Topic: C Jones Mega MOD v.s. TNZ MOD (Read 15184 times)

Azrael · « **on:** March 23, 2003, 09:20:37 am »

Hey guys,

Where is the Chris Jones Mega MOD? I've got TNZ and can play on that server, but it won't let me into the Chris Jones Mega MOD server.

Any help would be appreciated.

Azrael

KaBoom1701 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 23, 2003, 11:05:49 am »

You can find it here:

http://www.frost-works.com/cjmods/sfc3tngmega.htm

Praxis · « **Reply #2 on:** March 24, 2003, 03:27:37 am »

I'm hosting the server. You'll need the 4 files from sfc3files.com (also found in smaller peices for 56kers on the link KaBoom gave you, which is the official Mega Mod website).

Suiric · « **Reply #3 on:** March 24, 2003, 09:47:42 am »

Praxis some of the missions on the TNg server were causing me errors. The patrol mission would immediately turn the ship I was facing into an ally, so I couldnt complete the mission... Also the scan misisno but I think that has been covered .... But I did get on and had a lot of fun. I got smacked around pretty good using theKlingon Stealth cruiser, I had never ever used it before... dont know what to think of it... And is just me or were the AI really juiced up.... I got killed because I didnt give them any respect or my complete attention,, thank s for all the fun

The_Pelican · « **Reply #4 on:** March 24, 2003, 10:50:51 am »

There is no such thing as a patrol mission, "Patrol" appears when you face an enemy ship, it MUST NOT be listed in the campaign 1.mct folder, it is referred to in the "MissionMatching.gf" file.

Suiric · « **Reply #5 on:** March 24, 2003, 12:52:36 pm »

Pelican, you are the skilled one at scripts, I could be confused, I try it again tonight... In fact I remember Sat night I was confused...

Praxis · « **Reply #6 on:** March 25, 2003, 01:46:50 am »

DOH! Okay i'll fix it.

--EDIT--

DOH DOH DOOOOOOOOOOH!!!

I am unBELIEVABLY stupid. (Please don't answer that :P ) I put one of the two Hail missions (NWHail) in the campaign 1.mct file. I ALSO have it in the MissionMatching file. How stupid is that?

Patrol bug is now fixed.

For other missions that are bugged, the NW ones weren't specificly designed for mods and are a tad bit unstable. I've done NWEmergency about 6 times, twice it crashed, 4 times it worked fine. SurpriseR always works, BUT when its vs Borg the borg have pirate ships. A few other missions are a bit buggy but since you don't lose anything if it bugs out on you, you can do them at your own risk as they are optional

In the next Chris Jones' Mega Mod update we'll have the 2.0 pelican scripts, that oughtta work better.

Praxis · « **Reply #7 on:** March 25, 2003, 05:52:03 am »

Cirius, you may want to read this

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ANYONE PLAYING ON THE TNG MEGA MOD SERVER!

There are 3 rules.

1) LoS rules apply when attacking enemy sectors but you can move through neutral sectors at will (meaning you have to own a sector next to an enemy sector before you can attack that sector).

2) You may Alt-F4 when you die due to a bug vs AI- ESPECIALLY THE TORPEDO BUG!* That is the worst bug on this server (its not just this server, happens often in TCP/IP and GSA games too).

3) You may NOT Alt-F4 vs a Player unless he tells you too (meaning he knew it was a bug). If you see the other player blow up due to a bug, tell him to alt-f4 immediately.

*The torpedo bug is a very annoying bug that I have seen happen with K-Photons, Polarons, and Borg Torpedoes. The bug is where when a torpedo hits your hull through an open shield, sometimes your ship will instantly blow up, even with full hull and full armour. Dominion ships usually have a lot of torpedoes instead of primaries- that means this bug is VERY common vs Dominion. This bug doesn't always happen- sometimes you may get hit by a torpedo in the hull, and take a small bit of damage, then you take a second hit on the hull, another bit of damage, then another hit suddenly kills you when you have very high hull still left.

Cirius thats probably whats happening to you. You can alt-f4 when that happens. I had one guy i was playing with get blown up by a photon from a Cardassian Galor LIGHT while he was in a Sovereign during a planet assualt- obviously a bug. Grr. Luckily he had the sense to Alt-F4 when i told him to

Remember- don't alt-f4 if you die fairly. And don't alt-f4 vs a player. But if its a bug, do it, and save your ship. It stinks to lose a ship to a bug.

The scan/survey mission bug is well know, a real pain, it doesn't

Suiric · « **Reply #8 on:** March 25, 2003, 06:58:19 am »

Thank you Praxis, you know I remember someone posting about the torpedo bug ... I just forgot about it... I do remember getting killled once or twice by Jem Hadar fighter just like that...I shall return to battle tonight armed with this knowledge. I was assuming it was LOS but then again I was forced into interior once I started losing ships...

Praxis · « **Reply #9 on:** March 25, 2003, 09:17:14 am »

yep beware the Jem Hadar fighter cruisers with their twin polarons and twin 5F disruptors. They can wear down your shields quickly and they just need one shot through the shield to envoke the Torpedo bug (if you get unlucky lol).

BTW my recommended tactic is NOT to boost shield facings vs Jem Hadar because their shots can usually punch through a single shield facing in one volley- if you reinforce one, one volley can knock out all your shields. Also they are nearly impossible to hit. The trick? Level 3 tractor is almost unbreakable for a Jem Hadar fighter, you may need 4 for a Fighter Cruiser. Since they are so difficult to hit, grab them in a tractor beam (level 1 at least, it lasts only a few seconds though) just before you fire- then almost all your shots will hit. And Jem Hadar have weak shields, they rely on evasion. Tractor them and they have no evasion

Suiric · « **Reply #10 on:** March 25, 2003, 10:08:15 am »

Thanks for the advice they are tricky little Bast#$&s....

Praxis · « **Reply #11 on:** March 25, 2003, 11:09:50 am »

Tell me about it

I recommend you get a USS Defiant. They are EXTREMELY good vs Borg. Pulse phasers are nearly as powerful as photons but WAY less accurate...but Borg ships are huge and slow, very difficult to miss

Also USS Defiant does good vs Jem Hadar...while your pulse phasers almost *never* hit, you're nearly as maneuverable as the Jem Hadar and just as fast- a nice level 2 tractor plus a full pulse-quantum volley REALLY hurts their weak hulls

And if you're in trouble, cloaking time

The_Pelican · « **Reply #12 on:** March 25, 2003, 11:13:35 am »

The torpedo bug - I think I know why this occurs, it's because the damage values have been cranked up, certain torpedoes have armour piercing capabilities, and with the damage so high, you can destroy a ship in a single hit. The Gravimetric torperdo has been known to take out both the shields, AND the hull in a single blow.....

It's never happened to me when playing on default settings, but does happen to me when you pump up the damage, the more you increase it by, the more frequently it occurs.

One solution is to give all ships more cargo space, as that helps to absorb damage.

Captain KoraH · « **Reply #13 on:** March 25, 2003, 12:29:13 pm »

Cargo space doesn't add any hit points to a ship's hull. Cargo space is for adding weight to a ship without increasing it's hit points. Base weight is the equivalent of hull hit points. If you want a Light cruiser to move like a DN, but still have the hit points of a CL, then add a lot of cargo space.

Aenigma · « **Reply #14 on:** March 25, 2003, 12:36:21 pm »

That's basically what happened to the borg ships and freighters. They had their cargo space increased much, so they wouldn't dart around like flies, because they lack shields. When Cue and I were debugging the Battleclinic, we noticed that the Borg vessels could go extremely fast, faster than they actually can. Of course we overlooked the cargo space, which after a few calculations became a new factor in the mass calculation.

Aenigma

Azrael · « **Reply #15 on:** March 25, 2003, 02:01:35 pm »

Gah!

What's gone wrong?

I've downloaded the MOD, but it won't run. When I click on it in my sfc3 folder, it says Windows doesn't recognise the file and select a file from the list to run it.

How do I run it?

Help!

I'm running Windows XP Home Edition by the way.

Angry Azrael

Chris Jones · « **Reply #16 on:** March 25, 2003, 02:17:23 pm »

Azrael:

Did you download the single file version..

or did you get it in parts?

for that matter which mod did you download, mine or TNZ?

Chris

Azrael · « **Reply #17 on:** March 25, 2003, 02:35:04 pm »

Hi Chris,

I downloaded the file in one go. The first "Big Verson". I'm on a 600kbs cable modem.

I've downloaded TNZ and played on it, but that server is shutting down.

I'd be foolish to download your MOD on top of a MODed game.

I Downloaded the Single Version on a fresh sfc3 with the patch.

Help!

(and thanks for the help)

Azrael

Chris Jones · « **Reply #18 on:** March 25, 2003, 03:57:51 pm »

ok..

What is the exact filename -- I just checked the filename on the server and it is an exe, which should open up.

There's a chance that your download somehow got saved wrong.

try this direct link to the file..

http://www.stcd.sgnonline.com/~cjones/SFC3TNGMegaFULL.exe

this bypasses the Mod Directory structure and goes right to the file..

Let me know..

Chris

Azrael · « **Reply #19 on:** March 25, 2003, 04:10:38 pm »

Chris,

Thank you for trying to help me run this. The file was saved in my sfc3 folder in program files in my C drive.

The file name was: 734

As nothing has run, I have deleted this file, flushed the recycle bin, and am downloading from your direct link.

Even with Cable it's a big download, so I'll let you know how things go when it's complete.

Thanks for making the MOD and for taking the time to try and help with these difficulties.

Back in just under an hour.

Azrael

Azrael · « **Reply #20 on:** March 25, 2003, 05:15:58 pm »

Gah!

The good news: The download worked correctly. I installed the MOD and have the new Icons on my Desktop.

The Bad News - And this is a Biggie - My Game won't play!

Double click on the MOD Icon on desktop, breif flash of DOS text (or at least I'm presuming it's that), then nothing.

Go to start, all programs, sfcIII, play sfcIII and I get the Starfleet Command logo popping up for a second, as per normal, then a whole lot of nothing.

Help again!

Please!

Azrael

Chris Jones · « **Reply #21 on:** March 25, 2003, 09:06:22 pm »

Did you have any other mods installed when you installed this one?

Azrael · « **Reply #22 on:** March 26, 2003, 01:27:36 am »

Quote:

I'd be foolish to download your MOD on top of a MODed game.

I Downloaded the Single Version on a fresh sfc3 with the patch.

Hey Chris,

I've not tried to MOD a modded game. Still, it might be an idea for me to wipe everything and try again new.

I'm off to work now, but when I get home today, I shall do just that.

I'll do a fresh install, and a fresh patch, then try and download your MOD directly from the link you've provided.

Again thanks for your help.

Azrael

Azrael · « **Reply #24 on:** March 26, 2003, 03:24:12 pm »

Hey Guys,

I've re-done everything.

Fresh install, fresh patch.

The only problem was that since the Forums were down when I did this, I went to the Chris Jones website and downloaded the MOD.

What it gives me is a file called "734".

I don't know how to run this.

Windows doesn't recognise it and wants to know what to use to open it?

Any suggestions?

Angry Azrael

Azrael · « **Reply #25 on:** March 26, 2003, 05:02:10 pm »

Aaaargh!

So close, yet so far.

I have uninstalled and re-installed.

Patched.

Downloaded file "734" which doesn't run.

Deleted file "734", which shouldn't matter as the program never ran.

Installed the MOD from the link Chris Jones posted earlier in this thread.

The game plays now.

However, when I try to join the Mega-MOD server, I get incompatible files because of "bad crc"???

How do I fix this?

Azrael

Locust · « **Reply #26 on:** March 26, 2003, 05:41:59 pm »

I'm having the same problem about the bad crc thing...

To get the file 734 or whatever to work rename it to 734.exe and it will run.

But then there is still the bad crc thing. I did a fresh install, patched, and then installed the mod, so I have no idea what's wrong.

Azrael · « **Reply #27 on:** March 26, 2003, 05:49:17 pm »

Hey Locust,

Can you play the Dominion Wars?

After having my "bad crc" trouble, I clicked on the Original Game icon, then clicked on the Dominion Wars.

Went into the game, started loading the Federation Conquest single player campaign, and at the last message screen (just before you get the map) I got "error: unable to connect"

???

What's wrong there?

Went back to desktop, ran the Original Game icon again, and the game plays fine, but in original mode, i.e. no Dominion Wars.

Sigh,

We'll get there in the end.

Azrael

Locust · « **Reply #28 on:** March 26, 2003, 06:40:52 pm »

Actually no I didn't try the DW part maybe I should...

Chris Jones · « **Reply #29 on:** March 26, 2003, 09:44:47 pm »

Hi Guys.

I went to try the server myself to see if I get the same errors and there was no server at 10:20 Eastern Time Wed. evening.

My guess is that Praxis, the server host, has it offline for some reason. The last time I tried the server I got in fine with the exact same files you guys have.

The Dominion Wars is just for local play - that won't allow you on the server. I only included that because it was easy to, lol. It was the 1st edition of the mod back in January.

I'm hoping Praxis will fill us in here.

Chris

Praxis · « **Reply #30 on:** March 27, 2003, 02:17:18 am »

Sorry- my comp must have crashed. It was off in the morning. Thats what i get for 5 days without restarting my computer, lol.

You guys, if you're getting CRC errors that means something is different with your game.

Chris...there must be something different from that big file on your site.

I've never tried downloading from that file, and everyone i've played with downloaded it in 4 files like me. I'd recommend you do that.

http://www.sfc3files.com/file.info?ID=9134

http://www.sfc3files.com/file.info?ID=9555

http://www.sfc3files.com/file.info?ID=10316

http://www.sfc3files.com/file.info?ID=11703

There you go. Actually you'll probably only need the last one since you have the big file which probably has all the models in it. So just download the fourth link there, install it, and see if it works.

Chris Jones · « **Reply #31 on:** March 27, 2003, 06:20:08 am »

I just got on to the server using the exact same files used to build the single file download..

I was about to fight a Jem Hadar when he simply gave up and left - I was awarded pretige, lol.

any way..

Try downloading that 4th link, which the most recent update of earlier files.. and that should get you onto the server.

Chris

Praxis · « **Reply #32 on:** March 27, 2003, 06:27:41 am »

Chris, so you know...the only people who have reported problems are the people that used the big EXE. Everyone who used the sfc3files downloads either had no problem, or didn't know that had to run the batch file first, lol.

If they got a crc check error they had one file that was off. It was either one of the .scr scripts, DefaultCore, or the CommonSettings, those are the files that are crc checked by the server.

Mysterio · « **Reply #33 on:** March 27, 2003, 08:57:24 am »

After struggling with the installation I finally got the mod working last night. I kept on getting "File not copied. Please run again" errors for various model files or something to that effect. So what I did was install it to a temporary file here at work, lol. Then zip the directory onto a CD. Then unzip into my SFC3 directory at home. Ran the TNG Mega batch file and, presto, a working Mega Mod (and there was much rejoicing....yay). Can't wait for the server to re-start. It seemed to work fine for the conquest missions.
One thing I found was that some of the large high res models killed my video card, I only have a GeForce 2. I ended up replacing the excelsior refit, Voyager and the Norway with stock models and no more slow downs. Chris, this is a great mod. I love the transparent shield display. I have never liked the way SFC displayed the shields but had to live with it because F9 just took away too much vital infromation. Hope to see you on the server when it come up.

Praxis · « **Reply #34 on:** March 27, 2003, 10:53:07 am »

Servers been up since my last post...:)

Mysterio · « **Reply #35 on:** March 27, 2003, 12:10:38 pm »

Excellent. I'll give it a try tonight.

Azrael · « **Reply #36 on:** March 27, 2003, 01:18:13 pm »

Hey Guys,

Is there anywhere to download File 4 from besides SFC3Files.com?

The American dowload spot is always full, and the Australian one downloads at 6 bytes per second.

Chris's site downloads in just under 50 minutes on 600kbs Cable Modem. This Australian download link wants to take over 3 hours for a smaller file (yes, I know that's because it's in Australia)

Help.

Azrael

Praxis · « **Reply #37 on:** March 27, 2003, 02:26:20 pm »

Nope, sorry

Suiric · « **Reply #38 on:** March 27, 2003, 03:14:46 pm »

It can always be worse...for instance having to download the file from Australia from your mother in laws house.... not that my mother in law house is bad...
I swear I have absolutely nothing against her house.... it is a lovely house

(breaking out in sweats at the mere thought of having my modem go down again)

Chris Jones · « **Reply #39 on:** March 27, 2003, 03:51:47 pm »

Hi Azrael -- I will put it on another server later on tonight (Thurs - Eastern Time) and put the link in this thread..

NO WAITING.

stand by.............

Locust · « **Reply #40 on:** March 27, 2003, 10:22:05 pm »

I downloaded the 4th file gonna see if it works.

Now when I played single player I accepted a survey mission, the one with enemy ships and a planet to probe just to be sure. Well it started up and there wasn't any planet, and when I fired a probe the game crashed. Another problem I see is that the arcs on some of the ships don't make sense, like for instance on the large borg cube there are some right side arcs that fire left while the left side arcs still fire left or something like that. Not a big prob but it's weird all the same. Other than this stuff it seems really good.

OK I tried many of the missions crash on me with assertion errors.

Chris Jones · « **Reply #42 on:** March 28, 2003, 05:33:08 am »

http://www.stcd.sgnonline.com/~cjones/SFC3TNGMegaSpring.exe

You should be able to get it now.

Azrael · « **Reply #43 on:** March 28, 2003, 06:29:56 am »

Nice One Chris,

I'm at work now, and will try and get this sorted as soon as I get home.

So I'm clear, I should:

- Have a fresh install of SFC III.

- Have the patch.

- Download and run the Single Version Mega MOD.

- (Do I hit my Mega MOD desktop icon at this point)?

- Download the Spring Update from the link provided above.

If any of this is wrong, please correct me.

I cannot put into words how impressed I am that Chris is making such an effort to help people run the MOD successfully.

Thankyou for your time and effort Chris.

Cheers.

Azrael

Chris Jones · « **Reply #44 on:** March 28, 2003, 08:03:00 am »

My Pleasure -- I like to follow through when I can..

after you install the Spring update - then run the TNG Mega Mod batch file..

on another topic..

I like Tony Blair - he knows what he wants and is passionate about it.

Mysterio · « **Reply #45 on:** March 28, 2003, 11:32:04 am »

I tried to connect to the server last night but got a bad CRC message on all the .scr (script) files. I looked in to the scripts folder and they all seemed to be there. I guess they are a different version that the ones used on the server. I installed using the single .exe file. Should I install the spring update on top of that or is there a way to get just the scripts files? I even tried to install the Pelican scripts but I got the same message.
Help please.

Chris Jones · « **Reply #46 on:** March 28, 2003, 01:29:15 pm »

This is what happens when I get overloaded, lol.

I wish I had staff that could verify things before they go online. I am feeling a bit burned out of late.

It appears that the single file download needs a patch. As in I somehow got the wrong scripts into that exe. Until I get a script file update online.. use the Spring update link above.

What I am planning is a bug fix update, to address a whole bunch of things.. stay tuned.

Suiric · « **Reply #47 on:** March 28, 2003, 03:03:48 pm »

Chris I do not know nearly as much as some on this game but I am willing to help.... Time for me to pay back the community.... let me know if you need people to test anything...
thanks

Mysterio · « **Reply #48 on:** March 28, 2003, 04:29:26 pm »

No problem Chris. Balancing work, family and SFC can be challenging. I find it tough and I only play it, lol. I will go in and update the scripts from the spring update. I'm in as well if you ever need Beta testers. I've been involved in Beta testing the Bridge Commander Multi Player Mod Pack and it's a lot of fun.

Azrael · « **Reply #49 on:** March 28, 2003, 04:32:13 pm »

Chris Jones,

Thank you for creating the MOD.

Thank you for helping me to play on it!

I can now play on the Mega MOD server thanks to running the Single Download direct link posted previously by Chris on this thread, and then by downloading and running the Spring update, then clicking the Mega MOD Batchfile (desktop icon).

Branching off in different directions:

- How do I play Dominion Wars? If I click the Desktop Icon, do I need to do anything before I try and play on the Mega Mod again?

- Praxis, thanks for your help, and for hosting the server. Don't know if this is restricted to me, but battle leads to frequent desktop crashes. Still can play though.

Thanks again.

Chris Jones for President.

Azrael

Locust · « **Reply #50 on:** March 28, 2003, 06:27:46 pm »

I was playing on the Dyna when the game crashed.

Mysterio · « **Reply #52 on:** March 29, 2003, 07:34:28 am »

I copied over the scripts from the spring update and it worked.
I got on the server without a hitch.
Great job Chris. I'm going to have fun with this one.
One thing I noticed is the game crashes to desktop if you try to play the patrol mission.
Not sure why. Other than that no problems to report

Locust · « **Reply #53 on:** March 30, 2003, 01:18:42 am »

Patrol mission is normal conflict, I think you mean something else, er... maybe not...

Praxis · « **Reply #56 on:** March 30, 2003, 03:49:41 am »

Probably cause i disabled the Patrol mission, it shouldn't even make it selectable, rofl. If you see Patrol, DO NOT TAKE IT!

Enjoy the server

It was down last night since i didn't know the server wasn't running all night, lol. sorry. Its up again.

Mysterio · « **Reply #57 on:** March 30, 2003, 10:34:34 pm »

I tried to join the server last night and i got a message that "An unknown error has been encountered". That's a little vague, lol. Anyways, I couldn't join as a result. Also, when I ran the Orig.bat file and tried to join a couple of different un-modded servers I encountered a bad CRC on the Meta Distress Call script. So, I cant play on anything except conquest mode unless I do a complete re-install and lose the mod

.

Praxis · « **Reply #58 on:** March 31, 2003, 05:32:20 am »

yeah yeah yeah...Server ran fine for about 7-8 hours and then got stuck. I checked the log viewer and i got an unhandled exception in tThread or something. This brings us to Flatfile vs SQL.

Flatfile advantages:

1) If something gets really messed up you can jump back to your previous save.
2) Its WAY more stable, i've heard of people running two weeks without one crash.

Flatfile disadvantages:

1) It saves every 5-15 minutes depending what you select. It can be a HD space eater if you're not careful. And if you have a crash people lose everything they've done since the last save about 5 minutes ago lol

2) Its uneditable. It just runs. If someone loses prestige to a bug, he loses it, it can't be fixed. If a hex won't turn, too bad. If a player's account gets messed up, his only choice is a new account, instead of asking the admin to fix it.

3) You have to reboot the server to change server settings and you can't specific things (see 2).

4) Its slower than SQL.

SQL Advantages:

1) Real-time saving. It saves things when they happen. So if you have a crash, when the server comes back up you'll have exactly what you had pre-crash, not what you had 5-10 minutes ago like in flatfile.

2) Real-time editing. In flatfile you can only edit the general server settings and have to reboot the server. Not in SQL- you can change things while it runs, you can add or take prestige from a player, change the color of a hex, etc etc, WHENEVER you feel like it, assuming you're the host.

3) It's faster than flatfile.

SQL Disadvantages:

1) Is far less stable. If you have SQL with server build 504 you'll probably have a crash once per day or two requiring a reboot. No data is lost but its annoying to be constantly after the server making sure you reboot it all the time and its annoying for the players when the server gives them unknown errors.

I'm running SQL. Faster, and i can edit things, but it crashes often.

The bad CRC on Meta Distress call is a mistake- Chris Jones forgot the original Distress call. Don't worry, it will be fixed in the bug fix Chris will release. If you want to fix it yourself, pop in your SFC3 disk. Open the disk (if it does the autorun instead of opening, right click on the disk and choose Open), and look around until you find somewhere on the disk the original distress call, then go to your SFC3 folder, find the agt folder, go in there, go to the Orig folder, and copy the original distress call into there. Then run the Orig batch file again. Ta-da!

Azrael · « **Reply #59 on:** March 23, 2003, 09:20:37 am »

Hey guys,

Where is the Chris Jones Mega MOD? I've got TNZ and can play on that server, but it won't let me into the Chris Jones Mega MOD server.

Any help would be appreciated.

Azrael

KaBoom1701 · « **Reply #60 on:** March 23, 2003, 11:05:49 am »

You can find it here:

http://www.frost-works.com/cjmods/sfc3tngmega.htm

Praxis · « **Reply #61 on:** March 24, 2003, 03:27:37 am »

I'm hosting the server. You'll need the 4 files from sfc3files.com (also found in smaller peices for 56kers on the link KaBoom gave you, which is the official Mega Mod website).

Suiric · « **Reply #62 on:** March 24, 2003, 09:47:42 am »

Praxis some of the missions on the TNg server were causing me errors. The patrol mission would immediately turn the ship I was facing into an ally, so I couldnt complete the mission... Also the scan misisno but I think that has been covered .... But I did get on and had a lot of fun. I got smacked around pretty good using theKlingon Stealth cruiser, I had never ever used it before... dont know what to think of it... And is just me or were the AI really juiced up.... I got killed because I didnt give them any respect or my complete attention,, thank s for all the fun

The_Pelican · « **Reply #63 on:** March 24, 2003, 10:50:51 am »

There is no such thing as a patrol mission, "Patrol" appears when you face an enemy ship, it MUST NOT be listed in the campaign 1.mct folder, it is referred to in the "MissionMatching.gf" file.

Suiric · « **Reply #64 on:** March 24, 2003, 12:52:36 pm »

Pelican, you are the skilled one at scripts, I could be confused, I try it again tonight... In fact I remember Sat night I was confused...

Praxis · « **Reply #65 on:** March 25, 2003, 01:46:50 am »

DOH! Okay i'll fix it.

--EDIT--

DOH DOH DOOOOOOOOOOH!!!

I am unBELIEVABLY stupid. (Please don't answer that :P ) I put one of the two Hail missions (NWHail) in the campaign 1.mct file. I ALSO have it in the MissionMatching file. How stupid is that?

Patrol bug is now fixed.

For other missions that are bugged, the NW ones weren't specificly designed for mods and are a tad bit unstable. I've done NWEmergency about 6 times, twice it crashed, 4 times it worked fine. SurpriseR always works, BUT when its vs Borg the borg have pirate ships. A few other missions are a bit buggy but since you don't lose anything if it bugs out on you, you can do them at your own risk as they are optional

In the next Chris Jones' Mega Mod update we'll have the 2.0 pelican scripts, that oughtta work better.

Praxis · « **Reply #66 on:** March 25, 2003, 05:52:03 am »

Cirius, you may want to read this

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ANYONE PLAYING ON THE TNG MEGA MOD SERVER!

There are 3 rules.

1) LoS rules apply when attacking enemy sectors but you can move through neutral sectors at will (meaning you have to own a sector next to an enemy sector before you can attack that sector).

2) You may Alt-F4 when you die due to a bug vs AI- ESPECIALLY THE TORPEDO BUG!* That is the worst bug on this server (its not just this server, happens often in TCP/IP and GSA games too).

3) You may NOT Alt-F4 vs a Player unless he tells you too (meaning he knew it was a bug). If you see the other player blow up due to a bug, tell him to alt-f4 immediately.

*The torpedo bug is a very annoying bug that I have seen happen with K-Photons, Polarons, and Borg Torpedoes. The bug is where when a torpedo hits your hull through an open shield, sometimes your ship will instantly blow up, even with full hull and full armour. Dominion ships usually have a lot of torpedoes instead of primaries- that means this bug is VERY common vs Dominion. This bug doesn't always happen- sometimes you may get hit by a torpedo in the hull, and take a small bit of damage, then you take a second hit on the hull, another bit of damage, then another hit suddenly kills you when you have very high hull still left.

Cirius thats probably whats happening to you. You can alt-f4 when that happens. I had one guy i was playing with get blown up by a photon from a Cardassian Galor LIGHT while he was in a Sovereign during a planet assualt- obviously a bug. Grr. Luckily he had the sense to Alt-F4 when i told him to

Remember- don't alt-f4 if you die fairly. And don't alt-f4 vs a player. But if its a bug, do it, and save your ship. It stinks to lose a ship to a bug.

The scan/survey mission bug is well know, a real pain, it doesn't

Suiric · « **Reply #67 on:** March 25, 2003, 06:58:19 am »

Thank you Praxis, you know I remember someone posting about the torpedo bug ... I just forgot about it... I do remember getting killled once or twice by Jem Hadar fighter just like that...I shall return to battle tonight armed with this knowledge. I was assuming it was LOS but then again I was forced into interior once I started losing ships...

Praxis · « **Reply #68 on:** March 25, 2003, 09:17:14 am »

yep beware the Jem Hadar fighter cruisers with their twin polarons and twin 5F disruptors. They can wear down your shields quickly and they just need one shot through the shield to envoke the Torpedo bug (if you get unlucky lol).

BTW my recommended tactic is NOT to boost shield facings vs Jem Hadar because their shots can usually punch through a single shield facing in one volley- if you reinforce one, one volley can knock out all your shields. Also they are nearly impossible to hit. The trick? Level 3 tractor is almost unbreakable for a Jem Hadar fighter, you may need 4 for a Fighter Cruiser. Since they are so difficult to hit, grab them in a tractor beam (level 1 at least, it lasts only a few seconds though) just before you fire- then almost all your shots will hit. And Jem Hadar have weak shields, they rely on evasion. Tractor them and they have no evasion

Suiric · « **Reply #69 on:** March 25, 2003, 10:08:15 am »

Thanks for the advice they are tricky little Bast#$&s....

Praxis · « **Reply #70 on:** March 25, 2003, 11:09:50 am »

Tell me about it

I recommend you get a USS Defiant. They are EXTREMELY good vs Borg. Pulse phasers are nearly as powerful as photons but WAY less accurate...but Borg ships are huge and slow, very difficult to miss

Also USS Defiant does good vs Jem Hadar...while your pulse phasers almost *never* hit, you're nearly as maneuverable as the Jem Hadar and just as fast- a nice level 2 tractor plus a full pulse-quantum volley REALLY hurts their weak hulls

And if you're in trouble, cloaking time

The_Pelican · « **Reply #71 on:** March 25, 2003, 11:13:35 am »

The torpedo bug - I think I know why this occurs, it's because the damage values have been cranked up, certain torpedoes have armour piercing capabilities, and with the damage so high, you can destroy a ship in a single hit. The Gravimetric torperdo has been known to take out both the shields, AND the hull in a single blow.....

It's never happened to me when playing on default settings, but does happen to me when you pump up the damage, the more you increase it by, the more frequently it occurs.

One solution is to give all ships more cargo space, as that helps to absorb damage.

Captain KoraH · « **Reply #72 on:** March 25, 2003, 12:29:13 pm »

Cargo space doesn't add any hit points to a ship's hull. Cargo space is for adding weight to a ship without increasing it's hit points. Base weight is the equivalent of hull hit points. If you want a Light cruiser to move like a DN, but still have the hit points of a CL, then add a lot of cargo space.

Aenigma · « **Reply #73 on:** March 25, 2003, 12:36:21 pm »

That's basically what happened to the borg ships and freighters. They had their cargo space increased much, so they wouldn't dart around like flies, because they lack shields. When Cue and I were debugging the Battleclinic, we noticed that the Borg vessels could go extremely fast, faster than they actually can. Of course we overlooked the cargo space, which after a few calculations became a new factor in the mass calculation.

Aenigma

Azrael · « **Reply #74 on:** March 25, 2003, 02:01:35 pm »

Gah!

What's gone wrong?

I've downloaded the MOD, but it won't run. When I click on it in my sfc3 folder, it says Windows doesn't recognise the file and select a file from the list to run it.

How do I run it?

Help!

I'm running Windows XP Home Edition by the way.

Angry Azrael

Chris Jones · « **Reply #75 on:** March 25, 2003, 02:17:23 pm »

Azrael:

Did you download the single file version..

or did you get it in parts?

for that matter which mod did you download, mine or TNZ?

Chris

Azrael · « **Reply #76 on:** March 25, 2003, 02:35:04 pm »

Hi Chris,

I downloaded the file in one go. The first "Big Verson". I'm on a 600kbs cable modem.

I've downloaded TNZ and played on it, but that server is shutting down.

I'd be foolish to download your MOD on top of a MODed game.

I Downloaded the Single Version on a fresh sfc3 with the patch.

Help!

(and thanks for the help)

Azrael

Chris Jones · « **Reply #77 on:** March 25, 2003, 03:57:51 pm »

ok..

What is the exact filename -- I just checked the filename on the server and it is an exe, which should open up.

There's a chance that your download somehow got saved wrong.

try this direct link to the file..

http://www.stcd.sgnonline.com/~cjones/SFC3TNGMegaFULL.exe

this bypasses the Mod Directory structure and goes right to the file..

Let me know..

Chris

Azrael · « **Reply #78 on:** March 25, 2003, 04:10:38 pm »

Chris,

Thank you for trying to help me run this. The file was saved in my sfc3 folder in program files in my C drive.

The file name was: 734

As nothing has run, I have deleted this file, flushed the recycle bin, and am downloading from your direct link.

Even with Cable it's a big download, so I'll let you know how things go when it's complete.

Thanks for making the MOD and for taking the time to try and help with these difficulties.

Back in just under an hour.

Azrael

Azrael · « **Reply #79 on:** March 25, 2003, 05:15:58 pm »

Gah!

The good news: The download worked correctly. I installed the MOD and have the new Icons on my Desktop.

The Bad News - And this is a Biggie - My Game won't play!

Double click on the MOD Icon on desktop, breif flash of DOS text (or at least I'm presuming it's that), then nothing.

Go to start, all programs, sfcIII, play sfcIII and I get the Starfleet Command logo popping up for a second, as per normal, then a whole lot of nothing.

Help again!

Please!

Azrael

Chris Jones · « **Reply #80 on:** March 25, 2003, 09:06:22 pm »

Did you have any other mods installed when you installed this one?

Azrael · « **Reply #83 on:** March 26, 2003, 03:24:12 pm »

Hey Guys,

I've re-done everything.

Fresh install, fresh patch.

The only problem was that since the Forums were down when I did this, I went to the Chris Jones website and downloaded the MOD.

What it gives me is a file called "734".

I don't know how to run this.

Windows doesn't recognise it and wants to know what to use to open it?

Any suggestions?

Angry Azrael

Azrael · « **Reply #84 on:** March 26, 2003, 05:02:10 pm »

Aaaargh!

So close, yet so far.

I have uninstalled and re-installed.

Patched.

Downloaded file "734" which doesn't run.

Deleted file "734", which shouldn't matter as the program never ran.

Installed the MOD from the link Chris Jones posted earlier in this thread.

The game plays now.

However, when I try to join the Mega-MOD server, I get incompatible files because of "bad crc"???

How do I fix this?

Azrael

Locust · « **Reply #85 on:** March 26, 2003, 05:41:59 pm »

I'm having the same problem about the bad crc thing...

To get the file 734 or whatever to work rename it to 734.exe and it will run.

But then there is still the bad crc thing. I did a fresh install, patched, and then installed the mod, so I have no idea what's wrong.

Azrael · « **Reply #86 on:** March 26, 2003, 05:49:17 pm »

Hey Locust,

Can you play the Dominion Wars?

After having my "bad crc" trouble, I clicked on the Original Game icon, then clicked on the Dominion Wars.

Went into the game, started loading the Federation Conquest single player campaign, and at the last message screen (just before you get the map) I got "error: unable to connect"

???

What's wrong there?

Went back to desktop, ran the Original Game icon again, and the game plays fine, but in original mode, i.e. no Dominion Wars.

Sigh,

We'll get there in the end.

Azrael

Locust · « **Reply #87 on:** March 26, 2003, 06:40:52 pm »

Actually no I didn't try the DW part maybe I should...

Chris Jones · « **Reply #88 on:** March 26, 2003, 09:44:47 pm »

Hi Guys.

I went to try the server myself to see if I get the same errors and there was no server at 10:20 Eastern Time Wed. evening.

My guess is that Praxis, the server host, has it offline for some reason. The last time I tried the server I got in fine with the exact same files you guys have.

The Dominion Wars is just for local play - that won't allow you on the server. I only included that because it was easy to, lol. It was the 1st edition of the mod back in January.

I'm hoping Praxis will fill us in here.

Chris

Praxis · « **Reply #89 on:** March 27, 2003, 02:17:18 am »

Sorry- my comp must have crashed. It was off in the morning. Thats what i get for 5 days without restarting my computer, lol.

You guys, if you're getting CRC errors that means something is different with your game.

Chris...there must be something different from that big file on your site.

I've never tried downloading from that file, and everyone i've played with downloaded it in 4 files like me. I'd recommend you do that.

http://www.sfc3files.com/file.info?ID=9134

http://www.sfc3files.com/file.info?ID=9555

http://www.sfc3files.com/file.info?ID=10316

http://www.sfc3files.com/file.info?ID=11703

There you go. Actually you'll probably only need the last one since you have the big file which probably has all the models in it. So just download the fourth link there, install it, and see if it works.

Chris Jones · « **Reply #90 on:** March 27, 2003, 06:20:08 am »

I just got on to the server using the exact same files used to build the single file download..

I was about to fight a Jem Hadar when he simply gave up and left - I was awarded pretige, lol.

any way..

Try downloading that 4th link, which the most recent update of earlier files.. and that should get you onto the server.

Chris

Praxis · « **Reply #91 on:** March 27, 2003, 06:27:41 am »

Chris, so you know...the only people who have reported problems are the people that used the big EXE. Everyone who used the sfc3files downloads either had no problem, or didn't know that had to run the batch file first, lol.

If they got a crc check error they had one file that was off. It was either one of the .scr scripts, DefaultCore, or the CommonSettings, those are the files that are crc checked by the server.

Mysterio · « **Reply #92 on:** March 27, 2003, 08:57:24 am »

After struggling with the installation I finally got the mod working last night. I kept on getting "File not copied. Please run again" errors for various model files or something to that effect. So what I did was install it to a temporary file here at work, lol. Then zip the directory onto a CD. Then unzip into my SFC3 directory at home. Ran the TNG Mega batch file and, presto, a working Mega Mod (and there was much rejoicing....yay). Can't wait for the server to re-start. It seemed to work fine for the conquest missions.
One thing I found was that some of the large high res models killed my video card, I only have a GeForce 2. I ended up replacing the excelsior refit, Voyager and the Norway with stock models and no more slow downs. Chris, this is a great mod. I love the transparent shield display. I have never liked the way SFC displayed the shields but had to live with it because F9 just took away too much vital infromation. Hope to see you on the server when it come up.

Praxis · « **Reply #93 on:** March 27, 2003, 10:53:07 am »

Servers been up since my last post...:)

Mysterio · « **Reply #94 on:** March 27, 2003, 12:10:38 pm »

Excellent. I'll give it a try tonight.

Azrael · « **Reply #95 on:** March 27, 2003, 01:18:13 pm »

Hey Guys,

Is there anywhere to download File 4 from besides SFC3Files.com?

The American dowload spot is always full, and the Australian one downloads at 6 bytes per second.

Chris's site downloads in just under 50 minutes on 600kbs Cable Modem. This Australian download link wants to take over 3 hours for a smaller file (yes, I know that's because it's in Australia)

Help.

Azrael

Praxis · « **Reply #96 on:** March 27, 2003, 02:26:20 pm »

Nope, sorry

Suiric · « **Reply #97 on:** March 27, 2003, 03:14:46 pm »

It can always be worse...for instance having to download the file from Australia from your mother in laws house.... not that my mother in law house is bad...
I swear I have absolutely nothing against her house.... it is a lovely house

(breaking out in sweats at the mere thought of having my modem go down again)

Chris Jones · « **Reply #98 on:** March 27, 2003, 03:51:47 pm »

Hi Azrael -- I will put it on another server later on tonight (Thurs - Eastern Time) and put the link in this thread..

NO WAITING.

stand by.............

Locust · « **Reply #99 on:** March 27, 2003, 10:22:05 pm »

I downloaded the 4th file gonna see if it works.

Now when I played single player I accepted a survey mission, the one with enemy ships and a planet to probe just to be sure. Well it started up and there wasn't any planet, and when I fired a probe the game crashed. Another problem I see is that the arcs on some of the ships don't make sense, like for instance on the large borg cube there are some right side arcs that fire left while the left side arcs still fire left or something like that. Not a big prob but it's weird all the same. Other than this stuff it seems really good.

OK I tried many of the missions crash on me with assertion errors.

Chris Jones · « **Reply #101 on:** March 28, 2003, 05:33:08 am »

http://www.stcd.sgnonline.com/~cjones/SFC3TNGMegaSpring.exe

You should be able to get it now.

Azrael · « **Reply #102 on:** March 28, 2003, 06:29:56 am »

Nice One Chris,

I'm at work now, and will try and get this sorted as soon as I get home.

So I'm clear, I should:

- Have a fresh install of SFC III.

- Have the patch.

- Download and run the Single Version Mega MOD.

- (Do I hit my Mega MOD desktop icon at this point)?

- Download the Spring Update from the link provided above.

If any of this is wrong, please correct me.

I cannot put into words how impressed I am that Chris is making such an effort to help people run the MOD successfully.

Thankyou for your time and effort Chris.

Cheers.

Azrael

Chris Jones · « **Reply #103 on:** March 28, 2003, 08:03:00 am »

My Pleasure -- I like to follow through when I can..

after you install the Spring update - then run the TNG Mega Mod batch file..

on another topic..

I like Tony Blair - he knows what he wants and is passionate about it.

Mysterio · « **Reply #104 on:** March 28, 2003, 11:32:04 am »

I tried to connect to the server last night but got a bad CRC message on all the .scr (script) files. I looked in to the scripts folder and they all seemed to be there. I guess they are a different version that the ones used on the server. I installed using the single .exe file. Should I install the spring update on top of that or is there a way to get just the scripts files? I even tried to install the Pelican scripts but I got the same message.
Help please.

Chris Jones · « **Reply #105 on:** March 28, 2003, 01:29:15 pm »

This is what happens when I get overloaded, lol.

I wish I had staff that could verify things before they go online. I am feeling a bit burned out of late.

It appears that the single file download needs a patch. As in I somehow got the wrong scripts into that exe. Until I get a script file update online.. use the Spring update link above.

What I am planning is a bug fix update, to address a whole bunch of things.. stay tuned.

Suiric · « **Reply #106 on:** March 28, 2003, 03:03:48 pm »

Chris I do not know nearly as much as some on this game but I am willing to help.... Time for me to pay back the community.... let me know if you need people to test anything...
thanks

Mysterio · « **Reply #107 on:** March 28, 2003, 04:29:26 pm »

No problem Chris. Balancing work, family and SFC can be challenging. I find it tough and I only play it, lol. I will go in and update the scripts from the spring update. I'm in as well if you ever need Beta testers. I've been involved in Beta testing the Bridge Commander Multi Player Mod Pack and it's a lot of fun.

Azrael · « **Reply #108 on:** March 28, 2003, 04:32:13 pm »

Chris Jones,

Thank you for creating the MOD.

Thank you for helping me to play on it!

I can now play on the Mega MOD server thanks to running the Single Download direct link posted previously by Chris on this thread, and then by downloading and running the Spring update, then clicking the Mega MOD Batchfile (desktop icon).

Branching off in different directions:

- How do I play Dominion Wars? If I click the Desktop Icon, do I need to do anything before I try and play on the Mega Mod again?

- Praxis, thanks for your help, and for hosting the server. Don't know if this is restricted to me, but battle leads to frequent desktop crashes. Still can play though.

Thanks again.

Chris Jones for President.

Azrael

Locust · « **Reply #109 on:** March 28, 2003, 06:27:46 pm »

I was playing on the Dyna when the game crashed.

Mysterio · « **Reply #111 on:** March 29, 2003, 07:34:28 am »

I copied over the scripts from the spring update and it worked.
I got on the server without a hitch.
Great job Chris. I'm going to have fun with this one.
One thing I noticed is the game crashes to desktop if you try to play the patrol mission.
Not sure why. Other than that no problems to report

Locust · « **Reply #112 on:** March 30, 2003, 01:18:42 am »

Patrol mission is normal conflict, I think you mean something else, er... maybe not...

Praxis · « **Reply #115 on:** March 30, 2003, 03:49:41 am »

Probably cause i disabled the Patrol mission, it shouldn't even make it selectable, rofl. If you see Patrol, DO NOT TAKE IT!

Enjoy the server

It was down last night since i didn't know the server wasn't running all night, lol. sorry. Its up again.

Mysterio · « **Reply #116 on:** March 30, 2003, 10:34:34 pm »

I tried to join the server last night and i got a message that "An unknown error has been encountered". That's a little vague, lol. Anyways, I couldn't join as a result. Also, when I ran the Orig.bat file and tried to join a couple of different un-modded servers I encountered a bad CRC on the Meta Distress Call script. So, I cant play on anything except conquest mode unless I do a complete re-install and lose the mod

.

Praxis · « **Reply #117 on:** March 31, 2003, 05:32:20 am »

yeah yeah yeah...Server ran fine for about 7-8 hours and then got stuck. I checked the log viewer and i got an unhandled exception in tThread or something. This brings us to Flatfile vs SQL.

Flatfile advantages:

1) If something gets really messed up you can jump back to your previous save.
2) Its WAY more stable, i've heard of people running two weeks without one crash.

Flatfile disadvantages:

1) It saves every 5-15 minutes depending what you select. It can be a HD space eater if you're not careful. And if you have a crash people lose everything they've done since the last save about 5 minutes ago lol

2) Its uneditable. It just runs. If someone loses prestige to a bug, he loses it, it can't be fixed. If a hex won't turn, too bad. If a player's account gets messed up, his only choice is a new account, instead of asking the admin to fix it.

3) You have to reboot the server to change server settings and you can't specific things (see 2).

4) Its slower than SQL.

SQL Advantages:

1) Real-time saving. It saves things when they happen. So if you have a crash, when the server comes back up you'll have exactly what you had pre-crash, not what you had 5-10 minutes ago like in flatfile.

2) Real-time editing. In flatfile you can only edit the general server settings and have to reboot the server. Not in SQL- you can change things while it runs, you can add or take prestige from a player, change the color of a hex, etc etc, WHENEVER you feel like it, assuming you're the host.

3) It's faster than flatfile.

SQL Disadvantages:

1) Is far less stable. If you have SQL with server build 504 you'll probably have a crash once per day or two requiring a reboot. No data is lost but its annoying to be constantly after the server making sure you reboot it all the time and its annoying for the players when the server gives them unknown errors.

I'm running SQL. Faster, and i can edit things, but it crashes often.

The bad CRC on Meta Distress call is a mistake- Chris Jones forgot the original Distress call. Don't worry, it will be fixed in the bug fix Chris will release. If you want to fix it yourself, pop in your SFC3 disk. Open the disk (if it does the autorun instead of opening, right click on the disk and choose Open), and look around until you find somewhere on the disk the original distress call, then go to your SFC3 folder, find the agt folder, go in there, go to the Orig folder, and copy the original distress call into there. Then run the Orig batch file again. Ta-da!

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