donaldseadog
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Posts posted by donaldseadog
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Hmm, will try it.
Has this sort of thing been reported before? I would really hope I was doing something odd, thought I can't see what it could be.
EDIT 1
OMG! This is a GREAT collection, whether or not helps! I had no idea such a collection existed.
EDIT 2
Sadly, still have the same problem.
:( It is happening in both the Scenario Editor and in just Play.Could I be doing something wrong?
All I'm doing is unzipping the file and copying the new commondb.res into the Harpoon CE folder, overwriting the current one. Then with the picture file, I'm adding it to the folder. Is there something else I should be doing? Should I be deleting anything?
Hi, you say "with the picture file, I'm adding it to the folder". I assume you mean the new commondb.rsr file, there should be a file of this name already so as with the commondb.res file you should be needing to overwrite,m is this occuring?
I've used most of Rene's databases including the 'HC 80 to 95' but not had this problem (once I remember to overwrite the rsr file.
(I'll run away and have a quick sqizz at the examples you quote as a problem)
Also if you find the 'launcher' file (thanks to Tony) in the tools you can specify the database files (both the rsr and res) to be used with out having to do overwrites and keeping track of which files are in the main folder.
{edit}I opened the scenario editor (then under the platform display function} opened the display for all of the Hermes and the russian Kirov, all OK. I used the recent '100530 version zip file. I think it should work OK and think try Tony's Launcher and/or double check you've overwritten the commondb.rsr file in the main CE folder.
(re the launcher, you can use it to start the editor by overwriting the "GE Name" to wscenedt.exe, just don't select the stuff below the CDB.res and CDB.rsr file names as they don't apply)
Don Thomas
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Agree that Option 2 is correct.
Buddha
Of the two options I agree option 2, but I wonder whether it is good to have something like a recon aircraft available that will go on patrol and NOT automatically fire up radar (& get detected), which is the current situation? The poor old AI has a pretty hard time being steathy and that is more and more becoming high priority.
I'd like to see all patrols set with optional radar (and optional patrol altitude) at the time of setting up the patrol.
AI recon patrols (and similar) are usually pretty poor life insurance risks.
Don.
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I recall that much more "European" names like Atlas or Titan were being put forward, at least in unofficial circles, and I think either of those would have been appropriate.
Yep, can't help but think that if the 'Grizzly' name has come from the test pilots there's something they aren't telling.
To me 'grizzly' is more like a very chewy piece of steak that you end up spitting out (if the eating companions allow).
I have an Italian motorbike, the model name is 'Elefant' which I think is cute (as we spell it 'elephant') and I think that would be better than Grizzly.
Don
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File Name: Coral Sea Battle (redplay)
File Submitter: donaldseadog
File Submitted: 18 Jul 2010
File Category: WestPac
DB Used: HCWW-100326
Authors: don thomas
Battleset-WPac: .scq - WPac - WestPac
A revised version of my blue play Coral Sea Battle but designed for playing for the Japanese.
The situation is not exactly as occurred but is close allowing for game operation and available ships etc in the Database.
Use westpac battleset and database HCWW-100326
Hope you have fun.
Don Thomas,
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File Name: Coral Sea Battle (blueplay)
File Submitter: donaldseadog
File Submitted: 8 Jul 2010
File Updated: 18 Jul 2010
File Category: WestPac
DB Used: HCWW-100326
Authors: Don Thomas
Battleset-WPac: .scq - WPac - WestPac
Not quite a re enactment of one of the most important battles (if only two days long) of the WWII Pacific war, but based on the situation at the time.
Finding the enemy is a big part of the game, actually defeating the enemy is also a big part of the game, actually just surviving is perhaps the biggest part of the game.
I expect to be able to make a number of upgrades to this as time goes on, and in particular to provide a version for IJN play (This is only designed for Allied Play).
If you have multiple versions of the harpoon program you might like to try a few of them as some of the more recent changes to aspects such as gunnery firing arcs and aircraft strafing capabilities make big differences to how the scenario plays.
In any case, as usual I hope you enjoy playing it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
As this is based on an historical situation I'd really welcome any feedback on how it's accuracy can be improved. Some of the ships aren't correct (not yet available in the DB, so I've selected what I think will do the job, EG light carriers instead of float plane tenders, let me know if you find something better. Also I haven't used exactly historically correct starting points so as to: 1. give variety to the game and 2. allow better game performance (eg less likely to run aground).
There are also a few added bits not correctly timed but to add interest.
Don Thomas
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File Name: Back Door 2
File Submitter: donaldseadog
File Submitted: 30 Jun 2010
File Category: MEDC
DB Used: HCDB-100528
Authors: Don Thomas
Battleset-MEDC: .sco - EC2003 - EC2003
This was only meant to be a minor revision of my previous "Back Door" to correct a minor 'undesirable', but the scenario has become quite different to play so I thought I'd post it separately.
Generally similar to 'Back Door' but this should be (usually) less hectic at the start but with with more action spread through the voyage and a couple of possible possible surprises at what might be the end?
Don Thomas
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Don,
Does your path to HCE contain space in it?
i.e. C:\Matrix Games\HCE or no spaces C:\Games\HCE ?
Just curious, quite awesome it if works with the former.
No spaces D:\hce_beta
Also if the scenario file name (or path?) has long file name, spaces etc then it doesn't pass onto scenario editer (the old dinasaur that she is) but in any case I don't think it would handle them from a normal start anyway.
I think if you have a copy of the launcher executable (I have it in another folder and with another name-don't know if all that is necessary- I guess it depends on how it writes to the 'ini' file at exit) then you kind of get two independent programs for starting editor and GE.
You can also use launcher to start different GE versions by giving them unique names and amending it in the 'GE Name' window, I use winharp32.exe as the latest beta and previous versions I name like winharp42.exe (for 2009.42) etc. Just an alternative to having lots of shortcuts, especially handy for different database (which can't be selected from SE or GE once started)
Any way I find it useful and thought it was worth sharing.
Don
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This may or may not be obvious (or useful) to you,
I often use the scenario editor and am frequently using it with non standard databases or going back over the previous scenario. You can open the scenario editor from Tony's "launcher" (in the downloads section if you haven't seen it) by overwriting "winharp32.exe" with "wscenedt.exe". You can make some of the selections such as battleset, scenario file and database. When you launch it (since the last update) you have saved all the settings from the last launch.
To make it work well, copy the 'launcher.ini' file to another (any) folder, make a desktop (or other place) shortcut to the launcher.exe and call it scenario edit start (or whatever you like), click it and open its properties. Rewrite the "start in" field to point at your folder in which you put the 'launcher.ini' file. launch the shortcut and amend the executable to wscenedt.exe (as noted above).
Now it sounds like a bit of fiddling but once it is done you can get into your scenario editor and change batlesets and scenarios and in particular databases very quickly. If you are going back to the last scenario you edited it is just ready to start with one click.
What's the bet that Tony is about to release an update with the scenario editor tab filled in, making all this pointless?
Are but its just a game, eh.
Don
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File Name: Back Door
File Submitter: donaldseadog
File Submitted: 18 Jun 2010
File Category: MEDC
DB Used: HCDB-100308
Authors: don thomas
Battleset-MEDC: .sco - EC2003 - EC2003
For EC2003, continuing my saga of UK/French fisty cuffs. The (I think last) third in the saga.
Your British carrier group has to cruise to port in Gibraltar and dodge one or two French nasties.
Depending on your luck with the groups initial (variable) positions this can end in a naval gunnery battle, or rather nasty sub attack (or both). Hope you enjoy it.
Don
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OK, got a new computer with windows 7. Will I need to do anything to HCE other than re-install it on the new box, or are there any compatibility problems with HCE and windows 7. My experience with 64 bit systems is nil, so keep that in mind.
If you are curious...
Intel i7 Core 930
12 GB DDR 1600 RAM
GeForce GTS 250 Video
1 TB HD
I bought a full out gaming rig. It's working great so far. I dont' forsee having to upgrade for a while, and even if I do, the RAM is expandable up to 24 GB.
I LOATHED Windows Vista...Windows 7 I'm finding myself content enough with however, pleasant surprise TBH.
Totally irrelevant, but am I jealous or what!! My good computer is a celeron laptop (15" screen) and recently upgraded to 500 Mb ram (original DDR and I had to get it second hand and what ever could be found). My hard drive is 40 gig (you have nearly that much ram if needed!!) but I use 8 an gig usb for data storage and archive stuff onto (external) DVD fairly frequently.
Have fun.
Don
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I've had a problem using victory conditions requiring a kill of 25 aircraft of specific sub type (attack). I don't know if this is a bug or just me, any one seen this sort of thing? Any one think of something I might be doing wrong?
If I reduce the number to 5 it works or if I change it to 25 aircraft (any type) it works.??
Don Thomas
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Thanks Ralf, and awesome that you've undertaken such an adventure. I am undecided about a full marathon; my running companion has no interest in a full but I have a certain curiosity about trying a full marathon.
I used to do long bicycle rides as a member of the world wide Audax club, the rides are continuous with just short rest stops (the longest I did was 300 klms/ 15 hours). Before I started my first Audax ride a guy I knew (who had been doing them for 'decades' said "100 kilometres is just two 50s in a row, etc". If you can do the 'half' and are thinking about the 'full', you can do it. I'm sure your running partner would like to at least help in the training even if not do the run.
You both look really fresh in the photos, what about poor mister '4004' I bet he's not thinking about doing a 'full'. I only think that all that time spent running you could be comfy in front of that screen....
PS, I'm not a runner, what is "pace" (my best guess is average speed in KPH)?
Don Thomas
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To add flavour for what the other side did ...
On the evening of 7 May 1942, with night closing in, the Japanese launched a counter-strike against the American carriers.
It comprised:
12x Type 99 bombers
15x Type 97 attack aircraft
Yeah, Japanese airgroups were not as big on a per-carrier basis as the US ones. The two carriers at Coral Sea were Shokaku and Zuikaku, counterparts in many ways to the US Yorktown class CVs, but still carried less aircraft.
The aircraft shot down by the US forces were sorely missed, along with their carriers (Shokaku took some bomb hits, iirc) at Midway a month later. Sho and Zui didn't come to Midway because of air group losses and repairs needed to Shokaku. I think Zuikaku remained mostly untouched till the Battle of Leyte Gulf, when she was finally sunk off Cape Engano, last of the Pearl Harbor strikers, iirc. Shokaku was already gone by that time, lost to a submarine at the Battle of the Philippine Sea.
So, has anyone yet made scenarios for any of the big surface battles around Guadalcanal? There's a bunch of candidates. Cape Esperance, First and Second Battles of Guadalcanal, Savo Island, Tassafaronga, etc. You could probably model some of the PT vs the Tokyo Express engagements. Also, there's the fleet/carrier actions like Santa Cruz and Eastern Solomons. And of course the Cactus Air Force. I'm not that good at scenario design, but, if I had the time, I might have to look into some of that. I guess we'll see if I make time for it or not.
Sounds like some great ideas in there, I hope you find that ellusive 'time'. Start with the simplest and see how you go I'd suggest, test in cheat mode (ctrl alt s) to see the oponents activities and if in island areas keep an eye on the AI driving ships aground.
I'm lousy with history and too lazy to look it all up so in a way I envy your knwoledge.
Don
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This morning I ran my first half marathon, see me (7216) starting to wave at my family in the attached photo. I might post more when the official race photos come out. Still can't say that I'd want to run a full marathon; running for fun is great, but competitive runners you have my respect but not my envy!
Time: 2:03:25, 9:26 pace
Don Thomas, see the other waving person? Doing my best to satisfy that list of things I'd like (smart - check, rich - compared to me without a doubt, good looking - yes though running pics aren't the best examples).
... no wonder you're running, all in the name of furthering the Harpoon cause. I just hope she doesn't decide on a full marathon to test your sincerity. Now after all that upright physical activity you need a bit of time in a good chair in front of a computer screen
2 hours sounds like a good time, you must both be fit, you both look it. Looks like great weather too (as well as the pleasant scenery). Well done.
Don
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File Name: It gets hot
File Submitter: donaldseadog
File Submitted: 22 May 2010
File Updated: 11 Jun 2010
File Category: GIUK
DB Used: HCDB-100308
Authors: don thomas
Battleset-GIUK: .scm - EC2003 - EC2003
A second scenario in the line where France retaliates against the UK for dropping the European alliance in the war with the USA.
An intense air battle over the English channel with a few ships to add to the list of targets.
EC2003 battle set and HCDB-100308 database.
Updated 3 june 2010 to make you work a little harder to get victory.
Updated again 11 june due to unexpected problem with victory condition.
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So (in HCE) 'jammers' like prowler have to have their surface radar on to jam enemy radar, if I try to sneak them in low and 'quiet' (all radar off) they have no effect. Yeh, is this true, have I been stuffing up all this time??
(Don's bungle No. xxx) 
Yup, gotta energize the radar to energize the jammers.
Of course, in most cases coming in low and quiet is actually the right thing to do, up until you figure you are getting into detection range or coming over the horizon. No point in advertising your presence any sooner than necessary ...
Well I didn't scratch too many then, fwew
Question though: is there an easy way to tell which planes have jammers (other than open up the database)? I look at the written description and the 'weapons' in the load out, any thing else I should do?
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File Name: Napoleon's Revenge
File Submitter: donaldseadog
File Submitted: 20 May 2010
File Category: NACV
DB Used: HCDB-100308
Authors: don thomas
Battleset-NACV: .scn - EC2003 - EC2003
Spurred by a sentence in an EC2003 battleset scenario, here we have France 'teaching a lesson' to the UK after they leave the European Alliance against USA.
A small scale scenario pitting a French carrier group against an English with limited shore based air support but with additional surface and subsurface vessels.
You can play either Red or Blue though its intended primarily as a blue play so the reds are slightly better equipped.
For EC 2003 NACV battleset, HCDB-100308 database
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I've never used a Prowler or a Raven, how should they be used? I think they're primarily radar jammers, but I'm not sure how to use them.
Yes, they're both jamming platforms, useful in the suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) role. Activating their surface search radar will likewise activate the jammers, and you can use the aircraft to reduce the effective range of enemy radars. In the escort role, they can be used to provide somewhat of a 'shield' for friendly aircraft. Be careful, though, they are vulnerable to enemy fighters.
So (in HCE) 'jammers' like prowler have to have their surface radar on to jam enemy radar, if I try to sneak them in low and 'quiet' (all radar off) they have no effect. Yeh, is this true, have I been stuffing up all this time??
(Don's bungle No. xxx) -
Anyone who is interested in seeing a draft copy of the user manual and adding input is invited to join us on IRC Wed at 7pm Central time.
When you arrive and show interest we'll e-mail you the Word document.
IRC
Server: irc.stratsims.com
Port: 6667 or 8067
Channel: #harpgamer
If you don't have an IRC client you can try the Java clients on the left side of http://www.harpgamer.com or you can try a simple client I wrote, http://harpgamer.com/harpforum/index.php?a...mp;showfile=281
PS, working on the release is one reason you aren't seeing many builds this month...
I kick myself in the head,
gotta look more often. I was cooking bread (10 am local time) and could have made it.If the response wasn't as good as desired, and theere is some copy of comments made, I'd like to put in some time and any comments I come up with. Don
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Hello Harpgamers! I'm a noob, playing Harpoon Classic.
Well, the thing is that... I can't understand the process of getting new scenarios or battlesets whatever
Here are my questions.
1.Is it possible to play other scenarios(like falkland Island war, Korean war, war in South Africa, etc) in Harpoon Classic?
2.If It's possible, what do I have to do in order to play those scenarios? (what are the battlesets? what do I have to do with blq,scq,rdq files?)
3.What do I have to when it shows "Memory Allocation Failure"?
Plz answer these questions, cuz I'm desperate to play those scenarios.
(hoping not to appear to be conflicting with Tony E's answer)...
here is my thoughts re each of your numbered questions:
1. yes
2. I think of three key elements:
scenario
battleset
data base
the scenario is kind of 'the game', the battleset is kind of the geographical area and the data base is the available elements such as bases, ships, planes etc.
early battlesets have the database built in, battlesets such as the EC2003 series and Westpac and later have the database 'attached' or external.
So for the desired scenario look for its battleset (in the download section of harpgamer this is easy as the scenarios are arranged by battleset) and look for its database (if it is a "new" battleset, eg EC2003, westpac etc).
If the battleset is a 'custom' battleset then you have to download the battleset, these aren't very common.
If the database is other than the default then download the database, eg HC-50to65-DB_100426 database is needed for scenario "korea-51".
There are two ways of getting it all together in playing the game. The easy way is to download Tony E's "HC launcher" from the "tools/ mods/ docs" section of the downloads, it is easy to use and lets you arrange your custom files in their own dirrectories or to give them descriptive names.
The second way is to keep copies of the commondb. rsr and commondb.res files that you will get with downloaded databases in respective folders and manually swap them into the main HCE folder to use that database.
All the download stuff is under the download sections (upper menu line on web page) and clearly arranged.
(A little practice and what appears muddy will become clear)
My best hint is to keep asking for help until you have it all worked out.
Don
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I must say I've never found anything wrong with playing with myself, so to speak. Harpoon has a very large number of scenarios and they're always increasing. It would take a very long time to play every one twice, and then you can get your favourites and redo them for added difficulty (though I wouldn't try redoing any of the 'breakouts' for added difficulty
)Personally I wouldn't bother with online gaming, you never know the opposition might be less challenge than the AI and you have to organise yourself to fit in with the other player (I assume).
It seems to me there are lots of on line games, it's only reasonable that some games don't go down that road but concentrate on other aspects.
As has been said, if some one wanted to through in the necessary money/ time to make it happen (without degrading other aspects of the game) great!
Don, a contented harpoon player.
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This issue comes up regularly, and imho, its really an issue of matching your victory conditions to your scenario.
Personally, I am loath to specifically spell out "you must kill Base A" or "you must destroy ship B" to achieve victory.
However, if your scenario is complex, with any number of ways of a player attacking it, it would be a good idea to at least nudge the player in the right direction. (Especially helpful with noobs).
Simpler scenarios generally have obvious victory conditions, because there are probably only a limited number of enemy installations, surface groups, etc.
Maybe in complex scenarios the victory conditions need an "OR" condition for each possible approach while in the simpler ones there can be multiple "AND" conditions to get a very tight victory requirement.
Generally I've found every ones comments very instructive, now I think I need to go over all scenarios I've uploaded and check my Vic Cond's and orders....
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File Name: korea_51 (HC_50to65 BS)
File Submitter: donaldseadog
File Submitted: 9 May 2010
File Updated: 5 Feb 2011
File Category: WestPac
DB Used: HC-50to65-DB_100426
Authors: don thomas
Battleset-WPac: .scq - WPac - WestPac
A new scenario for new database HC-50to65-DB_100426
Placed (geographically and in time) about the Korean war but based on very loosely on the actual situation.
Limited naval action, primarily air strikes against ground forces and bases.
"Take this new data base for a spin"
Petr Velikiy shoots at Moskva
in Current Events in Asia-Pacific
Yeh, hard to believe it is the middle of the ogen. I had more waves on my horses drinking trough today (and less sun).
So is that some sort of mini rocket propelling the light line? I seem to remember from the 60's-70's a sort of 'dildo' slipped over the end of a standard rifle (SLR- 6.25 mm) for getting the light line across. I can't remember but guess a blank was loaded to lauch the 'dildo'.
Don