Topic: SFC Launcher (a dynaverse and gamespy's online services replacement) (Read 88824 times)

TarMinyatur · « **Reply #40 on:** December 18, 2016, 09:55:28 pm »

It took about 12 hours to figure out the fonts puzzle. When we don't have source code, we just stare at the stuff we have and do some experiments. So now anyone can increase the reticle font size. It isn't perfect in F1 view, because the coordinates don't account for the hacked length of the text -- the target's speed extends offscreen. The strings.txt can be edited to reduce the word "speed" to "s" under the reticle so that the speed value, at least the integer part, may remain onscreen.

SFC3 is a relatively good game (compared to the average Star Trek video game). It should get some attention too. If dynaverse.net or any particular middleman disappears, people will be able to play multiplayer dynaverse for many years ahead.

d4v1ks · « **Reply #41 on:** December 23, 2016, 05:14:53 pm »

When we thought all was done, the endeavor on sfc3 support offered a last obstacle!
And how hard this one was.

But fear not. After a 3 day battle, this challange is over!

Cheers

Tus-XC · « **Reply #42 on:** December 26, 2016, 03:17:00 am »

where is the like button...

xeryx · « **Reply #43 on:** December 26, 2016, 11:44:42 am »

WOOT WOOT!!

d4v1ks · « **Reply #44 on:** December 31, 2016, 04:45:05 pm »

Have you seen anything like this before?
A motd in sfc3?
Will be in version 1.0.2.0!

Sirgod · « **Reply #45 on:** December 31, 2016, 11:44:21 pm »

I know I don't say it often enough, but you guys just rock! Thank you all so much for the work you have done over the years.

I was just thinking, my first game was on Dec. 24th, 1999 , and that bug to play hits me every time around this year. Due to your hard work, I still can.

vonfrank · « **Reply #46 on:** January 01, 2017, 12:43:23 am »

Just found this thread, and I gotta say, I'm VERY impressed.

If I understand this correctly, we will be able to host our own SFC2, SFCOP, and SFC3 Dynaverse servers? And anyone can join so long as they are given the host's IP address, without any need for all the tests and verifications that always seem to fail while trying to log on?

If so, that is AMAZING!

My friends and I have always wanted to play the SFC3 online conquest campaigns but have never been able to get both our machines to properly log-on to dynaverse in order to join a server in the first place.

Whatever wizardry you're using to get this to work, keep it up!

d4v1ks · « **Reply #47 on:** January 01, 2017, 07:30:45 am »

Yes, this program lets you host your own dynaverse services, and on top of that, your own gamespy services.
It is all packed into a single application. So, it serves 2 purposes:
1. You can host those services;
2. In the client side, you just need to insert the host's IP in the program, and it will set things up for you.

To speed things up, i added the option to enable or disable any port test made by the program (a service provided by dynaverse).

In a real or virtual LAN environment you dont need to setup any port. But remember, that in a public internet enviroment, you still need to redirect the ports used by DirectPlay (2300-2309, 47624), if you playing behind a router (for example), as it still is required by the version of the directX used in the games.

It features its own client and server lists, and provides a basic webserver service, so you can see which servers and clients are online. And provides its own motd service.

And works with SFC2EAW, SFCOP and SFC3!

Cool right?

d4v1ks · « **Reply #48 on:** January 01, 2017, 03:17:31 pm »

Quote from: Captain Adam on January 01, 2017, 09:35:05 am

Indeed, very cool. Look forward to the final product with one download. Very excited.

I have posted 2 versions for testing already.

Today i've compiled the 3rd one, compatible with Sfc3.
I improved some things today. Also expanded the Launcher options, and added another tab for SFC3.
Eventually i will need to write some instructions. Sfc3 has some tiny differences. Basic stuff, but still...
Probably will post it in the start of this week.
Of couse, if anyone wish to help test it, or give any suggestions, better.

Cheers

vonfrank · « **Reply #49 on:** January 01, 2017, 05:57:59 pm »

Amazing work so far, but I am a little confused on how to get it working.

Right now I have a fresh install of SFC2 EAW with the official 2036 patch and the 2037 HD patch. I also have the official 2036 server kit.

Sorry if I'm being completely basic, but how do I set up the server and log in? Do I need to host on a different computer than the one I'm trying to run the client on?

TarMinyatur · « **Reply #50 on:** January 01, 2017, 09:32:50 pm »

For best results, the server software (ServerPlatform.exe) should not run on the same computer as the client (StarfleetX.exe). They would have the same external IP address, if I understand all this. The resources required by ServerPlatform are not great. An old 500MHz PC with an ethernet card can do the job.

d4v1ks · « **Reply #51 on:** January 02, 2017, 05:08:08 am »

Quote from: vonfrank on January 01, 2017, 05:57:59 pm

Amazing work so far, but I am a little confused on how to get it working.

Right now I have a fresh install of SFC2 EAW with the official 2036 patch and the 2037 HD patch. I also have the official 2036 server kit.

Sorry if I'm being completely basic, but how do I set up the server and log in? Do I need to host on a different computer than the one I'm trying to run the client on?

The last 2 versions i posted only work "out of box" with sfcop 2563.
I managed to get sfceaw 2037 working, but was only here in my home, as the server had to be tweaked.

I have written a readme file in the last post for SFCOP.
Some *.gf files need to be tweaked for gamespy.

That is why i need to write some instructions, or automate the process.
Little details, but important.

d4v1ks · « **Reply #52 on:** January 02, 2017, 09:52:57 am »

Quote from: TarMinyatur on January 01, 2017, 09:32:50 pm

For best results, the server software (ServerPlatform.exe) should not run on the same computer as the client (StarfleetX.exe). They would have the same external IP address, if I understand all this. The resources required by ServerPlatform are not great. An old 500MHz PC with an ethernet card can do the job.

For best results yes.
But for example, in my LAN tests, i was able to run everything on same machine.
But it seems to run better if you run the server + launcher on another machine (i've used a virtual machine for that sometimes).

d4v1ks · « **Reply #53 on:** January 03, 2017, 07:20:35 am »

Yesterday started testing and prepare the "readme" files for all versions i mentioned.
I thought it would be fast, but it wasn't.

Tested the launcher with sfc eaw 2036, sfcop 2552 (last 2 serverkits builds)

Just look what happened when i tried the launcher with sfc eaw 2036

d4v1ks · « **Reply #54 on:** January 03, 2017, 04:43:57 pm »

Ok, here it is the 3rd release of the Starfleet Command Launcher (v1.0.2)

It has been tested with:
SFC EAW 2036;
SFC OP 2552/2563;
SFC 3 v1.01 b534;

Includes readme files for both versions.

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AiumJZOPROpbg94TTNZz3i6WstTt5A

Don't forget it is a beta version. It is meant to crash in any unknown circunstances.
Feel free to report anything or give sugestions.

Cheers

vonfrank · « **Reply #55 on:** January 05, 2017, 06:41:07 pm »

Just tried the latest version. For setting up the client and server with the launcher, it tells me "The Program Can't Find the File" when I click on the "Start Services" button. Not sure what file it's referring to. I did correctly list the server and client path to the .exe files.

TarMinyatur · « **Reply #56 on:** January 05, 2017, 08:15:50 pm »

Hmm, I tried it too, vonfrank. Skipping file --> "The program can't find the file." And no mention of the file by name...
Then when I run the 4 services I get an unhandled exception.

I have Windows 7. I think d4v1ks is testing on a Windows 10 machine. That might not matter. I was just trying the basic setup (OP 2.563 server, client, directory service all on same laptop) and I followed the .pdf instructions -- I think.

It is a beta, so we should expect a few issues.

d4v1ks · « **Reply #57 on:** January 06, 2017, 03:09:32 am »

Quote from: vonfrank on January 05, 2017, 06:41:07 pm

Just tried the latest version. For setting up the client and server with the launcher, it tells me "The Program Can't Find the File" when I click on the "Start Services" button. Not sure what file it's referring to. I did correctly list the server and client path to the .exe files.

Yeah, dont worry about that one.
I forgot to add a simple check. It just means that the launcher was not able to find all the executables (eaw, op and sfc3).
I already fix it. Thanks.

But apart from that, did it worked with you?

d4v1ks · « **Reply #58 on:** January 06, 2017, 03:41:37 am »

Quote from: TarMinyatur on January 05, 2017, 08:15:50 pm

Hmm, I tried it too, vonfrank. Skipping file --> "The program can't find the file." And no mention of the file by name...
Then when I run the 4 services I get an unhandled exception.

I have Windows 7. I think d4v1ks is testing on a Windows 10 machine. That might not matter. I was just trying the basic setup (OP 2.563 server, client, directory service all on same laptop) and I followed the .pdf instructions -- I think.

It is a beta, so we should expect a few issues.

It crashed when you clicked on the START?
Dont forget that at this point the Launcher just hexedit the custom gamespy IPs at the executables. We still need to edit the *.GF files like instructed in the readme files. Maybe i should have mentioned that.
You just need to do it one time, if you are going to use the same machines/ips.
And that should be done on every client and server.
The IP that you write in the launcher is the ip where the services will be hosted (gamespy\ Sfc directories).
If you want to run everything on the same machine use "127.0.0.1".
When you click START it tries to bind sockets to specifics IPs and PORTs. So the IP has to be valid.
You can ping the ip before inserting it in the SFC Launcher (the one you wish to use) to see if it will work.

d4v1ks · « **Reply #59 on:** January 06, 2017, 06:13:08 am »

I will simplify things a little more in the next release.

The objective will be to release something inside the idea initially stated at

http://www.dynaverse.net/forum/index.php/topic,163396609.msg1123054742.html#msg1123054742

News:

Topic: SFC Launcher (a dynaverse and gamespy's online services replacement) (Read 88824 times) var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};

Topic: SFC Launcher (a dynaverse and gamespy's online services replacement) (Read 88824 times)