Coding a ship into the game

[fadius]

I am in the process of learning how to code a ship to be buy-able and flyable in game.

I know how to make it buy-able with market_ships.ini

What I do not know is how to code it. I have a number of models that my modelers have models and Hard-pointed. Some of them have even given me code to get the ship into the game, however, some of them cause the client to crash when entering the ship dealer.

So, I am going to post the Hard Points of a ship that is causing me problems and am hoping to get the basic code tog et the ship into game.

I understand there needs to be an entry in shiparch.ini and loadouts.ini. I may be missing some important files. Anyways, here is the list of Hardpoints of a ship I am trying to get into game. I am hoping someone can provide me with the basic code to get it working in game.

HpMount
HpRadar01
HpEngine01
HpEngine02
HpEngine03
HpEngine04
HpEngine05
HpCM01
HpMine01
HpTractor_source
HpShield01
HpTurret01
HpTurret02
HpTurret03
HpTurret04
HpWeapon01
HpWeapon02
HpWeapon03
HpWeapon04
HpTorpedo01
HpTorpedo02
HpDocklight01
HpDocklight02
HpContrail01
HpContrail02
HpContrail03
HpHeadLight01
HpThruster01


Thanks in advance for any help. I am learning the whole ship thing. I am more of a system building person.

[Gibbon]

fadius,

Only hardpoint you don't need to worry about is the HpRadar one, as it's not needed. This is a scanner hardpoint which actually mounts internally so no need to make one.

Here is a script from my last mod for a ship i was using,

<script>
<author>
xXx, Gibbon
</author>
<data file="data\ships\shiparch.ini" method="append">
<source>
[Ship]
ids_name = 0 ;GENERATESTRRES("Colonial Viper Mk.VII")
ids_info = 0 ;GENERATEXMLRES("<xml><RDL><PUSH/><TEXT/><PARA/><TRA data="1" mask="1" def="-2"/><JUST loc="center"/><TEXT>Stats</TEXT><PARA/><TRA data="0" mask="1" def="-1"/><JUST loc="left"/><TEXT/><PARA/><TEXT>Guns/Turrets: 6/0</TEXT><PARA/><TEXT>Armor: 10800</TEXT><PARA/><TEXT>Cargo Holds: 65</TEXT><PARA/><TEXT>Max Batteries/NanoBots: 75/75</TEXT><PARA/><TEXT>Optimal Weapon Class: 8</TEXT><PARA/><TEXT>Max. Weapon Class: 9</TEXT><PARA/><TEXT>Additional Equipment: M, CM, CD/T</TEXT><PARA/><PARA/><POP/></RDL></xml>")
ids_info1 = 0 ;GENERATEXMLRES("<xml><RDL><PUSH/><TRA data="1" mask="1" def="-2"/><JUST loc="center"/><TEXT>Colonial Viper Mk.VII</TEXT><PARA/><TRA data="0" mask="1" def="-1"/><JUST loc="left"/><TEXT></TEXT><PARA/><TEXT>The Viper Mk VII is the state of the art fighter of the Colonial Fleet. It is sleeker and more modern than the older Viper Mk II. The Mk VII runs hotter than any other Viper model. The Viper Mk VII is a space superiority fighter without any equal. It is highly dependent on computer systems for tactical, combat, and navigation.</TEXT><PARA/><POP/></RDL></xml>")
ids_info2 = 66608
ids_info3 = 0 ;GENERATEXMLRES("<xml><RDL><PUSH/><TEXT/><PARA/><TEXT/><PARA/><TEXT>6/0</TEXT><PARA/><TEXT>10800</TEXT><PARA/><TEXT>65</TEXT><PARA/><TEXT>75/75</TEXT><PARA/><TEXT>8</TEXT><PARA/><TEXT>9</TEXT><PARA/><TEXT>M, CM, CD/T</TEXT><PARA/><POP/></RDL></xml>")
ship_class = 3
nickname = viper7
LODranges = 0, 9999
msg_id_prefix = gcs_refer_shiparch_Libhf
mission_property = can_use_berths
type=FIGHTER
mass=150.000000
hold_size= 65
linear_drag=1
fuse = intermed_damage_smallship01, 0.000000, 650
fuse = intermed_damage_smallship02, 0.000000, 525
fuse = intermed_damage_smallship03, 0.000000, 263
fuse = drop_cargo_fuse, 0.000000, 1
max_bank_angle = 50
camera_offset = 10, 39
camera_angular_acceleration = 0.05
camera_horizontal_turn_angle = 23
camera_vertical_turn_up_angle = 5
camera_vertical_turn_down_angle = 30
camera_turn_look_ahead_slerp_amount = 1
nanobot_limit=75
shield_battery_limit=75
hit_pts = 10800
DA_archetype = ships\custom\Viper7\vipermk7.cmp
material_library=ships\custom\Viper7\vipermk7.mat
material_library=fx\envmapbasic.mat
envmap_material=envmapbasic
cockpit = cockpits\corsair\bw_elite2.ini
pilot_mesh=generic_pilot
explosion_arch = explosion_li_freighter
surface_hit_effects = 0, small_hull_hit_light01, small_hull_hit_light02, small_hull_hit_light03
surface_hit_effects = 150, small_hull_hit_medium01, small_hull_hit_medium02, small_hull_hit_medium03
surface_hit_effects = 300, small_hull_hit_heavy01, small_hull_hit_heavy02, small_hull_hit_heavy03
steering_torque=24000, 24000, 58000
angular_drag=15000, 15000, 35000
rotation_inertia=2800, 2800, 1000
nudge_force=30000
strafe_force=20000
strafe_power_usage=2
num_exhaust_nozzles = 3
HP_tractor_source=HpTractor_Source
shield_link=l_elite_shield01, HpMount, HpShield01
hp_type = hp_elite_shield_special_10, HpShield01
hp_type = hp_elite_shield_special_9, HpShield01
hp_type = hp_elite_shield_special_8, HpShield01
hp_type = hp_elite_shield_special_7, HpShield01
hp_type = hp_elite_shield_special_6, HpShield01
hp_type = hp_elite_shield_special_5, HpShield01
hp_type = hp_elite_shield_special_4, HpShield01
hp_type = hp_elite_shield_special_3, HpShield01
hp_type = hp_elite_shield_special_2, HpShield01
hp_type = hp_elite_shield_special_1, HpShield01
hp_type = hp_thruster, HpThruster01
hp_type = hp_mine_dropper, HpMine01
hp_type = hp_torpedo_special_1, HpTorpedo01, HpTorpedo02, HpTorpedo03
hp_type = hp_torpedo_special_2, HpTorpedo01
hp_type = hp_countermeasure_dropper, HpCM01
hp_type = hp_gun_special_9, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
hp_type = hp_gun_special_8, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
hp_type = hp_gun_special_7, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
hp_type = hp_gun_special_6, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
hp_type = hp_gun_special_5, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
hp_type = hp_gun_special_4, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
hp_type = hp_gun_special_3, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
hp_type = hp_gun_special_2, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
hp_type = hp_gun_special_1, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
</source>
</data>

<data file="DATA\EQUIPMENT\goods.ini" method="append">
<source>
[Good]
nickname = viper7_hull
category = shiphull
ship = viper7
price = 6191287
ids_name = 0 ;GENERATESTRRES("Colonial Viper Mk.VII")
item_icon = ships\custom\Viper7\vipermk7.3db

[Good]
nickname = viper7_package
category = ship
hull = viper7_hull
addon = fb_exotic02_power, internal, 1
addon = ge_s_scanner_01, internal, 1
addon = ge_s_tractor_01, internal, 1
addon = fb_exotic02_engine, internal, 1
addon = contrail01, HpContrail01, 1
addon = contrail01, HpContrail02, 1
addon = contrail01, HpContrail03, 1
addon = SlowSmallOrange, HpRunningLight01, 1
addon = SlowSmallOrange, HpRunningLight02, 1
addon = SlowSmallOrange, HpRunningLight03, 1
addon = DockingLightRedSmall, HpDockLight01, 1
addon = DockingLightRedSmall, HpDockLight02, 1
</source>
</data>

<data file="DATA\Missions\mShipProps.ini" method="append">
<source>
[mShipProps]
archetype_id = viper7
prop = can_use_berths
</source>
</data>
</script>

This contains everything except the marketships entry which you already know. Let me know if you're not sure about anyhting. Bear in mind this is in script format, not sure whether you're scripting or hardcoding.

[fadius]

Thanks. I will look at this more when I get home tonight. I am hardcoding and already know how to make DLL entries for everything.

[fadius]

When making the shiparch.ini entries, lets use the weapon hardpoints for this question.

Is this how you limit what level weapon can be put onto which hardpoint?

The package entry is what comes with the ship when it is purchased correct?

[Gibbon]

Wep Hp query

Yes. If you want all wep hardpoints to be able to mount level 9 weps say, then you need to put the relevant weapon hardpoint number next to it as in the script. If you only want a certain hardpoint to mount level 8 weapons for instance, then you simply leave out the next level for that hardpoint.

Another thing to remember is if you want a hardpoint to mount guns from level 1 say up to level 9, as in the script, this means it can mount all level weapons UP TO the last level that you put the hardpoint entry for. Also means you have to put an entry for each individual level of weapon as well for each hardpoint.

Basically if you want all your hardpoints to be able to mount level 9 guns, then follow the example in the script lol

Package entry query

Absolutely. This must include an engine and a powerplant otherwise you won't be able to launch. This is also where you add any extras like, docking lights, running lights, contrails, headlights and so on.

[fadius]

Gibbon,

Thanks for your answers to my questions. You have been a great help. If you need any help with your mod, let me know. I am by no means a uber modder, but I can do systems alright and as soon as I figure out what I am doing wrong with my custom cmp planets, I will have system creation mastered.

[Gibbon]

With Lancers being somewhat intermittent, this is always a good place to ask about stuff. I don't claim to know everything though lol

[Bejaymac]

I don't claim to know everything though

That goes for most of us bud, but there are some who think they know everything

[fadius]

I happen to know everything. Well, except for those things I do not.

[spacemunkey]

Hi, I'm new to modding freelancer, and was wondering what you use to make scripts, Gibbon, and where to put the script. I don't know hardcoding, but scripting I could work with.

[Gibbon]

Hi spacemunkey,

Nice to see a fellow simian

You don't need anything special to make a script. Just create a new txt file in notepad, and change the .TXT extension to .XML. As simple as that really. As to where the scripts go, they would go in your main mod folder named (yourmod) where the DATA and EXE folder sit, not inside them, just next to them.

[spacemunkey]

Ok, I made my model, made the cmp, mat, and sur files, made my script to add everything (I based the script after your example Gibbon) and made the mod folder with proper format. after all that, it crashes when I go to the ship dealer ( it also crashes FreeLancer Explorer when I open the ship list)

Any idea where my problem might be, I can put all my files into a .rar/.zip so someone can take a look at everything.
( how do I upload here?)

I have done everything I can.

A sad noob,
SpaceMunkey

[lord]

This is a definition of weapons classes:

CLASS 10
hp_type = hp_gun_special_10, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
CLASS 9
hp_type = hp_gun_special_9, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
CLASS 8
hp_type = hp_gun_special_8, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
CLASS 7
hp_type = hp_gun_special_7, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
CLASS 6
hp_type = hp_gun_special_6, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
CLASS 5
hp_type = hp_gun_special_5, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
CLASS 4
hp_type = hp_gun_special_4, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
CLASS 3
hp_type = hp_gun_special_3, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
CLASS 2
hp_type = hp_gun_special_2, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06
CLASS 1
hp_type = hp_gun_special_1, HpWeapon01, HpWeapon02, HpWeapon03, HpWeapon04, HpWeapon05, HpWeapon06

Every HpWeaponXX is simple weapon mount(only for each class).

Sorry for bad english

[Gibbon]

spacemunkey said:

Ok, I made my model, made the cmp, mat, and sur files, made my script to add everything (I based the script after your example Gibbon) and made the mod folder with proper format. after all that, it crashes when I go to the ship dealer ( it also crashes FreeLancer Explorer when I open the ship list)

Any idea where my problem might be, I can put all my files into a .rar/.zip so someone can take a look at everything.
( how do I upload here?)

I have done everything I can.

Hmmm, tricky as it could be a number of issues. Let's start with your ship, are the textures correct? Either DDS or TGA format are the only types that work. At the shipdealer is the package name correct in market ships.ini ? If you've made it as far as the shipdealer then chances are most things are in the correct place. I suspect something with the model, maybe the sur file, maybe not. Can you see the ship for sale?

[spacemunkey]

gibbon said:

spacemunkey said:

Ok, I made my model, made the cmp, mat, and sur files, made my script to add everything (I based the script after your example Gibbon) and made the mod folder with proper format. after all that, it crashes when I go to the ship dealer ( it also crashes FreeLancer Explorer when I open the ship list)

Any idea where my problem might be, I can put all my files into a .rar/.zip so someone can take a look at everything.
( how do I upload here?)

I have done everything I can.

Hmmm, tricky as it could be a number of issues. Let's start with your ship, are the textures correct? Either DDS or TGA format are the only types that work. At the shipdealer is the package name correct in market ships.ini ? If you've made it as far as the shipdealer then chances are most things are in the correct place. I suspect something with the model, maybe the sur file, maybe not. Can you see the ship for sale?

No, it crashes while loading the ship dealer.