SimPlot User Guide

[kmart494]

I uploaded a new version of the User Guide.  I finally filled in the missing procedures, and made corrections to obsolete information.  This guide is compatible with the current version of SimPlot 2.0.

It is still somewhat incomplete, but the section on creating and modifying units is complete.  That is the area I get the most questions for, anyway.

The file is available in the Downloads section.

[Spookingdorf]

Loving Simplot.

I'm a participant in a PBEM game at the moment.  Is it possible to save separate files automatically for each combatant that don't show the units at file open? At the moment we've found that enemy units are visible to all players at file open; to remedy this the referee has to delete the Red enemy units before sending to Blue, and vice-versa (there has been no contact yet).  Changing the perception makes no difference.

I see that previous versions of Simplot might have dealt with this.

Also, once the combatants have done their plots, is there a way for the separate plot files sent from each to be combined by the referee?  This would ease the workload somewhat I think.

</2c-worth>

[kmart494]

When the referee saves a game, there should be four files saved at the same time.  One game file for the referee, and one each for Red and Blue players.  The last file is a player settings file that is for the referee (actually all players have their own that is specific to whatever the player has set in the way of graphics and display).

I wonder if the referee is sending the players his game file and not the Red or Blue files.  Setting perception would only affect the Red and Blue files, not the referee file.

Look at the file you have.  You can open it with a text editor.  If it says something like File:"Referee" then you have the wrong file.

The next version of SimPlot will allow players to set movement waypoints that can be exported as a JSON file.  The referee can then import those files and the unit movements will be automatically set.

Kevin

 

[Spookingdorf]

Thank you for your response, it certainly clears things up.  I shall inform the ref!  This is going to make things easier.

Dale

[PFF]

A Simplot request in the next modification would it be possible to add a dipping sonar reference point?

It would also be good if a formation editor were included or some means of maintaining formation with a course change.

I'd also really like the ability to set waypoints particularly for aircraft.

Apologies if I have missed these on my rather steep learning curve - I have work arounds for all of them

Is there a Simplot group?

Txs

[kmart494]

1. A new reference point type, called a Datum, will be in 2.1.  You can use it for a variety of purposes.
2. I don't know when I can deal with formations.  The problem revolves around where to keep the units in relation to each other.  If a High Value Unit (HVU) turns from 090 to 360, does the frigate escort to its port (bearing 360) stay to the left to now become bearing 270?  If so, then the frigate has to do more than just turn left.
3. The upcoming addition of waypoints will apply to all movable units.  Additionally, the altitude or depth can be specified for each waypoint (although they do not yet play a role in SimPlot)
4. The only SimPlot group is right here at HarpGamer.com.

 

[Der_Bär]

I Kevin.

I've an isue with Simplot. Whenever I edit a unit( chance course, add an ES line, an arc...), I loose the decimals on its location, unless I re enter the values in the box.

I think it's related to my regional configuration. But I haven't been able to solve It.

Thanks for any advice.

[kmart494]

Der_Bar, I have always had difficulty with International number values.  Over the past few years I have solved many of the issues, but it is good to discover any that I am unable to find on my own.

1. After you re enter the values, do the decimal values remain?
2. Do you use a comma "," for decimal, or a period "."?  This is according to your regional settings.
3. Some values have a truncated decimal.  Heading, for example, will only display one decimal place.
4. Some values may be integer only.  That is, they are whole numbers without decimals.  ES and Sonar bearings, I think, are interger values only.

Kevin

 

[Der_Bär]

I will try mi best.

1.- Yes they do, it's anoying to have to do that everytime I edit a Unit, but if done it keeps its location. 

2.- For the position boxes, I have to use perior "." Or 2,36 becomes 2.

For the range boxes, I have to use a comma "," or otherwise the system ignores it and gets really big ranges. 1.55nm becomes 155nm for example.

3 and 4. I have had no problems with that fields.

Also, I'm unsing simplot V2.0.0. Build 230

Really thank you.

Alejandro.

[Silent Hunter UK]

I'm getting the error "Error during the Game.Map.Draw method" every time I try to open up the .json for the Get the Kiev game. I have all the four relevant files in the folder I am accessing.

 

[kmart494]

SHUK,

I sounds like the map file is loading correctly, but maybe something in the map.txt file is off (this error would occur in the background map drawing, or the city/country name drawing). The name of the .png file should match what is in the .txt file. If it is not too big, can you post the .txt file or send a copy to me?

Kevin

[Der_Bär]

SHUK.

I will share with you my png and txt files trough Discord. It should work.

[Silent Hunter UK]

On 4/15/2021 at 10:47 AM, Der_Bär said:

SHUK.

I will share with you my png and txt files trough Discord. It should work.

It has. Thanks.

[PFF]

With regard to formations, changing direction in the real world is complex and takes time unless the formation is circular and direction driven by the guide unit. Well beyond my comprehension how this might be carried out in the app. I do know that in real life when the battlecruiser fleet changed course the screen had to be given at least 40 minutes notice. I wonder whether there might be some work around by making the current option to define station, permanent until changed relationship. Then use the ship identified as target as formation guide. Abit like using the target option, the app would need to modify speed,  what it will mean though is that the Task Force could not move at anything like full speed and change direction.  Well beyond my comprehension how this might be carried out in the app. Waht I do at the moment is ships in line ahead have the next in line as a target and I adjust the others speed and course. It is very much a hit or miss exercise.

[kmart494]

I hope you don't mind my asking, but why do you want to spend time changing formation within a scenario?  Most scenarios are over before a formation could be effectively changed.