PWCG 15.1.2 Experimental uploaded

[PatrickAWlson]

Get it at the PWCG site

 

This is a test version.  I mostly need help in verifying that the substitute plane logic works properly.  Issues could occur while in a campaign, on mission generation, and especially on AARs.  I have tested all of the above and it worked for me, but I need more hands.  Be prepared for issues if you download this version.

 

Thanks.

 

Changes:
 

Brings date back to July 1916
Added planes
- Nieuport 11
- Nieuport 17
- Nieuport 17 GBR
- Hanriot HD 1
- FE2B
- Halberstadt D2
- Albatros D2
- Siemens Schuckert D.IV
- Sopwith Snipe

Stand ins
- DH2 = Nieuport 11
- Sopwith Pup = Hanriot HD 1
- Sopwith Strutter = FE2
- RE8 = FE2

  Farman F.40 = FE2
  Dorand AR = re8

- Albatros C.II = FE2B
- Fokker E.III = Halberstadt D2
- Albatros D.III = Albatros D.II
- Roland C.II = DFW.CVa

Rework all FC medals
- New images
- Corrections to medal manager
Fixed issue with map identification

Fixed broken squadron logs

[PatrickAWlson]

Quick note: this installs to PWCGFCEXP so it does not overwrite your existing PWCGFC install.

 

[Varibraun]

On 12/10/2023 at 9:31 PM, PatrickAWlson said:

Get it at the PWCG site

 

Hi Pat - FYI, I have been getting a "not found" 404 error trying to access the site since last night.

[PatrickAWlson]

I just hit it with no problem:
http://www.pwcampaignmanager.com/pwcg/pwcgbos/web/PWCGBoS.php

[Varibraun]

14 minutes ago, PatrickAWlson said:

I just hit it with no problem:
http://www.pwcampaignmanager.com/pwcg/pwcgbos/web/PWCGBoS.php

 

Thanks Pat - Let me have a discussion with Bitdefender to see if it is blocking me.

[Varibraun]

21 hours ago, Varibraun said:

Bitdefender to see if it is blocking me.

 

@PatrickAWlson - Bitdefender didn't like the site, so had add to exceptions even though I initially followed the bypass procedure.  I hope to have some time over the next week to try out the EXP.  Thank you!

[PatrickAWlson]

I have just uploaded an update that has a very significant change.  I have packed the JRE (Java Runtime Environment) into the PWCG download and configured PWCG to use that JRE.  This means that you no longer have to worry about your Java version.  PWCG comes with its own JRE that it will use.  

 

Why is this necessary?

Corporate greed?  Yep, looking at you, Oracle.  In the past it was easy to upgrade your Java to the latest.  As of today, your Windows OS will point you to a Java 8 install.  Java 8 was sunsetted years ago.  The latest version of PWCG is running Java 17.  The latest Java is actually 21.  Why is Windows installing Java 8?

 

The answer seems to be that Oracle no longer produces JREs for newer Java versions, so Windows points you to what seems to be a relatively new version of Java 8.  Fortunately, OpenJDK does produce JREs for newer Java versions.  Since your Windows installed Java is no longer reliable, and installing a newer Java is not easy, I packed the Java into the PWCG download.  It adds about 50MB to the download.  The JRE comes from this site so you can check it out for yourself.  

 

In the end this should alleviate issues around Java.  If you are having Java related issues with PWCGFCExp, please download again.  It's the same file name so it can overwrite what  you already have.  The code is not different but it does have the JRE included and is configured to use that JRE.

[Redwo1f]

11 hours ago, Varibraun said:

 

@PatrickAWlson - Bitdefender didn't like the site, so had add to exceptions even though I initially followed the bypass procedure.  I hope to have some time over the next week to try out the EXP.  Thank you!

Darn it, I can go there either, and exception doesn't seem to work 

Even have Bitdefender disabled --- seems both Chrome and Firefox are blocking it on my end, ughhh

 

Edited December 16, 2023 by Redwo1f

[AerialShaDrone]

Awwww yeah, early Christmas present from Pat!! Thanks man!!

[Mtnbiker1998]

I only have FC1, are any of the planes available to me usable that early in the war? Got plenty of time to test over the holidays but sadly I don't think I can do any flying in the era you need tested!

[PatrickAWlson]

1 hour ago, Mtnbiker1998 said:

I only have FC1, are any of the planes available to me usable that early in the war? Got plenty of time to test over the holidays but sadly I don't think I can do any flying in the era you need tested!

 

Short answer is no.  FC1 was a late 1917 - end of war release.  July 1917 is the earliest that planes would be available.  

[PaulTheSalty]

@PatrickAWlson

 

I ran my 3rd mission, this time flying Halberstadt D.II instead of N11. I was finally able to submit an AAR for a balloon claim and a "Farman F.40". I noticed I was credited with the balloon and the aircraft, but it was listed as an FE2b of 3eme Esc Observation. I pulled that squadron up on the map and saw they're flying the Farman. Is the mismatch between the map info and the claim awarded due to a limitation in he substitution logic you put together?

 

I also noticed that under the Planes Owned menu several machines do not have pictures representing them. Pretty sure it was the HD.1, Sopwith Strutter, and N17 GBR.

 

Lastly, while flying the N11 with Esc 31, I was only able to select the Le Chretian and Aldis sights on the pilots page. The Halberstadt D.II has all of it's mod options available. It is not critical since you can select them in game before launching the mission, plus they have no impact on AI pilots.

 

Thanks for all your support!

[PatrickAWlson]

43 minutes ago, PaulTheSalty said:

@PatrickAWlson

 

I ran my 3rd mission, this time flying Halberstadt D.II instead of N11. I was finally able to submit an AAR for a balloon claim and a "Farman F.40". I noticed I was credited with the balloon and the aircraft, but it was listed as an FE2b of 3eme Esc Observation. I pulled that squadron up on the map and saw they're flying the Farman. Is the mismatch between the map info and the claim awarded due to a limitation in he substitution logic you put together?

 

I also noticed that under the Planes Owned menu several machines do not have pictures representing them. Pretty sure it was the HD.1, Sopwith Strutter, and N17 GBR.

 

Lastly, while flying the N11 with Esc 31, I was only able to select the Le Chretian and Aldis sights on the pilots page. The Halberstadt D.II has all of it's mod options available. It is not critical since you can select them in game before launching the mission, plus they have no impact on AI pilots.

 

Thanks for all your support!

 

Exactly the kind of information that I am looking for.  The aircraft should always be referred to as a Farman in the UI.  Where did you see it credited as an FE2B?  Pilot log?
 

Any chance that you can zip up the campaign for me?

 

Aware of the planes owned issue, but thanks for reminding as I still have not fixed it.

 

Due to space limitations on the UI I make some mods standard.  These are usually instruments.  This way I have enough room for more significant modifications like gun mods.

Edited December 17, 2023 by PatrickAWlson

[PaulTheSalty]

I saw it while going through the AAR and it's also showing as a FE2b in the Pilot Log. Attached is that campaign.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oAUU3NBsZ0uJ0gHGPzBzVjjoSuiWrqPk/view?usp=drive_link

Test 2.rar

Edited December 17, 2023 by PaulTheSalty

[MoleHD]

On 12/15/2023 at 4:39 PM, PatrickAWlson said:

I have just uploaded an update that has a very significant change.  I have packed the JRE (Java Runtime Environment) into the PWCG download and configured PWCG to use that JRE.  This means that you no longer have to worry about your Java version.  PWCG comes with its own JRE that it will use.  

 

Why is this necessary?

Corporate greed?  Yep, looking at you, Oracle.  In the past it was easy to upgrade your Java to the latest.  As of today, your Windows OS will point you to a Java 8 install.  Java 8 was sunsetted years ago.  The latest version of PWCG is running Java 17.  The latest Java is actually 21.  Why is Windows installing Java 8?

 

The answer seems to be that Oracle no longer produces JREs for newer Java versions, so Windows points you to what seems to be a relatively new version of Java 8.  Fortunately, OpenJDK does produce JREs for newer Java versions.  Since your Windows installed Java is no longer reliable, and installing a newer Java is not easy, I packed the Java into the PWCG download.  It adds about 50MB to the download.  The JRE comes from this site so you can check it out for yourself.  

 

In the end this should alleviate issues around Java.  If you are having Java related issues with PWCGFCExp, please download again.  It's the same file name so it can overwrite what  you already have.  The code is not different but it does have the JRE included and is configured to use that JRE.

Many thanks for resolving the Java problem Pat, I was having issues

Edited December 20, 2023 by MoleHD
syntax

[PatrickAWlson]

Work on 16.0 has started.  16.0 will be the incorporation of FC3 into PWCG.  The planes are already there, but the map will be a significant effort.  No specific ETA but work has begun.

[Dr1falcon500]

I started a Jasta 4 campaign September 1916. Supposed to be flying Halberstadt DII as a substitute for EIII. When I got to the pilot list in mission it showed EIII with message, "you don't own that plane". I'll have to try another campaign. I think must have clicked as owning the EIII, maybe wishful thinking. So restarted J4 flying Halberstadt DII, first mission 2 Fe2b's confirmed. Landed and as usual mission failed.

Edited December 30, 2023 by Dr1falcon500

[PatrickAWlson]

8 hours ago, Dr1falcon500 said:

I started a Jasta 4 campaign September 1916. Supposed to be flying Halberstadt DII as a substitute for EIII. When I got to the pilot list in mission it showed EIII with message, "you don't own that plane". I'll have to try another campaign. I think must have clicked as owning the EIII, maybe wishful thinking. So restarted J4 flying Halberstadt DII, first mission 2 Fe2b's confirmed. Landed and as usual mission failed.

 

Just tell PWCG that you own the E.III and everything else that doesn't exist yet that you might end up flying.

[PatrickAWlson]

Making some good progress.  The map is done, all of the latest ground objects have been imported, and the front lines that I had should work with the extended map.  A pretty large task has been importing more squadrons from RoF into FC. 

 

Besides adding squadrons, I also imported the airfield assignments for all squadrons.  RoF airfield assignments are derived from RB3D western front assignments and those are pretty well researched.  The end result is not exact, but your squadron will be about where it should be when it should be.  Importing airfield assignments from RoF was, of course, a PITA as the airfields are not the same.  Some RoF airfields don't exist while others have somewhat different names.  I have all of that resolved in a preliminary way.  Tweaking needs to be done.

 

The last big hurdle is skins.  I want to get everything working with at least the correct national generic, end then release.  I will start the factory assembling of squadron skins while the beta is in progress.  

[TheSNAFU]

Pat

Very glad to see you passionately working on PWCG again. I don’t play the ww1 stuff but I know that is where you got this whole thing started and a lot of folks Play FC. I wish you much success with this new work. Your great application is still the only way I play the game and I enjoy it as much now as the first time I created a campaign. 

Edited January 1, 2024 by TheSNAFU

[Dr1falcon500]

I've flown 3 J4 missions so far 1st 2 only Fe2b's and they showed as that when submitting claims. 3rd mission Fe2b's, N17's, N17 GB's and N11's. In claims showed Farman, DH-2 and N17. So I just claimed what seemed the most likely, Farmans and N17's which worked okay.

[PatrickAWlson]

3 hours ago, Dr1falcon500 said:

I've flown 3 J4 missions so far 1st 2 only Fe2b's and they showed as that when submitting claims. 3rd mission Fe2b's, N17's, N17 GB's and N11's. In claims showed Farman, DH-2 and N17. So I just claimed what seemed the most likely, Farmans and N17's which worked okay.

 

Thanks for the feedback.  It's supposed to work like that.  The player should always be presented with the historical aircraft ("Farman") and not the stand in (FE2b). 

 

Little aside on claims - you do not have to be exactly right, just in the ball park.  If you claim a fighter and shoot down a fighter, PWCG will give you credit regardless of whether you get the type right.  PWCG will deny a claim if you claim a two seater and shoot down a fighter, which, historically speaking, is a little harsh.  In real life, that happened more than you might think and the claims were confirmed.  Can you imagine WWII claims if PWCG rejected an Me109 claim because you didn't specify the right variant?  

[Sabrefly]

On 12/21/2023 at 9:34 AM, PatrickAWlson said:

Work on 16.0 has started.  16.0 will be the incorporation of FC3 into PWCG.  The planes are already there, but the map will be a significant effort.  No specific ETA but work has begun.

 

I have all FC parts installed. Which version of PWCG should I use for the time being? If PWCG 15.1.2 Experimental then no skinpacks, do I get it right?

[PatrickAWlson]

23 hours ago, Sabrefly said:

 

I have all FC parts installed. Which version of PWCG should I use for the time being? If PWCG 15.1.2 Experimental then no skinpacks, do I get it right?

 

It depends.  15.1.2 is the stable version.  However, 15.1.2 only allows a July 1917 start.  If you want an earlier start you will have to download the experimental version.  If you are starting from scratch, get all of the FC skin packs.  

[Sabrefly]

49 minutes ago, PatrickAWlson said:

 

It depends.  15.1.2 is the stable version.  However, 15.1.2 only allows a July 1917 start.  If you want an earlier start you will have to download the experimental version.  If you are starting from scratch, get all of the FC skin packs.  

 

Can I start from scratch in the experimental version and get all of the FC skin packs? 

 

Thanks Patrick!

 

Edited January 6, 2024 by Sabrefly

[PatrickAWlson]

4 hours ago, Sabrefly said:

 

Can I start from scratch in the experimental version and get all of the FC skin packs? 

 

Thanks Patrick!

 

 

I would recommend that.  The final release will not have an earlier start date, so your campaign will work with the release version.

[Sabrefly]

3 hours ago, PatrickAWlson said:

 

I would recommend that.  The final release will not have an earlier start date, so your campaign will work with the release version.

Oh thank you Patrick, I don't mind to start a new one with the final release anyway!

 

Cheers,

[Dr1falcon500]

Wondering about Albatros CII being replaced by Fe-2b. I came across a flight of Fe-2b's marked as German while flying N11 Esc 103 mission. I think the CII pusher was only a prototype. I checked on some WW1 aviation sites and forums and they all support that. It was never in service. A lot of the problem is there are too few German 2 seaters available from RoF, and I don't see that there will be any more made.