Can't get carriers to show up in Korean war mod.

[mikeymead]

Hi, I hope someone may be able to help.

 

I have installed the Korean war mod and the up dated map and campaign by Edward to a fully patched SFG and try as I might I can't get the carriers to show up in the campaigns, the missions start with the planes floating on the sea!

 

I noticed that the the carrier model listed in the later compaign data ini is the CVA-34 not Balwark etc. So I have downloaded the CVA-34 and added it.

 

I have also tried editing the new Campaign data ini as per the old one to list the Balwark, Phlipine47 etc. I have had the individual carrier folders in the Objects folders or the Groundobjects folder.

 

I have read the Knowledge base about adding carriers and read many posts about adding carriers on several forums, I have noticed a couple of people have also had this problem. One person fixed it them self but did not say how, the other never had any replies.

 

I have checked the Groundobjects data ini and the Korean targets data ini and all seems ok.

 

Every thing I check seems to tally with what I read on the forum posts but after three nights of trying I have totally run out of ideas so I now need to ask for help.

 

Many thanks.

[Wrench]

Have you added the CVA-34 to the types ini??

 

I know the targets ini (at least the one I'm working on) calls out "Carrier Station" for some of the TFs, but I don't think the actual ship is declared.

Wonder if that would be part of the problem...????

Example:

 

[TargetArea063]

Name=TaskForce 77

Position=598790.000000,474437.000000

Radius=5657

ActiveYear=0

Location=1

Alignment=FRIENDLY

CarrierStation=TRUE

Target[001].Type=DD

Target[001].Offset=320.07,860.34

Target[001].Heading=267

Target[002].Type=DD

Target[002].Offset=320.07,-860.34

Target[002].Heading=267

Target[003].Type=DD

Target[003].Offset=-308.07,-660.34

Target[003].Heading=267

Target[004].Type=DD

Target[004].Offset=-308.07,660.34

Target[004].Heading=267

Target[005].Type=Brooklyn

Target[005].Offset=855,414

Target[005].Heading=267

Target[006].Type=Brooklyn

Target[006].Offset=741,-306

Target[006].Heading=267

 

It just says it's a carrier station...my question is, how does the game engine (or even the terrain engine) know which/what ship to add??? Or is it an automatic 'given'???

 

Wrench

kevin stein

[+Gocad]

Wrench, the actual placement of the carrier is done through the campaign_data file. The target area entry is just needed to tell the engine where it should be placed. (See below) [Not sure about single missions, since I'm not a fan of pre-defined missions, but it shouldn't be much different.]

Anyway, I think this target entry should lead to some interesting results. A carrier placed at a carrier station is bascially a floating (and moving!) runway, while those ships added to this target area are fixed objects. I'm not even sure whether it would do any good to add a carrier as a ground object to this target area, as the game engine most likely would not recognise it as the runway the planes are supposed to take off...

 

And as mikey as already witnessed, you do not even need to have a carrier there to take off from this position...

 

About carriers in campaigns in general:

There are few lines you should check. Maybe you know this already, but it seems to me that this is something that causes most problems here:

(Example taken from a campaign I have written for my personal pleasure)

[AirUnit009]

AircraftType=F-14A

Squadron=VF154

ForceID=1

Nation=USN

DefaultTexture=VF154OIF

StartNumber=0

BaseArea=Echo Station - seems to be self-explanatory, places unit at target area

CarrierBased=TRUE

CarrierNumber=63 - very important, this line connects the unit to the carrier. The number itself is arbitrary, but it must match with the carriernumber of the carrier unit!

 

[CarrierUnit001]

CarrierType=CVA-63 This refers to the object in the groundobjects directory, Type must be identical with the name of the object (its folder, to be precise)

CarrierNumber=63 once again, it doesn't matter what number you pick (unless you have the stock carriers), but they must match with those of the air units that are based at this carrier.

UnitName=CV-63 Kitty Hawk - the unitname is unimportant

ForceID=1

Nation=USN

BaseArea=Echo Station - should match with target area of the air unit.

NumSquadron=5

BaseSize=MEDIUM - means it can handle aircraft that operate from medium runways, but not aircraft that require LARGE runways (this is defined in the .data file of each aircraft)

Edited February 8, 2008 by Gocad

[Wrench]

That is the explination I was looking for!!! Now I understand how and why it works!

 

So the campaign engine adds it, as long as the station is defined. That's a big help in object/target area placement

 

Thanks Gocad!!

 

Wrench

kevin stein

[mikeymead]

Thanks for replies,

 

None of the carriers are listed in the Types ini, but reading the replies I'm not sure if they should be and if so do I copy the text from the targets ini and edit as necessary.

 

As for the listings in the campaign_DATA ini here are examples:-

 

[AirUnit012]

AircraftType=F9F-5

Squadron=VF-112

StartDate=8/10/1950

ForceID=1

Nation=USN

DefaultTexture=VF112

StartNumber=1

BaseArea=TaskForce 77.1

CarrierBased=TRUE

CarrierNumber=47

 

[CarrierUnit002]

CarrierType=CVA-34

CarrierNumber=47

UnitName=CVA-47 USS Phillipine Sea

ForceID=1

Nation=USN

BaseArea=TaskForce 77.1

NumSquadron=5

BaseSize=SMALL

Experience=100

Morale=100

Supply=100

 

And in the Korea_Targets ini:-

 

[TargetArea064]

Name=TaskForce 77.1

Position=598791.000000,474438.000000

Radius=5657

ActiveYear=0

Location=1

Alignment=FRIENDLY

CarrierStation=TRUE

Target[001].Type=DD

Target[001].Offset=320.07,860.34

Target[001].Heading=267

Target[002].Type=DD

Target[002].Offset=320.07,-860.34

Target[002].Heading=267

Target[003].Type=DD

Target[003].Offset=-308.07,-660.34

Target[003].Heading=267

Target[004].Type=DD

Target[004].Offset=-308.07,660.34

Target[004].Heading=267

Target[005].Type=Brooklyn

Target[005].Offset=855,414

Target[005].Heading=267

Target[006].Type=Brooklyn

Target[006].Offset=741,-306

Target[006].Heading=267

 

Now, to me this all looks correct but I could be wrong as it's all a bit over my head!

Edited February 8, 2008 by mikeymead

[+Gocad]

I agree, what you posted up there looks correct. Besides, I think (now) that the problem is caused by something else, namely by the data file of the F9F-5. I just downloaded the aircraft from here to take a look it and noticed two things:

First of all, the base size of the F9F-5 is set to MEDIUM, whereas the basesize of the carrier is set to SMALL. This means that the F9F isn't supposed to operate from this carrier.

And finally, there is no line in the aircraft's [MissionData] section that says 'CarrierBased=TRUE'.

Thus I'm convinced that is the reason why you don't get to start from the carrier.

Edited February 8, 2008 by Gocad

[Wrench]

That cause it came out before carrier ops were implimented...it's an easy fix

 

just add the "CarriedBase=TRUE", change the base size to small and double check the tailhook. This is what I have in mine:

 

[Tailhook]

SystemType=ARRESTER_HOOK

MaxDeflection=80.0

Retractable=TRUE

DeployTime=3.0

ModelNodeName=Canopy_frame

AnimationID=7

ReverseModelOrientation=FALSE

 

There was a change in spelling of 'arrestor' as I recall

 

Wrench

kevin stein

[mikeymead]

Checked the F9F-5 data file, it was already set at CarrierBase=True and base size at small.

 

I'll check about arrestor hook when I get home from work.

 

The thing is, this problem effects all carrier aircraft! so I'm not sure if it is in the aircraft data unless there is something wrong in all of them.

 

Many thanks for your time so far.

 

Mikeymead.

[+hgbn]

I got the exsact same problem with all carrierbased A/C

[+Gocad]

Checked the F9F-5 data file, it was already set at CarrierBase=True and base size at small.

 

I'll check about arrestor hook when I get home from work.

 

The thing is, this problem effects all carrier aircraft! so I'm not sure if it is in the aircraft data unless there is something wrong in all of them.

 

I should have known that it would not be that easy.

 

Some simple tests:

I've created a test capmaign (I removed all air and ground units and replaced them with four test air units)

This is the Korea terrain as found in the Korean War update package

The carrier in the picture is Capun's CVA-34 and I did not add it to the Korea_types file.

The destroyers are the stock Sumners that came with WOV

(FTR: I don't have SFG, just WOV & WOE; it's a merged install)

 

Like I said, placing those destroyers at the carrierstation would lead to 'interesting' results...

 

Sure, it doesn't solve the actual problem, but it does prove that the carrier will show up at the carrier station.

 

EDIT: Okay, I give up. I have no idea why you guys are unable to get the carrier to appear. I've installed said Korean War mod, selected the Navy unit VF-112 and got this as result:

Sorry, guys.

Edited February 9, 2008 by Gocad

[mikeymead]

Well I didn't have much hair to start with and even less now!

 

The arrester hook thingy is fine, I have tried installing the whole mod on to an WOV install and guess what, still the same, no carriers. I have even tried both old and new terrain with the respective campaigns but no difference!

 

I noticed that you have some destroyers showing up, I dont even have those.

 

It must be something that I am doing fundamentally wrong but I can't see what.

 

But as I said thanks for trying and all the effort you have put in.

 

Mikeymead.

[Wrench]

interestering to note the 'fixed' ships...the DDs are definatley NOT moving (look at the smoke), and CV definately IS...ture, the destroyers ARE fixed in place via the targets ini....

Also looks like the facing of the DDs could be changed, or I'm assuming the game generates it's own wind direction, on a per mission basis??

 

The destroyers could always be moved outwards from the center point; perhaps add 1000 to every position number?

 

Target[001].Type=DD

Target[001].Offset=1320.07,1860.34

Target[001].Heading=267

 

and so on

 

Wrench

kevin stein

 

ps: be nice to have a little AO (fleet oiler) to add to the 'task force'

[+Gocad]

I'd rather have a nice missile cruiser next to my carrier. That would teach those pesky MIGs to circle above my carrier.

[Jug]

interestering to note the 'fixed' ships...the DDs are definatley NOT moving (look at the smoke), and CV definately IS...ture, the destroyers ARE fixed in place via the targets ini....

Also looks like the facing of the DDs could be changed, or I'm assuming the game generates it's own wind direction, on a per mission basis??

 

The destroyers could always be moved outwards from the center point; perhaps add 1000 to every position number?

 

Target[001].Type=DD

Target[001].Offset=1320.07,1860.34

Target[001].Heading=267

 

and so on

 

Wrench

kevin stein

 

ps: be nice to have a little AO (fleet oiler) to add to the 'task force'

 

I have wandered around the forum and have made up a checklist from extracts from the posts here. Maybe it will help some since previous posts have been confusing to me (I admit that I am easily confused).

 

This will explain how to add the CV-34 carrier to a SFP1 Korean War era specific mod, allowing you to fly from it during campaign missions.

 

You will need the following:

*

Legal copy of SFP1 with latest Service Pack

*

Korean war campaign complete

*

SFP1E Extract Utility

*

Kreelin's Mission Editor (Optional)

*

A text editor (Notepad)

*

 

____ STEP 1: Set up a new copy of SFP1 with the latest service pak, weapons pak, weather mods, and the Korean War Campaign Complete in accordance with the instructions.

 

____ STEP 2: Copy the Aircraft Carrier Files to the WoK\Objects\GroundObjects folder. In this case we will use the CVA-34 add-on ship mod.

 

____ STEP 3: Extract/get Korean War_Data.INI File From WoK\Campaigns\Korea folder.

 

Note: If you are adding a carrier to some other game you may have to extract the various files mentioned here using the extract utility, but the steps are very similar.

 

____ STEP 4: Modify the Korean War_Data.INI File.

 

Browse to your Korean War folder and open Korean War_Data.INI with your text editor. Add a carrier unit to the campaign by scrolling to the end of the carrier unit section file and add the following:

 

[CarrierUnitXXX]*

CarrierType=CVA-34**

CarrierNumber=34***

UnitName=CVA-34 USS Oriskany

ForceID=1

Nation=USN

BaseArea=TaskForce 77.1***

NumSquadron=5

BaseSize=MEDIUM****

Experience=100

Morale=100

Supply=100

 

*Re-number the [CarrierUnitXXX] so that it is actually the next number in sequence.

 

**The CarrierType must remain CVA-34 so that it matches the folder in GroundObjects, but the CarrierNumber and UnitName can be changed to whatever you want, so you could use the CVA-XX model to represent any Oriskany class carrier.

 

*** Air units based on this carrier must match this number

 

***BaseArea=TaskForce 77.1 - defined by task force location

 

****BaseSize=MEDIUM - means it can handle aircraft that operate from medium runways, but not aircraft that require LARGE runways as defined in the individual aircraft's data.ini.

 

 

____ STEP 5: Assign a flying unit to the carrier.

 

While editing the Korean War_Data.INI file, make one of the air units carrier based. Scroll up towards the top of the Korean War_Data.INI file and find [AirUnit009]. This is VA-55, an A-1H squadron and a good unit of carrier type aircraft for our purpose.

 

Change "BaseArea=TaskForce 77" to "TaskForce 77.1"

 

then ensure the following lines are in the [AirUnit009] section:

 

CarrierBased=TRUE

CarrierNumber=34

 

Note: If you are using a carrier number other than 34, be sure to make that change.

 

Note: In the individual aircraft data.ini, remember the aircraft basesize must match the carrier's basesize.

 

Note: Double check the individual aircraft data.ini tailhook section:

 

[Tailhook]

SystemType=ARRESTER_HOOK

MaxDeflection=80.0

Retractable=TRUE

DeployTime=3.0

ModelNodeName=Canopy_frame

AnimationID=7

ReverseModelOrientation=FALSE

 

____ STEP 6: Modify the Terrain ini files.

 

Browse to the Terrain\korea folder and open korea_Nations.INI and at the end of the [Theater] section, add the following line:

 

Location003=TaskForce 77.1

 

close this file and open korea_Targets.INI and scroll to the bottom of the file. Add the following lines

 

[TargetAreaXXX]*

Name=TaskForce 77.1

Position=598791.000000,474438.000000**

Radius=5657

ActiveYear=0

Location=003***

Alignment=FRIENDLY

CarrierStation=TRUE

Target[001].Type=DD****

Target[001].Offset=320.07,860.34

Target[001].Heading=267

Target[002].Type=DD****

Target[002].Offset=320.07,-860.34

Target[002].Heading=267

Target[003].Type=DD****

Target[003].Offset=-308.07,-660.34

Target[003].Heading=267

Target[004].Type=DD****

Target[004].Offset=-308.07,660.34

Target[004].Heading=267

Target[005].Type=Brooklyn*****

Target[005].Offset=855,414

Target[005].Heading=267

Target[006].Type=Brooklyn*****

Target[006].Offset=741,-306

Target[006].Heading=267

 

*Make sure that the number in [TargetAreaXXX] is actually the next number in sequence.

 

**Use Kreelin's Mission Editor to select any position you like off the west coast of Korea. Just open the Korea map with the editor and locate the coordinates you prefer. Enter them on the "Position=" line.

 

***Location must match the location entered in korea_Nations.INI

 

****Escort DDs

 

*****Escort Brooklyn cruisers

 

Note: A carrier placed at a carrier station is bascially a moving runway, while other escort ships added to this target area are fixed objects. Do not be surprised if the carrier, at times will appear to overrun other escort ships.

 

____ STEP 7: Go defend Korea from the invading commie horde from your new carrier

 

 

This is an edited version of all the various www.CombatAce.com forum entries on the subject to a simplified checklist. Credit goes to all thoses who contributed the various pieces that I extracted.

Edited February 10, 2008 by Jug

[mikeymead]

I don't know if this has relevance?

 

I have compared WOV and my Korea air war (KAW) mod on SFG on the Missionneur mission editor and while the CVA-63 will show up on the air bases and carriers window in WOV, none of the installed carriers will show op on the same window in the KAW mod.

 

The CVA-34 and Philippine 47 are listed in the ships selection but Balwark isn't even listed in this.

 

This suggests to me that the game is not recognising the carriers as runways in my KAW mod, or have I got that wrong?

 

Mikeymead