MODS ON desktop shortcut possible?

[Donik]

Wondering if it's possible to have a MODS on Shortcut on the desktop alongside a normal launch shortcut for multiplayer.  It gets annoying having to untick mods on in settings and restart any time you want to do one or the other. 

[HappyHaddock]

The desktop launcher has an option to turn mods on/off before launch.

 

If I remember rightly it's under setting towards the top right of the launcher screen

[=TBAS=Sshadow14]

On Desktop Create a shortcut to Startup.Cfg Located in. 
>> \\IL-2 Sturmovik Battle of Moscow\data <<

Before Running the game
Open Startup.cfg shortcut with Notepad or similar 
and change the Following Line and save file then run game.
===========================
[KEY = system]
      modes = 0
===========================
(0 = off 1 = on)

(don't know why its called MODES and not MODS but it is.)
Cheers 
 

Edited January 12, 2020 by =TBAS=Sschatten14

[Donik]

1 hour ago, HappyHaddock said:

The desktop launcher has an option to turn mods on/off before launch.

 

If I remember rightly it's under setting towards the top right of the launcher screen

 

I forgot to mention I'm running via Steam.. Never have seen a launcher for IL-2.. I assume it's something similar to what we had for Rise of Flight?

 

1 hour ago, =TBAS=Sschatten14 said:

On Desktop Create a shortcut to Startup.Cfg Located in. 
>> \\IL-2 Sturmovik Battle of Moscow\data <<

Before Running the game
Open Startup.cfg shortcut with Notepad or similar 
and change the Following Line and save file then run game.
===========================
[KEY = system]
      modes = 0
===========================
(0 = off 1 = on)

(don't know why its called MODES and not MODS but it is.)
Cheers 
 

 

This will work, thank you. Still cumbersome though but not nearly as bad as restarting the game.  I was hoping for something more along the lines of a -flag in the shortcut.  Maybe something like below.  Any ideas?

"..\IL-2 Sturmovik Battle of Stalingrad\bin\game\Il-2.exe" -modson

 

[HappyHaddock]

 

13 hours ago, Donik said:

 

I forgot to mention I'm running via Steam.. Never have seen a launcher for IL-2.. I assume it's something similar to what we had for Rise of Flight?

 

 

I have never got on with steam so can't comment about how things work within that system. However the default set up outside of steam is that the game installs an icon on your desktop, you click that and it comes up with a launcher with a limited menu system with a big red PLAY button at the bottom. Somewhat obviously if you hit play it launches the game unless the game is updating in which case this becomes a progress bar showing the rate of download and will only return to being a PLAY button once any latest update has downloaded and installed.

 

Of course if you don't hit play immediately you can use the various options to change few basic settings before launching the game.

 

 

 

Edited January 13, 2020 by HappyHaddock

[Donik]

Ok, that makes things pretty simple. Maybe I'll switch over to the non steam copy!

[FTC_ChilliBalls]

Why isn´t it possible to start the game with the launcher on steam anyways?

Most games I play (granted, it´s a very limited number) have a launcher.

 

Is there a specific reason why this doesn´t work?

[unlikely_spider]

3 minutes ago, So_ein_Feuerball said:

Why isn´t it possible to start the game with the launcher on steam anyways?

Most games I play (granted, it´s a very limited number) have a launcher.

 

Is there a specific reason why this doesn´t work?

Can't you add the launcher to your steam library?

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=2219-YDJV-5557

[Donik]

17 minutes ago, So_ein_Feuerball said:

Why isn´t it possible to start the game with the launcher on steam anyways?

Most games I play (granted, it´s a very limited number) have a launcher.

 

Is there a specific reason why this doesn´t work?

 

The game, as downloaded by steam, doesn't appear to have a launcher.  At least, from my looking around in what I think are the appropriate places, haven't been able to find one.

 

13 minutes ago, unlikely_spider said:

Can't you add the launcher to your steam library?

https://support.steampowered.com/kb_article.php?ref=2219-YDJV-5557

 

Yup, I could do that if I downloaded the copy from IL2 website.  But I wouldn't bother, as I don't care about Steam that much.  It's just that initially I bought Battle of Stalingrad from Steam and so that's where it has remained.  I've never bothered to convert myself to the non-steam version.

[RavN_Sone]

Given you sync your accounts (Steam and IL-2), you will be able to run everything from 777's launcher. Doesn't matter if bought on Steam. But I suppose u knew that

What's really helpful sometimes, you can then show the launcher to steam's location and enjoy both worlds, whenever needed, without interference. Faster DL from Steam, launcher from 777 - one copy on HDD. 

[Donik]

Hmmm.. How do I do that?  I just downloaded the launcher from IL2 website and installed it, but now it's re-downloading the game.  Checking settings, I don't see anywhere to point it to another location. 

 

Edit: took the launcher.exe as well as it's .dll files and put it in the same directory, but on my steam copy.  Did not work

Unless you are talking about Steam's ability to "add a non-steam game to your library" - in which case I wouldn't be able to utilize steam's servers for downloads.. But it would enable launching the launcher through steam.  Cheers!

Edited January 13, 2020 by Donik

[Goffik]

49 minutes ago, So_ein_Feuerball said:

Why isn´t it possible to start the game with the launcher on steam anyways?

Most games I play (granted, it´s a very limited number) have a launcher.

 

Is there a specific reason why this doesn´t work?

 

It's just not included in the Steam version because Steam is already the "launcher". I suppose they thought (probably correctly) that many people would get a bit fed up with a game launcher (Steam) starting another game launcher which then launched the game itself. To be fair, that's the way it generally works. I own a lot of Steam games (374 total) and off the top of my head, I can only remember maybe 2-3 that have their own launcher. A few others include a launcher than can be used optionally, but you have to go find it in the game folder, it isn't used when starting direct from Steam.

[FTC_ChilliBalls]

Off topic, but does the SLI option in the launcher even do anything?

[RavN_Sone]

33 minutes ago, Donik said:

Hmmm.. How do I do that?

 

The launcher has to be in the 'bin/game" directory, same as IL2.exe. Let it proceed with the update, it will only check/download some files again, but in the end these are all the same. The game will work both with Steam and launcher (the latter will often double-check after Steam updates, but that doesn't change a thing).

 

Edited January 13, 2020 by RavN_Sone

[Donik]

Hi RavN_Sone,

If I take just the launcher.exe from C:\Program Files (x86)\1C Game Studios\IL-2 Sturmovik Great Battles\bin\game, and move it into my steam installation directory of C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\IL-2 Sturmovik Battle of Stalingrad\bin\game, I end up with the following error:

 

 

Now, if I take the associated library files from C:\Program Files (x86)\1C Game Studios\IL-2 Sturmovik Great Battles\bin\game and again put them in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\IL-2 Sturmovik Battle of Stalingrad\bin\game

I get the following error:

 

 

And looking deeper into that message, I just fixed it ?

I went to \Data\updater\ folder and copied it to my steam installed directory.

 

The launcher is working now with my steam installation.

 

Thanks!!

[RavN_Sone]

Glad I could help, enjoy!

[jokerBR]

Guys, I've made this little app back in the RoF days, and adapted it to IL-2. If you want to try it, just download the package here. I've provided the source code (made in AutoIT3) for those who are suspicious about running an .exe directly (so they can compile it themselves, using AutoIT - free). 

The zip package contains two executables, one for native IL-2 and other for Steam version. 

 

To "install":

If you use the "native IL-2" version, put the files BoS_background.jpg and BoS_Selector1.00.exe in the IL-2 main folder. 

If you use the Steam version, put the files BoS_background.jpg and BoS_SelectorSteam.exe in the Steam/IL-2 main folder.

 

You can create a link for the .exe on your deskop or place of choice. Mark it to run as an administrator, otherwise it may not be able to call Steam or the game's executable. 

 

After you call it for the first time, it will create a BoS_Selector.ini file on the game's folder, and will present you with this interface:

 

The option "Clear logs" do what it says - before entering the game, it clears all logs (so your logs doesn't grow forever).

The option "MouseJail", if marked, will bring up a window so you can point the program to MouseJail's location (if you use 2 or more monitors and sometimes play as a gunner, this is a must to avoid your mouse going outside your gaming monitor).

Mark other options if you want them On or Off, as needed. 

 

After doing your ticks, just click on "BOS Default" to play the vanilla game, or PWCG to play it with logs on. When playing "BOS Default", it will have logs off.

The "Update" is there to call the game's update function, in case it's needed. 

 

The program remembers your choices for the next run.

Hope this helps. 

Cheers.

 

EDIT: new 1.1 version with options of clear logs before start, VR support, mods on/off, gamma, bloom and fps counter. Removed support for MouseJail as the game properly captures the mouse in his latest version.

VR features Untested, as I don't have VR yet. As for now, this option only sets "or_enable = 1" on startup.cfg before calling the game.

 

Edited April 14, 2020 by jokerBR
New version 1.1 with new features, optimizations and some bug corrections.

[ROTER_BART]

@jokerBR

Just an FYI - The Steam version of your app did not work for me due to the hard coded $gamepath ("c:\games\Steam\...") not matching my Steam install path ("C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\...").

 

When I edited and rebuilt the AutoIT script to match my Steam install path the app worked perfectly.

 

Thanks.

 

 

[jokerBR]

Yes, not every Steam install is equal, so that's the reason why I provide the fonts.

I may release a version that scans for Steam and grabs the path from registry... this version was made in a hurry and I didn't check back since release. 

Glad you were able to sort it out. Enjoy!

 

EDIT: I cannot test this right now as I'm away from my gaming rig until March, but I'm pretty sure that just editing line 22 to be like the code below will do the trick, making the app suitable for everyone no matter where Steam is installed: 

Global $game = RegRead("HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Valve\Steam", "InstallPath") & "\Steam.exe -applaunch 307960"

 

When I get back to home (March) I'll release an update.

Cheers

 

Edited February 25, 2020 by jokerBR

[ROTER_BART]

I just tested it on my install with that RegRead method and it works fine. 

[jokerBR]

Thanks Roter_Bart. Will pack and release soon then. 

EDIT: released. Link corrected in the post above.

Cheers

Edited April 14, 2020 by jokerBR

[Dawg35]

On 1/14/2020 at 10:35 AM, jokerBR said:

Guys, I've made this little app back in the RoF days, and adapted it to IL-2. If you want to try it, just download the package here. I've provided the source code (made in AutoIT3) for those who are suspicious about running an .exe directly (so they can compile it themselves, using AutoIT - free). 

The zip package contains two executables, one for native IL-2 and other for Steam version. 

To "install":

If you use the "native IL-2" version, put the files BoS_background.jpg and BoS_Selector1.00.exe in the IL-2 main folder. 

If you use the Steam version, put the files BoS_background.jpg and BoS_SelectorSteam.exe in the Steam/IL-2 main folder.

 

You can create a link for the .exe on your deskop or place of choice.

 

After you call it for the first time, it will create a BoS_Selector.ini file on the game's folder, and will present you with this interface:

 

The option "Clear logs" do what it says - before entering the game, it clears all logs (so your logs doesn't grow forever).

The option "MouseJail", if marked, will bring up a window so you can point the program to MouseJail's location (if you use 2 or more monitors and sometimes play as a gunner, this is a must to avoid your mouse going outside your gaming monitor).

The option "Mods on" is the one you'll tick when wanting to play with mods on, of course.

 

After doing your ticks, just click on "BOS Default" to play the vanilla game, or PWCG to play it with logs on. When playing "BOS Default", it will have logs off.

The "Update" is there to call the game's update function, in case it's needed. 

 

The program remembers your choices for the next run.

Hope this helps. 

Cheers.

 

 

 

I can't seem to get this to work with VR?

 

I start Steam, Oculus Rift, Steam VR, then attempt to start IL2 via the BOS Selector and it starts in non VR

[jokerBR]

Hi Dawg35, since I don't have VR, I use the following command to call BoX from Steam inside my Selector tool: 
<path to steam>\Steam.exe -applaunch 307960

 

AFAIK, there's a parameter that you can try to register on game's properties (or_enable = 1) that in theory starts the game with VIVE or Rift support. You can put it right on the Il-2 Sturmovik properties doing the following:

 

a) right click IL-2 Sturmovik:Battle of Stalingrad entry on Steam's interface

b) click Properties...

c) press "set launch options..." button

d) put -or_enable=1 into the textbox and press OK (I'm not sure if the dash before or_enabled=1 is needed, you can try without)

 

This way, whenever you start the game, it will (hopefully) run with Rift/VIVE support enabled. 
IF this doesn't work, I've developed a new version that makes the call using this parameter (see attached). Please override your current version with this one (just copy these files to the main IL-2 folder, just like before), test and let me know of the results. 
Obs: I've attached the fonts too, if you're uncomfortable running .exe downloaded from Internet. Just compile it with AUTOIT.

 

OBS: link on the post above is updated with this version as well.
Cheers

 

Edited April 14, 2020 by jokerBR
Update link

[Dawg35]

Thanks!

[E69_Luke]

Nice tool jokerBR. Long time I waited for this.

 

It is possible to add more options? Like :

- VR for non-steam IL2 users. 

- Backup of the 3D version on startup.cfg file, so when you change (I do it all the time, manually) from VR to 3D or 3D to VR, you have your file like it was before, and vice-versa? .

- joy2key or other program selector. Like you did with MouseJail. Also comes to mind Teamspeak, Discord...etc.

 

Thanks!

Edited April 13, 2020 by E69_Luke

[jokerBR]

Hi Luke. 
From  a long time now I'm thinking about a "generic game starter" that allows for selection of other things related, like TrackIR, Discord and such. I have not yet planned on how I'll do this, though. There are some different paths that I may test before releasing an update, because I want to create in such a way that permits users to decide what it will want to do before/after using the game. Also, there are other tools that are doing this already, and I want to check them to see if I can improve things or just go with their method.
Your list seems pretty doable from a development standpoint, but some things are a little foggy to me at the moment, for instance, VR. I don't have VR (hope to be able, someday), so I don't really know what needs to be done in order to implement such feature (what drivers or systems should I check? what files and what info should I alter/backup?). Will take a look into it and try to figure it out, anyway. 

The second option (backup of 3d info) seems to be quicker to implement, can you elaborate, please? Do you mean the 3dhud option inside [graphics] section?

Knowing what changes must be made and what are they purpose, I believe I can alter the code to include them to work like the "Mods on/off" feature.

 

Cheers

 

[E69_Luke]

29 minutes ago, jokerBR said:

Hi Luke. 
From  a long time now I'm thinking about a "generic game starter" that allows for selection of other things related, like TrackIR, Discord and such. I have not yet planned on how I'll do this, though. There are some different paths that I may test before releasing an update, because I want to create in such a way that permits users to decide what it will want to do before/after using the game. Also, there are other tools that are doing this already, and I want to check them to see if I can improve things or just go with their method.
Your list seems pretty doable from a development standpoint, but some things are a little foggy to me at the moment, for instance, VR. I don't have VR (hope to be able, someday), so I don't really know what needs to be done in order to implement such feature (what drivers or systems should I check? what files and what info should I alter/backup?). Will take a look into it and try to figure it out, anyway. 

The second option (backup of 3d info) seems to be quicker to implement, can you elaborate, please? Do you mean the 3dhud option inside [graphics] section?

Knowing what changes must be made and what are they purpose, I believe I can alter the code to include them to work like the "Mods on/off" feature.

 

Cheers

 

Hi jokerBR.

I will try to explain myself better. Basically, the backup I mentioned you are already doing it. I missed before that "startup_bosselector_backup.cfg" file that is created with your tool.  

I think all its based in startup.cfg modification. VR on is determined by the line "or_enable = 1"  (comparing two files with different settings, I believe is that one, not 3dhud option) as other options in the game. In example, I don't like the excessive bloom with HDR enabled.  You can't keep bloom disabled from inside the game, so you must modify  the line "bloom_enable = 0" manually. So that is an example of something that can be controlled via your tool. 

The backup option I was referring I think you already implemented it. It is just a file that keeps the options selected on your tool and only those, and once you "unmark" them, that option goes back to its original state. I only need to use your tool always for launching the sim.

I hope its clearer now.  Thanks!

[jokerBR]

2 hours ago, E69_Luke said:

Hi jokerBR.

I will try to explain myself better. Basically, the backup I mentioned you are already doing it. I missed before that "startup_bosselector_backup.cfg" file that is created with your tool.  

I think all its based in startup.cfg modification. VR on is determined by the line "or_enable = 1"  (comparing two files with different settings, I believe is that one, not 3dhud option) as other options in the game. In example, I don't like the excessive bloom with HDR enabled.  You can't keep bloom disabled from inside the game, so you must modify  the line "bloom_enable = 0" manually. So that is an example of something that can be controlled via your tool. 

The backup option I was referring I think you already implemented it. It is just a file that keeps the options selected on your tool and only those, and once you "unmark" them, that option goes back to its original state. I only need to use your tool always for launching the sim.

I hope its clearer now.  Thanks!

Hi Luke, yes, I understand what you mean.
Well, for this kind of change, it's all a matter of identifying what options do we want to alter. I've checked the startug.cfg and found the following settings that I don't recall seeing on game's GUI, and may be useful:

bloom_enable: 0/1

fps_counter: 0/1

gamma: <range>

or_enable: 0/1 (VR)

or_ca: 0/1 (what is this?)

prop_blur_max_rpm_for_vr: <range> (where to find start/limit?)

 

Will check what I can do with them, and perhaps include them in a next version. 

Cheers

[jokerBR]

Ok, new quick version 1.1 posted on the "original post" above.

 

New features supported ON/OFF: VR mode, Bloom, FPS Counter

Option to adjust gamma before entering the game. Limits are 0.5 to 2.2.

Please report if anything is broken.

 

Further changing (like support to call other programs like Discord and such) are still on planning.

 

Cheers.

Edited April 14, 2020 by jokerBR

[E69_Luke]

1 hour ago, jokerBR said:

Ok, new quick version 1.1 posted on the "original post" above.

As always, you can grab it here. 

New features supported ON/OFF: VR mode, Bloom, FPS Counter

Option to adjust gamma before entering the game. Limits are 0.5 to 2.2.

Please report if anything is broken.

 

Further changing (like support to call other programs like Discord and such) are still on planning.

 

Cheers.

Thanks!  But take a look to the MEGA link you posted, because I think it's the v1.0 , not v1.1. Maybe its my fault, but I tried in the original post and in this one and always got v1.0. ?

[jokerBR]

9 hours ago, E69_Luke said:

Thanks!  But take a look to the MEGA link you posted, because I think it's the v1.0 , not v1.1. Maybe its my fault, but I tried in the original post and in this one and always got v1.0. ?

Sorry Luke, please try again. For some reason Mega was downloading an old version. Removed all older versions and renamed the zip file. Should be working now.

[E69_Luke]

5 hours ago, jokerBR said:

Sorry Luke, please try again. For some reason Mega was downloading an old version. Removed all older versions and renamed the zip file. Should be working now.

NP mate!. I downloaded it again, and it seems to work as expected. I will test it today, and if I see any bug, I will report, but as I said, it seems just fine.

 

Thanks so much!!!

 

EDIT: After several hours of tests, changing from 3D to VR, different gamma settings, mods, etc, I can't find any problem. I even changed manually some parameters, like HDR off on startup.cfg, and the program respects my changes. Also, I like when the program automatically closes when Il-2 is launched.  It works as it should.  Great work. 

Edited April 14, 2020 by E69_Luke
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