Idea for an external map mod (beyond my skills)
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Idea for an external map mod (beyond my skills)
So I have this idea but I don't know if it is possible... and if it is then there is no way I could do it myself.
Many of us have multiple monitors right. I like pulling up a web version of the X universe map and setting it to full screen on my secondary monitor and then open the game on my main monitor. This gives me a easy reference (albeit static and non-interactive) to all sectors at all times.
My idea is that it would be really cool if there was a way to make it more than just a static map. COuld some sort of external mod be written that would highlight which sector you (and/or your fleet) is in. Perhaps it could even automatically pull up some sort of information about each sector as you enter it. Perhaps it could blink in red sectors where your ships are under attack.
Dunno... just thought it would be neat.
Many of us have multiple monitors right. I like pulling up a web version of the X universe map and setting it to full screen on my secondary monitor and then open the game on my main monitor. This gives me a easy reference (albeit static and non-interactive) to all sectors at all times.
My idea is that it would be really cool if there was a way to make it more than just a static map. COuld some sort of external mod be written that would highlight which sector you (and/or your fleet) is in. Perhaps it could even automatically pull up some sort of information about each sector as you enter it. Perhaps it could blink in red sectors where your ships are under attack.
Dunno... just thought it would be neat.
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- Posts: 3144
- Joined: Sun, 19. Dec 04, 02:41
In theory - YES.
Scripts in x3tc can write log files, and those log files can be read (perhaps dynamically) to create a map like you are asking. However..
This would require the scripting and programming knowledge of someone like cycrow..
Perhaps while thats being worked on (if at all), you could try this? http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=166320
It has the external map part down, and it can search for stuff and the like..
its not as dynamic, and doesnt tie in (instantly) with the game, but it can read a log file of the universe and tell you where your stations are and such.
Scripts in x3tc can write log files, and those log files can be read (perhaps dynamically) to create a map like you are asking. However..
This would require the scripting and programming knowledge of someone like cycrow..
Perhaps while thats being worked on (if at all), you could try this? http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=166320
It has the external map part down, and it can search for stuff and the like..
its not as dynamic, and doesnt tie in (instantly) with the game, but it can read a log file of the universe and tell you where your stations are and such.
That sounds like a cool idea. I found a program that let me display things from my monitor on my PDA (remote2pc)
i was able to have the display monitors (left or right) show up on my PDA's screen with real-time info from TC only down side was that it could only show info that was already on screen (like the monitors or speed.. well anything on screen) it even let me control my PC from the pda so i was able to give commands through the touchscreen, which was a nice change. especially on the sector map when jumping i could just use my finger to press the sector i wanted to goto.
an interactive sector map would be amazing on a PDA or second monitor. I wish i knew how to script
i was able to have the display monitors (left or right) show up on my PDA's screen with real-time info from TC only down side was that it could only show info that was already on screen (like the monitors or speed.. well anything on screen) it even let me control my PC from the pda so i was able to give commands through the touchscreen, which was a nice change. especially on the sector map when jumping i could just use my finger to press the sector i wanted to goto.
an interactive sector map would be amazing on a PDA or second monitor. I wish i knew how to script
What program did you use to incorporate your PDA??ladyboy wrote:That sounds like a cool idea. I found a program that let me display things from my monitor on my PDA (remote2pc)
i was able to have the display monitors (left or right) show up on my PDA's screen with real-time info from TC only down side was that it could only show info that was already on screen (like the monitors or speed.. well anything on screen) it even let me control my PC from the pda so i was able to give commands through the touchscreen, which was a nice change. especially on the sector map when jumping i could just use my finger to press the sector i wanted to goto.
an interactive sector map would be amazing on a PDA or second monitor. I wish i knew how to script
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- Posts: 1135
- Joined: Sun, 19. Oct 08, 18:46
There was a script/program for X3 (I think called Remote Property Management) that could do almost exactly what you wanted. It wrote the game state to log files, which was read by a web server you ran on your PC.
You could then use a computer anywhere in the world (I just used my laptop sat next to my PC) to view your game as it was running through a web browser (and do some minor interaction). I remember it was cool cause you could give orders and get info even whilst SETA was running.
Unfortunately it was abandoned before it could realise its true potential. Probably wouldn't take too much effort to port to X3TC.
You could then use a computer anywhere in the world (I just used my laptop sat next to my PC) to view your game as it was running through a web browser (and do some minor interaction). I remember it was cool cause you could give orders and get info even whilst SETA was running.
Unfortunately it was abandoned before it could realise its true potential. Probably wouldn't take too much effort to port to X3TC.
It's in my post "Remote2pc" sadly i only had a demo but it give the pda full mouse and keyboard control so you could play wirelessly on the toilet if you wanted to... not that i did.
http://www.z2software.com/Remote2PC.htm
http://www.z2software.com/Remote2PC.htm
Is that so?ladyboy wrote: so you could play wirelessly on the toilet if you wanted to... not that i did.
http://www.z2software.com/Remote2PC.htm
Its a very cool idea. About the map, i mean.
I normally use a laptop, and just click what sector i am in for the info.
Maybe the map could even use your sats in that sector? Who wants to PM Cyrcrow?
- apricotslice
- Posts: 14129
- Joined: Sun, 16. May 04, 13:01
I like this idea.
In my case, I'd run it accross a network from my second computer.
It would be really great to have such a map running in almost realtime on another computer/screen, especially if it...
....showed a red sector immediately one of your assets came under attack.
....showed a yellow sector immediately any hostile ship came within 20km of one of your assets.
....provided a sector view popup of any sector where you have a scanner in operation.
However, there are other possibilities.
In devnet I had an idea to put ship icons on the hud, with info about them, which could then be easily selected to give orders.
In this program, around the map could go ship and fleet icons that show all ships you own, that can then highlight yellow when 20km from an enemy or red when under attack, and when moused over, pops up the sector, ship info, task being done, and fittings.
So if the offline program is collecting ship info, and you lose one, it can report on all the relevant details about the ship in order to replace it, including its homebase and task.
While it wont speed up giving the ship orders, it at least can alert you to danger (including an audio warning - star trek red alert ? ), and give you full info to replace the ship properly.
Also, in theory, if this program output a mission director file, then you could insert commands back into the game, such as the buying, outfitting and tasking of a replacement ship. Depending on how fast the MD file was picked up by the game, it might even be possible to feed ship orders back into the game, ordering the ship under attack or about to be, to jump out of danger.
I say in theory, because I doubt anyone has tried to do this, and I have no idea if the way the MD works will allow it. But its theoretically possible.
In my case, I'd run it accross a network from my second computer.
It would be really great to have such a map running in almost realtime on another computer/screen, especially if it...
....showed a red sector immediately one of your assets came under attack.
....showed a yellow sector immediately any hostile ship came within 20km of one of your assets.
....provided a sector view popup of any sector where you have a scanner in operation.
However, there are other possibilities.
In devnet I had an idea to put ship icons on the hud, with info about them, which could then be easily selected to give orders.
In this program, around the map could go ship and fleet icons that show all ships you own, that can then highlight yellow when 20km from an enemy or red when under attack, and when moused over, pops up the sector, ship info, task being done, and fittings.
So if the offline program is collecting ship info, and you lose one, it can report on all the relevant details about the ship in order to replace it, including its homebase and task.
While it wont speed up giving the ship orders, it at least can alert you to danger (including an audio warning - star trek red alert ? ), and give you full info to replace the ship properly.
Also, in theory, if this program output a mission director file, then you could insert commands back into the game, such as the buying, outfitting and tasking of a replacement ship. Depending on how fast the MD file was picked up by the game, it might even be possible to feed ship orders back into the game, ordering the ship under attack or about to be, to jump out of danger.
I say in theory, because I doubt anyone has tried to do this, and I have no idea if the way the MD works will allow it. But its theoretically possible.
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- Posts: 3144
- Joined: Sun, 19. Dec 04, 02:41
I'm liking the discussion on this.
I think the concept of networking with a second computer is cool, but monumentally more challenging.
Perhaps this should be split to two seperate concepts. Smart real-time utilization of a second monitor as concept one and interaction with a networked computer as a second concept.
Apricot, you pretty much nailed one of my thoughts with suggesting having sectors on the map blink red where ships are being attacked.
I think the concept of networking with a second computer is cool, but monumentally more challenging.
Perhaps this should be split to two seperate concepts. Smart real-time utilization of a second monitor as concept one and interaction with a networked computer as a second concept.
Apricot, you pretty much nailed one of my thoughts with suggesting having sectors on the map blink red where ships are being attacked.