EricJ

Nice, needs more stand off weaponry to really accomplish the mission though.. looks good, making this for SF2:E?

It said Eastern Afghanistan, so they could have been doing a drop and messed up horribly or something other than that. Really hard to figure out since that's the first crash I know of in that area (my old stomping grounds).

Converting Ground Objects for use in SF2 Dedicated to those flying in 2009 against SA-2Fs 1. The Basics 2. Installing the Ground Object itself 3. A new Category - Mobile_SAMs 4. My RWR/RHAW scope doesn’t pick up the SAM I’ve just installed 5. Shadows in the new games 6. Limiting the ground object to certain terrains 7. Vehicle model not showing in game 8. Aircraft Carriers (The easy way) 9. Stock ground objects using desert skins? 10. What is the ObjectData.ini file and where is it?? 1. The Basics In case you don’t know by now all SF2 mods go in the special mod folders that are in a DIFFERENT location to where the core game files are installed. XP Default C:\Documents and Settings\<Name>\My Documents\ThirdWire\ On Vista and later versions: C:\Users\<Name>\Saved Games\ThirdWire\ 2. Installing the Ground Object itself No different to an aircraft - copy and paste the ground objects folder into the SF2\Objects\GroundObject folder. Now because it’s a mobile SAM in this case i'm going to change its type to be MOBILE_SAM (This is new in SF2 version June 2009!!) NOTE: MOBILE_SAM is currently broken - Use MOBILE_AAA instead So I open up SA-9L_data.ini and change this line: [MissionData] NationName=SOVIET ……… GroundObjectRole=MOBILE_SAM <--------------changed The game will randomly choose the weapon and place it in missions just like the mobile AAA. This is just the vehicle for the SA-9 so now check to see if it has a Gun or missile you need to install - because these are SEPARATE items. So open up its xxx_data.ini (SA-9L_data.ini) : Scroll down until you get to the [Missile section] [Missile1] SystemType=MISSILE MissileID=1 WeaponTypeName=SA-9 <------------------here is the missile you need WeaponPosition=-0.81,0.0,2.84 ShowMissile=FALSE IndependentPitchMovement=FALSE So you need to get the SA-9 strela missile – from your old games weapondata.ini , or its probably in an old weapons pack somewhere. Anyway you install that the same as you would a normal aircraft weapon. See my guide on converting weapons and installing them in SF2 if you don’t know how. Next your ground object may have a gun – so here is the gun section in the M1319_data.ini field gun (for example) [GunBarrel] SystemType=GUN GunTypeName=37MM_ZP39 <--------------the gun you need MuzzlePosition=0.00,2.609,1.040 ………… Use the SF2 guneditor (download it from Thirdwire and install it ) to see if that guns already in your game – if its not listed you need to install that too. So if you need to install it - get the data code for the gun. It should be with the groundObject you downloaded somewhere - or if you brought it over from an old game it will be in the Gundata.ini in the objects folder in your old game – or in the gundata.ini of an old weapons pack. Put the data section for the gun in a new text file by itself - MAKE SURE the header says [GunData001] [GunData001] TypeName=37MM_ZP39 FullName=37mm Gun etc ........... save it as whatever.ini start up the SF2 guneditor, select your game when prompted, Then hit the Import/Merge button, then find and open up whatever.ini. This should add it to the list of guns. Now hit Save If you look in your \SF2\Objects\Guns folder you will now see the folder for the gun. - thats it. A note on STATIC SAMs If you install static SAMs the game engine will place them randomly in the game as long as the launcher (ie SA-10L etc) has this in its data ini GroundObjectRole=STATIC_SAM And its radar (ie flaplid etc ) has this GroundObjectRole=SAM_RADAR in its data.ini file 3. A new Category - Mobile_SAMs NOTE: This seems to be broken - use MOBILE_AAA for now Yes from June 2009 you can actually specify mobile SAMs to be Mobile_SAMs because of the new SA-8. You will find existing add on mobile SAMs to be defined as MOBILE_AAA so just change it here: [MissionData] NationName=SOVIET ............. GroundObjectRole=MOBILE_SAM <----------------changed The game will randomly put them in missions when you play. 4. My RWR/RHAW scope doesn’t pick up the SAM I’ve just installed Firstly the RWR only picks up RADARs! If the ground object has a radar that can track aircraft you need to add this into its [detect system]: i.e. open up sa-8_data.ini: [DetectSystem] RadarFamilyName=SA-8 [DetectSystem] TargetType=AIR RadarFamilyName=SA-8 <--------Important RadarSearchTime=2.0 RadarSearchRange=30000.0 RadarSearchStrength=100.0 RadarTrackTime=6.0 RadarTrackRange=20000.0 RadarTrackStrength=100.0 RadarPosition=0.0,0.0,3.30 RadarMinimumRange=1500.0 RadarMaximumAlt=5000.0 RadarMinimumAlt=50.0 RadarSearchFreq=7.0 <----------------New RadarTrackFreq=14.5 <---------------New RadarMissileGuidanceFreq=14.5 <---------New RadarSearchCW=FALSE <-----------New RadarTrackCW=FALSE <----------New RadarMissileGuidanceCW=FALSE <-------------New DataLink=TRUE NetworkType=SA-8 OpticalSight=TRUE NightSight=TRUE VisualRange=2500.0 ViewportPosition=0.0,0.0,2.30 MaxVisibleDistance=8000.0 RadarCrossSection=100 Just like the jets if the RadarSearch and RadarTrack Frequencies specified above are not within the jets RWR range – its RWR wont pick up the radar. One last thing – you need to add the radar to all the jets with the TEWs RWR (1978 and on jets) threatLibrary text file (If you don't know what this is see my guide on converting aircraft to SF2 ) This is from my F-16A_RWR.lst F-102=RWR_F-102.tga F-106=RWR_F-106.tga …………….. SA-6=RWR_SA-6.tga SA-8=RWR_SA-8.tga <----------The radar SA-8 must be here SA-11=RWR_SA-11.tga ZSU-23=RWR_ZSU-23.tga In this case the SA-8 was there already – but if you were adding an SA-19 then you would define the RadarFamilyName=SA-19 as above - then put in: SA-8=RWR_SA-8.tga SA-19=RWR_SA-8.tga SA-11=RWR_SA-11.tga ZSU-23=RWR_ZSU-23.tga for example – otherwise the SAM radar will just show up as a U on the RWR. So now the SA-19 will show up as an 8 on the scope because Ive assigned the SA-8.tga to it. See ErikJs Guide for creating a custom .tga for TEWs RWRs See my guide on converting aircraft to SF2 for more on the TEWs RWR. 5. Shadows in the new games In an objects ini file – ie SA-8.ini the shadow section may look like this [shadow] CastShadow=TRUE ShadowLOD=SA-8_shadow.shd ShadowType=1 ShadowCastDist=10000 MaxVisibleDistance=150 However in the newer versions the shadow section looks like this with two lines omitted: [shadow] CastShadow=TRUE ShadowCastDist=10000 MaxVisibleDistance=400 So alter accordingly - due to dynamic shadows the old .shd file is no longer needed 6. Limiting the ground object to certain terrains In SF2 a new line appeared in aircraft ini files (eg SA-9L.ini) called the user list: According to TK: Each plane has UserList.INI that lists which country has used it, and between what years. Each map, if its set to limit nations, has a list of countries in Nations.INI under LimiedNations list. (Germany and Vietnam are currently set to limted, but Desert isn't, although we might change that in the future if we get too many Chinsese planes flying around there ) The game compares the two, and if the country in the UserList.INI for the plane is in LimitedNations list on the map, then it used, if not, its not selected. So using the add on SA-9L as an example only - you add this line to the SA-9L.ini [GroundObjectData] ObjectFullName=SA-9 Gaskin ObjectDataFile=SA-9L_data.ini UserList=SA-9L_UserList.ini Then create a new text file in Notepad but save it as “SA-9L_Userlist.ini” with these contents: [soviet] ServiceStartYear=1972 ServiceEndYear=2020 Availability=VERY_COMMON And if the Groundobject has more than one user: [soviet] ServiceStartYear=1972 ServiceEndYear=2020 Availability=VERY_COMMON [Algeria] ServiceStartYear=1983 ServiceEndYear=2020 Availability=COMMON [Armenia] ServiceStartYear=1992 ServiceEndYear=2020 Availability=RARE Then put the file in the SA-9L folder 7. Vehicle model not showing in game SF2 is case sensitive when it comes to naming model files – so referencing UPPER case model files with lower case names wont work. Open up the ini file for the jet – i.e. SA-9L.ini and look at these lines [LOD001] Filename=SA-9L.LOD Distance=200 [LOD002] Filename=SA-9L_lod002.lod Distance=1000 Make sure the actual LOD files (ie SA-9L.lod) in the SA-9L folder have those exact names in the correct CASE! Change them if not. 8. Aircraft Carriers (The easy way) Don’t get too excited because the game still doesn’t support them very well from what I can tell. To install them – well they are just ground objects so install as the SA-9L (In section 1) above including any separate missiles and guns it needs. Now once installed you would hope they would randomly appear in the game somewhere but no. Nothing seems to have changed from SF1 – they only appear in Campaigns and custom single missions. So to use them you need to edit the campaigns or create a custom single mission as before! However for people with SF2:Vietnam you can download one and stick it in place of the stock one. How to do that well find CVA-63 in your SF2V\Objects\GroundObject folder and rename it to CVA-63_OLD Then rename the folder of your new carrier to CVA-63. Then rename its ini file to CVA-63.ini Now when you play a campaign you will have your downloaded carrier. And if you like that kind of thing YAP2 has some amazing looking carriers – but sneakily none that you can take off AND land on that i’ve seen! A real shame - I still use the in game Carrier! 9. Stock ground objects using desert skins? Have noticed that TK has put this line in the Terrains ini file (i.e. GermanyCe.ini) GroundObjectTexture=green So all the stock ground objects will use the green skin on this terrain right? even if they are defined individually to use the Dessert skin? Well its not working at the moment – will update this when it does. 10. What is the ObjectData.ini file and where is it?? Short answer - You have a mod there that was made before about 2005 - because that's about the time the ObjectData.ini stopped being used for this purpose in the game. So what do you do? You need to convert it to the newer "plug and play" ground object format - which is easy if you look at how newer add on ground objects look. You will be given the following to put into the GROUNDOBJECT.ini file: [Objectxxx] ObjectName=2S6 ObjectFullName=2S6 Tunguska ObjectDataFile=2S6_data.ini Put it into a new Notepad file and convert it to something similar to this: [GroundObjectData] ObjectName=2S6 ObjectFullName=2S6 Tunguska ObjectDataFile=2S6_data.ini [LOD001] Filename=2S6.LOD Distance=120 [LOD002] Filename=2S6_LOD2.LOD Distance=300 [LOD003] Filename=2S6_LOD3.LOD Distance=750 [LOD004] Filename=2S6_LOD4.LOD Distance=3500 [shadow] CastShadow=TRUE ShadowCastDist=500 MaxVisibleDistance=500 [TextureSet001] Directory=Desert Name=Desert Nation=Soviet Specular=0.300000 Glossiness=0.850000 Reflection=0.000000 Save the file as 2S6.ini stick all the files for it in a folder called 2S6 and thats it - well kinda - now you need to install the SA-19 and Gun for it (see section 1)

Do not worry my brother, the Crusade for the UnHoly Planes is slowly working it's way...

Managing to get around to working on the default skins that come with the package, working on some line birds and getting the tanks redone. First being the VFA-102 CAG tanks, with help of the SME of SidDogg, and here VFA-105:

Added my old Guided Weapon Use tutorial, better start giving it some life. Adobe Reader is required to read the file.

No joy mate, as far as I know never released for public use.

I'm running SF2E off of a laptop, and no issues at all whatsoever. Really strange behavior though..

I concur, the SON-9A has been a major culprit in CAS missions. "OH no! Gotta save the troops against the horde of SON-9As!"

So that's how it worky..... nice I know you didn't intend but now I figured how to do the LimitedNationsList.... Malibu43, it takes a little bit to understand, but now that I'm working with the folders more and more... the User\Saved Games\Thirdwire\SF2 Game is for modding only. In KB's example, that CAMPAIGN folder is in the User\Saved Games\Thirdwire\SF2 Game. So when you place it in that folder, the game will read it, and therefore you can mod to your content and whim, but the main install, like "C:\Program Files\Strike Fighters 2\etc. etc. is that, the base game files. So you can mod all you want in the "User..." folders and files, by placing them there, without messing up the core game files, which is of course something we all do sometimes. When updating it with a new patch... probably solves the "clean install" (not sure on that) by just updating the files without having to restart everything.

Same as the one for planes, but only for Ground Objects MigBuster Tutorial: http://forum.combatace.com/index.php?s=&am...25&cal_id=0

And completed.

File Name: SA-11/M1/-17/-17M Series for SF2 (original done by 101tfs) File Submitter: EricJ File Submitted: 17 Jul 2009 File Category: SF2 Series Add On Objects Modded for SF2, read the readme. Click here to download this file

I've got a Rafale model in .3ds that Veltro2k worked on for a bit, and needs to be optimized and imported for SF2/SF1/WoX. JAT81500 has the other stuff done, just need the model in the game.. if interested PM me.

http://forum.combatace.com/index.php?autoc...p;showfile=7627 Working on this one....

Silverbolt check your PM... And getting back into trapping myself...

And the Warhammer, one of my favorites..

I'm not sure if it's reading skins is the issue, but methinks the ODS team made it for WOE due to the fact that WOE's plane set supported the teams intent.

Well it's not so much like USAFMTL's inititative, but on the similar vein, i.e. if someone's not going to do it, I'll do it. I always like help too...

Have to say I likey this plane, gave it a quick spin and while not blown away, definitely a keeper

Starstreak complete.

File Name: The British Starstreak SAM and the Alvis Stormer HVM launcher SF2 File Submitter: EricJ File Submitted: 16 Jul 2009 File Category: SF2 Series Add On Objects Original done by winterhunter Starstreak is a British short range surface-to-air missile manufactured by Thales Air Defence Limited (originally Shorts Missile Systems), in Belfast. It is also known as Starstreak HVM where HVM stands for "High Velocity Missile". After launch the missile accelerates to approximately Mach 3.5, at which point it launches three laser beam riding submunitions. The use of three submunitions increases the likelihood of a successful hit on the target. Starstreak has been in service with the British Army since 1997. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starstreak_missile) Now in version V1.1 with some small corrections (SF1/WoX): + The optronics turret does not "crash" into the missile turret anymore. + The visual detection range has been somewhat bettered. + The thrust curve of the missile has been tweaked to improve the Pk. + The seeker FOV has been enlarged to ensure more frequent engagements in high angular velocity conditions. SF2 adaptations: -Had to redo the whole missile system, which works. -Edited for SF2 EricJ Click here to download this file