem to include terrain costs, needs work to decipher
- platoonXX.obx: encrypted (or compressed?), no idea how to decrypt it, do you know?
- weapon.pdt: weapons data, seems ok
- weapn.pdx: encrypted or compressed data, no idea
- unittext.txt: unit descriptions

Terrain costs don't seem to be anywhere though. Any ideas?

In any case, it would be great if Jason could help us interpret all those data files at least.

/coralsaw

[Arizonus]

Coralsaw,
 
     Do you know about this decoder program?
 
http://www.theblitz.org/downloads/scenario_tools.php#cs
 
     Would that do what you need to do, for opening platoon and weapon files? Note that even here, units are not assigned individual movement costs, but rather, a single-digit "ground pressure" value; I don't know what this corresponds to....

[Jason Petho]

The oob and obx files are the same, with the exception of the obx files being encrypted. There is no reason to need for the obx files if merely creating a database.

Same with the pdt and pdx files.

Jason Petho

[Arizonus]

Jason,
 
     Do you know how to interpret the GP value? What if, for instance, I wanted to create a "new" unit that was an immobilized tank being used as a stationary pillbox?   Thanks!
 
                                                                                       Ariz

[Jason Petho]

ORIGINAL: Arizonus

Jason,

    Do you know how to interpret the GP value? What if, for instance, I wanted to create a "new" unit that was an immobilized tank being used as a stationary pillbox?   Thanks!

                                                                                      Ariz

Just give it 0 movement costs for on and off road.

The unit will be stationary.

Jason Petho

[Arizonus]

Okay - sorry for being dense, but how would this be done?

[Jason Petho]

Did you happen to download the tool you posted?

Jason Petho

[Arizonus]

Yes, I have it - have not had occasion to use it yet --

[Jason Petho]

ORIGINAL: Arizonus

Yes, I have it - have not had occasion to use it yet --

In the zip file, you'll note a "How to Update Units" document.

That document breaks down what each of the numbers mean. You'll notice two fields: road speed and cross country - these are the numbers you change to 0.

Jason Petho

[Arizonus]

Okay then! Thank you very much!