Haluter’s Skin Downloader for the IL-2 Sturmovik Great Battles series

[BlackHellHound1]

 

Welcome to Haluter’s Skin Downloader,

 

Since the implementation of custom skins into IL-2 Sturmovik: Battle of Stalingrad, the forums have been the primary place to share and download skins. The downside of this system is that skins become buried under other skins and mountains of discussions. 

 

Haluter’s Skin Downloader (HSD) provides an easy and intuitive platform through which you can share, download and manage your skins. HSD takes care of all the details so you don’t have to worry about anything anymore. Just download the skins you want and use them. 

 

 

Excited yet? Don’t wait any longer and get HSD for yourself!

 

Download and Installation*

1. Download HSD.zip here. 
2. Copy the folder “HSD for IL2 GB” and place it where you would like HSD to install. (Make sure your drive has some space available as HSD needs to download preview images)
3. Open the folder and start HSD.exe.
4. Read the EULA** carefully and click "I Agree" if you agree.
5. In the start-up window, locate and add your IL-2 Skins folder folder. (...\IL-2 Sturmovik Battle of Stalingrad\data\graphics\skins) If you use IL-2 through steam, the folder is detected automatically.
6. Wait for HSD to finish downloading and click “Continue”. 
7. You will probably get a request to update HSD, do this to get the latest version. 
8. You are now ready to use it.

If you notice any issues running HSD, see if our troubleshooting section can help you out.

 

* An internet connection is required to install and use HSD.

** You can read the EULA here as well

 

Updating HSD? HSD has a built-in update system. When a new version is available, you will get a message in HSD. All you have to do is click “Install update”.

 

Troubleshooting guide

Experience some issues? Take a look at these tips first and if that fails, hop in our discord for further support.

 

Spoiler

HSD wont start at all

• Make sure to close HSD.exe through the task manager.
• Try running HSD as Administrator.

 

Repeated "Cannot connect to the server" This is a must if you are running Windows 11. 

• Try running HSD as Administrator. 
• Download these new .dll files and replace the ones in your "HSD for IL2 GB" folder.

 

HSD gets stuck and won't close

• This can occur if you install HSD in a systems folder like "Program Files (x86)" and your Windows account doesn't have full write access to these folders. Try to install HSD in a different folder.

 

Support & discussion on Discord

We have a Discord dedicated to supporting you, troubleshooting and discussing any idea’s you have for HSD. Please, do not use this forum thread for support or troubleshooting.
HSD Discord

 

Upload instructions & notes for artists

Skins are uploaded directly to our custom storage server from where our curators manage them. Read the instructions below carefully so you always upload your skins correctly!

 

Spoiler

Skin upload instructions*

1. Go to the “Upload” tab in the top left. 
2. In the middle panel, use the checkboxes to indicate what type of skins you want to upload.
3. Add your DDS and JPG files on the left and/or right depending on which version it is.
4. Fill out the form in the middle. 
5. Double-check everything and submit your skin.
6. Wait for a curator to approve your upload. This can take a few days.**

 

* Never upload skins that aren’t yours or under a name that isn’t you!

** If you don’t see your skin after a few days, look in the discord channel #removed-skins to see if your skin has been removed by a curator.

 

Upload requirements and notes

 

• Skin files must comply with the following parameters.
  • Skin files must be saved as .dds.
  • Skin files must be saved with BC3 / DXT5 (linear) compression.
  • Skin files must contain an alpha channel.
  • Skin files must fall within the four known file sizes for correct skins (4,00MB, 5,33MB, 16,0MB, and 21,3MB).
  • It is recommended your skin files use Mipmaps.
• Promotional image files must comply with the following.
  • Image files must be saved as .jpg.
  • Image files may not be more than 200kb.
  • Image files may be no larger than 960x540p.
  • Image must be a representation of the skin. 
• Skin description can have a maximum of 4000 characters.
  • If you collaborated on a skin, name the second artist here.
• A few vehicles require 2 files for a single skin. Make sure to check the “Skin with 2 files per skin” checkbox to upload those.
  • Vehicles that require 2 files are: HurricaneMkII, PzIII-M, PzIV-G, PzV-D, Su-122, Su-152.
  • You can also upload a single file skin for these vehicles which must be the primary file! In that case, don’t check the checkbox and just upload it like any normal skin. IL-2 will just use the default secondary file instead.
• Skin file name !!
  • HSD will rename all your files to this. This is needed for HSD to correctly manage your skins and avoid mistakes.
  • Do not make any references to the (un)censored nature of your skin in the skin file name. HSD will handle this for you!
  • Do not add “&1” and “&1#1” to this file name. HSD will handle this for you!
• Skin type: 
  • Historical: Must have existed during or around WW2. Evidence of its existence may be asked for.
  • Generic: Skins without pilot/plane specific markings. Ideally it works with the Tactical Codes system as well.
  • Fictional: Any skin that isn’t historical, for air racing, or a SkinHack skin.
  • Racing: Air race skins. Both fictional and historical skins used for air racing.
  • SkinHack: Skins that mess with the aircraft by removing/changing parts or use a template for a different plane. For example, removing covers or guns to make it look like a different aircraft or adding fake camera windows. Or, using a Bf 109F-2 template on a Bf-109G-4. Regardless if the skin fits in another skin type.
  • Other: Skins that don’t belong in any of the above such as but not excluded to anime and meme skins. 
• “Skin pack” Allows you to add skins to a collection. 
  • You can make a new collection by typing a new name in the dropdown box. 
  • You can select an existing pack through the dropdown.
  • Do not add your skins to a collection that isn’t yours unless you have the permission of the creator of the Skin pack.
  • Do not add "sub-categorisations" or duplicates of the IL-2 group! 
  • There is currently no means by which to upload multiple skins from a single pack in one upload. You will have to upload them one at a time.
• “IL-2 group” allows you to add skins for your virtual IL-2 Sturmovik group/ squadron. 
  • You can make a new group by typing a new name in the dropdown box. 
  • Do not use this for historical squadron collections. That is what “Skin pack” is for.
  • Do not add your skins to a group that isn’t yours unless you have the permission of the creator of the group.
  • There is currently no means by which to upload multiple skins from a single squad in one upload. You will have to upload them one at a time.
• HSD does not support custom Normal Maps.
• Skins with incorrectly uploaded files, “Skin file name” or vehicle will be removed by a curator. You will have to re-upload them correctly.
• Curators may change the other elements if mistakes are found.
• Curators always hold the right to delete a skin for any reason.
  • Active curators can be seen in the HSD Discord. 
  • There is a text channel “#removed-skins” in the discord where any removed skins will be listed and why they were removed. Check it regularly.

 

 

HSD Roadmap 

This roadmap shows our current plan as we continue to develop HSD further. Subject to change.

 

Spoiler

 

HSD Exclusive skins

To celebrate the launch of HSD, several skins have been made that are exclusively available through HSD.

 

Spoiler

Vesuvio Hunters

5 Macchis of the " Vesuvio Hunters". All historical and based on Neaples- Capodichino, Italy, summer of 1943.
By SARFlytitus

 

 

5 Hurricane Mk.II’s of the 303 (Polish) Squadron RAF

303 Sq. RAF (formed in Blackpool, Lancashire in July 1940) was one of 2 Polish Squadrons to fight during the Battle of Britain during WW2. Flying their Hurricanes they claimed the largest kill rate of all the 66 Allied Fighter Squadrons during this battle, even after joining the fray 2 months after the battle began. They moved to RAF Northolt on 2nd August.

By Raptorattacker

 

 

3 MiG-3 skins

By ICDP

 

 

4 P-51D-5’s of the 362nd FS, 357th FG
A 4 ship formation of the 362nd FS, 357th FG, 8th airforce. Comprised of G4-B “Sweet Helen II”, G4-U “Wee Willy II”, G4-G and G4-S “Betsy”. The 357th operated from Leiston airbase and had the nickname “The Yoxford Boys”.

By BlackHellHound1

 

 

Beta Testers Skin

An air racer for the Spitfire Mk. IXe to thank our beta testers.

By BlackHellHound1

 

 

Patreon

You can support HSD through Patreon. Every little bit is appreciated and will be used to sustain and improve HSD!

 

Go to our Patreon page

 

Help promote HSD

Of course, you can also help us by promoting HSD! We made a special banner you can use anywhere to help promote HSD. And even better, hyperlink the image to this page!
[Sadly signatures are no longer possible on this forum]

 

 

Haluter’s Skin Downloader is built and managed by:

Creator and Programmer: @haluter

Graphics, Design, Testing & PR: Francisco @BlackHellHound1 Bindraban.

Server programmer & technical advisor:  @Alonzo 

 

We would also like to thank @Raptorattacker for his design & usability advice during development, and for keeping us motivated.

We want to thank @Megalax for allowing us to use his Discord during Beta testing!

And of course a big thanks to all our beta testers!

               

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 9, 2023 by BlackHellHound1
Added Troubleshooting section

[=LD=dhyran]

YEAH! +1!!!!!

 

Gimme your paypal to donate, i am loosing overview by monthly littles...

Edited March 5, 2021 by =LD=dhyran

[LuftManu]

Thank you for your work! this is awesome!

[Tigre91]

Thanks!

[=[TIA]=I-Fly-Central]

Congrats on the release! Been a long time comming.

[E69_geramos109]

Nice tool ?

[[CPT]Pike*HarryM]

Looks great!

[ShamrockOneFive]

Congratulations on the launch folks! A long effort that is paying off today!

[Mad_Mikhael]

This is awesome! Great job!

Edited March 5, 2021 by =LG=Mad_Mikhael

[LF_Prueno]

Thank you very much!! ?

[Psyrion]

Awesome!

[E69_Qpassa_VR]

Thanks a lot guys, it looks wonderful 

[SCG_Faerber]

Great tool, thank you!

[356thFS_Melonfish]

Congratulations on the release everyone!

[GOA_Karaya_VR]

Amazing, thanks!!

[Diggun]

Amazing, thank you! this looks like a great tool.

[BMA_FlyingShark]

Many thanks for this.

Have a nice day.

 

[SaltyFartBlast85]

This tool looks so great, thank you for your work!

[Bunny287]

Thank you !

[jollyjack]

Top Notch! Gonna try it ASASP.

[6FG_Big_Al]

Thank you very much for this!

[BG26_Moostafa]

Thank you.

[SYN_Vander]

Awesome work guys!

[=gRiJ=Roman-]

We really need it!!! Thanks a million love ya

[LeLv30_Redwing-]

Big project! Congrats to everyone involved!

[esk_pedja]

Is it a new obligatory rule, or we still have a classic downloads ?

[Alonzo]

8 minutes ago, esk_pedja said:

Is it a new obligatory rule, or we still have a classic downloads ?

 

This is an optional tool, manual download of skins is still fine and your choice.

[itsbillyfrazier]

This is so cool and even better than I expected.

 

Thanks gents.

[super-truite]

Really nice UI! I hope the artists will use it! 

Edit: are you contacting directly the artists or should we tell them? I can make a topic in the Tank Crew Skin section for instance and summon the artists with their @

Edited March 5, 2021 by super-truite

[skunk160]

Impressive....most impressive

 

Thank you!!!

[J37_Spyboy]

Thank you this will revolutionise skin placement.

[144A]

Thanks for your hard work!  I look forward to using it!

 

Unfortunately, after installing the HSD program I've been getting this error in a pop-up screen:

 

Tdm.CheckPreviews(): Exception -> [FireDAC][Phys][SQLite] ERROR: no such table: Vehicles

 

Edit:  Upon restarting the program I've noticed it displays a message saying "Preparing HSD: Downloading Previews" to the left of the intro screen.  Could it be I've just got an itchy trigger finger and am jumping into the program before it's fully prepared itself to run?

Edited March 5, 2021 by 144A
Additional Information

[RNAS10_Oliver]

1 hour ago, super-truite said:

Really nice UI! I hope the artists will use it! 

Edit: are you contacting directly the artists or should we tell them? I can make a topic in the Tank Crew Skin section for instance and summon the artists with their @

 

The news has been spreading around rather well for few days now. Mentioned in various Discords (Flugpark, Combat Box, Il2 Skinners etc) from what I've seen. Also definately does seem that a fair few of the skinners about are planning on using the tool. Some hype built before this thread was posted.

Edited March 5, 2021 by Oliver88

[Haluter]

3 minutes ago, 144A said:

Thanks for your hard work!  I look forward to using it!

 

Unfortunately, after installing the HSD program I've been getting this error in a pop-up screen:

 

Tdm.CheckPreviews(): Exception -> [FireDAC][Phys][SQLite] ERROR: no such table: Vehicles

Sorry to hear that you are having issues. Please delete HSD.db in the same folder that HSD.exe is located in. It will recreate the database and should resolve the issue.

[Siv5122]

A personal thanks for this man! SO helpful ?

 

 

[144A]

13 minutes ago, haluter said:

Sorry to hear that you are having issues. Please delete HSD.db in the same folder that HSD.exe is located in. It will recreate the database and should resolve the issue.

 

I tried deleting the HSD.db file and reloading the program and it continued giving the same error.  I ended up just deleting the entire unzipped entry and "re-un-zipping" it again.  It appears to be working as intended now.  Thanks again!

[wellenbrecher]

Amazing, this is a wonderful utility to have.

[=RS=Stix_09]

Awesum tool,  ?
question: collector planes, some that are collector planes are not listed in that category , like the spit vb and the fw190a3.
Is that a bug  or intended?
 

Store / IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles collector planes

Edited March 5, 2021 by =RS=Stix_09

[ImaginativeTruth]

On Windows Version  10.0.19042 Build 19042 I had to 'Run as Administrator' to get around the 'cannot connect to server' error when launching the app.

 

[CUJO_1970]

Wow this looks amazing - thank you!