Ultimate Theater Tutorial

Crazy · Post by **Crazy** » 2002-05-31 14:52:00

Thanks for the answer snake. Yes I have a .thr file. I loaded it and it gives me about nothing. And The "Create PAK Map" is disabled. Also, my theater-tacedit.bmp doesn't fit at all with my objectives. My theater is 128x128 (East of Canada + Part of East of US). Any clues?

Thanks

Crazy

PMC Youtube channel · Post by **Snake Man** » 2002-05-31 18:20:00

quote:Originally posted by Crazy:
Yes I have a .thr file. I loaded it and it gives me about nothing. And The "Create PAK Map" is disabled.

THR file is not "loaded", its just used when making the occupation map. Build PAK Map works only in the Map View menu.

quote:my theater-tacedit.bmp doesn't fit at all with my objectives. My theater is 128x128 (East of Canada + Part of East of US). Any clues?

No.

PMC TFW
Snake Man

Wolverine · Post by **Wolverine** » 2002-06-08 00:40:00

I'm new to map making so please be patient.
The Utilities I am using are from the PCM web site, downloaded 6-7-2002, around 5:00pm.

First question is...Do I need to make 128x128 maps for SP3?

Secondly ... reading the tutorial makes little sense to me. It says "If you want to create the .MAP file dem2terrain asks for .PAL file, this is not the fartiles.pal that can be found in falcon terrain dir, its paint shop pro color palette file! --> We suggest you only select Mea, Description and TDF files options. --> It then saves europe5.L2, europe5.O2, europe5.map, europe5.mea, europe5.txt and the .TDF files."
Does this mean that I have to or don't have to make a .PAL file? With only the options suggested, it doesn't create a .MAP file.

Third....The tutorial goes on to say, "- Edit your europe5.L2 file accordingly." According to what? Do I just used CATE or is there something missing here?

Fourth...The tutorial goes on to say, "Then change the fartile bits according to your texture amount." I have no idea by this statement on how to change my fartile bits, didnt know I had any, can someone elaborate on this for me?

Thanks for the help...

Wolverine

PMC Youtube channel · Post by **Snake Man** » 2002-06-08 01:47:00

quote:Originally posted by Wolverine:
First question is...Do I need to make 128x128 maps for SP3?

No.

quote:Does this mean that I have to or don't have to make a .PAL file?

If you create .MAP file then you need to make paint shop pro color palette PAL file.

quote:With only the options suggested, it doesn't create a .MAP file.

yeah thats fixed on the tutorial now.

quote:"- Edit your europe5.L2 file accordingly." According to what?

Ok edited that bit also somewhat. It means edit/TILE the terrain what ever way you want.

quote:Do I just used CATE or is there something missing here?

Yes, CATE.

quote:how to change my fartile bits, didnt know I had any, can someone elaborate on this for me?

Its explained in the same text, how to change fartile 2 byte or 4 byte with LODFixer. Figure 19.

PMC TFW
Snake Man

Wolverine · Post by **Wolverine** » 2002-06-08 19:26:00

Ok I'm still a little bit confused about the .MAP files. Further down in the tutorial, it talks about using PathMaker to edit the theater.Map which I dont have because the .PAL tutorial is...well not very helpful. I guess the question is, do I ultimatly need to have a .MAP file? Also, will the DEM2L Converter help me out a little more and if so, how do I go about getting it?

Thanks again for you help and patients...

Wolverine

PMC Youtube channel · Post by **Snake Man** » 2002-06-09 00:38:00

quote:Originally posted by Wolverine:
it talks about using PathMaker to edit the theater.Map which I dont have because the .PAL tutorial is...well not very helpful.

Yes the tutorial assumes that user have downloaded the theater tools by himself.

quote:do I ultimatly need to have a .MAP file?

If using default 64 theater with 2 byte fartiles, then you can use the old korean theater.map file.

quote:will the DEM2L Converter help me out a little more and if so

Umm no.

quote:how do I go about getting it?

I don't know. Maybe somebody still has it.

PMC TFW
Snake Man

Wolverine · Post by **Wolverine** » 2002-06-14 05:12:00

Ok..I've made to the point were I am supposed to use tacedit. When I try to load the tacedit.bmp file that I created earlier in the tutorial, it doesnt seem to do anything. I've tried tacedit 2.32 and 2.31. The tacedit.bmp was created with terrainview 1.53 and photoshop 7 reports it as 1024x1024. Any ideas....

Thanks
Wolverine

Monkeyjoe · Post by **Monkeyjoe** » 2002-06-25 02:11:00

I need help. I am using dem2terrain and when I load the .hdr file it just sits there and doesn't do anything. I have tried it on a win2k machine and a winXP machine. Same result. Is there a certain place that I need to put the .exe or the files? Much help is needed thanks.

PMC Youtube channel · Post by **Snake Man** » 2002-07-26 11:35:00

It was mentioned in this area that the DEM merge tutorial is missing.

Now with the help of Javanree and 87th Striker I have added this tutorial into the http://www.pmctactical.org/f4/docs/terrain.php page.

Thanks goes to Javanree & 87th Striker who wrote that tutorial for me!

PMC TFW
Snake Man

taramas · Post by **taramas** » 2002-08-14 23:21:00

One thing is for sure, somebody or some buddies have done an excellent job with these tutorials but.....
some of us (like me) are not experts on these things and we are facing a lot of problems like :
a) running CATE v 4,15 we have an error message "the language DLL "VB6FR.DLL" could not be found.
b) on part2 theater directories we read "edit your theater.L2 file the way you want" the question is : using which software this file will open for edit?

I think that creating a theater is a heavy duty and we will not make it without lot of help.

PMC Youtube channel · Post by **Snake Man** » 2002-08-15 03:45:00

quote:Originally posted by taramas:
a) running CATE v 4,15 we have an error message "the language DLL "VB6FR.DLL" could not be found.

Use the forum search command for Theater Tools area, there are fixes for this CATE problem on some systems.

quote:using which software this file will open for edit?

Terrainview views and edits L2 file.

PMC TFW
Snake Man

taramas · Post by **taramas** » 2002-08-15 08:34:00

i have to say that iam suprised, your respond in our questions is excellent.

Many thanks to snake man

taramas · Post by **taramas** » 2002-08-16 18:42:00

I think i have the same problem with Wolverine, i have many files but i don't have a .map file and iam using 128 x 128 terrain. I don't have paint shop pro installed, any idea?
And finally i found the missing .dll file for CATE, THIS IS WORKING NOW!!!!

Somebody said that these tutorials are "how to make a theater in 23 hours and one pizza" my comment is that creating a theater is 23 months with 1000 pizzas!!!
Sorry iam not a programmer iam computers engineer, HARDWARE no SOFTWARE so if anyone has a problem with hardware that's easy for me, creating a theater? first iam trying to fimd out for what are you talking about

PMC Youtube channel · Post by **Snake Man** » 2002-08-17 05:15:00

quote:Originally posted by taramas:
i don't have a .map file and iam using 128 x 128 terrain. I don't have paint shop pro installed, any idea?

Use google to search PaintShopPro demo version, download it, install it and create some basic .PAL file for dem2terrain to read in .MAP file generation process.

PMC TFW
Snake Man

Joker621 · Post by **Joker621** » 2002-09-02 14:01:00

Sirs,
I'm working at YellowSea 64x64 4 bytes theater. Really, that theater is just a test for me: that's first time for me.
As You can see, yellowsea permit a major involvement of PRC in the war (strike from china to south korea and viceversa), besides more japan ABs.
Unfortunately, dem2terrain is unable to read russia features I've downloaded (.e00 files).
So, if someone owns right features, please, can he share them with me? thanks.
Now, my work in detail:
I've created yellowsea.l2/.o2/.map/.mea/.txt/-obj.csv, and *.TDF features files.
I've created .TGA files for art\resource.
I've created village1.csv and imported it in save0.cam.
I've set right own/control objectives on save0.cam.
I'm working on CATE configs for autotiling.
Now, my needs:
1. how can I create L0,L5,L4,L3 files?
2. how can I replace .TGA files in campmap.idx, main.idx and intel.idx? I'm unable to understand how I can unpack these files (campmap.idx, intel.idx, main.idx). Still, I'm unable to understand where I must write the lines defined in the tutorial (such as ./irc2res1.pl campmap.irc).
Thanks in advance for any help/tips.
Please, I need accurated info. It seems some infos in tutorial are understimated, especially for novice.
Best regards.

Widowmaker · Post by **Widowmaker** » 2002-09-02 18:39:00

get Perl here http://www.activestate.com

install it. mind to read some instructions on the download page about how to install on Win98/ME if you have such a OP,

after you installed it create a dir
'artdev' for instance
copy the rsc/idx pair into it (main.rsc,main.idx for instance)
copy both scipts into it (irc2res1.pl,procidx1.pl)
and go to a dosbox
got to the dir
and type
'perl procidx1.pl main.idx'
it will now 'unzip'the images
you can now replace them (8bitTGA uncompressed for maps 16bitTGAuncompressed for the rest)

then go to the same Dosbox again
and type
'perl irc2res1.pl main.irc'
to zip all up again
copy the idx/rsc back the art/resource dir of you theater.

DONOT COPY THE *.IRC back to the resource dir this one is a list file
produced by the first script and used by the script itself.

/widmak

Joker621 · Post by **Joker621** » 2002-09-03 09:07:00

Dear Friend,
thank You very much for that detailed stuff.
I'll try it this evening.
Please, let me ask You furter help when in trouble.
Best regards.

Joker621 · Post by **Joker621** » 2002-09-10 15:22:00

Hi All,
I need .e00 Russia East features.
Please, someone owns these files?
I've downloaded them from DCW site, but dem2terrain is unable to feature russia sector of my theater.
Please, where I can download right files?
Thanks in advance. Regards.

87th_striker · Post by **87th_striker** » 2002-09-15 16:28:00

Joker, Russia is in another projection N O T supported by current software for theaters. Codec is looking into the matters , but have other priorities. So russia is NO CAN DO so far. Don't bother downloading ...yet

Joker621 · Post by **Joker621** » 2002-09-16 17:05:00

Hi Striker,
thanks for reply. We'll wait Codec, hopefully.
Please, other questions:
1.what OS must I use to avoid 'corruption' creating features.tdf files?
I've WIN98SE, and I've spent A LOT OF TIME to remove the 0 final in .tdf coordinates. so, please, what OS must I use?
2. I'm trouble to save bitmap (features.bmp and tacedit.bmp) from terrainview for 128x128 theater. please, any tips?
3. what file must I unpack to rewrite the campaign briefing apparing when player select any campaign? please, what script must I use?
thanks in advance for reply. best regards.

PMC Youtube channel · Post by **Snake Man** » 2002-09-17 07:01:00

quote:Originally posted by Joker621:
I've WIN98SE, and I've spent A LOT OF TIME to remove the 0 final in .tdf

Its not corruption, its how dem2terrain was coded.

Win98se works just fine.

quote:2. I'm trouble to save bitmap (features.bmp and tacedit.bmp) from terrainview for 128x128 theater.

Hmm I don't remember anymore about the bitmaps... win9X has the bitmap limitation but somehow I don't recall it effecting Terrainview saving bitmap from 128 segment theater. I could be wrong though, its been long time since I installed win2k2y2.

quote:3. what file must I unpack to rewrite the campaign briefing apparing when player select any campaign?

If I at all understood what you're asking, its the art<THEATER>\art\main directory and the file is lcktxtrc.irc file.

Open it and search the stuff you want to change.

PMC TFW
Snake Man

Joker621 · Post by **Joker621** » 2002-09-17 20:55:00

Hi Snake Man,
thanks for reply.
ehmm...I'm sorry, probably I've made confusion about WIN98SE.
This problem appear when I run CATE. I load configuration file, then I browse to input file and output file. When I click read data CATE loads .L2 and .o2 in the memory, then a error message appears "erreur d'execution '9' indice en dehors de la plage".
This error comes with features-CITY.tdf, -RIVER.tdf, -ROAD.tdf.
I must delete the terminating 0's in each coordinate line

to permit CATE to read data and to update data. I've read something about that in the forum, but I'm unable to find it again.
please, help me. is there any way/fix for automatic deletion of every terminating 0's?
I need CATE. thanks in advance for your patience. best regards.

joker62 · Post by **joker62** » 2002-10-08 08:54:00

Hi Malcolm, thanks for your help.
please, send me them at Joker621@internettrain.it
thanks again for your great input.
regards.

PMC Youtube channel · Post by **Snake Man** » 2003-02-01 06:01:00

Not really related to Ultimate Theater Tutorial, but anyways

Campaign Tutorial has been updated with some more detailed Linking Objectives to make ground units move.

As always, if you find errors or strange information, let me know.

PMC TFW
Snake Man

Joker621 · Post by **Joker621** » 2003-02-07 08:13:00

Snake Man, thanks for Your continue efforts.
regards.

BenBen · Post by **BenBen** » 2003-07-08 02:39:00

Hello, Theater Meisters!

I almost accidentally read your ultimate terrain tutorial and found it very comprehensive and straight forward. So comprehensive that i was tempted to test it on a real dumb creature - me.
I completed part 1 very quick and it was so easy that i now seriously want to make a theater. I finished part 1 and things look good. In part 2 i got to the point "Edit your europe5.L2 file the way you want (more about this in CATE tutorial)". So i switched to the Cate tutorial and the Cate readme file and downloaded the Cate configuration files. I processed the first three without problems but number four requires a .csv with the airbases of the theater. Problem is that i only have a .tdf file with them. What am I supposed to do at this point?

Thanks for your help and congratulations for this inspiering tutorial.

Sincerely,
Benny

PMC Youtube channel · Post by **Snake Man** » 2003-07-08 02:43:00

Well you must have you campaign objectives made somewhat to get the csv. When you have them ready, start tacedit, select to view only airbases, then drag a box around them with mouse and select Export Viewed.

This is where it saves the .CSV file for you.

BenBen · Post by **BenBen** » 2003-07-08 10:30:00

Thanks for the quick reply, Snake Man.
I take it that "fine tuning" the terrain with Cate is done later, right?
I'll continue with Part 2 then..

Btw, I'm not sure if i really expressed my excitement over your Ultimate Theater Tutorial. I have never read such a comprehensive and encouraging tutorial on such a complex subject like theater designing. A very good tutorial. I was thrilled when I read it last night. Thank you very much for that.

BenBen · Post by **BenBen** » 2003-07-08 11:43:00

Another question: I'm in part 2 now and have just made the 2-byte to 4-byte conversion.
I'm then asked to save and copy the files to a new terrdata folder. Among them a .map file. However, according to the steps in part 1, i *didn't* select to build the "MAP file" in Dem2terrain ("We suggest you only select Mea, Description and TDF files options."). Now i need it. How do i get it now?

Widowmaker · Post by **Widowmaker** » 2003-07-08 14:05:00

asuming you have made a theater the same size as Korea (64 segments) use the Korean theater.map.
you may wanna adjust it for coordinates later but that is not really important at this point.

/widmak

BenBen · Post by **BenBen** » 2003-07-08 14:14:00

Unfortunately it is 128x128

Widowmaker · Post by **Widowmaker** » 2003-07-08 14:16:00

then grab the ODS one

BenBen · Post by **BenBen** » 2003-07-08 14:26:00

mmmmmmhhhhh...... I don't have ODS ad it is not available anymore.

Could you send it to Benny-Wegmann[@]gmx.de?

<hides>

PMC Youtube channel · Post by **Snake Man** » 2003-07-08 14:55:00

quote:Originally posted by BenBen:
However, according to the steps in part 1, i *didn't* select to build the "MAP file" in Dem2terrain ("We suggest you only select Mea, Description and TDF files options."). Now i need it. How do i get it now?

Ignore the tutorials suggestion and go back to do the necessary files with dem2terrain.

BenBen · Post by **BenBen** » 2003-07-09 00:30:00

I'm in part 4 now. When I import the objectives from the dem2terrain created .csv file and load the background image in tacedit they don't match.

The actual theater that i selected was square-shaped and so is the background image but when I look at the objects then my theater seems to be twice as wide as it should be. Any ideas?

PMC Youtube channel · Post by **Snake Man** » 2003-07-09 07:56:00

No.

For further help, open a new topic specific to your problem & utility in the Theater Tools area.

BenBen · Post by **BenBen** » 2003-07-11 01:59:00

Got the "mis-matching" fixed. I just had enter the correct size from the Dem2terrain generated .txt file ("Size (L2 tiles): 2048 x 2048") into Campaign view->Location, hit apply, restart and reload Tacedit. Now the objects match the terrain nicely.

nucleon2 · Post by **nucleon2** » 2003-07-28 08:26:00

Hello everybody.
I'm trying to create a new terrain for the fun but i've got some problem. When i try to switch to it in Falcon, i've a error message:
No such file or directory: couldn't read offset block

Any idea ?

I've followed the installation procedure "ultimate terrain creation".

this is a short description of my directory (from installation path):
campaign/
save
balkans
scan (this is me terrain)
art
art1024
artbalkans
artscan

etc...

terrdata
korea
terrain
textures
weather
scan
terrain
weather
textures
etc...
theaterdefinition

BenBen · Post by **BenBen** » 2003-07-28 16:33:00

quote:Originally posted by nucleon2:

this is a short description of my directory (from installation path):
campaign/
save
balkans
scan (this is me terrain)
art
art1024
artbalkans
artscan

etc...

terrdata
korea
terrain
textures
weather
scan
terrain
weather
textures
etc...
theaterdefinition

Bonjour!

If "scan" is your theater folder then you should place it in your "terrdata" folder, next to the "korea" folder. Also, check your paths in the theater definition file (*.tdf) in the folder "theaterdefinition".

Hope that helps.

nucleon2 · Post by **nucleon2** » 2003-07-29 05:16:00

Hello,

thanks for your reply, i've verified my directory all seems ok (i've made a mistake in my post) the 'scan' directory was well placed in the structure, the problem is not here.

I'm going to rebuild a new terrain from the beginning and try to join some screenshot.

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