Beta testers, please

[marcbarker]

found the transition stuff it does make sense like this. So the question I have why doesn't matrix do this for CS?

[cw58]

ORIGINAL: cpdeyoung

The .scn file actually has the "minutes" and not the "turns".  I took the value stored and divided by six to get turns.  Actually I have never had a bad feeling about the turn taking about six minutes.

I am driven by how I interpret the scenario file, and there is much I do not know.  My "complexity index" is determined by the amount of space used to describe the units in position and renforcements.  If anyone knows data I can mine from from the scenario file please let me know.

Here is what I "think" I "know".

Line : Contents
====   ========
01 :
02 : Title of scenario
03 : ??? ??? ??? NumberTurns*6
04 : ??? ??? ??? ??? VisibilityHexes
05 : AlliedAir AxisAir AlliedSmoke AxisSmoke AlliedAmmo AxisAmmo
06 : AxisFirst(1)AlliedFirst(0)
07 : MajDefeat MinDefeat MinVictory MajVictory ScenarioType(0-11)
08 : AlliedAI AxisAI ??? ???
09 : Map file name
10 : Org file name
11 :
12 :
13 : NightBool(0,1) AlliedStarshells AxisStarshells
14

Chuck

I believe the four numbers in line 4 (before visibility) are the conditions of the scenario; trees, ground, water & fields, in that order.

[cpdeyoung]

Folks,

I have implemented many of the ideas of the testers, and added a link to Marc Barker's webpage, currently under construction.

Chuck

[billk111]

This is probally a stupid question but, where do you load in this program, in the root directory of JTCS folder or in each games folder?

Bill

[marcbarker]

I have discontinued my browser and have stopped work on it till my trademark and copyrigt goes trough. nothing else will be published nor dispalyed

[cpdeyoung]

I recommend placing it in the folder "User_Mods" under JTCS, and then putting a shortcut on your desktop. It is very important to use the "Start in :" feature to assure that the application runs from the folder above "East Front", "West Front", and "Rising Sun". For me the "Start in:" line is "C:\Matrix Games\John Tiller's Campaign Series" and it may be for you too. If you are running Vista please remember to uncheck the desktop composition just as in the JTCS link.

You may want to put the program, and dll file in their own folder, inside the User_Mods.

I enclose a snapshot of the properties of the link page so you can see how to set the "Start In:".

Chuck

[cpdeyoung]

I will take the pointer to Marc Barker's page out promptly.  I did not realize there were issues.  Only three people have that version and I will send them fresh programs as soon as I remove the link.
 
Future directions : I intend to allow filtering for complexity and length and scenario type.  A list of all scenarios in all three folders.
 
If my Sunday goes as planned I will have a new version today.
 
Chuck

[marcbarker]

I will need the name of your attorney or legal person, I will show and have shown as a program this type of program has been around as early as 1999. With date stamped emails to talonsoft of both the program and concept. Along with an ealry version of a visual basic program along with a compiled executable that was encrypted with time markers. very similiar to yours as well as layout.

[marcbarker]

I am making sure this is in a public forum as to a record of events and timeline. I do not mind giving what I have away to any that ask on one hand but then given a push button on a program as a secondary thought. You have updated your program to include the launch, rating, etc. It would have been nice to have been asked to incorporate my stuff..... not pawn it off as to it was yours...I have learned my lesson. I will still develope stuff for my own but I will only hand it out on a per email basis FREE as a finished product. I will periodically post to the web site what I have accomplished and who is interested I will send them the necessary files. Thanks for everyones input and insight.

[billk111]

Thank you Chuck,works great, You did a bang up job on creating the program,am looking forward to it's use.

Bill

[cpdeyoung]

Marc,

I am not intending to sell this program. I did not realize yours was commercial.

On July 24th, 2008 you wrote :

You know it may not be a bad idea and combine the 2. I bet that would be a kick butt thing...what say you

I replied that I would put a link to your page out there. I did not think this application was anything like yours. I wanted something to launch with setup, and I wanted a scenario list rather than the slower clicking in the JTCS application. I saw yours as a nice PDF view of the scenarios. I never saw your Talonsoft submissions, and all work is my own. I have no way of knowing what you were thinking in 1999.

I wrote what I wanted to write for my use, and thought it would be fun to give it to all these folks. I intend to make it available at no charge. The JTCS community can use it or not.

Earlier you wrote :

not a prob...whatever you want to do... i ain't one like some people I know in this business that goes ape over crap.

I think this was the best way to deal with it.

I enclose a snapshot of the new version without any link to your page.

Yours in the spirit of the JTCS community,

Chuck

[cpdeyoung]

To Marc, and the community,

As I have stated my program uses the .scn files as input. It does not use any third party database. My beta testers have received a 185KB executable and in current version a DLL for the web access. My complexity index is a reflection of the numbers of lines dealing with units on board and reinforcements, all other data is as shown in my pathetic interpretation of the .scn files.

Marc, I have never even looked at your product internals. I did request you to send your pdf product to me, as you invited us to do, and I enclose a snap of the files you sent me. There is nothing but pdf files, and Marc I assure you I do not have a clue how to extract a "database" from these. My program reads the .scn files dynamically. No use of your hard work, Marc. Just a misunderstanding.

Your work is yours, and I would not think of using it without permission.

Chuck

[marcbarker]

combining the two is one thing but actually giving the other a push button is another with 0 credit is another. You had no collaboration with me, You talked about nothing no feddback, no anything, That is what I am torqued about. It is not commercial. But I have still copywrited it and trademarking yjr Following Names, WWII Scenario Viewer, SV, Order of Battle Viewer, Battle Card Viewer, Scenario Battle Card, Battle Area Viewer, BAV, OOBV, BCV, Smart Card Viewer, SCV, Linked Scenario Viewer for Games,

[marcbarker]

Do you have an Attorney? I see you live in SC, so therefore you are familiar technology infringement laws? Curious

[marcbarker]

Lets start Fresh OK..No Harm No Foul...Hey Chuck! I have no ill feelings towards you at all.... This struck me in a very bad way. I had 2 programs in previous years "stolen". It struck a very bad cord is all. My apologies. All I ask is that if we use eithers stuff, we collabrate and answer emails. Fair enough?

[cpdeyoung]

Good deal, lets get back to work on our respective programs for this great community.

I suggest we go our own separate ways, and I can't wait to see how your fine contribution develops.

Thanks for your efforts, you are an enthuastic gamer. Have fun.

Chuck

[junk2drive]

Good to see. Thanks to both of you.

[marcbarker]

by the way the 1st release of rising sun will be released hopefully next week. The biggest issue was not the links, it is those maps. I do have all the bootcamp and oobs working great. The Battle Cards look pretty good.

I repeat not the dynamic oob stuff. I can only work on one thing at a tim. Chuck, Your program does look cool can you hook into access database? if so there is a ton of info you can Glean. My database is up to over 100mg now. too huge to zip or such but when it is complete. It will be free for all and not password protected just give me a credit to whoever gets it and uses it. It will not be used for individual gain but will gladly give it to matrix if they want it to enhance an update or such no strings attached. I just want to give back is all and again my apologies. The baby programmer inside me came out. Sorry again fellas.

[cpdeyoung]

Beta testing is completed, and Jason is looking over the program to see if it is ready for release. Here is a picture of the program in its current state. I can think of more to do with this, but I want to get a version out in the community so I can get more good ideas.

Chuck

[jchastain]

doh. never mind.