Bug Reports: SEDB73, MP4 v7.3.x, SEDCS v7.3.x

[IV/JG7_4Shades]

New bug fix update for SEDCS: v7.3.7

As noted by Brandle, there was an intermittent bug in the Add Forces tool that caused the SEDCS to provide the user with a list of army unit names that were already commissioned in the order of battle. I have fixed this in SEDCS v7.3.7.

The MP has also been revised recently, now at v7.3.38. Key changes include:

*) DMT: Corrected FloodValleys() function to reference the $MD_TEX_RIVER variable for non-standard water textures
*) DMT: Removed road path terrain height MVG directives from makePathSegment() in DMT_functions.php
*) DMT: Corrected escape characters in bridge element paths in DMT_Bridge.php
*) DMT: Added clear visual display of MANUAL_BITMAPS mode to DMT output page
*) DMT: Added new $WATER_AT_ZERO flag to DMT.php to control whether elevation alone controls water placement (thick rivers), or elevation+texture (thin rivers). Put water feature erosion variables into a global array for easy changes
*) MM: Added code to buildInit() in MM-BuildMissions.php to create a server loop to detect tanks crossing rivers/lakes. If they go too deep, the script will explode them. Other vehicles and oceans are handled natively by Arma 2
*) MM: Added downlight.sqf script to IF mission environment (Scannon)
*) MM: Improved HouseFromStatus(), manageSceneryBuildings() and make_ESEM_Unit_Item() to better handle translation of IL2 scenery objects into IF furniture (Scannon)
*) MM: Built the "SEOW Tools" action menu for MM-BuildMissions.php, replacing the radio trigger method (except for concealed weapons)
*) MM: Added side alignment to spy weapon script in MM-BuildMissions.php to ensure that any spy that draws his weapon is automatically seen as hostile by enemy troops
*) MM: Added weather briefing to MM notes in MM-BuildMissions.php
*) Improved MM-AnalyzeLog.php to filter out non-SEOW records from logfiles and to handle large logfiles (Brandle)
*) MM: Added loadout structure to Meta_IF44_Unit_Definitions table, so that special loadouts can be defined for each crew member in a squad. The archetype loadout is the Soviet PTRD-41 (Degtyaryov single-shot antitank rifle, token "PTRD41") which is simulated by equipping the crew member with a German PzB 39 antitank rifle (no Schiessbecher) plus Nagant M1895 pistol plus F1 grenades via a script function in MM-BuildMissions.php. The associated loadout function is initscript_loadout(). Loadouts are specified in the Meta_IF44_Unit_Definitions table by adding the loadout token to the crewtype, delimited by a "|" character
*) MM: Added seowkeyhandler.sqf to support the forcing of hosts to save the log in meta-missions
*) MM: Added unit sort order feature to MM-BuildMissions.php and to MP-OptionsScreen.php
*) MM: Revised MM-AnalyzeLog.php to correctly write the Mis_Commencement field in MissionData in the case of IF-only campaigns, using the last IF mission hosting time (Brandle)
*) MP: Re-lettered Manhay in Ardennes maps
*) MP: New tool: MM-ForcesCheck.php, integrated with IntelTools()
*) MP: Re-ordered planned reinforcement listing in MP-ManageCampaign.php to make it easier to read staged (delayed) reinforcements
*) MP: Corrected some Ajax calls for MP-NUCommit.php and MP-UnitWithdraw.php
*) MP: Corrected $CampaignMap variables in Battle of Kursk folder
*) MM: Remove extract($GLOBALS) from a function in MP-Misc.php; recast MP-OptionsScreen.php use of check boxes, added meta-SEOW build parameters to display

Enjoy!

[IV/JG7_4Shades]

New bug fix update for SEDCS: v7.3.8

A couple of SEDCS bug fixes for ground operations.

*) Corrected modSupply.subResupplyUnit() to handle supply updating for meta units based on IL2 world logistics
*) Corrected frmMain.gatherTemplateStats() to handle data from frontmarkers etc in the AddForces template file (Scannon)

Enjoy!

[IV/JG7_4Shades]

New feature patch for meta-SEOW Iron Front operations: SEDCS v7.3.9, MP v 7.3.47

Mission Planner
*) Revised menu tool set for all soldiers
*) Extended set of construction and clearance actions for soldiers, dependent on soldier class and soldier health
*) In-mission construction and clearance now supported
*) Individual anti-personnel mines now tracked; detonation detected and recorded properly so AP mines vanish after activation
*) Elevation data now tracked for all object constructions, allowing correct placement and operation in multi-story buildings
*) Corrected azimuth directives to give correct orientation of constructed scenery objects

DCS
*) Revised Undo command to delete new Iron Front objects from Scenery table for rollback of Analyze
*) Changed SQL in modScenery to discriminate between IL2 and Iron Front world objects

With these changes in meta-SEOW it is now possible to use your soldiers to construct detailed bases, strongpoints and minefields during Iron Front missions. Such installations persist from mission to mission unless cleared/demolished by soldiers. Sappers are now critical in providing the skills and grunt to construct/clear a large range of useful structures and combat items.

Constructable items include:

• tents (2-man, team, squad)
  anti-personnel mines (8 types)
  anti-tank minefields (2 types)
  mine warning sign (3 types, Russian and German)
  sandbag structures (short wall, round emplacement, small bunker)
  camouflage netting (2 types)
  camp fire
  dragon teeth
  flag poles (German, Soviet)
  stone wall
  wire fences (3 types)
  wire barriers (2 types)

Various soldier types can construct or clear/demolish/dismantle these objects in-mission, using timed character animations, allowing arbitrary and complex installations to be constructed and maintained from mission to mission. This raises the prospect of defensive positions being prepared, including booby traps, minefields, tank traps, firing lines for automatic weapons etc. Testing shows that this is effective against attacks, requiring attackers to conduct structured operations with sapper teams to clear defenses under fire.

Enjoy,
4S

[IV/JG7_4Shades]

New feature patch mainly for meta-SEOW Iron Front operations: SEDCS v7.3.10, MP v 7.3.75, Statistics v7.3.5

DCS v7.3.10
*) Correctly reset shipping hashtables in modMissionAnalyzer.vb to allow repeated Analyze/Build/Undo commands in one session
*) Added notice output to user when valid first line not found in eventlog parser in modMissionAnalyzer.vb

MP4 v7.3.75
Meta-mission environment - engine
*) Enhanced soldier loadout descripts to accept a chain of descriptors delimited by "|" characters (MM-BuildMissions.php)
*) Added support for NOWEAPONS and NOTHING soldier loadouts
*) Proper initialization of $MFT[] in MM-BuildMissions.php to ensure that the Meta_Map in Meta_Forces table is handled correctly
*) Added coup de grace logic for unconscious soldiers in MM-AnalyzeLog.php
*) Corrected SQL for removing objects from the Scenery table due to detonations and clearances in MM-AnalyzeLog.php. The problem was a coordinate search radius being too small on clearances, and a failure to use the new Object_Type format with the elevation being appended with a "|" character on detonations
*) Corrected handling of coup de grace in MM-AnalyzeLog.php to ensure that the solider status in Meta_Forces is set to "killed"
*) Handled $pverbose and $averbose instances of "Error: No unit" by replace with "unknown soldier" in MM-AnalyzeLog.php processActionDataEvent()
*) Corrected time formatting in updateOOB() function of MM-AnalyzeLog.php for handling finaltime
*) Added $COLONEL_LIMITS_PLAY option to MM-BuildMissions.php to limit playability to group leaders only, if the Colonel is present (Brandle)
*) Added support for sound files to MM scripting - used to provide feedback to Forward Observers. Also updated various tools and FAW_fnc.sqf to provide support for SEOW FO actions
*) Correct case-sensitivity of mapnames in addOns[] and addOnsAuto[] in buildAddOns() of MM-BuildMissions.php to remove the "downloadable content that has been deleted: YAKO_10km_16_112_s.pbo" error. This occurs when the single mission is saved in the editor as a "User Mission" which triggers the editor to append a couple of mapnames to the addOns[] array if the $MAPNAME is not in lowercase. The appended names are (1) the lowercase $MAPNAME and (2) an arbitrary mapname in the @SEOW AddOns folder!!!
*) Reverted soldier seat/mount data to LOCATIONS set by disabling $CrewMount[] clause in MM-AnalyzeLog.php
*) Improved MM logfile error handling
*) New SEOW_sounds addon principally for barrages and FO operations - removed sounds inventory in sqf folder. Now all required IF mission sounds defined/used by SEOW are found in the SEOW_sounds.pbo file which should be placed in the @SEOW/AddOns folder of A2OA (IFA2)
*) Moved MM mission settings parameters into new DB table called Meta_Battlefield_Settings and updated MP-OptionsScreen.php accordingly.
*) Enabled support for $PLAYABILITY_EXCLUSIONS_LIST whereby specific soldier types can be disabled from human play. The excluded types are list as strings delimited by "|", e.g. "LIB_GER_gun_unterofficer|LIB_GER_rifleman" up to a length of 512 characters
*) Checking of prior kill events before administering coup de grace for critically injured soldiers in MM-AnalyzeLog.php.
*) Extension of CopyFileResources in MM-BuildMissions.php to handle new action scripts.

Meta-mission environment: In-game tools
*) Added clear (vehicle mount) assignment tool
*) Adjusted build time for straight bags; corrected azimuth for bag fort; integrated with MM-BuildMissions.php and MM-AnalyzeLog.php
*) Revision of AT minefield clearance scripts
*) Extension of AP mine defuse to include solo AT mines
*) Rename of some action scripts
*) Addition of KRON_Strings.sqf library
*) Overhaul of seow_clearance.sqf to cater for simple objects as well as compound objects (minefields)
*) Addition of user-key mappings to seow_tools.sqf.
*) Release of FO scripts for MM context. Added FO loadout types in MM-BuildMissions.php to reduce combat weapons to pistols only. Full radio logging now supported for FO soldiers and for HQ units (reduced features).
*) Corrected animation array definition for seow_tool_build_bags.sqf to remove trailing "'" sign.
*) Modified hotkey action scripts to look at selected soldiers in the calling soldier's group. Now commands can be given to other soldiers in your unit by using action hotkeys. Also the special soldier classes and emblems have been placed into separate SQF libraries, to improve code changeability and modularity.
*) Revised actions list with proximity checks

General MP bug fixes
*) Tied withdrawal radii for rail and road to the AirbaseControlRadius parameter in MP-Head.js (Brandle)
*) Corrected grid coordinate calculation in MP-News.php

Statistics v7.3.5
*) Improved Materiel Loss table for captures/recaptures (Brandle)
*) Corrected polar directions in ActionSummary table in MP-MissionDetails.php


The result of this set of patches and new features is a very robust Iron Front environment, with greatly enhanced soldier tools (for constructing and dismantling mines, mine fields, defences, bivouacs etc), for Forward Observer operations (target acquisition and coordination), and for personnel swapping/management in multi-crew teams and vehicles.

Enjoy!

[IV/JG7_4Shades]

Feature update: blank campaign templates

This feature is available with MP4 v7.3.88, SEDCS v7.3.11 and SEDB75 (slight additions to SEDB74).

The purpose of the feature is to allow the admin to initialize a campaign without using a template file, i.e. creating a blank campaign with no units on the chosen sector map. Date, time and weather conditions are essentially the only information to be established. To support this function the DCS has a new "Initialization Mode" selection box. If the "minimum" initialization mode is selected, the admin must put the sector name in the Theatre Name box to tell the DCS which sector to use. The admin will then be presented with a calendar+time picker to select the date and time of the first campaign mission.

The motivation for this feature is to simplify campaign operations on the two new native Iron Front sectors, IF_Baranow (8km) and IF_Staszow (16km), that have been added to the MP. These maps have no counterparts in IL-2, therefore no standard SEOW campaign templates can be developed for these two maps and we needed a different mechanism to initialize campaigns on these maps. So the template-free approach was developed, and this is also applicable to normal IL-2 maps supported by SEOW.

A list of recent fixes/changes

MP4 v7.3.88
*) Added three reduced-variance tesselation maps for 256, 512 and 1024 dimensions to give a smoother IF terrain result in the DMT tool (Scannon)
*) New mapping support for native Iron Front sectors IF_Baranow and IF_Staszow.
*) Debugged withdrawByIndex() in MP-Head.js to correctly manage MF[] and CO[] arrays, and also the 'o' and 'io' object divs for withdrawn units.
*) Added an extra hotkey definition SHIFT+Z to immediately commit movement orders using default mission settings, using the submitWP() and TheBigYellowButton() functions in sequence.
*) Updated MM-BattleFocus.php to handle "coop-" prefix eventlogs in parsing the latest MissionName for OMD query.
*) Added SQL call to fix Meta_DMZ_Width in MM-BattleFocus.php.
*) Added a new tool to extract scenery object locations from an ArmA 2 (Iront Front) .sqm file for easy copy+paste into the SEDB Scenery table.
*) Support for native Iron Front maps in the MP and updated MM scripts to handle native IF maps.
*) Revised compass tool to appear wherever the right-click menu is invoked, so unnecessary page scrolling is reduced.
*) Improved geographic data on front News page.

SEDCS 7.3.11
*) Updated DCS to handle native Iron Front campaigns, basically involved putting a null StreamReader in place. Requires DB support for Initialization_Mode in Campaign_Settings table.
*) To use a blank template the Sector name must be entered in the Theatre Name box. E.g. if you want to initialize the Ardennes sector with a blank template, then set the Theatre Name to Ardennes and then select the "Minimal" initialization mode.

SEDB75
*) Initial basic data loads for IF_Staszow and IF_Baranow
*) Added "Initialization_Mode" field to Campaign_Settings table. Values: 0 = standard templates (default), 1 = use blank template (new)

Enjoy!

Cheers,
4S

[IV/JG7_4Shades]

Patch update for DCS: SEDCS v7.3.12

*) Corrected handling of resupply updates for all combat forces on meta maps: alters fuel and ammo values for all crew members and apparatus. Now all MP displays of internal supplies should match forces values in IF missions
*) Added informational messages for Web Service calls

Cheers,
4S

[IV/JG7_4Shades]

Changes in the latest PHP engine have meant that the original MySQL extension to PHP is no longer supported. This latest PHP engine is now being used by the hosting service that SEOW HQ uses. Consequently we have seen that the SEOW HQ forums, Mission Planner and Wikis have been affected lately.

I am now correcting these problems slowly. The Mission Planner has been updated to v7.3.100 which now uses the MySQLi extension to avoid the MySQL problem. This change has required editing over 100 scripts, and I took the liberty of streamlining this procedure and tightening a few other things in the MP at the same time. The new MP looks pretty stable but there may be some teething problems.

The Forums are being updated to the latest phpBB3 release, which will change their look and feel a little. I have just changed this (Official Software) forum; the HQ forum will change in the next few days.

The Wikis will then follow in due course.

Cheers,
4S

[IV/JG7_4Shades]

New minor releases: MP v7.3.109, SEDCS v7.3.17

These versions consolidate administration tools for running web service requests via the DCS (e.g. for meta-campaigning) and improve performance of some Ajax-related tools and unit/crew management in the MP.

DCS changes
*) Improved strictness of Meta_Forces table handlers to prevent inclusion of disabled records in OOB processing.
*) As part of debugging New Unit Commissioning in meta campaigns the following changes were made: corrected logic to test for MF unit entry in prior mission. This enables the single SQL translation query that preserves all prior crew data.
*) Changed GUI coloring to show when an FTP or webservice call is in progress - yellow colored command box.
*) Minor text changes in IL-2 mission notifications "Air mission".
*) Corrected handling of Initialization mode strings when a new DB is selected etc.
*) Asynchronous web service GUI modifications including 5 new gif animations (making installer files bigger)
*) Animated "processing ..." label in Web Service function
*) Refined text formatting in WebService code of frmMain.vb
*) Adjusted modScenery for new Alignment field on Scenery table

MP changes
*) Added hints to MM/sqf/save.sqf to help the user see the progress of the save function for large IF missions.
*) Altered MM/sqf/seow_tool_unit_identity.sqf to reference the readable unit name set by using setGroupId in the init field. This is inaccurate (tends to show last soldier in group) but is more presentable. The correct internal ID is listed under "dogtags".
*) Improved apparatus detection in MM/sqf/seow_tool_unit_identity.sqf
*) Added a new SEOW tool to challenge a unit or apparatus for its identity.
*) Added Alignment attribute to Scenery table for meta-scenery objects, with consequent changes in MP and MM scripts and for DCS modSupply functions.
*) Used setGroupId calls in soldier/vehicle init strings in MM-BuildMissions.php to help avoid the TeamSwitch menu confusion.
*) Added dispersion graphics to meta unit icons etc in MP; added SHIFT+R hotkey to reload page (Brandle); corrected placement of scenery objects in meta-missions.
*) Removed spurious short red bar just west of Staszow in IF_Staszow map images
*) Corrected MP-DUDissolve.php to manage Mission_Name in Meta_Forces to handle dissolves of meta units appropriately
*) Added Sequence Number check to makeReconMarker() in MM-BuildMissions.php to ensure timeouts of Pilot Reports in meta missions.
*) Made MP-DUDissolve.php more strict in its management of Meta_Forces table
*) Cleaned up makeReconMarker() in MM-BuildMissions.php to handle array_key_exists() tests properly on $unit_specs["Sequence"] index
*) RC of Scripts folder updated for PHP 7.3 (which dropped support for the mysql extension). This RC has recast the include files, now explicitly supporting the mysqli extension in PHP.
*) Updated MP-Admin.php for new ADODB connection format with PHP7+
*) Increased strictness of SQL tests for $MUforce[] array construction in MM-BuildMissions.php
*) Added member-dependent coordinate offset to final waypoint in MM-BuildMissions.php to ensure that unit members are well spaced at destination
*) Improved strictness of Meta_Forces table handlers in MM-AnalyzeLog.php to prevent inclusion of disabled records
*) Improved SQL for spacing of dismounted crew in MP-UnitDismount.php
*) Corrected MP-NUCommit.php to handle mount status for meta units properly (all dismounted after commissioning)
*) Adjusted MP-Head.js to allow admin to plot movements for units out of CCCI
*) Altered unit name translations in MM-BuildMissions.php to move from HTML to UTF8 to ASCII equivalents for diacritics.
*) Added FAUST and BAZOOKA loadout options and variants in MM-BuildMissions.php
*) Added script time limit code to MM-BuildMissions.php to avoid early terminations on long builds.
*) Refined execution time handling in MM-BuildMissions.php
*) Added "mysqli" DatabaseProvider options for SQL constructors in various PHP scripts.
*) Added "Force Dismount" command to IEMenu in MP-Head.js and associated MP-UnitDismount.php script etc. This works immediately by updating Meta_Forces table.
*) Added mount status display for crew in MP
*) Statistics: Statistics folder updated for PHP 7.3 (which dropped support for the mysql extension). This RC has recast the include files, now explicitly supporting the mysqli extension in PHP.
*) Statistics: Corrected mysql/mysqli coding in Statistics pages

Enjoy!

[IV/JG7_4Shades]

Official SEDB75 database

I have finally produced the official SEDB75 database and made it available for download at the usual place, https://sourceforge.net/projects/seow/files/. It contains support for air, sea and ground operations in 96 different sectors, including two new maps specific to Iron Front.

This version comes with an extra (demonstration) version of the Object_Specifications table that contains pre-configured meta-SEOW support for units specific to the Iron Front TOE. Of course, you can ignore this if you want to focus on conventional SEOW campaigns, as before.

I will start a new thread to capture comments on the latest update to to SEOW software components.

Cheers,
4S