SC4 Devotion Forum Archives

Sim City 4 Devotion Tools => Tools - General Discussion => SSPTool => Topic started by: Stefan79 on January 19, 2009, 11:23:26 PM

Title: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on January 19, 2009, 11:23:26 PM
A new tool for SimCity 4 players.

The tool is designed to integrate various small tools and fill the holes other tools let open or for some special things.
The plugins are:

To run the tool you need JAVA Runtime Environment (JRE Version 6), can be downloaded here: http://java.sun.com

For Windows Vista/7 Users: Give the Users group Full Control for the Plugin folder of SimCity, e.g. C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins

The tool can be downloaded from Sourceforge: http://sourceforge.net/projects/ssptool/

The newest sourcecode can be obtained from CVS or the author (PM).

Any bugs, comments or ideas, please post to this thread and I will see what I can do.

Best regards
   Stefan

P.S.: SSP stands for Stefan's Self-made Productions.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: wouanagaine on January 19, 2009, 11:30:34 PM
Just checked the screenshots on SF, looks pretty damn cool and a must have  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: JoeST on January 19, 2009, 11:43:19 PM
hey my java version is

[joe@goliath ~]$ java -version
java version "1.5.0"
gij (GNU libgcj) version 4.3.2 20081105 (Red Hat 4.3.2-7)

Copyright (C) 2007 Free Software Foundation, Inc.
This is free software; see the source for copying conditions.  There is NO
warranty; not even for MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

and my email is public on my profile :)

and thanks for setting up a separate thread.

Joe
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: daeley on January 20, 2009, 01:35:53 AM
Joe, you may need to upgrade to java 1.6 for the tool to work properly.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: JoeST on January 20, 2009, 01:43:06 AM
I guess thats probably why, thanks Daeley and thankyou to Stefan for the source code :)

Joe
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on January 27, 2009, 05:12:32 AM
Hi together!

I have separated the dbpf support to an extra package called DBPF4J (DBPF for Java).
Last days I completly redesigned and improved the support of DBPF and now its ready for use.
I will integrate it into the next SSPTool and some more features I think of:

SSPTool:
- Real plugin support, not only different subpackages
- Plugin: Simple DBPF Editor to change item order of many lots
- Plugin: Import/Export of FSH textures

DAMN:
- Import/Export of Root-folders, so its easy to backup and restore them when changing machines.
- Support Hidden lots and automatically create an exemplar with the conditional property, if wished
- Update, if previous installed
- Some options to improve reading, etc.
- Edit previous created DAMN menues

and maybe more, when I have time...

I will post here, when a new version of SSPTool is ready to download from sourceforge.

Best regards,
Stefan

P.S.: If anyone is interested in the DBPF4J package, contact me.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: BigSlark on January 27, 2009, 06:27:37 AM
Looking great, Stefan!  :thumbsup:

Cheers,
Kevin
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Jonathan on January 27, 2009, 08:53:41 AM
Can't wait, especially the FSH import/export, and menu reorderer (please make it visual?)

Tbh, those to things make me almost more excited than the X Tool (but then I'm not a LOTer)

Jonathan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: wouanagaine on January 27, 2009, 11:16:12 AM
Quote from: Warrior on January 27, 2009, 08:53:41 AM
Tbh, those to things make me almost more excited than the X Tool (but then I'm not a LOTer)
And it might be ready before XTools :)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Ennedi on January 27, 2009, 02:11:17 PM
Great idea, I just downloaded it and I'll check as soon as possible
And the next version content looks really exciting, it can be a fantastic tool! :thumbsup:

Adam
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Jonathan on February 02, 2009, 01:22:00 PM
Hey Stefan any more news on this?

Jonathan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on February 03, 2009, 11:58:29 PM
Latest news of my work, not updated on Sourceforge yet, whilel I'm in progress of programming!

DBPF4J-1.0.3: !UPDATE!
- Fix compress error with PNGs
- Fix Dir entry update
- Add more Properties, redesigned DBPFProperty
- Minor bug fixes
SSPTool-1.0.3: !UPDATE!
- Plugin support integrated
- Minor bug fixes
DAMN-1.0.4: !UPDATE!
- Import/Export of Root folders integrated
- Update if previous installed
- Options added and integrated
- Activate the hidden and network option
- Manipulate the exemplar with necessary property, if hidden
- Export DAMN complete for transfer to another computer
- some more
Editor-0.0.1: !NEW!
- Modify ItemOrder,ConditionalBuilding,OccupantGroups for a list of exemplars

Next steps
- DAMN: the Hidden option and manipulating the exemplar in the file with necessary Property
- Plugin: DBPFEditor: Menu orderer, Conditional building tweaker
- Plugin: FSH import/export (have to inspect format FSH and S3D)
- DAMN-Editor for editing DAMN menus

Regards Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: superhands on February 04, 2009, 12:12:47 AM
hi stefan79. this tool looks promising. :)

any chance of incorporating a rotate/flip option for fsh and maybe s3d files? ::)
it would make a world of difference if a fsh importer could have options for dimensions greater than 128x128 and compression options ::)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Jonathan on February 05, 2009, 03:43:39 AM
Stefan, that's great,

I really can't wait for a FSH Tool, :thumbsup:

Jonathan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on February 17, 2009, 10:47:06 PM
Here are the old messages from DAMN Thread about SSPTool. Delete them there to keep DAMN clean:

Quote from: JoeST on January 19, 2009, 09:29:20 AM
A bit of a special case here... but still. I am on Linux (Fedora 10,  latest Java) and it hangs as soon as you press any buttons (even the exit x in the top corner :o) using the command java -jar [filename]

Also how would I go about getting the source without using cvs?

(Oh and maybe you should create a support thread in the tools section of the forum?)

Joe

Hi Joe,
first: for further support I have opened a thread under "SimCity 4 Devotion Tools - Other Tools - SSPTool".
second: I haven't tested under Linux but try to do this soon. Generally does JAVA works properly java -version?
third: Without CVS I could send you the sourcecode if you tell me (PM) your email.
Regards
  Stefan






Quote from: Warrior on January 19, 2009, 10:29:31 AM
I tryed it, I like the sytem look better btw,
but now when i add files it seems to add all the exemplars with icons, and then twice that without, so you get it 3 times the amount of items than you should. Also what happened to that nice view lot feature, now it only shows the icon (which doesn't work properly).

I think the first one was better personally, but keep going because this tool is great! :thumbsup:

Jonathan

Hi Jonathan,
first: for further support I have opened a thread: "SimCity 4 Devotion Tools - Other tools - SSPTool"
second: I work heavy on the DBPF file format and I think next version it will better get only exemplars with LotInfos and not LotConfig.
third: The view lot feature works only on exemplars which have normally icons and the image included. But send me (look README.txt in SSPTool folder) the file you want to damn and I will look what is wrong with my program.
Regards
   Stefan





Quote from: Warrior on January 13, 2009, 08:49:55 AM
Sounds cool, what does SSP stand for?

SSP = Stefan's Self-made Productions
(and not Stefan's SimCity Productions. That's why on my icon there is also SC4)

Quote
Very nice tool, there are a few translation problems (not your fault though) could you provide details on how to translate it?
Also In the DAMN creator when you add a file, what does 002 mean in the exem and png column?
Next version I will integrate language support, that means extra file with text, so it can be easy translated.
(This version only the wizard texts are extra files, the rest is hardcoded.)

The columns in Step 1 means how many item of exemplars and PNGs are found in the added file.
I will add these information to the wizard text.

Quote
One other thing I think I got bug where I couldn't get past step 3, but I haven't got it again after restarting the program, maybe I just clicked the wrong button.
&mmm
Next version I will add logging the process, so I can find the bug easier, when it occur.
[UPDATE] Found the bug: The DAMN path wasn't set properly when changing the paths. Fixed in next version.

Quote
Otherwise extremely useful and clever! And you deserve a Karma point

Jonathan
Thank you!  ()stsfd()

Next version is in process...





Hi together!

It is done! The SSPTool for creating easier DAMN Menues is ready to test.
You can download it from Sourceforge: https://sourceforge.net/projects/ssptool/

Any bugs and ideas please tell me or Dealey and we will see what we can do.

Hope this tool will help you much!

Stefan

P.S.: NAM will be integrated in one of next versions  &mmm ...





Hi everyone,

I have worked hard on this new DAMN-Creator and I can say, it will help you a lot to create a DAMN menue.
&hlp
Together with Daeley I will improve this step by step integrate new ideas and of course NAM, if it is possible.
&idea
Maybe end of next week there could be the first version of the SSPTool with the DAMN-Creator for testing.
Then - not before, I have many ideas myself - you can give ideas of improving the program.

Stefan





17.12.2008
Hi everyone,

before too many people do the same:
I asked Daeley for the sourcecode because I want to write a program which easily create a DAMN Menue.
First version will be an improved version of Daeleys sourcecode with easier handling but I will attempt to include a sc4lot and dat reader, so the program will create a DAMN menue just with a few mouse clicks.
When I have a version to test, I will post it here.

Thanks to Daeley's and his great DAMN, I hope my program will even be so helpful.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on February 18, 2009, 07:27:56 AM
Working hard, here are the latest news of my work, updated on Sourceforge:

- SSPTool-1.0.5: The MAIN program
- DAMN-1.0.7: DAMN-Editor integrated!
- Editor-0.0.3: Modify ItemOrder,ConditionalBuilding,OccupantGroups for a list of exemplars
- NEW Scanner-1.1.1: Scans plugins folder and move unneccessary files to pluginsDoc
- DBPF4J-1.0.5: Its included in SSPTool, for programmers

- NEW SSPTool_Complete: SSPTool-1.0.5+DAMN-1.0.7+Editor-0.0.3

Next steps
- Plugin: FSH import/export (have to inspect format FSH and S3D, can anyone tell me more about this?)

Regards Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: JoeST on February 18, 2009, 07:55:33 AM
Hey stefan

I found you an error
Exception occurred during event dispatching:
java.lang.NoSuchMethodError: ssp.dbpf4j.ext.DBPFElementListProcessor.<init>(Lxto
ols/util/PropertyList;Ljava/util/Vector;Ljava/util/Vector;ZLssp/dbpf4j/ext/DBPFP
rocessDialog;)V
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.editor.simple.WizardDialog01.processFileList(Unkn
own Source)
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.editor.simple.WizardDialog01.actionPerformed(Unkn
own Source)
        at javax.swing.AbstractButton.fireActionPerformed(Unknown Source)
        at javax.swing.AbstractButton$Handler.actionPerformed(Unknown Source)
        at javax.swing.DefaultButtonModel.fireActionPerformed(Unknown Source)
        at javax.swing.DefaultButtonModel.setPressed(Unknown Source)
        at javax.swing.plaf.basic.BasicButtonListener.mouseReleased(Unknown Sour
ce)
        at java.awt.Component.processMouseEvent(Unknown Source)
        at javax.swing.JComponent.processMouseEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Component.processEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Container.processEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Component.dispatchEventImpl(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Container.dispatchEventImpl(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Component.dispatchEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.LightweightDispatcher.retargetMouseEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.LightweightDispatcher.processMouseEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.LightweightDispatcher.dispatchEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Container.dispatchEventImpl(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Window.dispatchEventImpl(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Component.dispatchEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.EventQueue.dispatchEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.EventDispatchThread.pumpOneEventForFilters(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.EventDispatchThread.pumpEventsForFilter(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.EventDispatchThread.pumpEventsForFilter(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Dialog$1.run(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Dialog$3.run(Unknown Source)
        at java.security.AccessController.doPrivileged(Native Method)
        at java.awt.Dialog.show(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Component.show(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Component.setVisible(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Window.setVisible(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Dialog.setVisible(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.editor.simple.WizardDialog01.showDialog(Unknown S
ource)
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.editor.simple.DBPFEditor.showWindow(Unknown Sourc
e)
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.editor.EditorPluginPanel.processEditor(Unknown So
urce)
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.editor.EditorPluginPanel.actionPerformed(Unknown
Source)
        at javax.swing.AbstractButton.fireActionPerformed(Unknown Source)
        at javax.swing.AbstractButton$Handler.actionPerformed(Unknown Source)
        at javax.swing.DefaultButtonModel.fireActionPerformed(Unknown Source)
        at javax.swing.DefaultButtonModel.setPressed(Unknown Source)
        at javax.swing.plaf.basic.BasicButtonListener.mouseReleased(Unknown Sour
ce)
        at java.awt.AWTEventMulticaster.mouseReleased(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Component.processMouseEvent(Unknown Source)
        at javax.swing.JComponent.processMouseEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Component.processEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Container.processEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Component.dispatchEventImpl(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Container.dispatchEventImpl(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Component.dispatchEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.LightweightDispatcher.retargetMouseEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.LightweightDispatcher.processMouseEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.LightweightDispatcher.dispatchEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Container.dispatchEventImpl(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Window.dispatchEventImpl(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.Component.dispatchEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.EventQueue.dispatchEvent(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.EventDispatchThread.pumpOneEventForFilters(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.EventDispatchThread.pumpEventsForFilter(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.EventDispatchThread.pumpEventsForHierarchy(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.EventDispatchThread.pumpEvents(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.EventDispatchThread.pumpEvents(Unknown Source)
        at java.awt.EventDispatchThread.run(Unknown Source)


when you click on next in the DBPF editor step 1 window... (with SC4Lot files)

Joe
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on February 18, 2009, 11:37:41 PM
Quote from: JoeST on February 18, 2009, 07:55:33 AM
Hey stefan

I found you an error
Exception occurred during event dispatching:
java.lang.NoSuchMethodError: ssp.dbpf4j.ext.DBPFElementListProcessor.<init>(Lxto
ols/util/PropertyList;Ljava/util/Vector;Ljava/util/Vector;ZLssp/dbpf4j/ext/DBPFP
rocessDialog;)V
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.editor.simple.WizardDialog01.processFileList(Unkn
own Source)
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.editor.simple.WizardDialog01.actionPerformed(Unkn
...


when you click on next in the DBPF editor step 1 window... (with SC4Lot files)

Joe

Hi Joe,

which version of SSPTool and DBPF editor did you have?
It seems your SSPTool is not up to date (1.0.5) and I have added/changed some things in SSPTool-Plugin-Support.

(Open SSPTool/lib/SSPTool-Plugin-Support.jar with WinZip or something equal and go into Meta-Inf, open Manifest.mf
with viewer and see for Implementation-Version. There should be 2009-02-18, further versions have a version number
in front of that. I know, why not simply add the version to the jar as for SSPTool? This have internal reason for updating
process, thats why the plugins jars haven't also no version in filename, but in Manifest.mf as described above.)

But I'm glad you try out my tools and I'm glad about every response (BUGs, Ideas), so I can make it better.

Regards Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: JoeST on February 18, 2009, 11:41:57 PM
I was using the latest one on sourceforge, I literaly downloaded and tried it out.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: daeley on February 18, 2009, 11:48:41 PM
you can find some information on FSH compression here: http://www.modthesims2.com/wiki.php?title=FSH or the older http://old_wiki.modthesims2.com/FSH (better format, but a part seems to be lost).
FSH files are basically a container for one or more images (depending if it's a simple texture or an aniumation). Most of simcity's FSH files contain DXT1 or DTX3 images which are described very well here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DXT3 but may also contain BMP images in several 16-bit or 32-bit ARGB formats. If you want to go fast, I'd go with DXTn compression first since there's only a few files in Simcity that don't use this.

I made a piece of Java code myself to compress/decompress an FSH file with a single DXT1 or DXT3 image for PathCreator, but the code is not very good. I can send it to you if you like.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on February 19, 2009, 12:46:24 AM
Quote from: JoeST on February 18, 2009, 11:41:57 PM
I was using the latest one on sourceforge, I literaly downloaded and tried it out.

I have removed old versions on sourceforge to prevent version conflicts.
Then I have tested:


And thanks to dealey for his information, I will try to write a FSH Plugin next.

P.S.: Added a scanner plugin to move not SC4 files from Plugins folder, e.g. PEG unzipped lots.
P.P.S.: Added a SSPTool_Complete.zip with SSPTool105+DAMN107+DBPFEditor003 on sourceforge.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: daeley on February 19, 2009, 01:13:02 AM
here's my code to read/write decompressed FSH files. It's a bit incomplete since it can't create/read files with multiple images and it can only read/write using DXT1 or DXT3 compression, but it should work correctly for most textures in the game.

By the way, the function to create an FSH takes a BufferedImage as argument (and optionally one as well for the alpha channel). You probably know this, but using the ImageIO utility class you can create a BufferedImage from any standard image file (bitmap, jpg, png, ...)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: JoeST on February 19, 2009, 02:21:20 AM
Stefan: will it affect it if I dont have the game-pahts? and what about if I manually unzipped the plugin?

Joe
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on February 20, 2009, 12:22:28 AM
The game-paths, you can change under Configuration tab, are mainly for the plugins of SSPTool.
Every time the plugin want to read or write a file, it show the preferred path based on the game-paths.
But when the paths are not exists, it will show the MyDoc folder or badly crash with an exception.
So be sure you choose a path for the game-path that exists, although it isn't the real game-path, e.g.
c:/test. DAMN take this path and add the DAMN folder to this and write there the created DAMN-Menus.

If you manually unzip the plugin you have to unzip with structure to the plugins folder of SSPTool.
btw The Install button of SSPTool do the same.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on February 21, 2009, 04:44:36 AM
Hi together,
I have extracted the RUL and icons from NAM, and from SimCity_1.dat and build a Test-Menu for DAMN with the next version of SSPTool+DAMNPlugin. It will be out next week, so be patient.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on February 25, 2009, 06:17:00 AM
Hi together!

Its done. Working harder than before, I have updated on Sourceforge:

- SSPTool-1.0.7: The MAIN program (protocol, new Plugin-Support, new DBPF4J)
- DAMN-1.0.8: Installer, Creator, Editor, Indexer, some more tools and Network option (for advanced users!)
- Editor-0.1.0: Modify some properties for a list of exemplars, Converter ASCII (LUA)/Unicode (LTEXT)
- Scanner-1.1.1: Scans plugins folder and move unneccessary files to pluginsDoc

- DBPF4J-1.1.0: Its included in SSPTool, for programmers

- SSPTool_Complete107: SSPTool-1.0.7 + DAMN-1.0.8 + Editor-0.1.0 + Scanner-1.1.1

Next step (really!)
- FiSHer-x.x.x: Import/Export of FSH

Regards Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: JoeST on February 25, 2009, 07:12:50 AM
awesome, will try it out :)

Joe
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Jonathan on February 25, 2009, 09:40:56 AM
I have another suggestion for a tool,
A RULfile viewer, it doesn't have a character limit, so no need to keep on exporting it and using notepad.
But have an export button to a folder you can set. (so it only asks you once to choose a folder)
Full find and replace functionality.
It tells you if you've modified the file since you last save, also what time you last saved, and what time you last exported.
Also maybe it could highlight what you modifed since you downloaded the Controller dat.

Now to go try out the latest version...

Jonathan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on February 26, 2009, 05:22:38 AM
Hi together,

nobody is perfect and I found an error in my DBPF4J package. If you let DAMN or the Editor modify your lots, it might be possible (when exemplar is in Text format) that the Property Conditional Building will not be set right. In worsed case, SC4 doesn't understand this property and the lot stay left visible. So please download the updated version of SSPTool (1.0.7) or the complete package and override your previous SSPTool.

Then, if you recognize that a lot is visible in normal SC4 menu although it shouldn't be, remember this lot and end SimCity.
Either use SSPTool DBPFEditor or iLive Reader to change the property Conditional Building, save, reopen and set it to the wished value. Now it should be repaired.
Or simply redownload the original lot replacing the modified lot and use SSPTool DBPF Editor to change the property Conditional building.

Sorry for the circumstances,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on February 26, 2009, 05:30:39 AM
Quote from: Warrior on February 25, 2009, 09:40:56 AM
I have another suggestion for a tool,
A RULfile viewer, it doesn't have a character limit, so no need to keep on exporting it and using notepad.
But have an export button to a folder you can set. (so it only asks you once to choose a folder)
Full find and replace functionality.
It tells you if you've modified the file since you last save, also what time you last saved, and what time you last exported.
Also maybe it could highlight what you modifed since you downloaded the Controller dat.

Now to go try out the latest version...

Jonathan
You asked for it, I will see what I can do. But I think there are many great editors with compare options, highlighting
and more, so it will not have the first priority.
Beside I have fixed an error in my DBPF4J package, I also added support for RUL files and basics for FSH and S3D files.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: CasperVg on February 26, 2009, 07:21:29 AM
Huge kudos to you, Stefan. Thanks to your excellent tools, I finally managed to DAMN my favourite sets of lots  :thumbsup:

Two small suggestions: Could you make it so that in the DAMN Creator/Editor, in Step 3/4, you can tick "Hide All", so you can hide all lots from the regular menus, instead of having to tick it for every lot?
Also, perhaps it would be useful to have a function so that in Step 2/4, growable lots are automatically deselected (but shown).
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Jonathan on February 26, 2009, 09:21:33 AM
Thanks, Stephan.
I meant one that can read the RUL Files inside the dats, without taking them out.

Jonathan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on February 26, 2009, 11:05:16 PM
Quote from: caspervg on February 26, 2009, 07:21:29 AM
Huge kudos to you, Stefan. Thanks to your excellent tools, I finally managed to DAMN my favourite sets of lots  :thumbsup:

Two small suggestions: Could you make it so that in the DAMN Creator/Editor, in Step 3/4, you can tick "Hide All", so you can hide all lots from the regular menus, instead of having to tick it for every lot?
Also, perhaps it would be useful to have a function so that in Step 2/4, growable lots are automatically deselected (but shown).

Thanks!

The "Hide All" option for all lots is "hidden" in Multi-Tool in Step 3 in Creator/Editor. Tick "Set Hidden for all lots" and press okay. This will set all lots
to be hidden. Attention! Because this option will modify the lots and I found in error in previous version, be sure to have the latest version (1.0.7)
of SSPTool!
(It looks I have to write a little documentation of my program and list all functions that are possible  "$Deal"$)

For the growable lots, I think of an option to generally exclude this lots from showing, but I can add two functions: An option (DAMN Options) to exclude the lots generally and when not checked to deselect them automatically in Step 2.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on February 26, 2009, 11:07:11 PM
Quote from: Warrior on February 26, 2009, 09:21:33 AM
Thanks, Stephan.
I meant one that can read the RUL Files inside the dats, without taking them out.

Jonathan

This will make no problem. I will provide an viewer of RUL soon.
The highlighting, etc. is a little more difficult and this may take some more time.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: CasperVg on February 26, 2009, 11:49:22 PM
Thanks for the quick answer to my questions, Stefan!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: JoeST on February 27, 2009, 08:03:30 AM
Hey stefan :)

awesome stuff you are continuing to make more awesome :)

I just downloaded and started it. It opened, but strangely enough, all the text was ??? XD

EDIT: well that was on double-clicking on the jar, but loading the jar from commandline it worked fine :) tis an awesome tool, though I am particularly fussy, and dont enjoy the sequential menu-ing hehe. It is AWESOME.

Sorry I havent been around to develop anything with it... I still cant get dbpf4j to work. it complies to a simple .class file fine, but cant run using java [class] -* DBPF4J*.jar referencing. I also have been doing other things.

Joe
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: andy33b on March 13, 2009, 04:06:44 AM
Hi Stefan,

first of all  :thumbsup: for your work.
I have a few suggestions to improve the SSP tool, especially the DAMN-creator:

As a future tool I'd like to see a "sorter" like an explorer with tree-view, list-view and drag-n-drop to easily rearrange the elements among the tree and inside a folder. This tool should "of course" be able to scan the plugin-directory and extract the lots from there. Such a scan should probably be made in two steps:
From what I already have seen and tried, such a cross list should reference:
...oh yes, almost forgot, If you include the SC-native lots and transit elements, scan simcity_?.dat, EP1.dat and the correct simcity_locale.dat (in european version of SC there are several of them).

andy
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on March 16, 2009, 03:34:21 AM
Hi andy,

thanks for your ideas for SSPTool.

Quote from: andy33b on March 13, 2009, 04:06:44 AM
Hi Stefan,

first of all  :thumbsup: for your work.
I have a few suggestions to improve the SSP tool, especially the DAMN-creator:

  • remember the path of the last selected files in step 1. It is tedious to have to navigate each time the whole path down to the files, (almost) to the same place you were last time
  • in step 2, show the exemplar name or item name or, if existing, the ltext-content instead of the TGI. I think most users are driven by the name they find in the SC-menu, not the TGI (which is normally hidden in SC)
  • make the tool accessible with the keyboard. When working mobile (on the couch, in the train, ...) or just if someone prefers to work with the keyboard the tool isn't quite handy. If you need more info, I'll make a list of what IMHO isn't right (I won't be able to dig myself into the code since I haven't programmed in java yet).

As a future tool I'd like to see a "sorter" like an explorer with tree-view, list-view and drag-n-drop to easily rearrange the elements among the tree and inside a folder. This tool should "of course" be able to scan the plugin-directory and extract the lots from there. Such a scan should probably be made in two steps:

  • 1. Step: build a cross reference list. Since Exemplars, Icons, Ltext can/would be in different files and/or overwritten (in the "zzz_"-folders)
  • 2. Step: load and combine the Elements (Exemplar, PNG, LText) according to this list
From what I already have seen and tried, such a cross list should reference:

  • Exemplares with Type:"Building", Occupant Groups (list of I32, search the ones that belong to a SC-Menu), Item Icon (TGI reference), Item Name (plain text) or Item Description (TGI reference)
  • PNG with size 44x172 pixel (think you know this, since you have it already in your tool)
  • LText files
...oh yes, almost forgot, If you include the SC-native lots and transit elements, scan simcity_?.dat, EP1.dat and the correct simcity_locale.dat (in european version of SC there are several of them).

andy

Path-remembering is very important and I will implement this asap.
The viewing of exemplar name instead of TGI and some more things of reading lots will need a redesign of my program. This will be the next big step. => see SSPTool-1.1.2
Implement the keyboard will be possible, so please tell me what keys should work.

Some of this sorting you can do with the DBPF Editor. You can read a whole folder, show the lots, manipulate the order, menue position and save them.
But reading the whole plugin order will cause an OutOfMemory Error, so I have to redesign the program for better memory using. (Next big step)

I think version 2 of SSPTool and plugins could have all the benefits you wish.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on March 18, 2009, 05:55:15 AM
Hi together!

Before my RL is catching me and till free-time are 2 weeks, I release the newest updates of SSPTool and its plugins:

- SSPTool-1.1.2: The MAIN program (Updated DBPF4J, new DBPF4J-Ext, debugLevel, variable screensize,...)
- DAMN-1.1.0: Installer, Creator, Editor, Indexer (remember path,deselect growable,improvements,...)
- Editor-0.5.0: Modify some properties for a list of exemplars (remember path,improved multitool,...)
- Scanner-1.1.3: Scans plugins folder and move unneccessary files to pluginsDoc (minor updates)
- !!NEW!! RULer-0.0.1: View, edit and export of RUL entries

- SSPTool_Complete112: SSPTool-1.1.2 + DAMN-1.1.0 + Editor-0.5.0 + Scanner-1.1.3 + RULer-0.0.1

for programmers:
- DBPF4J-1.1.2: Basic handling of DBPF files (included in SSPTool)
- DBPF4J-Ext-1.1.2: Extensions for DBPF4J (included in SSPTool)

Next step:
- Version 2: Redesign of DBPF4J-Ext, SSPTool, Plugins
- FiSHer-x.x.x: Import/Export/Edit of FSH
- Sorter-x.x.x: As andy33b described previous

Regards Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: JoeST on March 18, 2009, 06:16:00 AM
hey Stefan, thanks for the update :)

what do the DBPF4J extensions do? is the source (the .java) going to be avaiable?

also, would you like a website making? it would be a good thing to have the javadoc avaliable on the web.

Joe
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on March 18, 2009, 07:16:22 AM
Quote from: JoeST on March 18, 2009, 06:16:00 AM
hey Stefan, thanks for the update :)

what do the DBPF4J extensions do? is the source (the .java) going to be avaiable?

also, would you like a website making? it would be a good thing to have the javadoc avaliable on the web.

Joe

Hi Joe,

the extensions need more dependant libs and provide renderer, image tools, DBPFElement, which partly came from SSPTool-Plugin-Support.
I made this so I havn't to update the DBPF4J and Plugin-Support every time when I add a new renderer or something else and to keep a
minimum dependency of DBPF4J and Plugin-Support.
I havn't updated the CVS yet because I programmed "offline", but you can download the source-code from Sourceforge - SSPTool-dev - dbpf4j.
Maybe when I have time, I place the javadoc on the website but for now you can download it as same as source-code.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: JoeST on March 18, 2009, 11:36:40 AM
thankyou very much for the Source code :) it helped me understand the way of doing it much better :D

have you thought of making ssp.dbpf4j.entries.DBPFEntries into an Enum "class"? I "coded it up" to test my theory:
public enum DBPFEntry{

DIRECTORY (Long.decode("0xE86B1EEF"), Long.decode("0xE86B1EEF"), -1 ),

LD (Long.decode("0x6BE74C60"), Long.decode("0x6BE74C60"), -1);



private final long tid, gid, iid;

private String type;

DBPFEntry(long t, long g, long i){

this.tid = t; this.gid = g; this.iid = i;

}

public String getType(){

return name()+" file";

}

public long getID(char s){

long ret;

switch(s){

case 't':

ret = tid;

break;

case 'g':

ret = gid;

break;

case 'i':

ret = iid;

break;

default:

ret = -1;

}

return ret;

}

public String toString(){

long t = getID('t');

long g = getID('g');

long i = getID('i');

return getType()+" has a TGI of "+(t==-1?"X":t)+", "+(g==-1?"X":g)+", "+(i==-1?"X":i);

}

public static void main(String[] args){

for(DBPFEntry i : DBPFEntry.values())

System.out.println(i);

}

}

the main class just displays what the thing does :) I dont know if that will be more usefull to you

I dont know, are they even to be used? another one that could be Enumerated is DBPFTypes, but thats "not used" either, as far as I can see. and DBPFProperties?

Joe
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on March 19, 2009, 11:47:12 PM
Quote from: JoeST on March 18, 2009, 11:36:40 AM
thankyou very much for the Source code :) it helped me understand the way of doing it much better :D

have you thought of making ssp.dbpf4j.entries.DBPFEntries into an Enum "class"? I "coded it up" to test my theory:
...

the main class just displays what the thing does :) I dont know if that will be more usefull to you

I dont know, are they even to be used? another one that could be Enumerated is DBPFTypes, but thats "not used" either, as far as I can see. and DBPFProperties?

Joe

I thought about making the DBPFEntries into a Enum class - thats why this is a class but not an interface - but I have more overview,
when only have static final constants. And for getting the TGI or a string I have the getTGI and toString methods in DBPFEntry. I used
them often with DBPFUtil.isTGI to check, if an entry is a specific type.

DBPFType is an interface (as described the reason above) and I use this internal in DBPFConverter.createData for determine the right type.

DBPFProperties is - not an interface and - a mix: It has final constants for getting properties from exemplar (this was necessary at beginning) but now has a hashtable which is set from SSPTool with all available properties in a exemplar. When searching a specific property its easier for the programmer to search
for DBPFProperties.ITEM_ORDER instead of 0x8a2602b9 but I have only listed the most interesting and maybe in further version the constants will be gone...

Look at DBPFUtil as it provides some interesting functions.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: JoeST on March 20, 2009, 03:41:48 AM
ok, your DBPFEntry  equals()  method doesnt take into account -1's. and I was just trying to get the "gui" name for an entry, as they are named in DBPFEntries, like if the item is a DIRECTORY file, I wanted to get the string "directory" etc. and I would guess similar things might be usefull in DBPFType and DBPFProperties?

Joe
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on March 20, 2009, 08:53:07 AM
Quote from: JoeST on March 20, 2009, 03:41:48 AM
ok, your DBPFEntry  equals()  method doesnt take into account -1's. and I was just trying to get the "gui" name for an entry, as they are named in DBPFEntries, like if the item is a DIRECTORY file, I wanted to get the string "directory" etc. and I would guess similar things might be usefull in DBPFType and DBPFProperties?

Joe

Let me see, what I can do for you. Maybe the enum isn't wrong as I first thought of.
But this menas also the next version wouldn't be compatible with the old one, so this need a complete redesign, I haven't the time at the moment.
After next week there would be time, so please wait.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: JoeST on March 20, 2009, 09:07:19 AM
hey, I can wait, I was just suggesting :)

Joe
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: andy33b on March 23, 2009, 12:14:34 AM
hi Stefan,

I checked your new version this weekend. First of all,  :thumbsup: that your damn-creator tool now selects just the potential lots. This is a good help.
I have following issues/suggestions:

andy
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on March 23, 2009, 11:39:56 PM
Hi andy,

thanks for your feedback. Some of your ideas will be easy to realize, some of them a little difficult.
The idea to remove the description and make a button with help text seems to be very important,
because on the one side it provide more space in the dialogs and on the other side the help could
be more detailed.
I will see what I can do and will implement it in my next release.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on March 23, 2009, 11:45:35 PM
A little question to everyone who use my SSPTool:


Should the size of the dialogs be larger than 600 x 500 pixel, e.g. 800 x 600?

(By the way you can resize a dialog when moving the mouse to the border.)

Any other ideas for next version of SSPTool should be post this week. Next week I will begin to implement it!

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: andy33b on March 25, 2009, 01:29:17 AM
Hi Stefan,

I would appreciate it. with a larger dialog you gain valuable space to arrange the different buttons or make the list-boxes larger (having more lines visible, arrange the informations in several columns, that might also be sortable or not,...).
Most (almost all) computers should have now-a-days screens that are larger than 800x600, except maybe subnotebooks and similar. but I doubt that on such a device SC4 runs smoothly.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on March 29, 2009, 12:58:42 PM
Stefan, I have an issue with the tool.  It won't accept my installation directory.  If keeps defaulting back to yours and says mine isn't valid.

Edit:  Meant to say, we have found an effective way of removing the lots from the menu.  You need to copy the building exemplar into a new dat file that needs to load after the original lots.  Then remove the lot resource key from the exemplar and this will remove the lot from the menu.

As this needs to load after the original lots this must be installed into the SC4Plugins directory.  If you are able to add to the tool it would be excellent.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on April 15, 2009, 12:04:42 AM
Hi Diggis,

when choosing the directory, be sure to take the path without the subfolder Apps, e.g. c:\Games\SimCity 4 Deluxe\. Also the MyDocs/Plugin folder has to be right or the program will not accept any of the paths.

The second thing to remove items from menu sounds fantastic and I will integrate this in my program.

But at the moment I have to do so much in RL, I can't develop my program but I hope this will be better in 2-3 weeks.

And sorry for this late answer.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on April 15, 2009, 01:00:25 AM
What file is it looking for with the config?  My path is:

C:\programme files\maxis\simcity 4\

I have the original plus rush hour, not delux, but every time I add that folder is says it's not valid.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on April 16, 2009, 11:19:01 PM
It only tests, if the path exists, nothing more. But the application path AND the plugin path have to be exist.
If any of the both doesn't exist, it will not accept one of them (I will change this in further version). So be sure
to choose an existing application and plugin path.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on April 17, 2009, 04:48:43 AM
Hmmm, I'll take another look, might be the My Docs with the problem then
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Need4Camaro on May 17, 2009, 06:18:55 PM
I'm having problems with the DAMN-Menu. I have exported a Menu for a dat file of mine containing several lots and I also made those lots hidden. However when I load up the game, the lots are completely visable in my Menu, and also my Menu is not appearing in the News Ticker. I also checked all the advisors. The .dat file for the menu IS inside the plugins folder. What is wrong?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on May 19, 2009, 05:03:07 AM
This could be two possible things:

1. Advices must be turned on, to activate the DAMN menu.
2. The work directory of SimCity shouldn't end with /Apps but with SimCity, else DAMN will not work!

(These thing will be displayed in Finished Step of the DAMN Creator.)

Last the dat file of the DAMN menu has to be in the .../Apps/SimCity 4/Plugins folder not in
the .../My Docs/SimCity 4/Plugins, but this should be, when you use the DAMN Creator.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on July 04, 2009, 02:51:13 AM
Stefan, I've manged to get this to work, although maybe not quite as intended  :D

It still ignores my attempts to put the correct paths in so I just ignore it and move stuff when done. ;D  It's brilliant!  One small thing to consider, would you be able to get the lot image (not the icon the larger one) into the DAMN file?  I have found DAT packer will delete these so if they aren't included in the file and someone is playing with packed plugins they will lose them.

Edit:  I have an error with the DAMN editor part.  When I open a file to edit it uses the Icon image as the main image and cuts the description down to 1 line.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: koki373737 on July 26, 2009, 12:47:40 PM
Quote from: Diggis on October 06, 2008, 02:53:28 AM
Quote
OK, I think we have a way of removing the files from the menu.  However I need some testers to verify that it doesn't break the files.  I need people who are using the DAMN to test this for me, before I start releasing how we did it.  All going well I will let you all in on the secret.  Wink

Volunteers please PM me an email address to send the files to.  I will try sort it out and email them tonight.
Just wondering, sorry if I missed, but has this feature been added do SSPTool? I downloaded SSPTool and browsed the rest of the thread, but couldnt find out. Is it that "hidden" option from DAMN Creator/Configure Menuitem?

Also, which would be the best use when using DAMN Creator and datpacker? Should I select the uncompressed .dat to DAMNify and the run dat packer after or can I Use DAMN Creator directly with the packed dat?

Thanks, and congratulation for this great tool

Marcelo
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on July 29, 2009, 03:46:28 AM
Hi folks,

soon (2 weeks) I will return to SSPTool and try to include all the ideas, remove the bugs and give help,
but at the moment I have to do so much in RL, SSPTool has to wait.
By the way, I will include the new feature to remove icons from the menu and will test how to use
DAMN Creator together with DATPacker.

So, please wait a little,

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on July 29, 2009, 04:00:27 AM
Koki,

No, that feature to remove the DAMN from the menus is different to the hidden, which causes the user to have to reslect the lot every plop.

As for using the DAMN with DAT Packed files, it should be possible, but not always the best way.  I tend to use the unpacked files as I have more control over what loads.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: JoeST on July 29, 2009, 04:39:08 AM
Good to here from you Stefan :) Cant wait for you to get back :)

Joe
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 24, 2009, 12:23:02 AM
Hi folks,

good and bad news.
:thumbsup:
The good news: I've implemented the new way of hiding the icons from the menu (LotResourceKey), and to prevent the option to show them again in the menu, I add a LTEXT entry to the lot with the Value of the LotResourceKey. Although I manipulate the original lot, I think its the best way to implement this feature. Else I have to create a new file for each lot and this would reduce the performance. Second I implement a KeyIndexList which collect all necessary entries fom the Plugin folder to speed up the DAMN menu, when searching for LTEXT, PNG and more. Third I have implement a convert option to remove the ConditionalBuilding Property from File (if not a Reward of course) and do the new way of hiding, so anyone can convert to the new way without doing the whole DAMN menu once more.
:thumbsdown:
The bad news: The hiding works fine, but I will test it a little bit more before I publish it. Second the KeyIndexList has to be updated each time, the program start, I think about doing this only when necessary. Third I have not take care of DAT Packer yet, and this I will also test.
"$Deal"$
Finally, although I have made some great steps, it will take some more time to "eliminate" the bad news. But I think next week it will be ready to publish a BETA at least or perhaps a final version.

I know, you can't wait for this to publish...

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on August 24, 2009, 12:40:09 AM
Stefan,  If I have read this correctly, you are saying that what your new version does is edit the original files to remove the lot resource Key property?  This poses a problem in that we would need to redistribute any files that have been DAMNed.  What I have been doing is copying the building exemplars into a new file and removing the LotResourceKey and saving it to a Z folder as an override.  That way the user just has to remove that folder and they come back.  If possibly, I would recommend this way as it has no impact on original files and allows someone to retroactivly DAMN old works.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 24, 2009, 01:25:00 AM
@Diggis,
Let me explain what I have found when implementing the new way of menu hiding: When I take the original exemplar entry, remove the Lot Resource Key and save the file to a new file loaded after the original file, it won't work! Why? Because the directory file is not the same as in original file. When I change the IID to the one in the original file, it works!
So I decided to remove the LotResourceKey in the original file, but I recognize that the value wouldn't be always the exemplar ID and so I add a LTEXT entry, where the value of the LotResourceKey can be readed. With this it is possible to undone the hiding operation, either by opening SC4Reader, add the LotResourceProperty to the exemplar and give them the value that can be read in the LTEXT entry or by using the SSPTool (I will add this option this week). The LTEXT entry can then be removed from the file, if wished.
This have the advantage to hide and unhide the menu icon without getting the lot once more, when it was damned. On the other side, there will be no more files in a new z folder which would expand the Plugin folder. Second if you want to change a property value of the lot, this have to be done in the new z folder, but when you delete it to unhide the icon, the change will be lost, too. So I think manipulating the original file would be the best way...

But to satisfy everyones wishes, I can make both things: Either manipulate the original lot or create a new lot in the z folder.
Would this be okay for everyone or might there be any other things, I forgot?

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on August 24, 2009, 04:01:05 AM
I'm not sure of the problem with the DIR IID.  I've done (manually with the reader) 4 or 5 sets of DAMN files without any problem.  As long as the IID of the building Exemplar is the same it will overwrite the original if it loads last. 

The only reason I'm asking for this is it makes it easier for the end user.  We can't upload the original lot files, because it's against the community spirit, meaning the end user has to open the SSPTool and change the settings themselves.  This way it's all included in one upload.

Having both ways is a fine solution for me, as it allows those with the knowledge to edit the originals easily on their own machine and allows them to create a file that will do it on others.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on August 24, 2009, 11:06:18 AM
My first reply on this topic.

@Stefan79 i like the idea of both version because then i can manipulate the original lot's that i want & with the create a new lot in the z folder option i can test some lots and go back easy if i rather just have the icon in the game menu + it's easier for many who ain't that experienced(i'm one of them, though i try to understand the more complexed things...  :) :thumbsup:)

Ps: thank you for this great program as i've moved more lots from the menu to DAMN for easier access, and with this new update i can hide the icons in the menues so there will be less cluther there to  &apls
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: freedo50 on August 24, 2009, 02:17:59 PM
Stefan, I've been using your wonderful SSPTool to make DAMN sets, and Shaun taught me his method of hiding the lots. IMHO, that method of adding new "override" exemplars is the best solution, and (as Shaun was kind enough to explain to me) doesn't increase the size of your plugins folder by more than about 20Kb even for big sets.

It works fine for me every time - if you'd like an example DAMN mod to look at I have a few in the scrutineering stages right now that you could take a look at, or I'm sure Shaun will have some too. The only way I can see this not working would be if you don't have the new exemplar file loading last...

Fred
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on August 25, 2009, 03:26:46 AM
First of all, I would like to congratulate you on the wonderful tool you have made.  It has allowed me to make a basic set of DAMN menus, multiple levels deep, for over 50 RTMT stations, and the whole thing took only about 15 minutes to do.

I have one request.  I notice that you go into the LTEXT files that are available to get all the information you can.  For those people who have implemented multiple language support in their LTEXT files, could you carry that over into DAMN?  I know that that this would not provide a full multiple language solution, but it would certainly help a lot.

Also, is there some way that the "Add Files" command could open the same folder used last time, even if it can remember only from the same session?  That would be very helpful as well.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 25, 2009, 04:24:49 AM
Thank you freedo50, z and all others,

but notice that the new version is still under process and not publish, yet. Think, next week it will be finished.

@z:
To your requests:
Remembering the last path for the Add files command should be no problem and I will implement this in the new version.
The second thing to support the multiple languages is a good idea and I will try to implement this in the new version.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: sithlrd98 on August 25, 2009, 07:26:32 AM
So, I have kinda been following this...from a distance $%#Ninj2 and had not seen the newest additions...very cool!   Now here is the question: I need to find the latest version , mainly for checking freedo50's stuff for scruiteenering ,and also because my curiosity has been peaked! Since there have been a few revisions I'm not sure which is "the Latest and Greatest!".

Jayson
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on August 25, 2009, 08:36:16 AM
Oh, something I forgot to mention, when you edit an existing DAMN it cuts the end off the LTEXT information when you reload it.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 26, 2009, 01:42:51 AM
To all users,

there are some bugs (or should I call features) in the latest public version (SSPTool_Complete112.zip from Sourceforge).
So, if you can wait this week, you will get a newer and better version next week. I'll try to implement your wishes and
ideas, remove bugs and add features to make the creation of DAMN menues easy as it can be. And for expert users
is the LotEditor which can edit/change some things of the lot.

@sithlrd98:
The latest public version is 1.1.2 (SSPTool_Complete112.zip) from Sourceforge.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on August 26, 2009, 11:04:39 AM
I'm looking forward to the new version.

1 question though(i just remembered this): is the "path to simcity game" bug one of the fixed bugs in the new version, as i have the game under E:\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe and in current version(1.1.2) it doesn't find the path so every time i restart SSPTool i have to put in the path to make new DAMN's.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on August 26, 2009, 12:13:45 PM
Ahh, That wasn't a bug, it was user error.  Check that both paths are correct as it turned out that my problem was that the My Docs path was wrong.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on August 26, 2009, 09:47:32 PM
Quote from: Stefan79 on August 25, 2009, 04:24:49 AM
The second thing to support the multiple languages is a good idea and I will try to implement this in the new version.

I would imagine that integrating strings into the LTEXT subfiles shouldn't be too bad - you just need to add more LTEXT subfiles.  But some LTEXT strings end up in the LUA script.  Is it possible for their translations can get in there as well?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 26, 2009, 10:55:03 PM
As I know SimCity takes the TGI from the LTEXT and search for different GroupID to choose the local language. The offsets are:
00 Default
01 US English
02 UK English
03 French
04 German
...
So, I can take the TGI from LTEXT, add the local language (choosed in SSPTool) and try to search for this TGI.
When SSPTool doesn't find any LTEXT, it will take the default.

Quote from: z on August 26, 2009, 09:47:32 PM
I would imagine that integrating strings into the LTEXT subfiles shouldn't be too bad - you just need to add more LTEXT subfiles.  But some LTEXT strings end up in the LUA script.  Is it possible for their translations can get in there as well?
I don't understand what you mean with "end up in the LUA script". Can you give me an example or maybe send me a file and explain what SSPTool should taken from LUA file? Or do you concrete mean to edit the LUA script of DAMN to localize it? Then, I have to ask Daeley because he does this LUA DAMN script.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on August 26, 2009, 11:30:55 PM
Quote from: Stefan79 on August 26, 2009, 10:55:03 PM
As I know SimCity takes the TGI from the LTEXT and search for different GroupID to choose the local language. The offsets are:
00 Default
01 US English
02 UK English
03 French
04 German
...

Yes, that part's correct.

QuoteSo, I can take the TGI from LTEXT, add the local language (choosed in SSPTool) and try to search for this TGI.
When SSPTool doesn't find any LTEXT, it will take the default.

No, this wouldn't work.  The result would be that whenever the menu was used, it would display in the language of the menu's creator, when you actually want it to display in the language of the menu's user.  So instead of adding the local language, you have to add all available languages.  At run time, the system will pick the right one for the user.

QuoteI don't understand what you mean with "end up in the LUA script". Can you give me an example or maybe send me a file and explain what SSPTool should taken from LUA file? Or do you concrete mean to edit the LUA script of DAMN to localize it? Then, I have to ask Daeley because he does this LUA DAMN script.

In the building exemplar, there are two properties that contain text that ends up in the DAMN menus.  The Item Description Key points to an LTEXT subfile that currently ends up as part of an LTEXT subfile in menu data file.  This is handled by the procedure described above.  But the property User Visible Name Key, which is the name of the building, points to an LTEXT subfile whose contents end up in the LUA script.  Here's an example:

local item1 = DAMenu.newItem()
item1.linkname = "Bus Stop (Road)"
item1.description = [[text@145ab450]]
item1.iid = "0c9db024"
item1.info[1] = "Size: 0 x 0"
item1.info[2] = ""
item1.icon = "sc4://HTML/1d424f4e/145ab450"
item1.hidden = false
item1.network = false
DAMenu.addItem(menu,item1)


This is the entire code for a single menu item.  The string "Bus Stop (Road)", which resides in item1.linkname, originally came from an LTEXT subfile, and there are translations of this string into many other languages using the structure you outlined.  I'm sure it's possible to get the other languages in here, as LUA is a reasonably powerful scripting language, but it may take a bit of work.  Yet if DAMN menus are to provide the full functionality of regular menus, I think this is important work to do.  As you mention, though, you may have to talk to Daeley about it.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on August 27, 2009, 12:03:20 AM
Yeah, I would imagine adding the additional languages to the LUA might be something Daeley will need to look into.  If you are super keen to get it in then you should post it in his thread.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on August 27, 2009, 01:09:30 AM
OK.  In the mean time, I've found what appears to be a bug, and I have a couple of requests.

The bug is that while SSPTool can be used to specify a custom large icon by clicking in the space on the menu items configuration page, this doesn't work for the small icon.  PNG is not one of the allowed file types (although it is for the large icon).  If I select "All types" so that I can see PNG files, I can select one, but then an empty item selection box comes up, and there's nothing to select.

My requests are as follows:  1) In the bottom text box, could you please put a simoleon sign ('§') right before the cost number?  This seems to be standard practice in the game.  2) In the same text box, could you please change the three occurrences of "costs" to "cost"?  Grammatically, this is better English, and it also reflects how the properties are named in the exemplar.

Thanks again for all the wonderful work you're doing here.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 27, 2009, 01:56:06 AM
Thanks for this bug report and the requests:

Quote from: z on August 27, 2009, 01:09:30 AM
OK.  In the mean time, I've found what appears to be a bug, and I have a couple of requests.

The bug is that while SSPTool can be used to specify a custom large icon by clicking in the space on the menu items configuration page, this doesn't work for the small icon.  PNG is not one of the allowed file types (although it is for the large icon).  If I select "All types" so that I can see PNG files, I can select one, but then an empty item selection box comes up, and there's nothing to select.
This is not really a bug. Because the icon need to be a special format (width: 4x44, height: 44), I only enable existing lots (sc4lot,dat) to choose the icon from them. Thats why PNG file type is not allowed. But I will change this and only allow (display) the PNG, when it has the right dimension.

Quote from: z on August 27, 2009, 01:09:30 AM
My requests are as follows:  1) In the bottom text box, could you please put a simoleon sign ('§') right before the cost number?  This seems to be standard practice in the game.  2) In the same text box, could you please change the three occurrences of "costs" to "cost"?  Grammatically, this is better English, and it also reflects how the properties are named in the exemplar.

Thanks again for all the wonderful work you're doing here.  :thumbsup:
Okay, the simoleon sign is added before the cost.
Costs => Cost is changed and you can do it, if you cant wait in SPPTool/plugins/damn/lang/damn_en.properties Line 62-64, Key:x0010,x0011,x0012
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on August 27, 2009, 02:18:35 AM
Quote from: Stefan79 on August 27, 2009, 01:56:06 AM
Because the icon need to be a special format (width: 4x44, height: 44), I only enable existing lots (sc4lot,dat) to choose the icon from them. Thats why PNG file type is not allowed. But I will change this and only allow (display) the PNG, when it has the right dimension.

That would be great.  Thanks!

QuoteOkay, the simoleon sign is added before the cost.
Costs => Cost is changed and you can do it, if you cant wait in SPPTool/plugins/damn/lang/damn_en.properties Line 62-64, Key:x0010,x0011,x0012

Once again, thanks!  The changes are much appreciated.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on August 27, 2009, 11:07:22 AM
@Diggis
Thanks, i didn't see that the path to My Docs was wrong before your reply :-[ &ops.
Fixed it to correct path, and now it works great(now i only have to remember this with the new version, hehe).
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 27, 2009, 11:04:29 PM
Short programming report (new version will be 1.2.0, estimated 31.08.):
New dimension of the program is 800 x 600. Remove icon from dialogs to have more space. Improve the Memory management, loading time and some more.
Option to include all PNGs in the DAMN menu. Eliminate bugs like "remember last path", "choosing PNG for icon".
Implement the following options to hide the icon from menu:
1) DEFAULT: It will save the exemplar without the LotResourceKey in a new file plugins/zzzHide/zzzHide_<originalname>
2) OPTION: It will save the exemplar without LotResourceKey in a new file plugins/<originalpath>/zzzHide_<originalname>
3) OPTION: It will copy the original file to SSPTool/temp for backup. Then it will add a LTEXT with LotResourceKey info to the original file and remove the LotResourceKey from the original exemplar

I think with this options everyone would be satisfied.  :-\

Next step:
Redesign the DAMN Editor, fix bugs, Button to convert the old Hiding technique to the new one with LotResourceKey.
Implement the option to add different languages as LTEXT to the DAMN menu file. Check this with Daeley's menu and LUA script.

@shanghai kid
The new version will overwrite the old version (if you do extract into the same folder) and will use the old SSPTool.conf with the paths. So you don't have to remember  ()stsfd().

@diggis
I have checked the problem with the DIR entry and have found the following things:
a) If the Exemplar is Binary format and not compressed, iLive Reader will not create a DIR entry in a new file. When you remove the LotResourceKey from the new Exemplar it will not be shown in the menu but can be plopped from DAMN menu without loosing focus.  :thumbsup:
b) If the Exemplar is Binary format and compressed, iLive Reader will create a DIR entry in a new file. The TGI of the DIR have the same TGI as in Original file. When you remove the LotResourceKey from the new it will not be shown in the menu but can be plopped from DAMN menu as wished.  :thumbsup:
c) Same as b) but TGI from new DIR is not same as Original DIR: The Lot will not be shown in menu but in DAMN menu, but when you try to plop the lot, the game will CTD.  :thumbsdown:

Maybe you can confirm these list?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: andy33b on August 27, 2009, 11:22:20 PM
Quote from: Stefan79 on August 27, 2009, 11:04:29 PM
2) OPTION: It will save the exemplar without LotResourceKey in a new file plugins/<originalpath>/zzzHide_<originalname>

I like this option:
1. the original file doesn't get touched
2. when one datpacks his plugin-folder, datpacker doesn't create a second instance of the exemplar that has to be loaded 2 times by the game, that isn't the the idea of datpacker.

:thumbsup: greate job you do.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on August 28, 2009, 01:26:56 AM
Quote from: Stefan79 on August 27, 2009, 11:04:29 PM
@diggis
I have checked the problem with the DIR entry and have found the following things:
a) If the Exemplar is Binary format and not compressed, iLive Reader will not create a DIR entry in a new file. When you remove the LotResourceKey from the new Exemplar it will not be shown in the menu but can be plopped from DAMN menu without loosing focus.  :thumbsup:
b) If the Exemplar is Binary format and compressed, iLive Reader will create a DIR entry in a new file. The TGI of the DIR have the same TGI as in Original file. When you remove the LotResourceKey from the new it will not be shown in the menu but can be plopped from DAMN menu as wished.  :thumbsup:
c) Same as b) but TGI from new DIR is not same as Original DIR: The Lot will not be shown in menu but in DAMN menu, but when you try to plop the lot, the game will CTD.  :thumbsdown:

Maybe you can confirm these list?


I'm not the greatest with this stuff but will try take a look this weekend at that.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: freedo50 on August 28, 2009, 05:59:36 AM
Hey Stefan, this sounds great, is there any chance you could change the path for the default option to "...Plugins\zzz_DAMN Remove\FILENAME", or give us an option to change it, as this will be inkeeping with the 20 or so sets that I've already made DAMN files for (they're currently being scrutineered for the LEX).

Cheers, and thanks for making this great program!
Fred
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 28, 2009, 07:00:13 AM
Quote from: freedo50 on August 28, 2009, 05:59:36 AM
Hey Stefan, this sounds great, is there any chance you could change the path for the default option to "...Plugins\zzz_DAMN Remove\FILENAME", or give us an option to change it, as this will be inkeeping with the 20 or so sets that I've already made DAMN files for (they're currently being scrutineered for the LEX).

Cheers, and thanks for making this great program!
Fred

Have implemented it and the option to change the hideFolder and the hidePrefix in DAMN options. They are not saved in config file but I have choosen "zzz_DAMN Remove" for hideFolder and "" (empty) for hidePrefix, so it would fit your wishes.
Btw, I have taken care of same file names which will be hidden: DAMN checks, if the file already exists and when it does, it creates a subfolder in the hideFolder with the LotResourceKey value, and saves the file there. Or might it be better to keep the subfolder path of the hidden lot and creates these subfolders in the hideFolder?  ()what()
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 31, 2009, 06:53:34 AM
Hi together,

its (nearly) done!
:thumbsup:

But before I publish the new SSPTool with DAMN-Plugin to the whole world, I think its better to have some BETA-Tests. So if anyone wants to test the new SSPTool please tell me per PM. I will then give you a link, where to download the new SSPTool. But you have to test the program till Friday as soon as possible and tell me any bugs, so I can do the final things (Bugfixes) on weekend, and everyone can get it next monday.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 07, 2009, 02:07:01 AM
Hi folks,

its done!  :thumbsup:
I have upload the new version 1.2.3 of SSPTool and DAMN to sourceforge.
Download SSPTool_Complete-1.2.3.zip to have the DAMN Creator/Editor, RULer and Scanner.
Because the Hiding method has changed, it is necessary to translate the old hidden lots to the
new method. To do so, choose the "DAMN Extras" from the DAMN main windows and press
"Convert old DAMN Lots". Useless to say, you should always make a backup of your files, if you
modify the original lot!

For those who want to edit lots, you can test the editor (SSPTool-Editor-1.5.0.zip).
The Button LotEditor is still working but will soon be replaced by LotEditor2, which I'm still working on.

Hope, the new DAMN Creator/Editor will reach your wishes...

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: freedo50 on September 07, 2009, 07:00:54 AM
Hi stefan,
Just tested this out and it is a massive improvement in usability over the last version, so massive  :thumbsup: for that! The new method of lot hiding is great, but would it be possible to add the option to create just one .dat to hide all the lots for a particular DAMN file? I know I keep asking for more, but I think this option would perfectly finish off the DAMN section of this program.

Thanks,
Fred
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 07, 2009, 07:22:38 AM
Hi Fred,

I had to test, if it is possible, because I've found that the DIR entry is important and including all exemplars in one DAT, would only allow one DIR entry. But if it works, it woul be no problem to implement this and if not, I could try to write the Exemplar entrys without compression, so a DIR entry is not needed.

So standby, improvements are always coming...

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: freedo50 on September 07, 2009, 09:18:01 AM
Hi Stefan,
I'm not sure exactly what you mean by that, and I'm not totally clued-up on the structure of .dats, but the DIR entry can have multiple entries inside it, which could be what you need to do to put multiple exemplars in one .dat. Certainly, I've had no problems with the .dats that I've made by manually extracting all the exemplars for one DAMN file into one .dat.

If you need to see what I mean, try and have a look at the files I've posted in my scrutineering thread here (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=8559.0).

Fred
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 07, 2009, 10:46:07 PM
Hi Fred and Diggis,

as I mentioned in last post, it is necessary to have the DIR entry with the same TGI as in Original file for the hiding. But it was my mistake, because I thought, the DIR entry could have different Instance ID, but this was wrong, it has always TGI 0xe86b1eef 0xe86b1eef 0x286b1f03. I have corrected this and now it is no problem to include more than one exemplar without LotResourceKey for hiding in one dat file. I will implement this option, so you can choose, if you want every single hidden file or one dat per one DAMN menu.
But I now ask what I should make as default: Single files or One dat?  ()what()

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: freedo50 on September 08, 2009, 07:18:23 AM
One dat would be tidier, but if people ar going to use this for themselves then maybe single ones would be better so that they can unhide things without having to remember which .dat it's in? Or you could put all the single .sc4lot files in a subfolder with the same name as the DAMN file for the single files option?

Just throwing some ideas out here.
Fred
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 08, 2009, 07:37:29 AM
Hi together,

I have implement the One Dat option and the DAMN options will be read/save to a config file, so you don't have to setup the options.
The One Dat will be named after the DAMN menu file, so its easy to remove the DAMN menu with the hiding Dat file.
Uploaded the new version to sourceforge and to the LEX:

SSPTool_Complete-1.2.4.zip

(Soon it will be available at LEX, when I get rid of a upload problem.)

If anyone else but you wish the option to place the lots in a subfolder named after the DAMN menu, I will implement this.
I will collect all ideas this week, and see what I can implement.

In mean time, I work on the LotEditor Plugin, which I think, will also be very helpful as the DAMN Plugin.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: freedo50 on September 09, 2009, 05:19:36 AM
Stefan, Thanks a lot for the quick update - very useful! Also, don't worry about offending me if you don't implement one of my suggestions; they are just that, and I'm more than aware that this is ultimately your program  :)

Fred
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: City Builder on September 09, 2009, 04:41:24 PM
Hi,

First off thank you for the tool.

Second: I can't get any of the files that I put into the DAMN with the tool to show up.

I downloaded the SSPTool, and run the .jar file since running the .bat file doesn't work for me under windows vista 64 bit home premium.

The program starts fine and runs fine.

I install DAMN through the SSPTOOL, then I create my first menu entry, follow through all the steps until the SSPTool tells me that DAMN has indexed properly.  I start the game open the Damn menu and it's blank, none of the files that I added to it are showing.

I run the inxdexer seperate from SSPTool and still, none of the lots that I add show up in the damn menu in the game.  There is indeed .dat files where they should be in the DAMN folders so the dat files are being created and the index process seems to go okay.

If this needs to go into the damn thread then my apologies, since I used the SSPTool to install DAMN and create (attempt to) my first menu I figured to post it here in case this is simply an issue with SSPTool and maybe Vista somehow or just my lack of doing things properly.  Seems pretty simple however, only 4 steps towards getting one of my plugins into the damn menu, so not sure if I could have gone wrong somewhere.

Thanks,
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: freedo50 on September 09, 2009, 05:41:08 PM
Citybuilder, take a look at this (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2917.msg185301#msg185301).

Fred
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: City Builder on September 09, 2009, 06:04:06 PM
Quote from: freedo50 on September 09, 2009, 05:41:08 PM
Citybuilder, take a look at this (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2917.msg185301#msg185301).

Fred

Thanks Fred, indeed I did have the Apps folder listed in the shortcut icon on my desktop.  I'll give it another go and see if I can start using all the plugins I've now added with this great easy to use tool.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 09, 2009, 10:39:01 PM
Hi Fred,

I quote the "Finish" screen of SSPTool-DAMN:

"Congratulations!
You have created the DAMN menu and items.
Now start your SimCity 4 and check out your "Advices" are turned on. You will see a message "Open Additional Submenues" which starts the DAMN menue.
ATTENTION!
The work directory of SimCity shouldn't end with /Apps but with SimCity, else DAMN will not work!
If something is not as you wanted, feel free to start the wizard again.
Have fun with DAMN menu invented by Daeley!"

But it seems most people don't read the ATTENTION, so I will change the text to:

"Congratulations!
You have created the DAMN menu and items.
ATTENTION!
The work directory of SimCity shouldn't end with "...SimCity 4/Apps" but with ".../SimCity 4", else DAMN will not work!
Now start your SimCity 4 and check out your "Advices" are turned on. You will see a message "Open Additional Submenues" which starts the DAMN menue.
If something is not as you wanted, feel free to start the wizard again.
Have fun with DAMN menu invented by Daeley!"


And if I implement the help text in HTML in one of the next version, the ATTENTION will become bold and red  ;)

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on September 10, 2009, 03:54:11 AM
Unfortunatly Stefan, there is little you'll be able to do to stop that, we'll just have to catch it when people ask.  At least it's a quick easy solution.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: City Builder on September 10, 2009, 12:45:02 PM
Honestly, I think if it was in red and actually explained about how it's the "shortcut" that you are talking about I would have gotten the idea perhaps something like:

Attention!
If you start SimCity 4 from a shortcut on your desktop (or elsewhere)  instead of your start menu,
please ensure that in the shortcut's property panel it has a working directory listed of /Simcity4 and
NOT of /Simcity 4/Apps  Else the DAMN will not function at all.

To access your shortcuts property panel, right click on the shortcut to SC4 on your desktop, and
choose "Properties" to view the properties of the shortcut.

Something along those lines would have had me go and check my shortcut to see what the working directory is since it was applicable to how I start SimCity4.  With the way it is written above, it did not cross my mind what the heck it was telling me, but telling me it pertains to a shortcut that I use to start SC4 would have grabbed my attention since that's how I start it.

Thanks and sorry again.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on September 10, 2009, 01:26:10 PM
I think that City Builder's warning is the best and clearest so far.  However, the forward slashes ('/') should be changed to backslashes ('\'), at least for Windows users.  Also, the italicized "shortcuts" should have an apostrophe before the final 's'.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Quesh on September 12, 2009, 04:35:57 AM
It's really interesting program  &apls
If you want I can help with French translation ;)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 14, 2009, 11:13:05 PM
Hi together,

Quesh help me with French translation, so next version will have the option to choose French for the program!
And I will try to implement the option to add language support to DAMN menus as far as it can be.
And the help will be in HTML with Hyperlink support for DAMN and maybe for SSPTool itself.
And maybe I can also finish a version of my new LotModifier plugin for SSPTool (modify recent things of lots)
like ilive's LEProp.
And of course I will do some little things here and there...

I will tell you in this forum, when its done and upload it to LEX then.
Btw, is there anything else, I should implement/integrate?

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: andy33b on September 15, 2009, 11:45:18 PM
Hi Stefan,

I have a few problems with DAMN creator:
1. from time to time the program seems to hang up. there is no way to recover the program except with task manager.
2. for quite a few lots the tool seems not able to read the LTEXT-files. In step 3 of Creator (detail view) the linkname has the original "Exemplar Name" (eg. Ut_RT_Street_Bus), the description is blank and the infotext1 is always "Size 0 x 0".
Last lots I found are eg. road-top-mass-transit from Cogeo (sorry have not the link right here). Do you have any clue where the problem might be?
3. Did you implement the feature, so DAMN creator get's back to the last selected folder (in step 1)? If so, then this doesn't work for me; if not, then forget this point.
4. Am I right that it's up to the user to select the right file, when a lot has an override somewhere else in the plugin-folder?

Last but not least, a request:
Could you provide me with some example code on the needed steps (from creating a DBPFfile-instance) to read eg. a property from an exemplar using your dbpf4j. I'd like to try something and it would save me quite some time.
What is the scheme to find the correct language SC4 uses, and then selecting the correct LTEXT file from within a dat-file?


Thanks
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 16, 2009, 01:34:09 AM
Hi andy33b,

to point 1:
Did you start the program with the Start.bat? Then maybe there will be something printed to the console. What have you done before the program hang up? Did the program always hang up at the same point or is it different from time to time or doing to doing?

to point 2:
You choose files you want to DAMN. No the creator scan these files for Lots and try to get the LTEXT and all other information from these files. But sometimes the language files or something else is not in the choosen files, so it will find nothing. The option to scan the whole plugin folder everytime might not be a good idea, because it would take some time. The second option is to choose more files that stores the LTEXT but no lots. This should also work for some times. The third option is for Experts: In tab configuration click on Expert mode. You will get an question to answer (I think you know the answer or try again) and if you are an expert, there will be a subpanel with TGI Key Index. Click on Create file to scan the whole plugin folder for TGI Keys. This may take some time and you should press Save file after done. Now, you either select to load the TGI Key Index at startup or manually to Read the file when needed. Background: The indexFile will store all Exemplar/LTEXT/PNG TGI Keys with there file location. If you move files or folders you have to create a new indexFile or errors will occur when trying to read a non-existing file. (Any changing of Lots with SSPTool will be recognized and the file will automatically be updated, so you don't need to press Save file often when working with SSPTool.)

to point 3:
I have implemented this and test it. But it only works, if you do not go to step 2 and then back, only, if you left in step 1. (That because the local path is stored in the wizard dialog of step 1 and not global.)

to point 4:
thats right, because like point 2, the only way is to scan the whole plugin folder to get all LTEXT/PNG and the latest Exemplars of a lot.

Remark: The scan of the whole plugin folder takes time and the user has to wait. For me, my plugin folder is nearly 3,5 GB and it will take around 2 minutes to do this. But if most users would accept, if SSPTool scan the whole plugin folder while waiting, I could add an option to do this at startup.

Last point:
If you have downloaded the DBPF4J from Sourceforge (I also prefer to download DBPF4J-Ext, too) there will be a subfolder called Examples with Test.java and some test files. Look into the Test.java for a short overview but here I will print some code:


DBPFReader reader = new DBPFReader();
DBPFFile file = reader.read(fileIn);
DBPFConverter converter = new DBPFConverter();
for (DBPFEntry entry : file.getEntryList()) {
   DBPFType type = converter.createType(entry);
   if (type instanceof DBPFExemplar) {
      DBPFExemplar exem = (DBPFExemplar)type;
                // DBPFUtil provides various methods to get a property, read/write values and much more, e.g.
                long val = DBPFUtil.getLongValue(exem, DBPFProperties.PARK_EFFECT, 0);
                long radius = DBPFUtil.getLongValue(exem, DBPFProperties.PARK_EFFECT, 1);
                System.out.println("Park Effect: "+val+", Radius: "+radius);
        }
}


For my knowledge the scheme of SimCity 4 to find the correct language is:
In Registry is the key for the language the user has installed SimCity. Now get the TGI and add to GID the language and search for this. If found this is the right LTEXT, if not get the LTEXT with the original TGI (default language = english).
Because I don't want to use the Registry of Windows, I get the TGI and search for this. I don't check other languages. But within including french language next version I will improve DAMN with the option to save the three supported languages (english, german, french) in DAMN file.

For more detail about programming, you should write me per PM. I think its not for this thread.

[edit]Btw, if your thing is useful, you can program it as a plugin for SSPTool? I would give you help for this and your tool would be distributed with SSPTool.[/edit]

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on September 20, 2009, 11:58:21 AM
I've finally had some time to check newest SSPTool and it works fine, but when i start the game the lots that i've marked with hidden still shows up in the game menu's(i used the multitool button and checked for use hide on all lots)  :'( &cry2.

How can i get them to hide in the game menu's so that they only show up in DAMN, as it's now it's like one of the first editions of SSPTool where the hide lot didn't work :'( ()what().

Ps. I've also tried to remove all the files in DAMN that i had made before using the latest version of SSPTool, and then re-indexing with the indexing .exe in root folder in DAMN, but still the lots shows up in the game menu's.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on September 20, 2009, 12:06:19 PM
Check where they are installing, they need to load after the original lots.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: andy33b on September 20, 2009, 11:09:48 PM
Quote from: Stefan79 on September 16, 2009, 01:34:09 AM
to point 1:
Did you start the program with the Start.bat? Then maybe there will be something printed to the console. What have you done before the program hang up? Did the program always hang up at the same point or is it different from time to time or doing to doing?
It happens randomly and when stating from cmd-prompt there is nothing special printed, the log's doesn't show anything special.

Quote from: Stefan79 on September 16, 2009, 01:34:09 AM
to point 2:
You choose files you want to DAMN. No the creator scan these files for Lots and try to get the LTEXT and all other information from these files. But sometimes the language files or something else is not in the choosen files, so it will find nothing. The option to scan the whole plugin folder everytime might not be a good idea, because it would take some time. The second option is to choose more files that stores the LTEXT but no lots. This should also work for some times. The third option is for Experts: In tab configuration click on Expert mode. You will get an question to answer (I think you know the answer or try again) and if you are an expert, there will be a subpanel with TGI Key Index. Click on Create file to scan the whole plugin folder for TGI Keys. This may take some time and you should press Save file after done. Now, you either select to load the TGI Key Index at startup or manually to Read the file when needed. Background: The indexFile will store all Exemplar/LTEXT/PNG TGI Keys with there file location. If you move files or folders you have to create a new indexFile or errors will occur when trying to read a non-existing file. (Any changing of Lots with SSPTool will be recognized and the file will automatically be updated, so you don't need to press Save file often when working with SSPTool.)
I always select the whole folder, so the DAMN creator would have the files with the lots and the ones with LTEXT. I checked the TGI's with iLives Reader and they seem to correspond.
Did you or someone else tried with the lots "road-top-mass-transit" from Cogeo. If it's only me, who doesn't get the text, then also the problem in point 1 could be my installation.

Quote from: Stefan79 on September 16, 2009, 01:34:09 AM
Btw, if your thing is useful, you can program it as a plugin for SSPTool? I would give you help for this and your tool would be distributed with SSPTool.
I'll do it as soon as I'm a bit more comfortable with java (so far I programmed in Delphi).

Andy33b
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 20, 2009, 11:32:34 PM
Quote from: shanghai kid on September 20, 2009, 11:58:21 AM
I've finally had some time to check newest SSPTool and it works fine, but when i start the game the lots that i've marked with hidden still shows up in the game menu's(i used the multitool button and checked for use hide on all lots)  :'( &cry2.

How can i get them to hide in the game menu's so that they only show up in DAMN, as it's now it's like one of the first editions of SSPTool where the hide lot didn't work :'( ()what().

Ps. I've also tried to remove all the files in DAMN that i had made before using the latest version of SSPTool, and then re-indexing with the indexing .exe in root folder in DAMN, but still the lots shows up in the game menu's.

Okay, lets start with SSPTool to search for the problem: When you have used the MultiTool to hide all items, steps through the items and check, if they are all really hidden. After choosing the DAMN folder, there will be an overview of the files/exemplars which are added to the DAMN menu. Are there items or is the DAT file empty? Third, go to Logger tab and set the debuglevel to 3. Press Save and send me the file, so I can see, if the hiding works right.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 21, 2009, 12:06:43 AM
Quote from: andy33b on September 20, 2009, 11:09:48 PM
It happens randomly and when stating from cmd-prompt there is nothing special printed, the log's doesn't show anything special.
I always select the whole folder, so the DAMN creator would have the files with the lots and the ones with LTEXT. I checked the TGI's with iLives Reader and they seem to correspond.
Did you or someone else tried with the lots "road-top-mass-transit" from Cogeo. If it's only me, who doesn't get the text, then also the problem in point 1 could be my installation.
I'll do it as soon as I'm a bit more comfortable with java (so far I programmed in Delphi).

Andy33b

Hmmm, fascinating. Do you have installed the latest JAVA (1.6). Check the PC tasks. Is there space for working or is the CPU/RAM at there maximum?

When you select the folder of RTMT in DAMN Creator, the files listed with there PNG/Exem/LTEXT. Is there a file with LTEXT or are they all zero? Btw. the RTMT is a little bit difficult, because the LotConfig/LotDescriptor/LText doesn't have always the "right" TGI and so DAMN Creator only use the LotDescriptor (Size always 0 x 0). At least have you installed the latest version 3.51?

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on September 21, 2009, 12:38:10 AM
Quote from: Stefan79 on September 21, 2009, 12:06:43 AM
Btw. the RTMT is a little bit difficult, because the LotConfig/LotDescriptor/LText doesn't have always the "right" TGI and so DAMN Creator only use the LotDescriptor (Size always 0 x 0).

I noticed that the size was sometimes zero, but didn't know why this was happening.  If RTMT has got some wrong TGIs, I should fix them.  Could you please be a little more specific about where this information is?

Also, RTMT will be coming out with a version with fully functional DAMN menus very soon.  (They've already passed their internal beta.)  So andy33b, you might just want to wait for that to come out.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 21, 2009, 01:40:24 AM
Quote from: z on September 21, 2009, 12:38:10 AM
I noticed that the size was sometimes zero, but didn't know why this was happening.  If RTMT has got some wrong TGIs, I should fix them.  Could you please be a little more specific about where this information is?

Also, RTMT will be coming out with a version with fully functional DAMN menus very soon.  (They've already passed their internal beta.)  So andyb33, you might just want to wait for that to come out.

Hi z,

sorry I don't realize you are the Team Leader of RTMT. Here are the details:
RTMTV3_Lots_NonRoadTop_US_High.dat:
UT_RT_BusStation IID: 0c9db004 has a UserVisibleNameKey = 6a5ea68f and ItemDescriptionKey = 4a5ea68f
UT_RT_SubwayStation IID: 0c9db005 has a UVNK = aa5ea68f and IDK = 8a5ea68f
They both are not in the RTMTV3_Locales.dat and have different IIDs than the other RTMT lots. Where do they come from?
- Oh, are they from original SimCity_Locale? Then I think SSPTool has to scan this file at startup, for better LText. -

The second thing the lots don't have the right size, is because the LotDescription and LotConfig are not in the same file, but I will correct this in the next version, to scan the whole selected filelist...

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on September 21, 2009, 02:47:37 AM
It sounds like you figured everything out.  I would suggest that SSPTool scan SimCity_Locale only if it can't find a necessary LTEXT in the specified files, which should be rarely.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on September 21, 2009, 03:37:30 PM
Quote from: Diggis on September 20, 2009, 12:06:19 PM
Check where they are installing, they need to load after the original lots.
They install in this folder "zzz_DAMN Remove", that is the only folder in my sc4/plugins folder that has zzz in front of the name.

@Stefan79
I've run SSPTool again with the hole digging lots to test and give a log report.
1. They are all checked/marked with hidden.
2. The .dat file in the DAMN has "PNG, LTEXT file and LUA file"(the files shows up in DAMN in game but also in the main menu - misc).
3. I've sent you a message with a copy of the log file.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on September 22, 2009, 12:15:49 AM
Hmmm, hole diggers are special... it might be because it's them, not sure though.  Try it with a normal park set.  Also, you don't have ~ in front of any folder names do you?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 22, 2009, 01:21:29 AM
I've checked his log of SSPTool and recognized the folder beginning with numeric letters with the original lots and arabic letter for zzz_Remove.

Does anyone know, in what order SimCity reads the folders and files? Perhaps it reads first the arabic letters (zzz) and then the numeric (9_HoleDigging) and then of course the hiding wouldn't be successfull.

I answered him per PM and try to solve his problem. If I get anything interesting, I will post it here.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on September 22, 2009, 05:29:15 AM
I know that ~ is loaded after ZZZ so it's entierly possible that the numbers are too.  I can't test it today, but will when I get the chance.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on September 22, 2009, 02:01:25 PM
UPDATE & PROBLEM SOLVED ;D :thumbsup:

@Diggis
The only folder i have with "~" in front is your "~DAMN Remove Lots" folder for the pond and stream lots.

@Stefan79
Problem solved, thanks for all the help.
Solution/fix found is that SimCity loads numbers after letters &idea (a-b-z-->then loads-->1-2-3 & not 1-2-3-->then loads-->a-b-z) i tested with a folder where i removed the number and it worked, the lots was hidden ;D.

Then i tried another folder that had the number "10." starting the folder name(where the lots shows up in the game menu's & DAMN), and removed the "10." and replaced it with "a_", + also testing with just deleting "10." from the folder name, without re-running SSPTool to fix things/re-installing/re-indexing to DAMN, both times the lots shows up in DAMN and are hidden from the game menu's as it should.

So now i just have to remove the numbers from the folder names and replace them with a letter(example "a_") so i know which folders is the old ones(the ones i used to have with numbers) and which is un-zipped downloads, and re-DAP these folders.

Edit: welcome to page 7 ;D
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 22, 2009, 10:33:38 PM
Hi shanghai kid,

good to hear its not SSPTool or DAMN itself.  ;)

But I think its worth to mention the load order in the DAMN Creator to prevent errors that might be occur like yours. I will add a text in the next version.

Btw, next version is in process with French language support, some little improvements and a new version of the LotEditor.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on September 23, 2009, 01:04:45 AM
Looks like you have discovered some thing not many people, if any, knew.  Just checked with RippleJet and he didn't.  If Barby doesn't either then I would guess no one does.  ;)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: RippleJet on September 23, 2009, 01:31:53 AM
Quote from: Diggis on September 23, 2009, 01:04:45 AM
If Barby doesn't either then I would guess no one does.  ;)

We still need to check that with Wouanagaine though... ::)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: threestooges on September 23, 2009, 03:53:07 AM
Oh he knows, he just wouldn't want to make us feel inferior by admitting it. (for those of you who have never heard the Legend of Wouanagaine (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=238.0))

In all seriousness, nice test with that. I know I've been foiled more than once by test lots obscuring each other. This is a good thing to keep an eye out for.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: powerpill-pacman on September 23, 2009, 04:37:02 AM
Hello,
a really great tool. Thanks for your work.
I have a problem though. When using DAMN-Creator everything worked fine, qith two exceptions. When trying to create DAMN-menus for MAS71's Highwalls and MAS71's Walls pack i the Creator gets stuck after step 2 when processing the lots. This is a part of the log when trying to creat lots from 01_Mas71-Walls2_Essentials.dat:
Exception in thread "Thread-10" java.lang.ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException: 0
        at ssp.dbpf4j.ext.TGIKey.<init>(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.damn.util.DAMNListWorker.run(Unknown Source)
Exception in thread "Thread-13" java.lang.ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException: 0
        at ssp.dbpf4j.ext.TGIKey.<init>(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.damn.util.DAMNListWorker.run(Unknown Source)
Exception in thread "Thread-19" java.lang.ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException: 0
        at ssp.dbpf4j.ext.TGIKey.<init>(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.damn.util.DAMNListWorker.run(Unknown Source)
Exception in thread "Thread-25" java.lang.ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException: 0
        at ssp.dbpf4j.ext.TGIKey.<init>(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.damn.util.DAMNListWorker.run(Unknown Source)
Exception in thread "Thread-51" java.lang.ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException: 0
        at ssp.dbpf4j.ext.TGIKey.<init>(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.damn.util.DAMNListWorker.run(Unknown Source)
Exception in thread "Thread-57" java.lang.ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException: 0
        at ssp.dbpf4j.ext.TGIKey.<init>(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.damn.util.DAMNListWorker.run(Unknown Source)
Exception in thread "Thread-62" java.lang.ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException: 0
        at ssp.dbpf4j.ext.TGIKey.<init>(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.damn.util.DAMNListWorker.run(Unknown Source)
Exception in thread "Thread-65" java.lang.ArrayIndexOutOfBoundsException: 0
        at ssp.dbpf4j.ext.TGIKey.<init>(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.ssptool.plugins.damn.util.DAMNListWorker.run(Unknown Source)

I don't know what to read from that. Perhaps someone here can help.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 23, 2009, 05:08:07 AM
Hi powerpill-pacman,

this is the right place for your problem, but I' afraid I have to test it on my own with more debug option to find the error. Maybe there is a bug in the DAMN Editor, maybe something wrong with MAS71 Walls. I download the packages and test it.
Btw I develop SSPTool nearly each day and fix bugs I found or improve other things but don't upload it every day when its not a critical error. So it might be your error is already fixed.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: powerpill-pacman on September 23, 2009, 05:13:51 AM
Wow, that was fast. Thanks your your quick reply. Where can i get the latest version of your tool. Only when you upload it or can you send it to me in order to check, whether it has been fixed.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 23, 2009, 05:30:06 AM
The latest version can be downloaded from LEX or Sourceforge. When I upload a new version I post it here.

I've found the problem in MAS71 Walls2 Set. The 01_Mas71_Walls2_Essentials.dat has something internal wrong. I will tell Mas71 about it, so he can fix it and publish a corrected version. Sorry for this, I could correct it, but I won't do, cause its his package.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: powerpill-pacman on September 23, 2009, 06:26:13 AM
I totally understand that. Thanks for the help anyway.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 23, 2009, 10:43:41 PM
For all,
who wants to "damn" the MAS71 Walls, see here for a new version:
http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2897.0

He fixed the problem that cause errors in DAMN Creator.
Btw, I will implement a little thing to prevent further errors caused by wrong dataTypes in next version.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on September 24, 2009, 11:37:47 AM
Quote from: Diggis on September 23, 2009, 01:04:45 AM
Looks like you have discovered some thing not many people, if any, knew.  Just checked with RippleJet and he didn't.  If Barby doesn't either then I would guess no one does.  ;)

:o Have little me "The lurking devil" discovered something that two great members/creators and experts(atleast imo) RippleJet & Barby hasn't, now that is very surprising to me but it's a good thing though that this has been discovered as perhaps others has some problems one way or another, and that my discovery meight solve their problem.  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: koki373737 on October 03, 2009, 05:17:34 PM
Hello,

Thank you very much for this amazing tool, I cant believe after all this time Im actually able to hide itens from the menu : )
Just wondering, what would be the best procedure for datpacket files? Can I use datpcker with DAMN and the hide-from-menu feature? If so, should I hide and then pack or can I work directly with datpacked huge files?
(sorry If this has been answered before, checked the board but couldnt find a specific answer)

Thanks again!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Brightstar on October 04, 2009, 01:53:35 AM
I have just downloaded the SSP and when I use the Start.bat I get the following error:

'java' is not recognised as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

Does anyone recognise this?  I do have jre6 but I have no idea if it is working right.  I am using a new laptop (HP) with Windows Vista Business installed - there have been a few glitches as Business doesn't always do things the same as other versions of Vista....

I tried opening it using the jar file - but my system insists I don't have the right program to open it.  I tried associating java but it didn't like that much either - the window flashed up but went away again.

I do already have the DAMN installed....also the SSP is parked in my Program Files. 

Any help would be most appreciated.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on October 04, 2009, 05:17:42 AM
Quote from: koki373737 on October 03, 2009, 05:17:34 PM
Hello,

Thank you very much for this amazing tool, I cant believe after all this time Im actually able to hide itens from the menu : )
Just wondering, what would be the best procedure for datpacket files? Can I use datpcker with DAMN and the hide-from-menu feature? If so, should I hide and then pack or can I work directly with datpacked huge files?
(sorry If this has been answered before, checked the board but couldnt find a specific answer)

Thanks again!


First hide the files then DAT pack the files, as i don't think SSPTool works with DAT packed files - atleast not in the current version but maybe in a future version.

Stefan79 can answer this better then me as he's the creator and i'm a amateur using this program, though in the process found something nobody else has found out apparently, as stated in my post on top of this page with the post headline "UPDATE & PROBLEM SOLVED".
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on October 04, 2009, 11:24:45 PM
Hi together,

so I have to do so much in RL again, I have to move the next version a little bit forward. But I try to work on it, at every free minute...

@koki373737: I haven't test DAT packed files with SSPTool yet, but I will do this soon und post it here. But I think its better, first to DAMN and then to DAT pack, as the DAT packed files are big with many lots and something reduced of images.

@Brightstar: Open a console and enter "java -version". If there is no version information, then Java is NOT or NOT properly installed. Install it again.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on October 05, 2009, 12:17:20 AM
The SSP tool works with Dat Packed files, however, I wouldn't recommend it as they are large and it loads all of them and displays all the LOTs in there, 100's sometimes.

With the hiding of the lots, I would recommend NOT datpacking that folder, makes things a little easier if you need to change something.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: camaro_69_327 on October 22, 2009, 03:05:07 PM
Thank you.
Thank You!
   Thank you !!!!! &apls

Normally i don't Post in threads.  But had to take a break from Truly organizing sc4's menus. Everything is working as advertised. Even My mouse is thanking you.(lol) No more scroling up and down, down and back up.


Win Vista x64
UAC =  Off
C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe
C:\Users\Dark\Documents\SimCity 4\Plugins

Now off to the other DAMN thread to thank him also.

Amazing Work !   

P.S.  I was around back when this was said to be impossible......lol

Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: SpeedyFarrar on October 30, 2009, 12:27:40 PM
I have the same problem as Brightstar.  Java is properly installed.  SSP Tool worked fine in Vista but not with Windows 7.

EDIT: Got it working.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: SC4BOY on October 30, 2009, 04:37:51 PM
Since it "didn't work" and now it "works" perhaps you might explain why so  others with Win7 might not make your mistake.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: dragonshardz on October 30, 2009, 09:17:29 PM
I have a gift for you all...a shiny new icon for SSPTool based on Stefan97's avatar. It's attached to the bottom of this post.

As for building menus with DATpacked files, I don't recommend that as it'd take a while to load and might even crash the app. Also, it does work best with UAC off, as does the indexer script for the DAMN.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on November 02, 2009, 12:11:11 AM
@dragonshardz
Thanks for the icon. I don't recognize that others might have a nice icon for the desktop to start my program.
However I will include a slightly modified icon (from original file) in next version and in the program's window bar.

@All others
I have updated some things and will upload a new version soon on LEX, after I got the translations (French) from Quesh.

And for more comfort, I plan to implement a fully new version of DAMN Creator/Editor, where you see all of your lots on the left side and the DAMN menu on the right side, and can easily create and modify your whole DAMN menu. The help dialogs will also be moved to a fully HTML help. And of course there are some more new features I will implement. (EDIT: I will use more space or all of the screen for more overview.)
Give me your opinion to this.


Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: JoeST on November 02, 2009, 07:13:57 AM
that would be fantastic Stephan :) I cant wait to see it :D

JOe
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on November 02, 2009, 02:09:28 PM
Sounds great to me too.  :thumbsup:  To be able to modify the whole DAMN menu...  ;D
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: dragonshardz on November 02, 2009, 06:28:38 PM
Sounds good. One thing I've noticed, though: I've been trying to create a DAMN Set for MAS71's JRP, but it only loads one lot in step 3 even though I select all 23 or so lots in the main pack.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on November 02, 2009, 11:16:50 PM
Hi dragonshardz,

I have reproduced the problem and found the cause. It is the same like in Mas71 Walls, he do a little mistake with the UserVisibleNameKey which should be the TGI of a LTEXT file but is a string. So the DAMN Creator create an error and doesn't read any more lots and that why you get only one lot out of 23.
I informed Mas71 about this and hope he correct this soon, but meanwhile in the next 1.x version of DAMN I will implement a workaround for this problem, because I think these will not be the last problems with Mas71 lots. So, till correction of Mas71 or next version of DAMN, it will be impossible to create DAMN for the JRP. Sorry.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: dragonshardz on November 02, 2009, 11:44:28 PM
Nuts. Is there a workaround for this that I can do with the Reader?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on November 03, 2009, 12:23:16 AM
You can do this with iLiveReader, but at the moment I get the answer from Mas71 he will correct his JRP and upload the corrected version soon.
My SSPTool-DAMN wait for the French translation of Quesh before I upload it, where a workaround for this problem is implemented.

So, if you can't wait some days here's the procedure Mas71 do (no warranty, if something wrong!):
- Start iLive Reader
- Open a sc4lot file of the JRP, e.g. mas71jrp01_s1x1_75611768.SC4Lot
- Select the Building exemplar entry (normally GID: 07bddf1c)
- Delete the UserVisibleNameKey property, if there is a string for datatype
- Save the file
- Repeat these steps for all lots of JRP

You see, it costs a lot of time and I think you should finally download Mas71 updated JRP, in case he changed something more.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: dragonshardz on November 03, 2009, 12:30:57 PM
Right, thank you for the tip. I'll wait a bit and see if Mas-san updates, but it's good to know this workaround exists should RL interfere.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: hooha47 on November 03, 2009, 12:42:57 PM
This (along with DAMN, of course) is a wonderful tool.  Thank you so much for your continued efforts to improve it.

Forgive me if this has been asked and/or answered, but is there any way to use DAMN for mayor mode items?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Quesh on November 03, 2009, 02:31:26 PM
Quote from: Stefan79 on November 02, 2009, 12:11:11 AM
@All others
I have updated some things and will upload a new version soon on LEX, after I got the translations (French) from Quesh.
Yes I am being translated, I think finish this week  ;)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on November 03, 2009, 11:39:50 PM
Quote from: hooha47 on November 03, 2009, 12:42:57 PM
This (along with DAMN, of course) is a wonderful tool.  Thank you so much for your continued efforts to improve it.

Forgive me if this has been asked and/or answered, but is there any way to use DAMN for mayor mode items?

Thank you!

I will test it back at home and if only the program needs a little bit update I will implement this.

@Quesh
Good to hear you are translating. So I can upload an improved and fixed version next week.

@All
I have - fast and dirty - implement something that might be the next DAMN Creator/Editor/Modifier:
http://www.bilder-speicher.de/09110408816556.gratis-foto-hosting-page.html (http://www.bilder-speicher.de/09110408816556.gratis-foto-hosting-page.html)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: dragonshardz on November 04, 2009, 05:42:35 AM
And the funniest thing is that he's playing with MAS71's JRP in the pic...
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on November 04, 2009, 06:22:35 AM
The pic is more appearance than reality, it doesn't have full function yet. It is only a "feasibility study".
And I'm confident my ideas of the next DAMN Modifier can be done in reality.  ()stsfd()

But you're right I've taken RTMT and Mas71's JRP for the pic and when you look in detail, you see, only the basic informations (TGI, filename) are taken.

[EDIT: I like to use lots/dats that are a little tricky or buggy to test my program, implement workarounds or finally tell the author the bug.]
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on November 04, 2009, 11:43:58 PM
Quote from: hooha47 on November 03, 2009, 12:42:57 PM
This (along with DAMN, of course) is a wonderful tool.  Thank you so much for your continued efforts to improve it.

Forgive me if this has been asked and/or answered, but is there any way to use DAMN for mayor mode items?

Hi hooha47,

thank you. I posted on your forum: It might be possible, if daeley (DAMN inventor) add/change some code to the customMenu.dat. I will then add this possiblity to my program, so everyone can use MayorModePloppables from DAMN menu.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on November 04, 2009, 11:53:02 PM
Hi together,

short overview:
- Quesh has send me the french translation, so I can add them
- Added workaround for UserVisibleNameKey problem and some other fixes in DAMN Tool
- Completly redesigned the DBPF4J and DBPF4J-Ext package for further improvements/updates

Before I release the new version 1.3.x I will add the "Local Root" feature and wait for daeley opinion about the MayorModePloppable option, so I can integrate this, too.  Also the option to change the language in the program will be implemented.

Finally (hopefully) next Monday there will be the new version on LEX.

Thank you all for your ideas, helps and opinions,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: dragonshardz on November 06, 2009, 07:39:54 PM
Question: How do I make it so the lots in the DAMN menus I make are removed from the default menus?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Atronarch on November 06, 2009, 08:20:58 PM
Quote from: dragonshardz on November 06, 2009, 07:39:54 PM
Question: How do I make it so the lots in the DAMN menus I make are removed from the default menus?

If you want to remove the lots from the default menus you have to check the "hidden" checkbox for each lot at the step 3 :)


Christophe
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on November 13, 2009, 12:08:26 AM
Hi together,

having spend some time trying and testing the various options for DAMN menus I come to this conclusions:

1) Viewing DAMN menus with Advisor dialog
The options Popups have to be turned on.
The window have the maximum height of 450 Pixel. I have tested the width with 800 Pixel. see here http://www.bilder-speicher.de/09111308861989.gratis-foto-hosting-page.html (http://www.bilder-speicher.de/09111308861989.gratis-foto-hosting-page.html) and http://www.bilder-speicher.de/09111308668764.gratis-foto-hosting-page.html (http://www.bilder-speicher.de/09111308668764.gratis-foto-hosting-page.html) [EDIT]The width can be any, so I give the user the choice[/EDIT]
Can be used in running game.
The dialog disappear, if choosen an item and reappear at the last position in the menu.

2) Viewing DAMN menus in News ticker
The Popups can be turned off, so no more popping dialogs.
The news ticker window can be greater than 450 px height. I have tested also the width with 650 px and it works. see here http://www.bilder-speicher.de/09111308668511.gratis-foto-hosting-page.html (http://www.bilder-speicher.de/09111308668511.gratis-foto-hosting-page.html)
Can only be used when pausing the game, or the icons will be disabled within a few seconds.
The news-ticker don't disappear, so you need a little more space for menu and plop area.

I think both options have their rights, so for my SSPTool-DAMN, I plan to realize more flexibility to the user. You can
- choose which type of DAMN menu: News-Ticker or Advisor-Dialog
- choose which style of DAMN menu: 1-column or 2-column (see linked pictures) [EDIT]Up to 6 columns (you need 1950 px monitor resolution)[/EDIT]
- choose which size of Window/Dialog: News-Ticker width x height, Dialog width x 450
- choose your language for DAMN menu: English, German, French (if it works)

I will change some of the code in the "customMenu.dat", divide it into a controlling file (LUA) [EDIT]damnControl.dat[/EDIT] and a language/design file (LTEXT) [EDIT]damnDesign.dat[/EDIT] and add a new dialog image for the Advisor-Dialog to get the maximum space.
So I hope everyone can choose his personal-like DAMN menu.

[EDIT]Beneath these things the DAMN menu can have more than 50 lots, but these is only useful, when you have more than 2 columns[/EDIT]

If there is anything else, I should integrate/implement, please let me know. Post here.
Best regards, Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on November 14, 2009, 04:39:43 AM
Love the new 2-column choice &apls, as this helps finding lots easier then having to "scroll a lot" to find one that is down on the list, & i'm also gonna wait to do some more DAMN'ing until this new version is released so i don't have do some things twice... hehe :P
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on November 25, 2009, 02:15:15 AM
Hi together,

its done!  ()stsfd()

I have uploaded the new version 1.3.3 to the LEX.
You will find it quick when you search for uploader/creator "Stefan79".
Special thanks to Quesh who did the whole french translation!

If you find any bugs, please don't be afraid to post here and I will try to fix them.

In meantime I implement a fully new plugin for DAMN management, which will give you a complete overview of your DAMN menus, your choosable lots and use the whole space of your screen. Beneath these things you can change some properties of your lots and of course create/edit your DAMN menus. This new  plugin is called DAMN Manager and will completly replace the DAMN plugin. I'll try to give you some screenshots in near future and finish this as soon as possible (maybe christmas?).
If you want to be a tester for the DAMN Manager please PM.

Best regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: thingfishs on November 25, 2009, 02:25:14 AM
Excellent stefan :thumbsup:, I am a new subscriber to DAMN but am VERY excited by what I've seen so far, keep up the good work. DAMN Manager sounds DAMN fine, look forward to seeing what it can DAMN do. ;)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: slystone2 on November 25, 2009, 07:08:59 AM
Great, can't wait to take it for a spin - one problem though, your name "Stefan79" is not included in the uploader/creator list. Or maybe I'm just missing it somehow?

anyway, I'll look for it under "Tools" or go through the pages of the latest downloads. Thanks for your hard work on this!  &apls
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on November 25, 2009, 08:16:45 AM
Quote from: slystone2 on November 25, 2009, 07:08:59 AM
Great, can't wait to take it for a spin - one problem though, your name "Stefan79" is not included in the uploader/creator list. Or maybe I'm just missing it somehow?

anyway, I'll look for it under "Tools" or go through the pages of the latest downloads. Thanks for your hard work on this!  &apls

For some reasons I'm not in the uploader/creator list (because I havn't any Lots/Buildings, just the tool).
But if you enter "Stefan79" on the left side of LEX in Quick Search textfield, you will get the tool.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on November 25, 2009, 08:19:49 AM
It is near the end of the tools list, and you can also put Stefan79 into the search on the side too.  ;)

I've passed the missing info off the power search list so hopefully we can get that added soon.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: tamorr on November 25, 2009, 08:26:21 AM
   Oh boy a new version. This is good to hear, and also nice to hear there is a better way to make DAMNs coming soon. I like that idea, better to see how you are adding and where with the customizations you mentioned than guestimating. I will definately be awaiting the plugin, so I could more easily use the tool for the few things I have in mind for my own personal use.

   What's the difference between news ticker and Advisor Dialog style? I am not sure of look or what makes it different... Sorry I haven't really played in a while, due to my own development of Lots... :)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: RippleJet on November 25, 2009, 09:06:48 AM
Quote from: Stefan79 on November 25, 2009, 08:16:45 AM
For some reasons I'm not in the uploader/creator list (because I havn't any Lots/Buildings, just the tool).

You should definitely be in that search list, and we are aware of the problem...
no new uploaders have appeared in the power search since an update a while back.

Now we're just waiting for someone to actually fix the software... ::)


Quote from: Stefan79 on November 25, 2009, 08:16:45 AM
But if you enter "Stefan79" on the left side of LEX in Quick Search textfield, you will get the tool.

You can also click "Collection Ranking" in the left pane, and then click the heading User to sort all uploaders alphabetically.
After that it's just a matter of finding Stefan79 (on page 6) and selecting Click Here For Lots By Stefan79.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on November 25, 2009, 11:20:48 PM
Quote from: tamorr on November 25, 2009, 08:26:21 AM
   Oh boy a new version. This is good to hear, and also nice to hear there is a better way to make DAMNs coming soon. I like that idea, better to see how you are adding and where with the customizations you mentioned than guestimating. I will definately be awaiting the plugin, so I could more easily use the tool for the few things I have in mind for my own personal use.

   What's the difference between news ticker and Advisor Dialog style? I am not sure of look or what makes it different... Sorry I haven't really played in a while, due to my own development of Lots... :)

The news ticker style is for those who prefer the news ticker to select items from DAMN. So you can turn off the Advisor dialogs, but you have to pause the game or the items will be grayed out in a second.
The Advisor Dialog is the popup dialog you also get when e.g. a reward is available. But you have to turn on the Advisors, so you could get many dialogs which you always have to click to go on. But the game can still be running and the dialog disappear when you choose an item from DAMN.

I prefer the way with Advisor Dialog 'cause on a normal 22" monitor with a resolution of 1680x1050 pixel you can install DAMN with 5 columns á 300 px and you will see 45 items in one dialog view without any scrolling. And if you install DAMN with more than 50 items, e.g. 150, you have to scroll only a little the mouse wheel and see all 150 items. This is the perfect overview for me.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: tamorr on November 26, 2009, 09:44:50 AM
   Wow that is a big monitor.... How many columns would it be for a 1024 x 768 & 1280 x 1024?

As the first is my default res, and the second is my max. I want to know so I know my own limits to this when I decide to make some for my own personal use... :)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: SC4BOY on November 26, 2009, 01:35:00 PM
As a rule I'd say designing the tool to utilize massive monitors and high resolutions will miss a huge portion of the SC4 community.. design it for "standard web interfaces" unless the tool can be "adjusted" to fit the individual's need.. not everyone wishes to sink $2000 or more into a pc for playing a game.. :)

We all realize time marches on, but one of the appeals of SC4 is you don't need massive pc or hardware setups.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: City Builder on November 26, 2009, 01:53:23 PM
Yes, if at all possible try for the adjustable format.  Much like people that have a smaller monitor don't usually want to scroll through a great deal of data to see it all (many would rather not scroll at all and have it all visible to them on the screen), there is also many people that have large monitors that don't want to have to click multiple times to see all the data on different "pages" within their monitors.

I've got a couple games that the developers built for the lowest common denominator with regards to interface objects (like an online almanac)  that don't scale, they are just set to take up the entire screen when the resolution is set to like 1280x1024.  However, this means those folks that have a 24 inch monitor running at 1920x1200 can barely make out the text in the almanac because it doesn't scale up to the larger size monitor, it just stays the same size as it is on somebodys 1280x1024 monitor which makes it as you can imagine a real pain to read at times.

So obviously adjustable is almost always best to accomodate as many as you can.  I'm actually kind of surprised that so many people are still running ancient relic computers playing Simcity 4.  I mean I have my own fair share (ha, maybe more than my own fair share) of old computers sitting out in the garage that could play SC4 on them, but I figure why dig out an old relic when SC4 will play perfectly fine on my new(ish) computers.  However, people never cease to amaze me on other forums for other games when they announce that they are trying to run a particular game at 1024x768 on a 15 inch CRT monitor.  Not everybody can afford newer technology unfortunately, I think many would be thrilled if they could and be overjoyed at how well they would find their games (even the newer and older ones) run on newer technology.

When I was a website designer by trade, I use to have to build websites to the lowest common denominator (i.e. make pages no wider than 800 to accomodate those people that are running really low resolutions on their computers, but there came a time when we have to make the jump up to the next stage and unfortunately irritate some folks with an extra bottom scroll bar because the websites layouts used to look terrible at 800 pixels wide when somebody was viewing it with a monitor that was 1920 pixels wide.  No I don't pretend to know what today's standard is, some folks have tried to convince me that 1280x1024 is the current majority standard and others have tried to convince me that 1680x1050 is.  I don't know what really is, I only know that I'm lucky enough to have two 24 inch monitors sitting in front of me which makes doing things like building maps for games and or building websites so much easier than when I was running a single 1280x1024 resolution monitor about 3 or 5 years ago.

Anyway, sorry I'm very verbose (too much so at times), all I really wanted to say was please make what ever you can adjustable to try to accomodate all the various systems that we have out here in play land.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: tamorr on November 26, 2009, 02:59:25 PM
  Today's standard definately varies due to fact there are a whole lot of people out there. I mean I am one of those people that run on a 15" monitor, with a max resolution of 1280x1024. Even though I have a tendancy to run in the other I mentioned. I do have to agree with the market of have versitility for all if not most ranges in size. Adjustible is definately a plus.

I still am wondering how many columns will fit on my Resolution... 1024 x 768 & my max 1280 x 1024?

As I would probably only make my custom menus to acomidate myself, as to release what I have in mind with it would well be infringing on rights/respect of others and would cause a bit of confusion in the process. That is why I will only being making for self, um I mean the DAMN menus that is.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on November 26, 2009, 11:09:17 PM
Hi together,

I think you misunderstood my answer about the monitor resolution and columns of DAMN menus, so I try to give you here a detail info.

The DAMN consists of three parts:
1) The first part is in the file DAMN/Support/damnControl.dat, which consists of two LUA entries which give the DAMN menu the functionality.
2) The second part is the file DAMN/Support/damnDesign.dat, which gives the DAMN its design, e.g. the size, the columns, the layout.
3) The third part are the DAMN menus which are in DAMN/Root/....dat and includes the menu icons of your created DAMN menus.

(In old original version from DAELEY the 1) and 2) were together in customMenu.dat, but I separate them to give you more flexibility.)

So, when you start the SSPTool and choose the DAMN tab, press on the button "DAMN Installer". This will bring up a dialog, where you can choose your personal options for your DAMN control and design. You can choose your preferred view (described in my prior post), the number of your columns (1 to 6), the width of the dialog/news ticker and ,if you choose news ticker view, the height. Below it will give you the dimension of the dialog/news ticker, so you can realize which screen resolution you need.
For example: 3 columns with 300 px (for normal text length in DAMN menus) will need 1014 pixel in width to show on the monitor. Good enough for the resolution of 1024 x 768. But you can also choose only 1 column with 350 pixel which is nearly the original size of old DAMN layout.
The maximum number is set default to 50, but for some reason or your personal use, you want to show more items in the DAMN menu. So you can set this number to your personal like. When you create new DAMN menus you will still have the default number of items, but you can change this in the DAMN options. But be sure to mention this, if you give your DAMN menus to others or they will only see 50 items (or more, if they change their number of items also).
The program then will create your personal DAMN configuration (damnControl, damnDesign) and save this in your DAMN/Support folder.

Your created DAMN menus are fully independent of what you choose in your installation (except the number of items, I mentioned before). And they will be saved in your DAMN/Root folder. You can distribute this folder to other persons without any problems.

So, you have all options to customize the DAMN layout as you want for your screen size and create DAMN menus for all of us.
I hope, I have explained the DAMN Installer in detail and you have realized with this new version more options that are given to you.

Regards, Stefan

P.S.: If you want to give a friend your DAMN layout, you only need to give him the file DAMN/Support/damnDesign.dat. But be sure your friend have the same or bigger screen resolution.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: tamorr on November 28, 2009, 10:19:42 AM
   Thank you that explains quite a bit, and thanks for the column answer as I was only wondering.... And it is definatley made more flexible than the original which is nice to hear. :)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: hooha47 on November 28, 2009, 10:38:24 AM
I just installed and tested the new version, and saw that we can now create DAMN menus for mayor mode ploppables.  This is outstanding.  Thank you so much for all your work on this wonderful tool.  &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on November 29, 2009, 06:24:59 AM
Hi, I'm using the SSPtool /DAMN menus quite extensive by now, but sometimes I encounter a problem: when creating the menu using the SSPtool, I usually click the "hide items" checkbox in order to hide them from the normal menu. However, sometimes that doesn't work and the menue items are stille there.

Can you just tell me what I need to do to hide these items afterwards? Ther are some options in the "DAMN extras" part of the SSPtool, like

"LTEXT method --> hidden items folder"
"Convert old DAMN lots"

but since I dont know in detail what will happen whe using this options I refrain from using it.

So possibly you could give me some advise on that ...

Thanks!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on November 29, 2009, 10:55:27 PM
Hi together,

It seems I should write a manual for my program to explain all the things of my program and discover some background. But I will completly redesign DAMN in the next version, so I will do this for next version. For now, I will explain the things here in the thread.

In the old DAMN tool till version 1.1. the technique to hide lots from the menu was to add a property "Conditional Building" with the value "true". This is normally used by Rewards which disappear from the menu and only appear, if a condition is true. But in the hide lots there are no LUA script which describe the condition and so the icon stay disappear. But for Rewards which should stay disappear this technique wouldn't be possible so a new technique needed.
Since version 1.2. the new technique was implemented, which removes the LotResourceKey property from the exemplar file. This will function with normal and Rewards, so it was the better method to hide lots from the menu. But if you want to reappear the lots in the menu, you will need to undone the LotResourceKey and so two options to hide from menu are possible:
- The default is, to create a duplicate of the exemplar file, remove the LotResourceKey and save this in a folder which will be loaded at last (zzz_DAMN Remove)
- The second option will remove the LotResourceKey from the original exemplar but will add a new entry LTEXT which stores the value of the LotResourceKey property, so it can be undone.
You can choose the method with LTEXT under DAMN Options - Step 4: Modify original lot, if hide.
There are advantages and disadvantages for each method, but modifying the original lot is only allowed for your personal use! So, if you want to share your hiding please use the default one.

To convert lots from the version 1.1. to 1.2. technique the Button "Convert old DAMN lots" can be used. This will scan your plugin folder and convert the lots. It will scan for LUA files and leave the conditional property if found or remove the conditional property and use the new hide technique.

So there are two options for the new hide technique it is possible to convert the lots with the LText method to the option which saves a duplicate in a separate folder. This allows easier reappear from menu by simply deleting the duplicate. To convert you can use the "LTEXT => hidden items" button.

Hope, this second "Tutorial" will give you a little overview of the hiding technique.

Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on November 29, 2009, 11:15:01 PM
Quote from: Rady on November 29, 2009, 06:24:59 AM
Hi, I'm using the SSPtool /DAMN menus quite extensive by now, but sometimes I encounter a problem: when creating the menu using the SSPtool, I usually click the "hide items" checkbox in order to hide them from the normal menu. However, sometimes that doesn't work and the menue items are stille there.

Can you just tell me what I need to do to hide these items afterwards? Ther are some options in the "DAMN extras" part of the SSPtool, like

"LTEXT method --> hidden items folder"
"Convert old DAMN lots"

but since I dont know in detail what will happen whe using this options I refrain from using it.

So possibly you could give me some advise on that ...

Thanks!

Hi Rady,

if you use the DAMN to hide icons and it will not function, let us check possible failures:
- Have you select "Hidden" for all selected items in Step 3? With the checkbox you only hide the actual item. If you want to do this for all items, use the MultiTool "Set hidden for all lots".
- What kind of hidden method do you use? The default one or the LTEXT method?
- For default, be sure the "hidden folder" will be loaded at last: SimCity will load from A-Z, so the folder should be like zzz_DAMN Remove.
- For LTEXT be sure, you have choosen the right file and will not be overriden with later loaded files.
- Other options are more difficult: Open the file with iLive Reader and check, if the LotResourceKey is removed. Or use the SSPTool-LotEditor to manually hide a lot in Step 2 - Hide item from menu.

Perhaps you can tell me the lots (and where to find them) and I will try to figure out, if there may be a problem.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: slystone2 on December 01, 2009, 05:24:46 PM
Hello!

I am having the exact same problem as Rady. I cannot get any of the items I put in the DAMN menu to hide in the regular menu system.

-I used the Multitool to select "Hidden" for all items before proceeding to the next step. (the "Hidden" box was checked on all items before I proceeded)

-I used the default method (I do not know what the LTEXT mthod means, or what that is)

-the zzz_DAMN Remove folder is the last to load in my Plugins

None of the items have been hidden (I used the Multitool on all of them), so perhaps it is unlikely that the LotResourceKey has been removed?

Would love to find a solution, as this is a great tool and everything else about it seems to be working just fine. Thanks!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: hooha47 on December 01, 2009, 05:35:03 PM
I am having the same problem, none of my menu items are hiding.  I tried to load the dat files created in the zzz_DAMN Remove folder, and they appear to be empty.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: dragonshardz on December 01, 2009, 06:51:50 PM
Unfortunately, I too am having issues getting the lots set to hide to actually hide. I've used the multitool, etc., but it doesn't seem to work correctly, and the dats in zzz_DAMN_Remove appear to be completely empty for me as well.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on December 01, 2009, 11:07:59 PM
Hi together,

it seems I've got a bug, when I modify the DBPFHideChanger to hide normal lots and mayor mode ploppable (which have different techniques).
I reproduce the error and will try to eliminate the bug asap.
For now, I have locked the file on LEX and please you to wait for the update.

Sorry for that!


I've uploaded the new version 1.3.5 to LEX.
Now it should work as before and hide any normal or mayor mode ploppable lot from menu.
If there are any other "features" you discover, please let me know...

Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on December 07, 2009, 11:24:47 AM
One thing i just found out when re-installing(and testing) to get the new features is that when you install DAMN it creats a folder in "Apps" named "Plugins" and in this "DAMN folder is created, which means we have to move the DAMN folder to plugins folder under Maxis->SC4 and not Maxis->SC4->Apps(the game can't read DAMN if it's under Apps).

But i love the new column that's implemented.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: slystone2 on December 07, 2009, 09:54:08 PM
They're still not hiding for me.

The two columns is very nice, though!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on December 07, 2009, 10:48:11 PM
Quote from: shanghai kid on December 07, 2009, 11:24:47 AM
One thing i just found out when re-installing(and testing) to get the new features is that when you install DAMN it creats a folder in "Apps" named "Plugins" and in this "DAMN folder is created, which means we have to move the DAMN folder to plugins folder under Maxis->SC4 and not Maxis->SC4->Apps(the game can't read DAMN if it's under Apps).

But i love the new column that's implemented.

Hi,

@shanghai kid:
when installing DAMN it will simply take the app folder (without check), the user has choosen when he starts SSPTool the first time.
So, if the DAMN is installed in the "SimCity\Apps\Plugins" folder and not in the "SimCity\Plugins" folder, it means, that the path is wrong.
Take a look in the main options from SSPTool and be sure you set up the path to SimCity without the "Apps".

I think, I could simplify this in next version, if I check the SimCity folder completly to prevent mistakes.  ;)

@slystone2:
Perhaps you have setup the paths like shanghai kid and so the DAMN isn't installed correctly.
Else can you tell me what lots do you want to hide, so I can test them and find the problem?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on December 08, 2009, 05:53:57 AM
Hi Stefan79,

Thank you so much for this, I can finally play with uncluttered menus!
The problem with it not hiding lots seems to be gone with that last update (DAMN didn't install anything in the \Apps folder btw). I didn't change the hiding process, except checking "use only one DAT file for each menu" for easier management inside my \ZZZ_Remove folder, and pushing the number of entries up to 100.

Thank you! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: slystone2 on December 08, 2009, 09:14:37 AM
I think it installed correctly - Maxis/Simcity4/Plugins. (nothing went to Apps) The DAMN folder is in the Plugins, everything is in the Root folder there. zzzDamn_Remove folder is in User/My Documents/Simcity4/Plugins folder. All buildings/lots/dependancies are compressed with Datpacker.

BSC Parks, CAL's Canals, Simgoober's Urban Canals, Zero-7's sunken canals, and Deadwood's Raised Park/Walls are what I tried with the newly installed version - all are there in the DAMN menu system in game, and all are able to be plopped. But none of them were hidden. I used the multi-tool to select "hidden" for them.

I DID have to have to change my permissions on some files to get DAMN to install correctly (can't recall which right now). Maybe there's another permission problem?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on December 08, 2009, 09:45:48 AM
@Stefan79
thanks, i had it with the apps path(didn't even think about checking the pathing &blush ::))
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on December 08, 2009, 10:45:01 PM
Quote from: slystone2 on December 08, 2009, 09:14:37 AM
I think it installed correctly - Maxis/Simcity4/Plugins. (nothing went to Apps) The DAMN folder is in the Plugins, everything is in the Root folder there. zzzDamn_Remove folder is in User/My Documents/Simcity4/Plugins folder. All buildings/lots/dependancies are compressed with Datpacker.

BSC Parks, CAL's Canals, Simgoober's Urban Canals, Zero-7's sunken canals, and Deadwood's Raised Park/Walls are what I tried with the newly installed version - all are there in the DAMN menu system in game, and all are able to be plopped. But none of them were hidden. I used the multi-tool to select "hidden" for them.

I DID have to have to change my permissions on some files to get DAMN to install correctly (can't recall which right now). Maybe there's another permission problem?

I have damned the lots you mentioned, too, and they were hidden from the menu. So please try the following points with e.g. BSCPark:
- Be sure a copy of the original files are in the zzzDamn_Remove folder (they should be smaller in filesize, cause they only have the exemplar entry)
- Can you look inside the lots in zzzDamn_Menu with iLive Reader and check, if the LotResourceKey property isn't there anymore?
- Will the zzzDamn_Remove folder be loaded at last, after the original lots (Be sure there is no MML or something else loaded after)?
- Can you create the DAMN menu for the set once more with the newest SSPTool and check, if it still unhidden?
- Is it hidden, when you have the set not DAT packed (it should work, but maybe there's something else)?

If you can see the DAMN in SimCity and can work with them, there should be no further permission problems, but be sure you can access the zzzDamn_Remove folder with the lots.

Finally, if nothing above work, I could create a DAMN menu with the hidden lots and send you for test/play. Send me an E-Mail, so I can answer you.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: luoruidong on December 09, 2009, 12:00:39 AM
It's a great tool for us to make a DAMN files.I'm excited.
I have uploaded it into SCCN(simcity china),and translate the readme file into chinese.It's here http://www.simcity.cn/thread-65971-1-2.html.
Thank you..!!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on December 09, 2009, 12:22:10 AM
Quote from: luoruidong on December 09, 2009, 12:00:39 AM
It's a great tool for us to make a DAMN files.I'm excited.
I have uploaded it into SCCN(simcity china),and translate the readme file into chinese.It's here http://www.simcity.cn/thread-65971-1-2.html.
Thank you..!!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:


Hi luoruidong,

nice you have translated the readme files to chinese, maybe I could integrate this language in one of the next versions.  :)
But you should have asked me first before upload my program into SCCN, rather than do this without my permission.  :thumbsdown:
Of course I give you my permission, but please remember this next time you upload something that is not yours.

However, have fun with DAMN!

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on December 09, 2009, 09:41:26 AM
Quote from: Stefan79 on December 08, 2009, 10:45:01 PM
I have damned the lots you mentioned, too, and they were hidden from the menu. So please try the following points with e.g. BSCPark:
- Be sure a copy of the original files are in the zzzDamn_Remove folder (they should be smaller in filesize, cause they only have the exemplar entry)
- Can you look inside the lots in zzzDamn_Menu with iLive Reader and check, if the LotResourceKey property isn't there anymore?
- Will the zzzDamn_Remove folder be loaded at last, after the original lots (Be sure there is no MML or something else loaded after)?
- Can you create the DAMN menu for the set once more with the newest SSPTool and check, if it still unhidden?
- Is it hidden, when you have the set not DAT packed (it should work, but maybe there's something else)?

Stefan,

today I discovered that those items that are not hidden in the game's menu are missing in the zzzDamn_remove folder ... despite I run the SSPttol twice or more for that menu set.

But, as far as I understand, when selecting the "hide" option in SSPtool,
> the original file is copied
> moved to the "zzzDamn_remove" folder
> and modifiied in terms of deleting the "LotResourceKey" property.

So I decided to do that manually for one of the items that still where visible in the normal menu. To my surprise it worked. The item is hidden in the normal menu, but can be accessed in the DAMN menu. Problem solved. :thumbsup:

()what() Now there's one final question ()what()
How do I do in order to do this with the SSPtool? I suppose there's a way in the "extras" part of the SSPtool by selecting the "convert old DAMN menu" entry? In that case, which directory should I select in the dialog box that pop's up right after selecting this option? Do I select the exact entry from the plugins menu (...\my documents\sc4\plugins\...), or do I have to refer to the DAMN menu directory (..\root\younameit)?


Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on December 09, 2009, 10:56:06 PM
Hi Rady,

Your are right, the new hide option copy the original file to the zzzDAMN_Remove folder and remove the LotResourceKey from this file, so the original lot haven't to modified and the user can easily unhide them.

Now I think I see your problem. You have damned the items with an old version of SSPTool, which don't use the LotResourceKey method to hide the items, but the Conditional property method, which directly change the original lot.
So, for this old damned lots you can use the "DAMN Extras - Convert old DAMN menu". Just choose the "...\my documents\plugins\..." folder with the "original" files you have damned. It will scan this folder for files with the Conditional property, make sure, it is not a Reward (which use this property) and then remove the Conditional property, copy this file to the zzzDAMN_Remove folder and remove the LotResourceKey.
Maybe I should automatically present the user to scan his folder for old DAMNed Lots to prevent such a worst thing.  &Thk/(

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on December 10, 2009, 08:29:53 AM
Stefan, thanks, I will try to take care of that on the weekend ..

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: slystone2 on December 10, 2009, 11:28:32 PM
I finally got it to work Stefan, thanks

I had tried changing my configurations and reinstalling DAMN when I couldn't get the hidden feature to work on the earlier version, and ended up installing my Root folder in a couple of different locations - I didn't know what i had done, so the different DAMN folders were causing conflicts with each other.

The multitool hidden feature works great now, the whole program is stellar and provides a really convenient palette to work from - and now my Parks Menu is much easier to browse through!

Great work on this, this is a must-have  &apls
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on December 12, 2009, 08:59:12 AM
I'm not sure where to put this, but I guess here is a good start.

I have quite a few lots damned, and thought I could upload them for people to use. These range from Civics (JBSimio University of Clayhurst) to walls, seawalls, ploppable waters, streams and rivers, going through modular airports (RMIP2 vol.1 to 4 + ACB-VLT Series 1 and 2), parking lots, road signs and so on. Let me know if you're interested, I could put a list together.

Now, I remember Stefan saying something about compatibility issues with shared damned lots but I can't find the post again. Is there anything I should know for that matter before going on?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on December 13, 2009, 11:36:27 PM
Quote from: TiFlo on December 12, 2009, 08:59:12 AM
I'm not sure where to put this, but I guess here is a good start.

I have quite a few lots damned, and thought I could upload them for people to use. These range from Civics (JBSimio University of Clayhurst) to walls, seawalls, ploppable waters, streams and rivers, going through modular airports (RMIP2 vol.1 to 4 + ACB-VLT Series 1 and 2), parking lots, road signs and so on. Let me know if you're interested, I could put a list together.

Now, I remember Stefan saying something about compatibility issues with shared damned lots but I can't find the post again. Is there anything I should know for that matter before going on?

Some users have made DAMN Sets and post it here: http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=4749.0
Creating DAMN menus is no problem and you could share them.
But if you want to hide the icons from SimCity menu, you have to share also the lots from the zzzDAMN_Remove folder with the original exemplars. Don't know, if this is okay. Btw, its so easy to create DAMN menus, I think everyone who use DAMN has already made their menus.

About compatibility there are these things to consider:
- Normally the DAMN menu have 50 items. So, if your DAMN menu has more, the user have to reinstall his DAMN with SSPTool with this size of items.
- If you have damned ploppable items the user have to installed the newest DAMN menu for support.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on December 14, 2009, 11:51:05 AM
Well, all of my damn sets are hidden, so I'm not sure what the policy stands on releasing modified files (the ones to go into zzz_DAMN Remove). Is there anywhere I can check, or anyone I can refer to, to sort that out?

Apart from that, I used the regular method to make them, with occasional sets being bigger than 50 entries. All where made using your last SSP-DAMN hotfixed release. In any case, I'd list anything people need to know in order to use them.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on December 14, 2009, 11:17:36 PM
Quote from: TiFlo on December 14, 2009, 11:51:05 AM
Well, all of my damn sets are hidden, so I'm not sure what the policy stands on releasing modified files (the ones to go into zzz_DAMN Remove). Is there anywhere I can check, or anyone I can refer to, to sort that out?

Apart from that, I used the regular method to make them, with occasional sets being bigger than 50 entries. All where made using your last SSP-DAMN hotfixed release. In any case, I'd list anything people need to know in order to use them.

So the files in zzz_DAMN Remove only consists of the Exemplar entry and no models or something else, I think its no problem to release them. For sure you could ask the creator of the set/lot.
If you make Sets with more than 50 entries, the user have to reinstall the DAMN with these size. This can be done with SSPTool where the user preferred DAMN Menu Design will be created. The file is /SimCity 4/Plugins/DAMN/Support/damnDesign.dat. To share this file would make lesser sense, because the user would get your complete DAMN design (columns, entry size, dialog size), which he maybe not want.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Asavan on December 16, 2009, 09:51:01 PM
ok i need some help i just downloaded and installed the new ssptool and i have been trying to add simgoobers ditches09 to the DAMN menu.  I get all the way through the creater wizard and click finish and then i get this error message "Index Can't Be Generated - Check Your Permissions" does anyone know what this means? When i run the indexer.cmd from the DAMN Support folder it also says Access is Denied.  I know i can use the DAMN menus in game because i was using it to plop Diggis Pond pieces.  I don't know if this problem has come up before and i can't seem to locate a suport thread for the DAMN program so i decided to post it here.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on December 16, 2009, 10:53:22 PM
Quote from: Asavan on December 16, 2009, 09:51:01 PM
ok i need some help i just downloaded and installed the new ssptool and i have been trying to add simgoobers ditches09 to the DAMN menu.  I get all the way through the creater wizard and click finish and then i get this error message "Index Can't Be Generated - Check Your Permissions" does anyone know what this means? When i run the indexer.cmd from the DAMN Support folder it also says Access is Denied.  I know i can use the DAMN menus in game because i was using it to plop Diggis Pond pieces.  I don't know if this problem has come up before and i can't seem to locate a suport thread for the DAMN program so i decided to post it here.

Here is the support thread for DAMN: http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=2917.0
When you got permissions error, it might be possible you use Windows Vista/7 and you can not access the DAMN folder. But read the thread I mentioned and you will get all informations about permissions.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Asavan on December 17, 2009, 06:38:06 AM
Thanks for the help  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on January 03, 2010, 01:40:08 AM
Stefan,

sorry to bother you with another problem. I discovered that some of my DAMN menus aren't hidden, so I tried to hide them using the "Convert old DAMN lots" entry from the extras menu. However, it didn't work. The SSPTool presented the "Finished"-popup, but no modyfied lots have been created at all. I searched my whole PC for the modified file, but found nothing. Possibly I'm doing something wrong. Can you pls. give me a brief explanation of the difference between "LTEXT method --> Hiding folder" and "Convert old damn lots"? In case I have a DAMN menue created already, and now want to hide the menu entries - which option should I choose?

Thanks
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on January 04, 2010, 12:06:34 AM
First of all, be sure to use the last version of SSPTool because old version may be have a bug.

Convert old DAMN lots:
In old versions of SSPTool, the hide technique was to add a property "Conditional building" to the lot and set this true, so they will act like an reward and will be hidden from the menu. But this may be conflict with real rewards, so the new versions was to use the LotResourceKey. If you have prior damned lots, you should use this to convert the old lots to the new technique.

LTEXT method --> Hiding folder:
The new technique use the LotResourceKey. You may choose between two options.
The first option is to add a LTEXT entry with the LotResourceKey value to the original lot and remove the LotResourceKey property from the original exemplar. This will modify the original file.
The second option will copy the original exemplar to a new file in the zzz_DAMN Remove folder and remove the LotResourceKey property. This will not modify the original file.
With this button you can change the LTEXT hidden items to the hide folder, so you can easily unhide them by simply delete the file from the zzz_DAMN Remove folder.

Back to your question:
The easiest way to hide the lots, is simply to create a new DAMN menu. This will guarantee the DAMN menu is correct and the lots are hidden correctly.

The option to hide lots separate from creating DAMN menus is not implemented directly yet, this will be in the DAMN Manager, which I'm working on.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on January 04, 2010, 12:30:34 PM
Ok, thanks, I understand, so the best way to hide those items is to manually copy them to the zz-DAMN-remove folder and manually remove the LotRecourceKey with the Reader ...

I'm using 1.3.5 version of you tool and have no problems with new created DAMN menus, it's just that I struggle with some of the old ones .. but that is possibly due to me not selecting the "hide" checkbox when creating the menu, not because of a program bug.

So I will search for a way to remove this property for a group of lots in one move instead of having to edit every single lot file ... changing to the Reader thread ...

Thanks anyway for that marvellous tool!!!  &apls &apls &apls
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on January 04, 2010, 10:47:33 PM
Quote from: Rady on January 04, 2010, 12:30:34 PM
Ok, thanks, I understand, so the best way to hide those items is to manually copy them to the zz-DAMN-remove folder and manually remove the LotRecourceKey with the Reader ...

I'm using 1.3.5 version of you tool and have no problems with new created DAMN menus, it's just that I struggle with some of the old ones .. but that is possibly due to me not selecting the "hide" checkbox when creating the menu, not because of a program bug.

So I will search for a way to remove this property for a group of lots in one move instead of having to edit every single lot file ... changing to the Reader thread ...

Thanks anyway for that marvellous tool!!!  &apls &apls &apls

Hi Rady,

I forgot, I have implement this option already! Copy the files you want to remove the LotResourceKey to the zzz_DAMN folder. Start SSPTool, choose the Tab Lot-Editor, in Step 1, add the files you want to hide, in Step 2, select the specific items for hiding and press the Hide Menuicon button. This will hide the lots by removing the LotResourceKey. I think I should move this option to DAMN Extras, so everyone will find it easier and will work without having manually copy the files to the zzz_DAMN Remove folder.

Regards Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on January 05, 2010, 08:02:43 AM
Ahh .. that's great indeed! Gonna try it tomorrow!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on January 11, 2010, 07:40:04 AM
Hi Stefan,

Seeing the lack of activity either here or at the DAMN topic following my proposal, I'm assuming people already have their menus and don't need help more than that. As going and asking every single creator of the lots I use for a full public release of my "damned" sets would be a bit time consuming, I'm just going to leave it at that. However, If anyone has a particular request for a menu, fell free to drop me a PM and I'll be pleased to help.

Cheers!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on January 11, 2010, 07:52:37 AM
Quote from: TiFlo on January 11, 2010, 07:40:04 AM
Hi Stefan,

Seeing the lack of activity either here or at the DAMN topic following my proposal, I'm assuming people already have their menus and don't need help more than that. As going and asking every single creator of the lots I use for a full public release of my "damned" sets would be a bit time consuming, I'm just going to leave it at that. However, If anyone has a particular request for a menu, fell free to drop me a PM and I'll be pleased to help.

Cheers!

Hey TiFlo,  Sorry I didn't see your earlier post, holidays and all.  Could I suggest you look at the thread linked to by Stefan and mayed post a list of the lots you have DAMNed.  Once I know what sets you have created we can advise on which ones you should check with the creator on releasing and which should be OK. (ie BSC stuff can be run by the team as a whole, rather than one person, and should generally be OK to do release here after scruitineering, but some creators might not be so happy about it.)

After that we can then look into the scruitineering process to get them uploaded onto the SC4D LEX.  It takes a while to get the first set or 2 sorted, but after that it's rinse and repeat.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on January 11, 2010, 07:59:57 AM
Quote from: Stefan79 on January 04, 2010, 10:47:33 PM
Hi Rady,

I forgot, I have implement this option already! Copy the files you want to remove the LotResourceKey to the zzz_DAMN folder. Start SSPTool, choose the Tab Lot-Editor, in Step 1, add the files you want to hide, in Step 2, select the specific items for hiding and press the Hide Menuicon button. This will hide the lots by removing the LotResourceKey. I think I should move this option to DAMN Extras, so everyone will find it easier and will work without having manually copy the files to the zzz_DAMN Remove folder.

Regards Stefan

Ok, now I had the time to concentrate on that - worked out great!!  :thumbsup: I really suggest to "promote" this function - at least it should be mentioned in the "general description" in the SSP tool.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on January 22, 2010, 01:54:54 PM
Hey Stefan,

I've finally looked at this again.  I'm impressed with what you have done... amazing.  One thing I have noticed though, when I hide the lots upon creation I get a series of *.sc4LOT files.   But if I edit an existing DAMN file I get a compiled *.dat file.  Are we able to get just the DAT file first time up?

EDIT:Actually, it's worse than that... when you edit a lot it creates an empty DAT that doesn't hide the lots.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on January 24, 2010, 04:01:25 AM
Quote from: Stefan79 on November 26, 2009, 11:09:17 PM
The maximum number is set default to 50, but for some reason or your personal use, you want to show more items in the DAMN menu. So you can set this number to your personal like. When you create new DAMN menus you will still have the default number of items, but you can change this in the DAMN options.

Sorry, may I ask you to explain that to me once more, 'cause I've encountered a problem that might be linked to that. DUring gameplay, I suddenly realised that I was missing some icons of a DAMN menu. They where visible in the SSP tool, but not in-game. The only thing that I changed before was to change the "max. number of entries" to 100, since it seemed right for me. SO my first guess was that changing that number had a side effect on existing menues. Therefore I edited that respective damn menu and counted the items in that menu - it was 61. When I then moved on in the SSP tool it told me "max. number of entries is 50" - although I had changed that before. Searching for a solution, I stumbled of the post quoted above.

Now, what exactly do you mean by "When you create new DAMN menus you will still have the default number of items"? Despite setting that value to 100? That would make no sense to me, so I'm sure I'm getting something wrong here ..

Glad if you could help me out of this ...

Thanks!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on January 26, 2010, 11:27:29 PM
Quote from: Diggis on January 22, 2010, 01:54:54 PM
Hey Stefan,

I've finally looked at this again.  I'm impressed with what you have done... amazing.  One thing I have noticed though, when I hide the lots upon creation I get a series of *.sc4LOT files.   But if I edit an existing DAMN file I get a compiled *.dat file.  Are we able to get just the DAT file first time up?

EDIT:Actually, it's worse than that... when you edit a lot it creates an empty DAT that doesn't hide the lots.

Hi diggis,

I will look at this as soon as possible and fix it. Sorry for this.
In near future the DAMN Creator/Editor will be replaced by the DAMN Manager, which I'm currently work on.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on January 26, 2010, 11:49:46 PM
Quote from: Rady on January 24, 2010, 04:01:25 AM
Sorry, may I ask you to explain that to me once more, 'cause I've encountered a problem that might be linked to that. DUring gameplay, I suddenly realised that I was missing some icons of a DAMN menu. They where visible in the SSP tool, but not in-game. The only thing that I changed before was to change the "max. number of entries" to 100, since it seemed right for me. SO my first guess was that changing that number had a side effect on existing menues. Therefore I edited that respective damn menu and counted the items in that menu - it was 61. When I then moved on in the SSP tool it told me "max. number of entries is 50" - although I had changed that before. Searching for a solution, I stumbled of the post quoted above.

Now, what exactly do you mean by "When you create new DAMN menus you will still have the default number of items"? Despite setting that value to 100? That would make no sense to me, so I'm sure I'm getting something wrong here ..

Glad if you could help me out of this ...

Thanks!

Hi Rady,

there are two points to consider, to have more than 50 items in the DAMN Menu:
1. Press the DAMN Installer in SSPTool, enter e.g. 100 items and install it. This will create a damnDesign.dat in your DAMN/Support folder which give the possibility to SHOW e.g. 100 items. You have to do this only once for your preferred size. Existing menus will not be affected and you don't have to create them again regardless their items size.
2. If you want to CREATE new menus with more than 50 items, you have to enter the wished size in the DAMN options. This will move the maximum size in the Creator to the entered size. The sizes of Installer and Creator should be the same, but it seems to be a bug, so you have to enter the size in DAMN options every time you start the program. I will fix this.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on January 27, 2010, 01:11:17 AM
Quote from: Stefan79 on January 26, 2010, 11:27:29 PM
Hi diggis,

I will look at this as soon as possible and fix it. Sorry for this.
In near future the DAMN Creator/Editor will be replaced by the DAMN Manager, which I'm currently work on.

Stefan

DAMN you are doing a great job here.   :P  I've just emptied out my landmarks menu and am moving onto my Parks menu.  It's the first chance I've had to play with this in bulk and I'm very impressed!  Karma for you.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on January 27, 2010, 01:43:43 AM
Hi diggis and all others,

a BIG thank to all of you.
&apls

When I first step into this forum, I was unsure of this community, download some building from LEX, but don't know, how to help anymore.
But interested in programming I began to do a small tool for easier creating DAMN menus. Some talk with Daeley and months ago, I finally upload a first version of the tool. And since then, I got many ideas, comments and other things which incite me to improve my program. There might still be some bugs and I'm sorry for them, but I try to fix them as soon as possible.
In near future there will change something in my RealLife, but I hope this won't stop me from programming, so I can further give the community something back.

Regards,
Stefan

P.S.: And thanks for the Karma which I'm a little proud of.  ;)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: daeley on January 27, 2010, 03:16:12 AM
The 50 items limit is also "hardwired" in the LTEXT files in the Core DAMN. So if you want more than that, you could change it for yourself, but it would not work for somebody else using the default installation. So I'd personally suggest keeping it < 50. Actually, I'd suggest a maximum of 15 entries (or else you end up scrolling down for 10 seconds...) and splitting it up in more subcategories once you go over that number.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Diggis on January 27, 2010, 04:24:05 AM
Daeley, 

The current version of the SSPtool comes with a DAMN installer which has some good options in it.  It will let you create 2 column wide menus as well as larger windows.   This allows for more items per menu, although itsn't as great on a smaller screen.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on January 27, 2010, 08:50:55 AM
Stefan,

thanks for the explanation. The missing items showed up now after I changed the news window's size to display two columns. Apart from that, thanks again for that great tool!!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: City Builder on February 14, 2010, 06:34:11 AM
Hi,
Where should the SimCityLocale.dat file actually be located?

I have not found it using Windows 7 search feature, nor do I see it in the folder where SC4 is installed on my computer.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: dragonshardz on February 14, 2010, 09:51:17 AM
(Install Directory)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\(Your Language).
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: City Builder on February 15, 2010, 06:27:41 PM
Quick Question that I think I know the correct answer but want to make sure...

Does the plugins that I download that I am going to add to DAMN through the SSPTool need to be in the normal plugin location in the my documents\simcity4\plugins folder?

My thoughts on this is that the plugins that I add to DAMN through SSPTool can be anywhere on my hard drive since SSPTool makes them available to DAMN in the location it needs to be but wanted to make sure.

I would assume that if I put them into the my documents simcity 4 plugins folder and add them to damn, then they will simply show up in both locations, (in DAMN and in the in game menus).
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: dragonshardz on February 15, 2010, 08:36:50 PM
Your plugins need to be either in the Maxis/SimCity 4/Plugins folder or the My Documents/Simcity 4/Plugins folder. They will not load into the game  if they are placed anywhere else, unless you use the -userdir: argument in your shortcut to the game.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: City Builder on February 20, 2010, 09:55:30 PM
Hi,
Im having an issue with DAMN that I installed through SSPTool

When I run SC4 and open the news windows I see the following image:
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.tinypic.com%2F1j4w9j.jpg&hash=e0085d3d2ca00c6d23b92a42a289b9402934ac1f)

It used to work fine, however I wasn't sure how to remove all the entries that I had done already, because I miscatagorized many items so I simply deleted the DAMN folder and used SSPTool to install DAMN again.

Any clues if the error about the text in the image above is an issue with DAMN and the SSPTool installer of DAMN, and more importantly (for me anyway) how to go about fixing it so that I don't lose the hours of work that I spent entering items into the DAMN system through the SSPTool?

Thanks
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on February 20, 2010, 10:31:53 PM
Have you tried rerunning the DAMN-Indexer.cmd file?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: City Builder on February 21, 2010, 02:02:05 AM
Yes I've run the indexer again and it still produces that error message now when I open up the DAMN menu.

EDIT:  Apparently this happens even when I don't enter any data.  I just did another clean install of DAMN using the DAMN installer, opened up SSPTool and went to the DAMN Installer button and configured it to be 2 columns and well actually just left it at it's default sizes, and clicked the yes button at the bottom.  SSPTool said that it was udpated and then ran the indexer.  I started SC4 and brought up the DAMN menu and sure as rice is white, the error message came up again even though the DAMN was empty of my own entries.

However, removing the folder named zzz_damnremove (or something like that) seems to have cleared up this issue for now, I'm not going to spend some more time inputting more plugins into the system and not use the hide function and see what happens, perhaps it's the hide function that needs some more work or maybe I need better training on how to use the checkbox to hide menu items ;)

DOUBLE EDIT:
Okay, I added back in a few hundred plugins (hmmm, only another 3GB worth of plugins to go I guess, lol) and this time I didn't make any of them hidden, and the DAMN opens fine in SC4 making me believe that there may be an issue with the hide function of SSPTool and or the way that I'm using it or not using it.

I tried first with random plugins, only one at a time, and hiding them in SSPTool, and would then start the game and try to open the DAMN menu and it would come up with the error I showed earlier for every plugin that I tried to make hidden.

Is there anything I can do about this so that I can hide the plugins that I put into the DAMN menu?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on February 26, 2010, 12:56:04 AM
Hi together,

after I have implement another tool for the Z-Simulator, I'm back to
improve my SSPTool and DAMN. I'm working on a newly DAMN Manager,
which will simplify the DAMN Management: add, remove and hide lots from
menu as you want. But it will take a little more time to finish and test it,
so please wait.

@CityBuilder: Which OS do you use? Look at the "app/SimCity4/Plugins/DAMN/root"
folder: Are there a "damnControl.dat" and "damnDesign.dat" file?
I will look at the Hide option soon and tell, if I find the problem/bug.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: City Builder on March 08, 2010, 08:41:39 PM
Hi,
I use windows 7 64bit.

Neither of the files you mentioned reside in the folder you said to look in.

I certainly look forward to what you come up with for the simplification of the DAMN Management.

Personally, I'd love to see a tool that can just traverse the plugins folder (let's say at 100 (or whatever amount a user sets) plugins at a time) and then let's me select what menu category to put each one that SSPTool can find into a DAMN category, one by one.  Would be hugely faster than having to load up the individual files ourselves.  But anyway, im sure you have it all planned out already anyway to make it faster and more convenient.  Thanks for producing this program.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: City Builder on March 16, 2010, 07:40:46 PM
I've run into another snag that I'd really like help with so that I don't loose the 548 lots that I've added with SSPTool to the DAMN system if at all possible.

I just added more items to my damn menus using the ssptool and did Not hide any menus as I didn't want to have the same issue that I had before, unfortunately, I've got the same issue that I had before where when I try to open the damn menu it tells me the following:

***_NOT_IN_TEXT_DATABASE_***text@dae1e774

Could somebody tell me how to fix this so that I don't loose all the time I've spent over the past several weeks adding lots to the damn menu through SSPTool please.


Edit Ok, I think the most important thing to report to you Stefan, is that when I reinstall DAMN using SSPTool, and add back in all the files that I exported, it produces that error above.  However, when I install DAMN using DAMN (and not your SSPTool) and then add back in all the files that were exported using your tool, DAMN works the way it should and doesn't produce those error messages, however as you must know, it loses the extra formatting that you have added to DAMN like the width and columns etc.  But it does seem that there is a bug in SSPTool with regards to DAMN since DAMN works fine with all the files that I had exported using your tool after installing DAMN from the LEX download instead of through your tool.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on March 16, 2010, 11:46:31 PM
Hi CityBuilder,

thanks for your Bug report. I will check this when implementing the new DAMN Management.
My idea is, it has something to do with the permissions under Windows 7, because with the install from SSPTool,
there will be two files which are used for DAMN not only one. This may prevent SC4 from loading the second file
which has the text informations. But I will check this and if this is the problem, I will combine these files for Win7 users.
For now, I will lock the SSPTool on LEX but I can say, new new DAMN Management will soon be finish.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Myself.or.? on March 20, 2010, 12:10:30 PM
Hi Stefan,

you just don't know how I can't wait to see the new version. Ever since I switched to Win7 64 the SSP doesn't work.

P.S.: Beeil dich bitte, hab 6GB plugs und dreh langsam durch ohne SSP...   :-\
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on March 20, 2010, 02:33:09 PM
I have Windows 7 x64 with 6 GB of memory, and the SSPTool works fine for me.  What doesn't work for you?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Myself.or.? on March 20, 2010, 03:53:31 PM
It's just the same old problem others had, only that I didn't get it fixed.

1) When updating Java the answer is: Not a valid comand
2) When trying to save SSP it kicked me out, apparently I'm not Admin (and yes, I ran it as Admin, checked that all files were there, created the root folder before making menus,...)

Now I just gave it a kick in the lower back and turned to becoming slightly more crazy than usual.  $%Grinno$%

Now I guess all help is lost on me, didn't expect the file to get locked...  &ops
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Superduperbuilder on March 25, 2010, 12:34:26 PM
Do anybody know where I can get the latest SSPTool version ? :-[
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Myself.or.? on March 25, 2010, 04:34:45 PM
Looks like Version 1.4 isn't out yet  :'(

Version 1.3.3 is here: https://sourceforge.net/projects/ssptool/
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on March 26, 2010, 12:50:46 AM
Hi together,

I locked the last version of SSPTool cause of a bug with hiding items.
But I'm currently working on the next new version with easier DAMN Management.
So please wait a little more time and it will be finished.

But for those who can't wait, I will unlock the old version at LEX but warn about the bug, so everybody can decide, if he wants to use it.

Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on March 26, 2010, 03:44:43 AM
Stefan79
When the new SSPTool is released do i've to re DAMN all my folders again as i've been doing it about 3 - 6 hours for 3 - 4 days this week, and i hope i don't have to do it again.
(It's taken me that long as i've DAMN'd a folder then checked if it's hidden and then either had do re-do it or go to next folder, after removing the first folder plus the hidden files out of pluggins folder(a positiv outcome of this is that i've found lots/bats that i don't use, so i've deleted them now)).

I'm gonna test today i hope, to see when all folders is moved back(& DatPacked(not hidden files folder)) that they're still hidden... crossing fingers  :thumbsup:

Geir

EDIT: most lots/bats or hidden but some are still there(which is ok, as is not many), one thing though now if i Datpack the the folders the lots/bats won't stay hidden but if i leave the folders un-datpacked they are hidden.
Could this be another bug in the latest released SSPTool?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Superduperbuilder on March 26, 2010, 05:01:31 AM
Allready got that one, but I have some problems hiding some of the lots. Its a bite slow doing it manually for every exemplar file in iReader. Is it possible to delete the "lot ressource key" property for all exemplarfiles in a file simultaneously ?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: thingfishs on March 28, 2010, 06:21:33 PM
can I create menus for items from NAM etc that are usually accessed via TAB, for eg. mountain trail pedmalls? If so how/where are they?
thanks
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on March 30, 2010, 10:52:46 PM
Hi thingfishs and other,

yes, you can create menus for items from the NAM, but this is a little bit difficult.
Its hidden with the expert mode, so the normal user won't see it.
You have to know the id of the button and this is not the only thing you have to know.
But if you can wait, I will implement this in a more easier way in the new DAMN management.

@shanghai kid: The new SSPTool will taken the previous menus and hopefully correct any bugs.

I'm still working on this new management and I hope to finish it in the next two weeks.
So, to save time, I will not look at bugs in the old DAMN Creator and try to finish the new Manager instead.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: thingfishs on March 30, 2010, 11:51:22 PM
Quote from: Stefan79 on March 30, 2010, 10:52:46 PM
yes, you can create menus for items from the NAM, but this is a little bit difficult.
Its hidden with the expert mode, so the normal user won't see it.
You have to know the id of the button and this is not the only thing you have to know.
But if you can wait, I will implement this in a more easier way in the new DAMN management.

great news Stefan, thanks :thumbsup: Now that I've got my head around this tool I can't imagine SC4 without it (of course I am referring to both daeley's & your work) As for waiting two weeks or so, hmmm, can I do it...? %wrd (For SC4 a two week timeline isn't a wait, it's a momentary distraction ;)). I look forward to seeing the new version. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: City Builder on March 31, 2010, 12:32:38 AM
Quote from: thingfishs on March 30, 2010, 11:51:22 PM
I look forward to seeing the new version. :thumbsup:
As do we all.  In my opinion, the DAMN is the single most great improvement to the game (for me) and SSPTool makes it easily accessible to me.  Both really great tools that I honestly don't think I could go on playing SC4 without, as 4GB of plugins make it very difficult to find what I want to use in the regular menus.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Panda_Power on May 13, 2010, 02:16:01 AM
Hello!

I'm new to DAMN and the SSP tool and was wondering which version is the best one to download because on LEX it says that the latest version 1.35 has bugs. Would I be better off downloading version 1.33 from Sourceforge instead?

This sounds like such a great tool and I have a ton of landmarks and parks and canals etc that I am going to be adding to it!

Is there any news on when the new version will be released?

I've been reading this thread and reading that people have had problems installing it with Windows 7. I'm at work at the moment so I cant try it and at home I use Windows 7 64 bit. I've read about being careful with the target location in the desktop icon etc, so hopefully I'll be able to get it working OK.

Thanks so much for your great work! :)

p.s. What would be the best settings for menus playing the game at a res of 1920x1200?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: thingfishs on May 13, 2010, 02:33:50 AM
well that's exciting :thumbsup:

I think the name change will help make the process a little gentler for people. Count me in if you need testers.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Myself.or.? on May 13, 2010, 02:36:36 AM
That's what I call good News. By any chance, did you manage to make the menus for the NWM (and the TULEP) work? Would be a huge help...  

:-\
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Panda_Power on May 13, 2010, 07:54:33 AM
That's great! I may as well wait a few more days then. Looking forward to its release day! :)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on May 15, 2010, 06:08:15 AM
i look forwad to log on and see that it's released, just as i was when i went to the LEX and bada bing "the new NAM" was released ;D
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on May 23, 2010, 04:35:35 AM
@Stefan79
How is the prosess with the new DAMN Manager going?
Haven't heard any news in over a week... yeah, i can hardly wait to test this :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Panda_Power on May 23, 2010, 06:31:01 PM
Shanghai Kid! I got the email saying this thread had a reply and I thought it was a post by Stefan with the new release......so disappointing!!  :)

Just kidding...I'm really looking forward to the new release too!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on May 24, 2010, 01:05:22 AM
hehe, sorry to disappoint you @Panda_Power  ;)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: hopecity on May 30, 2010, 10:09:42 PM
I downloaded the SSP Tool 1.3.3 and installed the DAMN tool (awesome idea btw), I got the home browser to pop up in SimCity4 but no DAMN submenus are present or even listed. I have Sim City 4 Deluxe Addition if that means anything. Can anyone help me with this? I thought maybe I had to use the DAMN Creator for the submenues to show up, but that didn't work.  ()what()
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: buncheesy on May 31, 2010, 12:29:25 AM
Hi Stefan79

Thankyou for the development of the SSP tool &apls.  I started using it an postponed its use until such time as the update comes out.  I recently restarted playing simcity and have dumped gigabytes worth of everything onto my harddrive (from the lex disc etc - so many goodies! :o).  I would love to have all this available to me in a structured way, and most importantly, removed from the mayor menu - it takes ages to scroll the parks menu and some of the various sets are scatterred thoughout the menu rather than in one spot!! %confuso

I think I am going to restart creating DAMN menus using the old version of the SSP tool that I have because its just so useful.

My question is will the updated version allow me to hide the lots in my created DAMN menus using the last version (1.3.3 is it?) or will I have to recreate all of the DAMN menus?  If it will allow me to hide existing menus items then  ;D , if not then maybe I will have to wait  :'(

Keep up the great work and thanks again
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on May 31, 2010, 06:52:29 AM
Hi together,

at the moment, some testers try out the new SSPTool + DAMN Manager 2.0.
I fix the bugs and implement some features before I release it to public this week.
The old version 1.3.x will no longer be support but I can tell you the new
DAMN Manager fully recognize your old DAMN Menu.

Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Panda_Power on May 31, 2010, 07:57:08 AM
Excellent news Stefan! Look forward to the release! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: hopecity on May 31, 2010, 09:09:39 AM
Thanks Stefan! I am looking forward to not scrolling through my park and other menu's. Hopefully the new version will work for me.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on May 31, 2010, 01:48:10 PM
As one of the testers of the new version, I can tell you that you will like it a lot.  ;D
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on June 01, 2010, 01:24:37 PM
Hi Testers,

I have uploaded a new version 2.0.1 to Sourceforge for TESTING (www.sourceforge.net - SSPTool - View all files - SSPTool-2.0.1.zip)
The TEST version may damage your existing DAMN menu, Plugins folder, so be sure to backup these folders before using these TEST version.
Please collect all bugs, ideas and else more and post them here (with the SSPTool version you used). I will try to fix/implement and publish here, when I have uploaded a new version to sourceforge. Furthermore not all features are implemented yet, so don't be suprise, if anything don't work for now.
I think after this week it will be a version which can be publish to LEX for everyone.

For Windows Vista/7 Users: Please run SSPTool with administrator rights; in the folder of SSPTool is a SSPTool.bat to do this. For final version I will create an installer which create the shortcut on your desktop.

Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: ScottFTL on June 02, 2010, 04:57:01 PM
Hi Stefan,

I am testing version 2.0.1 on Windows 7 Pro x64.  Here's what I have found so far:

- I am prompted for language and path configuration on each launch.  The program is not saving its preferences for some reason.
- The DAMN Installer failed with the error "DAMN could not be installed! Check your permissions and try again!"
- The DAMN Manager will not launch at all.  The button stays depressed for a minute or so, but nothing ever launches.

I'm fairly sure the preferences and DAMN Installer problems are caused by Windows security.  However, I am unable to run the program as administrator to elevate its privileges.

I have created a shortcut to SSPTool.bat on my desktop.  When I attempt to run as administrator, I see a command window briefly flash but SSP Tool never launches.  It does launch when I run normally.  I tried to launch the JAR file directly, but this does not give me the option to run as administrator.  It has the same problems when I launch the JAR directly.

My game is installed to C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe, and SSP Tool is installed to C:\Program Files (x86)\SSPTool.  I'm sure you know that these folders are protected under Windows Vista and 7.  However, I was able to run DAMN Manager with this same setup with the previous version.  I had already installed DAMN manually, so I don't think I ever attempted to use your installer with the previous version.

Please let me know if I can provide any additional troubleshooting.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Jack_wilds on June 03, 2010, 03:01:49 PM
Hello Stefan79,

I have played with the 'new' DAMN manager v2; there were a few issues...
NOTICE: I maybe saying what you are already aware of and may even reiterate what is known -so here goes  "$Deal"$

Concerning the GUI

I like it over all and the most part... I like the choice of skins... I like the windows and dedicated use/functions to each window... I like the order and arrangement and the ability to size the windows vertically

GUI Issues

...the DAMN Manager window insists on remaining too large for the screen, unable to reach some button/function due to it being stubbornly over sized
...window resizing leads to other buttons being hidden
...the vertical navigating buttons in the filename/tgi/linkname box act odd; sometimes four navigation buttons sometimes two

Start-Up Issues

1...it pops up the language dialog drop-down input-defaults to English
2...it goes to the Damn Manager Path configuration input window
        A...  the field for the plug-ins folder defaults to locale folder
        B... the field for the locale folder defaults to the plug-ins folder
3...if not spotted quickly and corrected DAMN Manager does not function well and cannot find the plug-ins folder  :-\
4...if paths are set and the program continues it either fuctions or still is unable to 'see' the plugins folder

However this didn't happen consistently three out of the seven attempts it worked well but the other four times it couldn't find the plugins or the paths were crossed; I wonder if the paths are not being set well enough to remember

Program Function:  ???

I could not find the path configuration button to correct the config... so I deleted and unzipped again and then corrected the paths

...'plugin folder' window still only shows 'english' folder showing sc4 local and wouldn't allow me to correct its path

...DAMN Menu folder window; it seems to insist on seeing only the default folder tree and not what exists or what is made

This is what I have to offer for now... as I finally got some time and was able to put my thoughts together and now I need to go...hope this has some value

Sincerely  :sunny:

James  8-)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on June 04, 2010, 01:26:44 PM
Hi Testers,

I have uploaded a new version 2.0.2 to Sourceforge for TESTING (www.sourceforge.net - SSPTool - View all files - SSPTool-2.0.2.zip)

The TEST version may damage your existing DAMN menu, Plugins folder, so be sure to backup these folders before using these TEST version.
For Windows Vista/7 Users: Give the Users group Full Control for the Plugin folder of SimCity, e.g. C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins
Please run SSPTool with administrator rights; in the folder of SSPTool is a SSPTool.bat to do this. For final version I will create an installer which create the shortcut on your desktop.

Please collect all bugs, ideas and else more and post them here with the versions of SSPTool & DAMN Manager (SSPTool: Help-About, DAMN Manager: Upper right corner).

Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: ScottFTL on June 04, 2010, 03:20:28 PM
I downloaded the new version 2.0.2, but I still have the same problem.  When I launch the SSPTool.bat file using Run as Administrator, the program fails to launch.  It launches fine when I simply double-click the SSPTool.bat file to launch it.  I tried running it without administrator rights, but the DAMN Installer fails as before.  I can launch the DAMN Manager now, but I simply receive an error that DAMN is not installed.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on June 05, 2010, 03:04:01 AM
Quote from: ScottFTL on June 04, 2010, 03:20:28 PM
I downloaded the new version 2.0.2, but I still have the same problem.  When I launch the SSPTool.bat file using Run as Administrator, the program fails to launch.  It launches fine when I simply double-click the SSPTool.bat file to launch it.  I tried running it without administrator rights, but the DAMN Installer fails as before.  I can launch the DAMN Manager now, but I simply receive an error that DAMN is not installed.

Hi ScottFTL,

I have no Windows Vista/7 to test/check this.
Perhaps you can give your DAMN folder (SimCity 4/Plugins) and SSPTool rights for Users and try again?

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on June 05, 2010, 04:29:55 AM
Quote from: ScottFTL on June 04, 2010, 03:20:28 PM
I downloaded the new version 2.0.2, but I still have the same problem.  When I launch the SSPTool.bat file using Run as Administrator, the program fails to launch.  It launches fine when I simply double-click the SSPTool.bat file to launch it.  I tried running it without administrator rights, but the DAMN Installer fails as before.  I can launch the DAMN Manager now, but I simply receive an error that DAMN is not installed.

Works fine for me under Windows 7 x64.  Are you running with an account that has administrative rights?  If so, did you try turning off UAC?

@Stefan:  I like the way you redid the configuration box.  But it doesn't look like you're getting the installation folder properly from the registry for the default; mine shows up simply as "C:\Program Files (x86)".  Do you know about this?

Also, as a minor point, the '/' characters in your text should be '\'.  Haven't gotten to testing the main program yet...  &mmm
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on June 05, 2010, 06:19:47 AM
@z:
The program doesn't use the registry to determine the folders of SimCity 4 and Users Plugin. Instead it trys to find it with some default names and finally ends up in your standard %programs% and %users% folders. This is because the registry would only works under Windows and so Java doesn't support this. (Btw I have installed SimCity in c:\Spiele\SimCity 4 Deluxe.)

Corrected the '/' to '\'
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on June 05, 2010, 03:07:57 PM
Why not have the best of both worlds?  The vast majority of people are playing SC4 on PCs, and even many Mac users are using a Windows emulation.  You can try to get the information out of the registry; if there is no registry, you can do what you're currently doing.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on June 07, 2010, 03:13:56 AM
Quote from: z on June 05, 2010, 03:07:57 PM
Why not have the best of both worlds?  The vast majority of people are playing SC4 on PCs, and even many Mac users are using a Windows emulation.  You can try to get the information out of the registry; if there is no registry, you can do what you're currently doing.

You are right. Next version will use jRegistryKey to search in the registry, if OS is Windows, else it searchs as I mentioned or finally shows a dialog to let the user choose.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: MOREOPTIONS on June 07, 2010, 06:04:50 AM
Greetings,  Looks like it will be good.  I oppen without Admin ok, but it's not able to do anything.  and in admin. all I get is the Dos Flash screene and than it's off.  i have been checking settings.. but nothing as of yet,. am using Vista Ultimate 32.   will try my 64 and see if it changes anything.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: ScottFTL on June 07, 2010, 06:30:57 PM
Hi Stefan,

Quote from: Stefan79 on June 05, 2010, 03:04:01 AM
Perhaps you can give your DAMN folder (SimCity 4/Plugins) and SSPTool rights for Users and try again?

Just to answer Z's questions... I am running Windows 7 Pro x64 with an administrator account and UAC set to Default.

I granted the Users group Full Control for the C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins folder, then I was able to run the DAMN Installer.  I did not have to grant any additional permission to the C:\Program Files (x86)\SSPTool folder where I have your program installed, and I did not have to use the Run as Administrator option to launch SSP Tool.

I'm sure you will see this problem again after release, so I wanted to let you know exactly how it was fixed.  Thank you for your help!

Now that I can properly install DAMN, I'll move on to testing the DAMN Manager.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on June 12, 2010, 05:32:56 AM
Hi together,

before I create an installer and upload the SSPTool to LEX, I have finish a new version of the program to sourceforge:
SSPTool 2.1.0 (include DAMN Plugin 2.0.4)

I have fixed some errors, improve the clipboard, the search for SimCity folder (registry) and some more things.
Yesterday I manage the DAMN of my cousin and I can say it works without any problem. Hope you will have the
same fun with it. If you have any ideas, found bugs or what else don't be hesitate to tell me. I'll see what I can do.

Regards,
Stefan

P.S.: Some special things to modify lots will be in another plugin Editor, which I'm currently working on.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on June 13, 2010, 11:54:10 PM
It's looking great, Stefan!  I think it's a vast improvement over the original SSPTool.  :thumbsup:  Not only is it much easier to use, but I also notice that it has many capabilities that simply weren't present in the original.

I have a few suggestions before final release, though.  First, in the smaller window view, the right hand border of the Plugins folder is very much to the left, much more so than the DAMN Menu folder.  I think it would be helpful if it were moved to the right in alignment with the folder below.

Second, I really like the way you've been able to get rid of the path configuration dialog in most circumstances!  However, many people don't keep their original plugin files in the Plugins folder.  I think the biggest example of this is the users of DatPacker, who are recommended to put their plugins in a folder such as Plugins Disabled after they have been DatPacked.  (I am one of those people, and that's what I do; I think that DatPacker is incredibly useful for anyone with more than just a few plugins.)  Unfortunately, right now the only way to change the Plugins folder is the undocumented method of editing the configuration file.  I would suggest adding the Plugins folder path to the "DAMN Options", along with a means of editing it.  And in order to make a temporary change to the Plugins folder, it would be nice to have a dropdown box right underneath the Plugins Folder heading, which would be the same type of dropdown box that you have in file dialog boxes.

Third, it's really nice that you can resize the internal frame boundaries, but it would be even nicer if the program remembered the resizing the next time you used it.  Along similar lines, it would be nice if at least the frame containing the larger picture under "DAMN Menu Lot Detail" could be resized vertically; having a resizing bar in addition between that column and the DAMN Menu Lots column to the left would be even better.

Finally, having a Help file would be really useful; actually, I think it's a necessity.  I stumbled across some really useful features by accident, and I still don't know what everything does.

But as I indicated in the beginning, this is a fantastic program.  I think it's finally at the level where I can efficiently DAMN all my plugins to... menus.  But they're so much more than the built-in SC4 menus; I think they deserve a better name.  How about Hierarchically Enabled Layered Levels?  I think that conveys the functionality!  Yes, now I can DAMN all my plugins to Hierarchically Enabled Layered Levels!  But that last phrase is so long; it needs an abbreviation or something...  &Thk/(
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on June 14, 2010, 04:16:23 AM
@z:
I'm afraid you haven't had the last version 2.1.0 of SSPTool, because some of your suggestions are already done:
- the Plugin and DAMN folder should now have the same width
- you can change the folder of Plugins and SimCity in the Main menubar under Extras - Options
- for resizing it is not finish yet, but you easily switch to 1200 x 1000 size under DAMN-Options

Other things will be added in next versions, especially a Help file.

And for the name, it is a honor to Daeley, which invented the menus and I think it sounds better to "damn" lots than to "hell" lots  ;D
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: buncheesy on June 14, 2010, 05:10:18 AM
Hi Stefan,

Since I posted here I have been downloading like crazy, DAMNing with your tool, DATPACKing, and oh.....occasionally playing (which I hope to do more of :-\!) all in the few spare moments RL leaves.

I have been checking in on this thread with great anticipation and ofter reading your and Zs posts I am wondering whether you are happy with the version posted to sourceforge for general play yet or are still just testing??

I am not very computer literate but dont need things perfect.  the DAMN tab of your previous release to the LEX has been of fantastic use to me an I am happy to stick with it.  All I would like to do is hide the lots from the game menu but can survive without.

Thanks again and I am sorry that my lack of game knowledge, computing skills and time has meant I havent yet tested previous beta's.

PS a help file would be very usefully for a computer dummy noob like me.
PPS I like the phrase DAMN despite Zs more accurate alternative, for all the reasons you mention.

Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: thingfishs on June 14, 2010, 05:40:10 AM
Hi stefan,
I had a quick play with the first of the new releases but couldn't get it to work (I forget the reason now). I've now had a go with the latest version (which for me didn't contain the start.dat, I grabbed that from the earlier version), and I mostly love it.  &apls

A couple of things... One, I had a few issues getting DAMN to install. The dialog mentions checking permissions but I think this needs to be spelled out a bit more (in the readme...).
Also this is probably mentioned somewhere, but I'm getting a lot of "this is not a valid DBPF file"

Great work :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on June 14, 2010, 12:40:22 PM
Quote from: Stefan79 on June 14, 2010, 04:16:23 AM
I'm afraid you haven't had the last version 2.1.0 of SSPTool, because some of your suggestions are already done:
- the Plugin and DAMN folder should now have the same width
- you can change the folder of Plugins and SimCity in the Main menubar under Extras - Options
- for resizing it is not finish yet, but you easily switch to 1200 x 1000 size under DAMN-Options

I have the only version of 2.1.0 that was on SourceForge; it contains DAMN Plugin 2.0.4.  Was there someplace else I was supposed to get the newer version?

I'm glad you already implemented those suggestions!  In the mean time, I've been using the 1200 x 1000 size.  And I like the option to have different sized windows.

Quote
And for the name, it is a honor to Daeley, which invented the menus and I think it sounds better to "damn" lots than to "hell" lots  ;D

I think there's a little misunderstanding here.  :)  If you look at my original message, you'll see that I wasn't suggesting replacing DAMN, but merely the word for "menus".  The idea was to allow me to DAMN all my plugins to HELL...  :D   It was really just a joke, though, and not a serious suggestion.  $%Grinno$%

Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: ScottFTL on June 15, 2010, 09:18:06 PM
I think I've found a bug in version 2.1.0.  I selected "Use ONE Dat file for hiding each menu" under DAMN Options.  I didn't care for this option so I changed it back, but the DAMN Manager continues to create single menu dat files in the zzz_DAMN Remove folder rather than reverting to the default behavior.  I even removed and reinstalled SSPTool, but the option is apparently hidden somewhere that I cannot find.  It seems to let you activate this option, but it cannot be deactivated.

I'm not sure if this is a program issue or something that I did, but I've had problems with all my DAMN menus since I upgraded to version 2.1.0.  I wasn't able to see anything except the menu header with the News Ticker installation, so I changed it to Urgent Advice Dialog and the menus started working again.  However, the menu items are no longer hidden as they should be.  I'm really not sure what's going on, but I have a feeling that I will have to start fresh and redo all my menus.  This is the first problem I've had in over a week of solid DAMN-ing.

It would be nice to have an option to regenerate all the files in the zzz_DAMN Remove folder.  If this were accidentally deleted and could not be recovered, it seems like the only recourse is to recreate all menus.

UPDATE:
I was finally able to restore normal behavior by deleting the DAMN folder in \Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins then reinstalling through SSP Tool.  I tried to reuse my previous menus - they still work, but lots are only properly hidden when I create a new menu.  Still not sure what happened there, but glad to have things working again.  It's amazing how addicted you get to uncluttered menus!  ;D
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on June 15, 2010, 10:18:37 PM
I notice that no menu changes are finalized until you hit the "Next" button in the DAMN Manager.  At this point, the new entries are made, the index is generated, and the DAMN Manager closes.  I think that a lot of people, like me, will be using this to make large batches of entries.  From time to time, we'll want to hit "Next" to make sure we don't lose huge amounts of work.  But once the DAMN Manager closes, if we reopen it, our places in the Plugins Folder and the DAMN Menu Folder are lost.  Could you make it so that hitting the "Next" button doesn't cause the DAMN Manager to close, or at least have that as an option?  As many menus go many levels deep, this would save a bit of work when we just want to continue on from where we left off.

EDIT:  One way in which this could be accomplished would be to replace the "Next" button with two buttons - "Save" and "Finish".  The "Save" button would save the new menus and rebuild the index, but leave the DAMN Manager open.  The "Finish" button would do what the "Next" button currently does.  The "Cancel" button would still be present for when people would want to back out of their work.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: buncheesy on July 17, 2010, 04:57:11 AM
I downloaded the SSPTool 2.1.0 from Source forge and successfully created DAMN menus and hid them (all except some RTMT stops for some reason ()what()) from the main menu.

However when I datpacked they were no longer hidden.  AS I have stated before my computer knowledge is rudimentray.  I read this thread and afterwards changed the plugins destination folder to the "plugins_uncompressed" where I store my pre datpacked files....to no avail :-[

I would really really really love to remove the DAMNed lots from the normal menu if possible but dont want to lose the ability to datpack as it has made the game playable with a huge plugins folder.

I would love a simple stepwise explanation of how to create hidden DAMN menus and still use datpacker if possible.

Thanks again to Stephan for the SSPTool (DAMN plugin)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on July 17, 2010, 06:14:54 AM
Hi buncheesy,

Did you also datpack the "zzz_DAMN Remove" folder that holds all the modified files the SSPTool creates to hide your DAMNed files? Unless you chose another method (direct replacement of the original file I think) this is by default. I always keep that one unpacked, and have never had any problem.

Also, you want to make sure that folder is loaded after all your lots (hence the "zzz_" at the beginning of the folder's name).
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on July 17, 2010, 07:31:37 AM
How is it going with a finished version on LEX?
been a long time sins i've heard any news.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on July 17, 2010, 08:22:23 AM
Hi together,

a short lifesign from me. Sorry I didn't tell earlier anything but RL has catched my time a lot.

I'll try to those things since 14. June and upload a version to LEX in the next few days.

Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: buncheesy on July 17, 2010, 07:32:28 PM
Thanks TiFlo and good to hear from you Stefan

When I datpack I leave out all dependancy files, euro textures, terrain mods, and the zzz_damn remove folder.

I did deleate and re-add the damn remove folder. prehaps a problem there?  I have noticed than on reloading now that some things are not hidden that were and some things are still hidden.  Weird  ???

UNless I hear that theres something wrong with this approach I think I will delete all DAMN (have only done a few tests anyway) and start over taking a very systematic approach.  after DAMNing will datpack all except the above files and if some menus are not hidden I'll just live with it.
&mmm
If I can figure out whats going wrong will post back here

cheers
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on July 17, 2010, 09:38:57 PM
Quote from: buncheesy on July 17, 2010, 07:32:28 PM
When I datpack I leave out all dependancy files, euro textures, terrain mods, and the zzz_damn remove folder.

I'd strongly recommend DatPacking your dependency files.  They take a huge proportion of your total plugin space.

Also, try DatPacking your zzz_DAMN Remove folder, but then place the resulting file in a zzz_DAMN folder directly under your Plugins folder.  That should eliminate the problem with hidden files.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: buncheesy on July 18, 2010, 07:49:41 PM
Thanks for the advice Z

will give it a go sometime this week after I finished my current burst of downloading  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Boundary Layer on July 19, 2010, 07:47:41 PM
Having an issue that I can't find any mention of anywhere...

I'm on Windows 7.

So here's what I've done:
I (1) installed DAMN through SSPTools, (2) created a few custom menus, (3) accidentally created a submenu in the wrong hierarchy location. 
Right clicking informs me that I have to delete it through explorer... no problem right?

Well I thought so too, except that when I navigate to C:\Program Files\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins\ there is no DAMN folder.  ()what()
The menu's I created do work in SC4, so they're obviously saved somewhere, but no amount of manual searching, windows search, or mass-deleting anything and everything SC4 has cured this.

I've removed all plugins from both locations, deleted SSPTool, completely removed/reinstalled SC4, reinstalled DAMN on its own prior to doing anything with SSPTool... nothing seems to get rid of my previous menu's. 

Where are they hiding???


Edit:
Fixed it.  It was apparently something to do with my java installation.  I updated it and everything seems to be working correctly now.  No glitch with the program, just with me.   ::)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: djp on July 26, 2010, 10:10:52 AM
Hi Stefan,

I've just installed the latest SSP & DAMN, unfortunately I can't get the menus to show in game.
I get the link in the newsbar, but when I click on it the popup is empty. I get the "home, Back & Info" buttons, bit no menus or icons showing

I had the previous version of DAMN working fine, but the folders were a bit of a mess, so I deleted the entire "DAMN" folder from plugins along with the "zzz_DAMN Remove". I hoped doing a fresh install of your SSP tool along with DAMN would solve the problem - unfortunately not...

I can create menus fine in SSP & they show in the DAMN folder structure, but nothing in game

I'm running WIN7 64bit Ultimate

Dave
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on July 26, 2010, 11:25:07 AM
Hi Dave,

maybe you can try the following:
Give the Users group Full Control for the Plugin folder of SimCity, e.g. C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Plugins

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: djp on July 26, 2010, 12:37:44 PM
Thanks Stefan,

Not to sure what you are referring to, is it the folder permissions?


(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.imageshack.us%2Fimg714%2F5277%2Fssperror.jpg&hash=0a3433855ee71f2a0748064428b89fe8e19f2fea) (http://img714.imageshack.us/i/ssperror.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: ScottFTL on July 26, 2010, 11:02:52 PM
Quote from: djp on July 26, 2010, 12:37:44 PM
Not to sure what you are referring to, is it the folder permissions?

Yes, that is correct.  The permissions for the Users group need to be changed to Full Control in order for the DAMN to work properly with Windows 7.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi648.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fuu207%2FScottFTL%2FSC4D%2520Forums%2FDAMN_Folder_Properties.jpg&hash=e58ff67b88f255913e1bdddb91901a298d3ed11c)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: djp on July 27, 2010, 09:03:26 AM
Thanks Scott,

I've checked the settings for the Users Group & They are all ticked, apart from "special permissions"
The only difference from your image is all my ticks are pail, none in bold - does this matter. I also can't change any of the options

Any ideas??
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: ScottFTL on July 27, 2010, 01:08:05 PM
Quote from: djp on July 27, 2010, 09:03:26 AM
I've checked the settings for the Users Group & They are all ticked, apart from "special permissions"
The only difference from your image is all my ticks are pail, none in bold - does this matter. I also can't change any of the options

You don't need Special Permissions ticked, so that is OK.  If the ticks are gray, this means they are inherited from a higher-level folder.  Did you make changes to a folder higher than Plugins?  It should still work, but I would recommend applying the security settings at the Plugins folder level.

To change the options, you need to click the Edit button in the middle of the Security tab's screen.  If you are unable to do this, it means the current account does not have administrator access.

If this is still not working, please post a screenshot of the security settings on the Plugins folder.  Highlight the Users group so we can see the permissions applied to it.  Your previous screenshot shows the Dave & Emma user account, which is not where the permissions need to be applied.  If the settings are correct for the Users group, I'm stumped - this is all it took for DAMN to work properly for me under Windows 7.  Perhaps someone else will have an idea though.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: djp on July 27, 2010, 01:41:39 PM
I've double checked my security settings, don't think this is the problem. My original DAMN worked - before the latest SSP. Not sure what changes have happened with the new version, or my system...

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.imageshack.us%2Fimg413%2F9499%2Fssperror2.jpg&hash=b38bc865d63d6161e1e530582292a7fedb93192c) (http://img413.imageshack.us/i/ssperror2.jpg/)

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.imageshack.us%2Fimg651%2F7495%2Fssperror3.jpg&hash=b12033ae73cc4486c6bad37c2ba37170f21fede6) (http://img651.imageshack.us/i/ssperror3.jpg/)




Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: ScottFTL on July 27, 2010, 02:55:21 PM
Yeah, you are right - those security settings look correct.   %confuso

When you look under the DAMN\Root folder, do you have any DAMN-Menu*.dat files in the subfolders?  You also might want to try to run the DAMN-Indexer.cmd script under DAMN\Support manually.  You might see an error that will give a clue what is wrong.  Basically, if you are seeing the Home, Back & Info buttons and nothing else, there are either no DAMN menus installed or the indexer cannot run.

Are you sure that you have expanded the menu in the ticker?  You will see the top part only if you haven't clicked to expand the ticker message.  I know it's a silly question, but I actually made this mistake and it took me a minute to figure out.  It doesn't hurt to ask.   $%Grinno$%

You may also want to try running SSP Tool by double-clicking on the JAR file.  I had problems with the included batch file, but it works perfectly for me when I launch straight from the JAR file.  I just made a new shortcut on my
desktop that points directly to the JAR file instead.

Have you created your own DAMN menus, or have you installed someone else's set?  I'd recommend creating at least a small one yourself to test SSP Tool.  I've had problems with some of the ones created by others, but the ones I've made myself have always worked properly.

Did you have the DAMN installed before you started using the latest SSP Tool?  You may want to move the DAMN folder out of Plugins, then use SSP Tool itself to reinstall DAMN.  I think I remember having some problems with a previous DAMN installation, but it worked fine when I let SSP Tool perform the reinstall.  You can delete the new one and move the original DAMN folder back into Plugins if this doesn't work.

Lots of stuff there.  I hope one of these ideas will lead you to a solution.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: djp on July 28, 2010, 11:39:13 AM
Thanks again Scott,

Quote from: ScottFTL on July 27, 2010, 02:55:21 PM
When you look under the DAMN\Root folder, do you have any DAMN-Menu*.dat files in the subfolders?  You also might want to try to run the DAMN-Indexer.cmd script under DAMN\Support manually.  You might see an error that will give a clue what is wrong.  Basically, if you are seeing the Home, Back & Info buttons and nothing else, there are either no DAMN menus installed or the indexer cannot run.
I defiantly have .dat files that I created with the new SSP - already tried the Indexer, runs fine
Quote from: ScottFTL on July 27, 2010, 02:55:21 PM
Are you sure that you have expanded the menu in the ticker?  You will see the top part only if you haven't clicked to expand the ticker message.  I know it's a silly question, but I actually made this mistake and it took me a minute to figure out.  It doesn't hurt to ask.   $%Grinno$%
I've tried DAMN using both options from SSP
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.imageshack.us%2Fimg690%2F5569%2Fdamnk.jpg&hash=bcc50996a83ecd21f13101e11ade311119802d1c) (http://img690.imageshack.us/i/damnk.jpg/)
Quote from: ScottFTL on July 27, 2010, 02:55:21 PM
You may also want to try running SSP Tool by double-clicking on the JAR file.  I had problems with the included batch file, but it works perfectly for me when I launch straight from the JAR file.  I just made a new shortcut on my
desktop that points directly to the JAR file instead.
My shortcut point here "C:\Program Files (x86)\SSP\SSPTool.bat", but I've tried running using a couple of different options, including direct from the JAR file. I don't have any problems with SSP, everything works fine - I think is a DAMN issue (if they can be separate?)
Quote from: ScottFTL on July 27, 2010, 02:55:21 PM
Have you created your own DAMN menus, or have you installed someone else's set?  I'd recommend creating at least a small one yourself to test SSP Tool.  I've had problems with some of the ones created by others, but the ones I've made myself have always worked properly.
All my own creations, all with the new SSP - I've deleted everything to do with any previous versions & let SSP install DAMN from scratch
Quote from: ScottFTL on July 27, 2010, 02:55:21 PM
Lots of stuff there.  I hope one of these ideas will lead you to a solution.
So far no joy, but I will keep tinkering & see what happens.
I do have a new harddrive on order, so will be doing a full new WIN7 install next week. Hopefully this may eliminate the problem.

Thanks again

Dave
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: ScottFTL on July 28, 2010, 12:21:59 PM
Quote from: djp on July 28, 2010, 11:39:13 AM
I do have a new harddrive on order, so will be doing a full new WIN7 install next week. Hopefully this may eliminate the problem.

That's everything I can think of.  I had to play around quite a bit, but I did get everything working.  Hopefully the reinstall will do the trick for you!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: djp on July 28, 2010, 12:41:01 PM
OK, re-installed everything to have a last go before a new OS install next week.

One thing has been happening that could be a potential issue - but this was opening behind the main SSP window so didn't notice before.
I have a JAVA issue I think..
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.imageshack.us%2Fimg541%2F3452%2Fssperror4.jpg&hash=4cc466c259e488e81ef9af9db21f252f223ad797) (http://img541.imageshack.us/i/ssperror4.jpg/)

I have the latest version (V6 up21).
This only shows when using the "Windows Batch File", not when the "Executable Jar File" option is used.

Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on July 28, 2010, 03:38:54 PM
It's not a Java issue - my guess is that you're running either Vista x64 or Windows 7 x64.  This problem will be fixed in the upcoming release of the new SSPTool.  In the mean time, if you replace the contents of your current batch file with the following line, it should fix this problem.

start /min cmd /C "java -jar SSPTool.jar || %windir%\SysWOW64\java -jar SSPTool.jar"
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: buncheesy on July 28, 2010, 08:01:26 PM
Did I here "upcoming release" ;D

PS I have now DAMNED almost all of my lists of things.  Previously I had a problem, especially with RTMT of not being able to hide all lots.  The problem I think arose because I tried to seperate out subsets of DAMN menues from the same folder???  Maybe thats a bug.

I have been very conservative setting up the menus this time by organising my file structure beforehand to mirror the DAMN menu structure.

Anyways if I have a problems with datpacking I will report.  Otherwise all good :thumbsup:

Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: djp on August 01, 2010, 10:47:17 AM
Quote from: z on July 28, 2010, 03:38:54 PM
It's not a Java issue - my guess is that you're running either Vista x64 or Windows 7 x64.  This problem will be fixed in the upcoming release of the new SSPTool.  In the mean time, if you replace the contents of your current batch file with the following line, it should fix this problem.

start /min cmd /C "java -jar SSPTool.jar || %windir%\SysWOW64\java -jar SSPTool.jar"

Thanks Z,

the code you have given me is the same as the batch file already had showing
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.imageshack.us%2Fimg42%2F8048%2Fssperror5.jpg&hash=3ea6f7d672563d19925e8462f6466c064fd73e72) (http://img42.imageshack.us/i/ssperror5.jpg/)

Any other ideas?
My new Hard Drive should be here tomorrow, so will have a new install of everything over the next couple of days - hopefully that will solve things.....
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on August 01, 2010, 03:50:30 PM
This means that your version of Java is not installed in the normal place.  Search for "java.exe" on your computer.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: MutantPlatypus on August 02, 2010, 03:38:26 AM
So I installed the RTMT v 3.60 Addon Pack (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2247) with its DAMN menus and want to hide the normal menu icons.  Problem is, when I try to read manage the DAMN menu in SSPTool, it stops on some item partially through the DAMN menu DAT.  If I close the modal process dialog, everything continues working fine after having only loaded some of the lots.  Have you heard of this issue before?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on August 03, 2010, 06:50:42 AM
@ MutantPlatypus
This happens to me from times to times, only with certain lots. However, I've never had any problem damning the entire RTMT, including that Addon pack. I'd gladly send you mine, if only I knew what to look for in the "zzz_DAMN Remove" folder. Which leads to my question:

I'd like to make some DAMNed lots available again in the game menus, and eventually completely remove them from the DAMN. The problem is that, as far as I can tell, the file created in "zzz_DAMN Remove" doesn't have the same name as the one that is in "DAMN\Root". That is of course using the default method to create DAMN menus. Is there any way to sort that out?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: MutantPlatypus on August 04, 2010, 07:20:49 PM
@TiFlo
Thanks, but the addon pack comes with the RTMT DAMNed already.  It just doesn't hide the lots, which is what I'm looking for.  If you use iLives reader, you can check the .dats in the zzz_DAMNRemove folder and use that to delete lots from those dats.  How come you can't just use the SSPTool to remove the lots from the DAMN menu?

@Z and DJP
I'm running SSPTool just fine on Windows7 Pro x64.  The .bat command should work as long as any JVM is in the PATH environment variable.  Sounds to me like DJP just forgot to reinstall Java altogether.  Are you sure its installed?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: ScottFTL on August 04, 2010, 09:44:06 PM
Quote from: MutantPlatypus on August 04, 2010, 07:20:49 PM
@TiFlo  Thanks, but the addon pack comes with the RTMT DAMNed already.  It just doesn't hide the lots, which is what I'm looking for.

I'm not sure if the DAMN set included with the RTMT was designed to hide the lots or not.  I'd recommend that you create your own DAMN menu for RTMT, then the lots will be properly hidden.  It's a fairly quick process, plus you can customize the DAMN menu to your preferences.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on August 04, 2010, 10:13:56 PM
Quote from: ScottFTL on August 04, 2010, 09:44:06 PM
I'm not sure if the DAMN set included with the RTMT was designed to hide the lots or not.

It wasn't; instead, the menus were placed very far down in the Misc Transit menu, so that they shouldn't conflict with other menu items.

QuoteI'd recommend that you create your own DAMN menu for RTMT, then the lots will be properly hidden.  It's a fairly quick process, plus you can customize the DAMN menu to your preferences.

I would recommend this as well; I think it's the easiest way to get what you want.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 10, 2010, 11:15:38 AM
Hi together,
good news:

1. I've updated and released the new SSPTool Version 2.2.0 as the new main program for my further plugins.
This version doesn't contain any plugins but it simply the base for the plugins which you can install from inside the program. (You have to download the plugins before, of course.)

2. I've released a new version of the DAMN plugin: 2.0.6 with many improvements and a very early not finished User's Guide.

3. My second plugin an easy to handle Lot-Editor is nearly finished for release...

You can download them from LEX and Sourceforge.

Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on August 10, 2010, 11:35:09 AM
Great news, thank you so much!

Are DAMN menus created under SSPTool 2.0.4 compatible with that new version?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 10, 2010, 01:25:59 PM
Hi TiFlo,

yes, old DAMN menus are compatible with this new version.

Internal the menus will be automatically updated to the newest version, when they are modified or new created but it is no need to create all DAMN menus again.
The only thing that may occur is mentioned in the User's Guide of DAMN plugin.

Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on August 10, 2010, 01:38:32 PM
Excellent. Thank you again for the work you did and the time you spent polishing this amazing tool!

I just ran a checkup of my /root folder, it currently holds over 240 files, in pretty much as many folders. This is a life saver when playing, and a powerful beast to take care of my plugins organization.  &apls
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on August 11, 2010, 02:00:38 AM
I love this new version &apls. I've used v2.0.4 a couple of days now and it's much better then the old one as i can put more files in different damn folders without having to restart for eack plugins folder :thumbsup: &apls &apls.

1 question though, on v2.0.6. what is the "Create A Network Lot" button in "Damn Menu Lots" for? or is this for the upcomming "Lot Editor"?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 11, 2010, 03:01:30 AM
@shanghai kid:

With the button Create a Network Lot it is possible to add an network button to the DAMN Menu which is in the normal SimCity Menu.
So you can plop Road, Rail and some more from the DAMN Menu instead of switching between DAMN and normal Menu.
But for this you have to know the ButtonID of the Network lot. You can download a list of SimCity and NAM ID from Sourceforge-SSPTool-Misc-SC4Network.zip & NAM.zip and
read the rul/txt file from the upcoming dialog when you click on "Create a Network Lot".

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: shanghai kid on August 11, 2010, 04:57:55 AM
ahh, thanks for the info @Stefan.
Sins the network buttons isn't that hugely fillled besides Nam, as i damn most other lots anyways, i don't think i need to use this, but it's nice to know i can use it that way though :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: MutantPlatypus on August 13, 2010, 09:11:54 AM
Hey Stefan, nice work on DBPF4J!  Its working really well.  I've updated it to perform a little better and have a more standard design. (For example, I used enums instead of ints, and in several places, you return a special value instead of throwing an exception)  If you like, I can give you the updated source code, but I'd like the source to SSPTool to make sure the updates to DBPF4J and DBPF4J-Ext work with it, and to update SSPTool if necessary.  I'd love to help with this project, as I'm making a tool that relies on DBPF4J and so would love to improve DBPF4J, and possibly have my tool act as a plugin for SSPTool.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on August 14, 2010, 07:27:00 AM
All right, I'm having a bit of trouble here.

I had checked the "Use one Dat file for each menu for hiding" option, so I wouldn't have thousands of new dat files created in my "zzz_DAMN Remove" folder. However, as I said earlier (my mistake though for saying this was with the default option), those dat files in the "Remove folder" don't match those from the "DAMN/Root" folder. So if I want to make some DAMNed files available again in the regular menus, I have no idea what to look for (except to check every single file with the lot editor, but this is quite cumbersome).

Thus I decided I'd just reorganize everything from the ground.

So what I did is I deleted the entire "zzz_DAMN Remove" folder, lauched the SSPTool, wnet into "DAMN manager", opened up each one of my DAMNed menus, selected all files in each, clicked on "Hide selected lots" then "Apply", then clicked "Next". At the end of the process, a new dat file was created in "zzz_DAMN Remove" for each DAMN menu. So far, so good. The problem is that every one of these new files is only 96 octets big (as opposed to between 10-300Ko depending on the size of the DAMNed menu). Of course, once in game, nothing is hidden.

Is there any way I could just get the software to recreate proper hidden menus files without having to start from 0 in my "Root" folder as well? I also tried the different options available in "DAMN Extras", without results.

Thank you for your help  :)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: usfwoody on August 20, 2010, 03:28:00 PM
Hi all,

I am trying to install SSPTool and DAMN plugin and still I don't have any DAMN menus.  I have looked and looked and haven't really found any sort of guide or tutorial on how to implement DAMN menus.  I will (attempt to) add 2 screen shots to show you what I see now that I have installed SSPTool and DAMN plugin.  First, some relevant info:

Windows 7 (I set full control for systems permission)

Right now I have SSPTool located: C:\Users\xxxxxx\Desktop\New folder

I am running: SSPTool 2.2.0 - with DAMN plugin by Stefan79

This is all I see with SSPTool.  File only has 'exit' Tools has 'options' 'install plugins'  Help has the usual

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVdOeBi (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVdOeBi)

And here is the 'options' info:

http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVdOjAA (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aVdOjAA)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on August 20, 2010, 09:15:21 PM
@ usfwoody,

Paeng just made a great walk through topic on how to set up  and use the SSPTool with the DAMN plugin over at Simpeg (http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=35c86d022ab7df1c9e5b6f50f4f0059b&topic=8895.0). Look for his posts through the topic.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: editfish on August 20, 2010, 10:31:24 PM
Awesome, thanks for the link   &apls

Quote from: TiFlo on August 20, 2010, 09:15:21 PM
@ usfwoody,

Paeng just made a great walk through topic on how to set up  and use the SSPTool with the DAMN plugin over at Simpeg (http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=35c86d022ab7df1c9e5b6f50f4f0059b&topic=8895.0). Look for his posts through the topic.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 21, 2010, 05:04:32 AM
Hi together,

short information about install, which is easier than before (since 2.2.0):
- Download and install (unzip) the SSPTool_Complete.zip to your wish folder
- Download SSPTool-DAMN Plugin, you don't need to unzip or something else, just remember where you download it
- Start SSPTool (SSPTool.bat inside the installed folder)
- Select Tool - Install Plugin; choose the SSPTool-DAMN Plugin ZIP file and press OK; this will install the plugin to the correct folder
- Restart SSPTool to take the install effect, now a menu called Plugins and the DAMN plugin itself should appear
- Press Install DAMN in the lower left corner of the DAMN plugin to install DAMN; choose the options to your needs
- Now you can start the DAMN Manager and manages your DAMN
(Remark: I will add the install, configure and manage things to the help file which can be found under Help - User's Guide soon.)

Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: usfwoody on August 21, 2010, 07:48:39 PM
Ok, a few things.

1: SSPTool/DAMN Rules!  I finally got it to work and oh man, its heaven.  My original menus were just awfully long and disjointed.  Now, they will become neat and tidy.  Yay!

2:  It appears that SOMY lots are not compatible with SSPTool/DAMN.  When I try to add them, the program gets stuck.  I think what the problem might be is that in SOMY's lot files, he may have used characters that are not compatible with English users, as there are a number of ##### in each file name.  I believe this to be the issue.  Perhaps someone has run into this and has a work around?

And finally, Stefan79, you owe me a new hard drive, because now I that I can use the DAMN menus and organize all the wonderful BATS/LOTS from SC4 users, I cannot stop downloading files.   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on August 22, 2010, 07:20:49 AM
Stefan,

one remark regarding the new version. It seems I cannot change the item description now? After adding items to an custom menu, I would like to change the description (whixh is neccessary for some lots where the icon doesn't resemble the actual lot, e.g. with pathway pieces). However, I cannot find a way to save those changes. After deselecting and reselecting that item, the original description is in place again.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg823.imageshack.us%2Fimg823%2F583%2Fssptoo1.jpg&hash=062a40a26446ee5fd58ef05accd8e63f17154660)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on August 22, 2010, 01:14:01 PM
Quote from: usfwoody on August 21, 2010, 07:48:39 PM
2:  It appears that SOMY lots are not compatible with SSPTool/DAMN.  When I try to add them, the program gets stuck.  I think what the problem might be is that in SOMY's lot files, he may have used characters that are not compatible with English users, as there are a number of ##### in each file name.  I believe this to be the issue.  Perhaps someone has run into this and has a work around?

I've encountered the same problem with SOMY lots, but have never managed to find a solution.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: RebaLynnTS on August 22, 2010, 01:23:00 PM
Quote from: usfwoody on August 21, 2010, 07:48:39 PM
I think what the problem might be is that in SOMY's lot files, he may have used characters that are not compatible with English users, as there are a number of ##### in each file name.  I believe this to be the issue.  Perhaps someone has run into this and has a work around?

If this is the problem, then a simple edit with the reader should solve it.

The file names them selves can be changed in windows with no issue, however.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: usfwoody on August 22, 2010, 03:00:24 PM
@Rady,

It is a simple matter to use ilives reader to change the description of the lot, which will then carry over into DAMN (I think, I haven't really thought about it).  Let me know if you aren't very familiar with ilives reader and I will help you.  I am a modding n e w b (even to say n e w b is giving me too much credit) and while it took me a while to learn, I can help you now.  Its the least I can do, since I've leeched all the hard work and effort others like Stefan79 have put into modding.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: usfwoody on August 22, 2010, 03:03:45 PM
@RebaLynnTS,

I get that windows explorer will allow me to change the file name, but is it as simple as that? Can I change: ITS_233_CommercialRoad_Grow-0x6534284a-0xf33d19b0-0x333e33c2.SC4Desc to "tallbuilding.SC4Desc?"

Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on August 22, 2010, 04:23:37 PM
Certainly.  The Windows file names aren't used by the game, although the extension may affect loading order.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: RebaLynnTS on August 22, 2010, 04:53:36 PM
Quote from: usfwoody on August 22, 2010, 03:03:45 PM
@RebaLynnTS,

I get that windows explorer will allow me to change the file name, but is it as simple as that? Can I change: ITS_233_CommercialRoad_Grow-0x6534284a-0xf33d19b0-0x333e33c2.SC4Desc to "tallbuilding.SC4Desc?"

You could even change it to tallbuilding.dat, but as z pointed out, the extension will effect the order it is loaded.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on August 23, 2010, 12:35:15 AM
Quote from: usfwoody on August 22, 2010, 03:00:24 PM
@Rady,

It is a simple matter to use ilives reader to change the description of the lot, which will then carry over into DAMN (I think, I haven't really thought about it).  Let me know if you aren't very familiar with ilives reader and I will help you.  I am a modding n e w b (even to say n e w b is giving me too much credit) and while it took me a while to learn, I can help you now.  Its the least I can do, since I've leeched all the hard work and effort others like Stefan79 have put into modding.

Thanks for offering help, usfwoody!

Well, I'm somewhat used to the Reader (at least as far as changing item descriptions is concerened, but knowledge of the Reader ends shortly after that ..  :P  )

I just thought that this has been possible in the previous SSPtool version ... but possibly I'm wrong ... Stefan sure will shed a light on that ...
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: editfish on August 23, 2010, 05:50:29 PM
Quote from: TiFlo on August 22, 2010, 01:14:01 PM
I've encountered the same problem with SOMY lots, but have never managed to find a solution.

What operating system are you running?  I am using Vista, and Somy's (and other japanese BATs) seem to work fine for me.  I do note however that I would like to be able to edit the decriptions as mentioned in the previous post.   

Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on August 23, 2010, 06:18:34 PM
@ editfish,

I had the problem with XP, and now have it with 7. The thing is that some of them I could get to be DAMNed, but they would still appear in the regular menus despite being processed as hidden like the rest of my DAMNed files.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 24, 2010, 04:51:38 AM
Hi together,

some things done:
- I've upload a minor update to SSPTool 2.2.1 with a completed User's Guide.
- I've found the bug not applying the changes (not only description) to the DAMN item
others will follow soon:
- I'll check SOMY lots for their work with SSPTool-DAMN; can anyone give me a link to the files they don't work or send me the files?
- I'll add the User's Guide to SSPTool-DAMN
- I'll upload the new version of SSPTool-DAMN to the LEX

Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on August 24, 2010, 07:40:29 AM
On my end, anything from P7 to P9 (http://members3.jcom.home.ne.jp/somy000/p9.htm) that is boat / harbour related.
When trying to read the files with the DAMN, the program will always hang at some point, apparently stuck on one file or another. When clicking "cancel" (or closing it, I don't remember) in the window that displays the files processing, some files can still show up in the upper DAMN window and be DAMNed like any other. They will, however, not be hidden whatsoever from the in game menu despite the option being checked.

Thank you for looking into this.  :)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: usfwoody on August 24, 2010, 08:30:08 AM
@TiFlo, @Stefan79

I hope I am not beating this SOMY issue to death, but I felt I should add a little info in case its useful.

I thought the issue was in the lot names, since some where fkbgsdag########.  Well, changing them did nothing so I now presume its something in the file itself that is fighting SSPTool.

Unfortunately I am at work, so I cant provide files.  (plus I changed the names, so it would be difficult to compare  :-[
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 24, 2010, 11:45:03 AM
@Users, who use SOMY lots:

I found the problem in the SOMY files, why SSPTool-DAMN can not handle them. Its not because of the Japanese language (SOMY lots doesn't support alternate languages).
It goes to deep to explain this, but I have fixed it and will release a new SSPTool and SSPTool-DAMN version after some tests.

@all
I'll change some things in my DBPF4J library, so if you use it, the next release 1.9.x will have some major changes inspired by MutantPlatypus - thank you!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on August 29, 2010, 09:03:06 AM
Hi together,

I've uploaded an updated version of SSPTool (2.2.2) and plugin SSPTool-DAMN (2.0.8). You need both updates.
Now it supports SOMY lots and includes a UserGuide (not finally finished but with Demo DAMNing). Thanks to SimPEG for creating it.

Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: RebaLynnTS on August 29, 2010, 03:26:23 PM
Happy to help.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on August 29, 2010, 08:48:26 PM
Great, thanks a bunch!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: editfish on August 31, 2010, 06:07:43 AM
Awesome, I will apply the update.  I've noticed a few other minor issues, but will see if the update corrects them.  Thanks!   &apls &apls
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: editfish on August 31, 2010, 07:50:04 PM
This version works much better with the non-English BATs. 

One minor irritation is that the menu 'grays out' if I don't select fast enough, and I have to close and reopen the news window to select.  Also, after I make a selection, I can use just that one lot.  Subsequent lots necessitate closing and reopening the news window again.  Lastly, some lots can be placed multiple times, until deselected.  Others, however, only allow one placement and I have to once again close and reopen the news window.

I love the organization of it but it can get pretty frustrating.

I am running Windows Vista, and this is the only problem I seem to be having with the DAMN/SSPTool.

Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: usfwoody on August 31, 2010, 07:56:03 PM
Stefan79,  I seem to be having trouble installing the latest version of SSPTool.  What I have done is extract the files to my current folder that had the older SSPTool files.  I installed the new plugin but I am now having issues with some bats that I had previously created DAMN menus with.  SOMY lots work just fine, but I seem to get the same issue with files that were fine before the release.  Can you tell me how to properly install the new SSPTool application?   Thanks!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 01, 2010, 11:35:48 AM
@editfish:
If you use the News-Ticker for the DAMN Menu, then use the DAMN Installer and choose the NewsTicker option to install the DAMN.
This should prevent the grays-out of the menu, but I'm not really sure, if using the News-Ticker only works when the game paused.

@usfwoody:
If you had previously created DAMN Menus they shouldn't be affected by the new version. What are the problems with these, or are they when you create a new DAMN Menu?
For installation its good to remove the old SSPTool and extract the ZIP file to prevent conflicts with older version, but for this update it should be enough to remove the data folder in the SSPTool folder.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on September 01, 2010, 12:41:50 PM
Quote from: Stefan79 on September 01, 2010, 11:35:48 AM
This should prevent the grays-out of the menu, but I'm not really sure, if using the News-Ticker only works when the game paused.

Yes, the game must be paused to use the News Window option for DAMN.  Otherwise, everything gets grayed out almost immediately.  In practice, I haven't found this to be a problem, as I find it a lot easier to  have the game paused when I'm plopping things.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: usfwoody on September 01, 2010, 02:13:01 PM
Stefan79, thank you for the reply.  I will follow your advice.  To answer your question, the problem that I have now seems to stem from something in the exemplars.  When I select a folder of plugins (so I can then move them into a DAMN menu) it starts to read the lots, then gets hung up when trying to read the exemplars.  I will post a screen shot when I get home from work.

Thank you for all you efforts in building SSPTool, you cant know how much it has helped improve the game for me.  My menus were ridiculous (the DAMN menus are too, but at least they are organized <-- too many plugins  ;D )
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: editfish on September 01, 2010, 06:24:02 PM
Quote from: Stefan79 on September 01, 2010, 11:35:48 AM
@editfish:
If you use the News-Ticker for the DAMN Menu, then use the DAMN Installer and choose the NewsTicker option to install the DAMN.
This should prevent the grays-out of the menu, but I'm not really sure, if using the News-Ticker only works when the game paused.

I have updated the installation per your recommendations through the SSPTool.Bat and will try it out.  Thanks!

Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: joshua43214 on September 07, 2010, 12:04:28 PM
Thank you for this very nice tool, It functions about exactly as I would hope something like this would.

I am having three problems that I think are interrelated.

The first,
Sometimes when I am hunting through the plug in folder, the process will stall when it tries to read the file or the exemplar,
this pic is typical
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi179.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fw298%2Fjoshua43214%2Fssptoolopen.jpg&hash=3e97a17c74010a1962e697d4bd599356111d8687)

note the first error code always appears when I launch SSP.

The second,
sometimes after I have sorted my files into the DAMN, the process stalls.
(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi179.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fw298%2Fjoshua43214%2Fssptoolapply.jpg&hash=f12f862572c33173c442440bb1adba69cf2fa9ae)
Note with both problems, if I close the box manually, the index still generates "successfully," and I can use the DAMN menu in-game.

The third,
I can not get the files to hide in-game. SSP does generate the hide file in my plugins folder, I do have it prefixed with zzzzz_ to make sure its the last thing loaded. SSP does place files in the hide folder, but does not place files there if it stalls when I hit apply and the process stalls (problem 2).

What I have done,
-deleted all DAMN and SSP files
-uninstalled Java (both 32 and 64 bit)
-reinstalled Java (32 bit only)
-unzipped the SSPTool
-used the pluggins>install plug-in option to install the latest plug-in through SSP
-used the DAMN-Options button to change the name of the hide folder to zzzzz_DAMN Remove
-installed DAMN using SSP, choosing the minimal warnings, and news pop-up options.

Fun facts,
-All DAMN and SSP files where downloaded again on Sept 6, 2010
-the entire Maxis folder in program files, and the entire plugins folder in documents are given "full permissions."
-Win Vista64 Business
-AMD Phenom quad core
-UAC disabled (UAC is evil...)
-I have been using and building computers since the internet was Newsgroups (yes, that makes me old), I have about zero in the way of programing skills, but I am competant in using them.

Thank you for any and all help
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on September 08, 2010, 02:42:04 AM
I am also having the first problem described in the previous post; I just installed the newest version of SSPTool yesterday.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 15, 2010, 02:18:09 PM
Hi together,

sorry for the long delay for update/fix, but I've found another bug and fixed this, too.  ()stsfd()
I uploaded a new version of SSPTool (2.2.3) and SSPTool-DAMN (2.0.9) to LEX. You need both updates or the bug will not be fixed.

Update of SSPTool/DAMN:
Simply extract and overwrite the contents of SSPTool to your SSPTool folder. Then start SSPTool and install the SSPTool-DAMN plugin through Tool-Install Plugin from the menubar and choose the downloaded SSPTool-DAMN ZIP file. Restart SSPTool and the problems should be fixed.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: editfish on September 15, 2010, 02:21:39 PM
Just out of curiousity, has anyone had any issues using BOTH SSPtool AND DatPacker?

(Thanks for the new update, btw, I also have been having issues with the program 'hanging' after I 'apply' changes.)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: joshua43214 on September 16, 2010, 06:39:29 AM
Thank you Stefan79.
No problem on the delay, I'm just extremely gratified that you even made this mod in the first place.
I put the whole issue aside, for the moment. I will download the fix later toady and play with it.

Thanks again
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on September 16, 2010, 06:49:01 AM
@ editfish,
What kind of issue are you talking about? The only one I have, as has been reported by others, is that the hidden files will only be properly hidden if my "zzz_DAMN Remove" folder has been datpacked. Not that it's a problem for me, considering the amount of files I have in there datpacking that folder can only be good.

@ Stephan, thanks for the update!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: editfish on September 16, 2010, 07:45:01 AM
my DAT packer hangs/crashes when attempting to pack the ZZZ_DAMN_Remove folder.  I can exclude it, but then none of the icons are hidden any longer.   ()what()
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on September 16, 2010, 07:47:40 AM
That's weird. How big is your ZZZ_DAMN_Remove folder? Have you tried datpacking it while there is no other folders in your main plugin folder?
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on September 16, 2010, 02:24:28 PM
I find that I have the same hanging problem with this version as with the previous version.  I have to go back to SSPTool 2.0.6 and its associated DAMN plugin for a version that doesn't hang.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: editfish on September 16, 2010, 08:11:05 PM
Quote from: TiFlo on September 16, 2010, 07:47:40 AM
That's weird. How big is your ZZZ_DAMN_Remove folder? Have you tried datpacking it while there is no other folders in your main plugin folder?

zzz_Damn_Remove is about 426kb.

wxPython:stdout/stderr returns the following error message:

Quote"Failed
comp= None
C:\My Documents\SimCity 4\Plugins\zzz_DAMN Remove\#-Glenni-OWR-LONGHAMMER5-LEFT_d941a20b.SC4Lot
000001C4-0200FB10-5145E18E
original size 1082598179
filesize 1082598179
lencontent 1082598179
originalpos 590430810
destpos 96
gaine 0
UNCOMPRESS
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "datPackerApp.pyo", line 2701, in OnStart
  File "datPackerApp.pyo", line 2358, in RecurseAllFilesFull
  File "datPackerApp.pyo", line 2452, in BuildIt
  File "datPackerApp.pyo", line 2200, in WriteADat
  File "datPackerApp.pyo", line 1914, in Copy
struct.error: unpack str size does not match format"

()what()  ()what()  ()what()
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 16, 2010, 11:43:07 PM
Hi editfish.

don't know if it solve your problem, but maybe the following workaround could help:
- Remove the problematic file from zzz_DAMN Remove
- Start DAMN Manager (please use newest version of SSPTool & SSPTool/DAMN) and hide the lot again to a test menu
- Remove the test menu from /Plugins/DAMN/Root/...
- Run the DAMN Indexer (either from the program or from /Plugins/DAMN/Support folder)
- Try to datpack the zzz_DAMN Remove folder

There was a bug in the old version of SSPTool so this may cause the error in DATPacker.  &mmm
(I'll add an option "Only hide lots, don't create DAMN Menu" for the next DAMN release.)

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: editfish on September 18, 2010, 07:18:38 PM
OK.  I followed your suggested workaround, and re-DATpacked, which then threw the following (fatal) error:
Quote
Failed
comp= None
C:\My Documents\SimCity 4\Plugins\zzz_DAMN Remove\JB_Univ_Buildings_1.dat
00000022-00000010-00000300
original size 8192
filesize 8192
lencontent 8192
originalpos 512
destpos 237512
gaine 0
UNCOMPRESS
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "datPackerApp.pyo", line 2701, in OnStart
  File "datPackerApp.pyo", line 2358, in RecurseAllFilesFull
  File "datPackerApp.pyo", line 2450, in BuildIt
  File "datPackerApp.pyo", line 2200, in WriteADat
  File "datPackerApp.pyo", line 1919, in Copy
IndexError: mmap slice assignment is wrong size

I repeated the steps for the 'new' file, and it seemed to work fine.  (No errors).  The first error was a 'struct.error' for a .SC4Lot with a single building.  This one was an 'IndexError' for a .dat file with multiple (~14) lots.  Don't know if these two errors are the same bug or not? 

Can the lots not be used in my DAMN menu?    ()sad()

Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on September 19, 2010, 02:18:16 AM
Oh, I suggest you have add the lots to your DAMN Menu already and what you have done with my workaround is to hide them once more with the updated program. This prevents any errors that might be included with an old program version but don't prevent you to use your lot from the DAMN Menu.
This is the reason I will add a simply "Only hide the lots" Option to make this easier in the next SSPTool/DAMN version.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: editfish on September 19, 2010, 10:06:44 AM
I see.  I think I may have been misinterpreted your workaround.  You suggested that I removed the file from the zzz_Damn_Remove, and hide the lots again to a 'test' menu, then delete that menu.  I was also removing the existing (previously added) 'hidden lots' from the Damn menu as well.


[some time later] Hmm.  If I re-hide the lots after removing the file from the zzz_Damn_Remove, the error repeats (a new file is created in the zzz_Damn_Remove) and DATPacker errors out with the same (original) error message...


Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on September 19, 2010, 10:58:50 AM
This is probably of not much help, but every time you modify one of your DAMN menus, a new file is created in the "zzz_DAMN Remove" folder (among other new files if extra items are added to the DAMN, of course). I don't remember its exact name, but it has DAMN and some number in it. Every time. And every time, that file weight 96 octets. As far as I know, it is useless, and can be deleted.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong though.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on October 06, 2010, 11:19:08 PM
Hi folks,

for me I always use the direct modify of the lots to hide them (LTEXT method), so I haven't do much work on the hide folder and single dat solution. But I'll look at this option and check the functionality ecspecially with the DAT-Packer.

Important
If any of your lots can't be "DAMN"ed, please feel free to contact me and tell me the Lot's name or the Download-Link. So, I can check this of my own and try to get a solution for this. Thank you!


Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Jack_wilds on October 07, 2010, 05:06:47 PM
Hello Stefan79,

Glad to hear from you, trust all is well and good with you...

I have a few lots that 'hittwice99' Industrial lot projects 1,2,3 and the water tower pack -the 'damn' appears to not see what there...

then concerning the 'damn help-me' I realize its still a work in progress but can it also have a simpler 1-2-3-step to the process ??? perhaps  &idea step 1-2-3-4 can also be help bubbles over corresponding buttons... and this help feature can have a on-off switch,

what I have some troubles with... where can I name the file before its 'damn-ed-up' where can I name the folder that goes into the 'damn' file in sc4deluxe folder... i hit ' apply' and it does its thing but it still finishes in the default name, and then I press 'next' and its shuts down, and nothing is 'saved' or in the folder...

can't the next button do what it did in the previous version going to the next step of naming the file then it 'damns' it and then it can return to the program with out having to restart it again (after figuring it out, the 1.3.3 version steps seemed apparent -to see, figure out  and seemed to work better -however improvements to the 2.x versions are better in many ways) inspite of 'figuring it out' troubles I still like the interface alot better

Jack
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on October 10, 2010, 12:19:48 PM
Hi together,

I've uploaded a new version of SSPTool 2.2.4 with updated libraries to fix some bugs preventing correct DAMNing.
This should fix the problem of SSPTool/DAMN to damn various lots, like Clayhurst, SFBT things, BSC Park and more.

Simply download the new version and extract the contents to your installed folder overwriting all existing files.

As Jack_wilds mentioned, he would like to have a wizard for the new interface. What do you think of this?
(Don't forget to try out the Help-DAMN from the main menu of SSPTool.)

Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on October 10, 2010, 01:39:10 PM
Sorry I couldn't get back to you earlier with an in-depth description of my problem - RL has been rather intense recently.  But I just tried out your new version of SSPTool on one of the files that wasn't working for me, and now it works fine.  So it does seem like you found and fixed the problem.  Congratulations!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: editfish on October 10, 2010, 02:30:04 PM
I'm still getting an error with BSC Parks Base Set (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=437 (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=437)):

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1192.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faa323%2Feditfish%2FSC4%2FErrors%2FBSC_Parks_Baseerror.jpg&hash=b11dee6e44a59adeff6cc5152dba4cc407b2fc44)

Also Hittwice99's Industrial lots still aren't available to DAMN (as note by Jack_wilds).



Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Flo8472 on October 11, 2010, 10:44:32 AM
Thanks for the new Version. They fix some Problems.

But i have the same error with BSC Parks Base Set as editfish and the SSP don't remove the Diggis Ponds Addon Set 2 (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=2211), too.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: TiFlo on October 12, 2010, 05:32:38 AM
That's weird, I've never had any problem with SG CAL sets nor any of the many BSC Parks sets I use. Either with older versions of the SSPTool/DAMN or the most recent one. And I don't recall modifying anything from the default installation config.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on October 12, 2010, 09:32:02 AM
I've had no problems ever since I switched to the latest version of SSPTool.  So I decided to try out the BSC Base Parks Set, which I had successfully DAMNED using an earlier version of the tool.  This time the tool froze as soon as I selected the parks in the upper left pane - the little popup displayed in the middle counting up the files that it was going to display in the upper central pane, but it got stuck on the first one.  So this is definitely a regression.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Myself.or.? on October 12, 2010, 01:42:15 PM
Another two Lots that seem to cause the same Problem are: Bourke Street School by Mattb325 and April's Pride from CSX
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on October 13, 2010, 03:49:07 AM
Hi together,

I upload a new release of SSPTool 2.2.5 which fixes the bugs, so the metioned lots/sets can be damned.
If there any other lots/sets that cannot be damned with this new version, don't be afraid to tell me with download-link please.

Regards,
Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: editfish on October 14, 2010, 06:13:18 AM
Thanks Stefan-

It seems to be working well now!  Thank you!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: turtle on October 15, 2010, 05:01:57 AM
Hi Stefan,

Thanks for this great tool.

I have a problem with it, though. A popup box with the text "Process finished" will randomly freeze the program. I suppose the box pops up when the program reads a folder - normally, it will disappear automatically, but from time to time it freezes the program.

Thanks again
Turtle
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on October 16, 2010, 12:59:58 AM
Hi Turtle,

if the Process Window freeze, it normally means that an error occur which stops the processing.
If you start the program with the Batch (SSPTool.bat) there might be some error message about this. Take a screenshot as editfish in a previous post and send me.
Else look at the Log (Help-Log) and send me the log, so I can analyze whats the problem with which lot.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: turtle on October 18, 2010, 03:02:35 AM
Hi Stefan,

Here is where it freezes. I can't get past the process window to go to the Log - the only way to do anything from here is to ctrl+alt+delete and shut down the program.

(https://www.sc4devotion.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg215.imageshack.us%2Fimg215%2F4553%2Fprocessfinished.jpg&hash=292ad2227a63ee327aa185a2f0651e4ddd81120e)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on October 18, 2010, 03:05:49 PM
Hi Turtle,

for this circumstances go to the Options Dialog of SSPTool and activate the "Debug To File" option as described in the UserGuide (Help-UserGuide). This will write the log to the file "temp/<CreateTime>.log" in the SSPTool folder. Then you can send me this file: mapsonswen@web.de and maybe I'll find the problem.
Does it the freeze always by the same lots/folder, then please give me the Download-Link to the lots, so I can test my program with these.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: djp on October 25, 2010, 01:53:49 PM
Hi Stefen

Using the latest version of SSP, I seem unable to properly hide the DAMN-ed menu items from SC4's own menus. The DAMN menu items all work fine, but they also appear in the main menu, DAT-packed or not.

I am using the default settings. The question now is: What happens if I switch to the "Modify the original exemplar" option? Will this also affect those items already in the DAMN system, or only newly added entries. Moreover, if an entry is removed from the DAMN Menu  system via SSP, is the exemplar modified again to its original state?"

I am dying to find out – because if I cannot hide the originals then the entire DAMN system is less useful to me.

Thanks for your help

David
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on October 25, 2010, 11:35:15 PM
Hi David,

at the moment SSP/DAMN is only able to hide lots from the regular SimCity menu. For this it can uses two ways:
1) It creates a duplicate from the SC4-Exemplar Entry, remove the right Property and save this into the zzz_Remove folder.
2) It modify the original lot by adding a LTEXT entry with the information about the property, remove the right property and save this over the original file.
If you switch the hiding method ("Modify the original exemplar") this will only affect the newly damned items.
These two ways allows to undone/unhide the hiding by either remove the corresponding file in the zzz_Remove folder or add the property from the LTEXT and remove the LTEXT inside the original lot.
Of course you can remove a DAMN Menu in the SSP/DAMN but this will not undone the hiding. But you can do this from the button DAMN Extras in the DAMN Plugin.
For further release I will try to implement this function into the SSP/DAMN when you simply remove an item from the DAMN Menu.

For your problem: Are all lots affected or are there some special? Perhaps you can send me the download link of these lots and I can test them. Do you have the zzz_Remove folder inside your Plugin folder and is it filled with the damned lots? And you need Administrator rights or the right permission to the SimCity folders to properly hide the menus.

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: djp on October 26, 2010, 10:43:36 AM
Thanks Stefen

Quote from: Stefan79 on October 25, 2010, 11:35:15 PM
For your problem:
Are all lots affected or are there some special? All Lots!
Perhaps you can send me the download link of these lots and I can test them. Too Numerous
Do you have the zzz_Remove folder inside your Plugin folder and is it filled with the damned lots? Yes
And you need Administrator rights or the right permission to the SimCity folders to properly hide the menus. System Administrator

Stefan

All the entries are still in the SC4 menus, even when I specifically click the Hide selected button. And SPP really should be taking care of restoring items, LTEXT or not, since not everyone can manage using the Reader on hundreds of DAMN-ed lots.

Setting DAMN to use the news ticker results in an odd behaviour: after each and every placement of a lot using the DAMN menu, the cursor retains whatever the last placed lot was, and the DAMN menu becomes inactive and requires closing and reopening to select the next lot.

Any more advice would be appreciated

David
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on October 26, 2010, 01:48:20 PM
Quote from: djp on October 26, 2010, 10:43:36 AM
Setting DAMN to use the news ticker results in an odd behaviour: after each and every placement of a lot using the DAMN menu, the cursor retains whatever the last placed lot was, and the DAMN menu becomes inactive and requires closing and reopening to select the next lot.

Using DAMN with the news ticker does work slightly differently than using it without.  For best results, you need to have the game stopped when you use it in this mode.  Then you can select a single lot and plop it as many times as you want.  The menu does get grayed out, but simply clicking on "Open Additional Submenus" at the bottom is sufficient to re-enable it in order to select another lot.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: H2Odk on November 15, 2010, 08:10:00 AM
I just installed the SSPTool (2.25) & Damn plugin (2.0.9). I wanted to understand how it worked so I tried looking through the default installed menus I installed (Jeronij Walls and Simgoober Canals).

I can not open the Jeronij New Walls Set 3, it stalls on Entry: 5/18

Have the same problem with all RTMT menus I have installed.

Tried on both Win7 64bit and XP 32 bit, Java on both is the latest (1.6.0_22-b04) 32bit

All the menus work in the game.

EDIT:
After looking at the RTMT menu DATs, I suspect the reason the plugin fails to load them is the extra "RTMT root" menu.

I can however not find anything wrong with the Jeronij New Walls Set 3 DAT.

I have also noticed that the plugin doesn't convert any data in LOT's LTEXT files.. eg. "Passenger Capacity: #d:4aa60ebc#", this would be helpful. I would have looked at the java code (not that I know any java), but I failed to find/get it from sourceforge.

Quote from: z on October 26, 2010, 01:48:20 PM
Using DAMN with the news ticker does work slightly differently than using it without.  For best results, you need to have the game stopped when you use it in this mode.  Then you can select a single lot and plop it as many times as you want.  The menu does get grayed out, but simply clicking on "Open Additional Submenus" at the bottom is sufficient to re-enable it in order to select another lot.
I have edited the LUA code so that it get re-enabled automatically when you plop items... the only time it gets grayed out is when the "close" button on the item pop-up is pressed... or it isn't used for a long time (2000 days)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: $ Dj D.P.E. $ on December 28, 2010, 11:14:45 AM
Ok I got this to work but when I open DAMN in game I get no menus :( it just opens a box with the home back and I guess help icon but nothing else can someone help please and thank you
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: gazac48 on February 27, 2011, 04:26:57 AM
Hi Stefan
your Damn Manager is great, just a few things I use cut/copy & past a lot with the right mouse, when making a menu I copy the name from MS File-Explorer (would be great it you could copy the dir name from you Plugin folder) then click new folder, I then have to go to my keyboard to past with Ctrl+V would be a lot better to use the right button to past in one go.

so what I'm saying is
1. pick plugin from Damn Manager, right click copy name for the folder.
2. go to Damn Menu Folder, click new, then right click & past name for Damn Menu Folder
-------
One other thing,

After making some Damn menus I find that the game menus get small, that is great, but to make the game better it would be good to rearranging user game menus to make all the lots stay together

It would be good to have a new plugin to SSPTool to read the game user plugins & show the game menu with user plugins (any lots in DAMN menu may need to be hidden I think) with a option to change the Item Order in the game menu, all that would be needed is to change the Item Order in the exemplar this could be done the same way you do it in Damn Manager with Arrows.

Hope this could be done as for now I have to open up each lot in reader to set the order.

One other thing SSPTool will not work with 64bit Java, this could be why some are not getting it to work...
Gaza
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Kultag on February 03, 2012, 03:02:01 AM
Topic revived.

I had the same error message as was mentioned in some earlier posts here:
NOT_IN_TEXT_DATABASE_dae1e774
and the DAMN did not work at all in-game.

This happened after I reinstalled the DAMN is SSP with a different configuration (without doing any modifications to the menus themselves, about a 1000 icons installed). When I installed it again with the original specifications, it worked just as before.

The working specs were:
News Ticker, 4x400 columns, 1000 high, 200 items max, reduce: yes, default menu: no.

What didn't work:
News Ticker, 5x350 columns, 1000 high, 500 items max, reduce: yes, default menu: no.

After it regained operability I tried to implement some of the things I wanted to change. With columns reconfigured to 5x350 (with 200 icons max) it worked, while keeping the 4x400 configuration but with max 500 icons per folder, it didn't.

So without a thorough test it seems that while you can reinstall an already done DAMN menu with different number and width columns (making these practically options), you cannot change the max number of icons per folder.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: City Builder on February 03, 2012, 03:50:26 AM
Is there anything that I can do with regards to setting up or running this with Damn to make it deal better with huge plugin folder?

It's popped up some dialog that it's working, and I see in task manager that it is running but it's been stuck on reading 6/13 entry for ages now, something like Entry: 68804/124104

My plugin folder is about 4.5GB

Maybe somehow allocating more ram in the SSPTool.bat file?

In the command box that is open underneath SSPT it shows this:

s
Exception in thread "Thread-6" java.lang.NullPointerException
        at ssp.dbpf4j.format.DBPFCoder.decodeProperty(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.dbpf4j.format.DBPFCoder.createExemplarB(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.dbpf4j.format.DBPFCoder.createExemplar(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.dbpf4j.format.DBPFConverter.createType(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.dbpf4j.format.DBPFConverter.createType(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.dbpf4j.format.DBPFConverter.createExemplar(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.dbpf4j.util.DBPFElementListWorker.run(Unknown Source)
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Kultag on February 05, 2012, 05:10:05 AM
Many of the lots I DAMNed kept their icons in the game menus (no dat/lot files were made in zzz_DAMN Remove, but they appear in the DAMN menu). Is there a quicker way of removing them than adding them again to their respective DAMN folder (which actually generates the necessary files in DAMN remove)? I tried copying the icons into SSP's clipboard, generate the folder index, then paste them back and regenerate the index, but this doesn't help. Is there a way of batch hide for all lots that are DAMNed? I have about 2000 dat and lot files in DAMN Remove, and counted about 250-300 more icons in the SC4 menus.

Edit: It seems that there are lots which causes the indexing to freeze. This might prevent the rest of the contents of the DAMN folder to be hidden. I'll experiment more.

Edit 2: I removed some DAMNed lots (those that are rewards, but I still damned them), and now these folders have doubled or tripled all remaining lots. I.e. if I had 40 icons after removing the rewards, now after the 40th the list starts over again, so there are 80 icons. When I remove 1 icon in SSP, it removes both copies of it from the folder.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Kultag on April 12, 2012, 03:51:59 AM
Quote from: H2Odk on November 15, 2010, 08:10:00 AM
I have edited the LUA code so that it get re-enabled automatically when you plop items... the only time it gets grayed out is when the "close" button on the item pop-up is pressed... or it isn't used for a long time (2000 days)

If you are still around, can you tell me how you did this? Thx.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on September 03, 2012, 03:34:35 AM
Ok, this thread hasen't been answered for a long time - anyway, I first will ask my question here ....

Stefan, is there a way to differ between growable and ploppable lots in the SSPTool? Problem is, I'm rebuiding my Plugins folder on my new PC. Now I wanna seperate growable from ploppable lots. My first guess is that if i can see a lot preview in the SSPTool, then this is a ploppable one ('cause for most of the growable Lots the SSPTool doesn't display a preview).

So can you probably confirm this?

Thank u!
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: z on September 03, 2012, 01:42:46 PM
That's correct, although many lots have both growable and ploppable versions.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on September 03, 2012, 02:10:25 PM
Quote from: z on September 03, 2012, 01:42:46 PM
That's correct, although many lots have both growable and ploppable versions.

Alright, thank you - I know that many of the lots come with both aploppable and a growable version .. but if a "SC4LOT"-File shows a preview image, than this definitely is a ploppable then .. good to her!

Moving on with sorting out my Plugins folder .....
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Gordon Dry on September 05, 2012, 06:13:00 PM
Hello,

my main Problem is that several lots only got white/blank icons and are not hidden from the main menu.

I recognized that I have to do the following steps for each single damn folder to avoid the freezing of the progress window:

And BTW I set DAMN to "ONE dat file for hiding each menu"...
But however, several lots still are white when I leave the damn plugin and go back in.

Some examples (marked with * is default Maxis, they seem always to have this problem):
Steinlia 21 (http://kurier.simcityplaza.de/details.php?file=230)
Steinlia 24 (http://kurier.simcityplaza.de/details.php?file=229)
HK-Pfandhaus (http://kurier.simcityplaza.de/details.php?file=218)
PEG Solarkollektor 2 (http://www.simpeg.com/forum/index.php?action=downloads;sa=view;down=79)
BSC Functional Seaports (http://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=1663)
many items of PEG-CDK (IND, RKT3, complete OWW, complete REC, complete SUPER PAK, complete SV, complete SEAPORT)
many AC Team stuff
a huge bunch of CO and CS-Plops, mainly from the Hongkong Asia BAT Team
many landmarks from the Hongkong Asia BAT Team
some corners from CAL Canals
some Water Taxi Docks from PEG CSK2
all Diggis Ponds
PEG Pond Kit II Deluxe
PEG Stream Kit II Deluxe
Usakos-Kirche, Stiftskirche, Dorfkirche und einige Friedhöfe
Kreiselfüller
German Light Replacement
Bundaran
SFBT Park-Set$$ - Blume klein (Version 1) - all others okay, Set $ and $$$ completely okay
PEG Trail Parks III complete
kleines, mittleres, großes Rathaus*
RTMTV3 complete
Setzbare Tiere
Hockeyfeld*
Rollschuhbahn*
Regal Theater
6459978 Asphaltwege und Fußwege

So I guess that all Maxis lots and all custom lots using Maxis props only get blank and are not hidden.

I read the whole thread (and others), so everything else is working fine.
It's only the blank icons and not hiding...
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Julius Caesar on September 16, 2012, 09:13:16 PM
I have downloaded the SSPTool as part of the process of getting DAMN menus going, but I can't get it to work. 
When I click on the SSPTool.bat icon,  I get a small window asking me to choose between English and German.  I chose English and click "OK" and that's it - I'm back to the Windows explorer.  Nothing else happens, except that the first time I did this I got two new empty folders in the directory in which the SSP tool was installed, "Plugins" and "Data".  The same thing happens when I choose "German".
After investigating the contents of the .bat file I explored further, by opening a command window, navigating to the relevant directory and running "java -jar SSPTool.jar".  Again the language choice menu appeared.  I chose English, clicked OK, and got the following exception message:

Exception in thread "main" java.lang.UnsatisfiedLinkError: ca.beq.util.win32.registry.RegistryKey.testInitialized()V
        at ca.beq.util.win32.registry.RegistryKey.testInitialized(Native Method)
        at ca.beq.util.win32.registry.RegistryKey.initialize(RegistryKey.java:271)
        at ca.beq.util.win32.registry.RootKey.<clinit>(RootKey.java:88)
        at ssp.ssptool.gui.PathManager.searchSC4Path(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.ssptool.gui.PathManager.initPaths(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.ssptool.gui.SSPMain.<init>(Unknown Source)
        at ssp.ssptool.Start.main(Unknown Source)

Some information that may be relevant:
1)  I am using a 64 bit HP comjputer (HP Compaq 6200) with Windows 7 Professional (64 bit).
2)  I have Java RTE 6 (Windows 64 bit version) installed.
3)  The folder to which I installed SPP tool is "My Documents\SimCity 4\SC4 Utilities\SSPTool" .  The security settings on this folder give "Everyone" "full control." 
4)  The copy of SSP that I am using appears to be the most recent: it is the one you get with a search of the LEX.
5)  After unzipping the SPPTool to the above directory, I checked that all files were present and that the folder structure was correct.

I have not been able to find a report of a similar problem with SSP in the forums, which seems strange - it can't be just me, surely?  I would supsect myself of having done something wrong, but the installation instructions for SPP were so simple that it is hard to see where I could have gone wrong. Probably a glaring oversight, but I can't see any scope for one.

I would be most grateful for any help that anyone can give, as I would really like to get the DAMN system going if at all possible.


Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Gordon Dry on September 17, 2012, 10:27:33 AM
Quote from: Julius Caesar on September 16, 2012, 09:13:16 PM
2)  I have Java RTE 6 (Windows 64 bit version) installed.

The most simple guess is to also install Java 32 bit in a different folder.

My folders are called D:\Programme\Java and D:\Programme\Java32
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: lotherius on January 14, 2013, 06:26:56 PM
Is SSP Tool development abandoned? Haven't seen activity since 2010....

And this thing is incredibly freezy/crashy.... I can't seem to make it through the NWM folder without crashing out, which is kinda the REASON that I needed this thing...
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on January 15, 2013, 03:48:02 AM
Quote from: lotherius on January 14, 2013, 06:26:56 PM
Is SSP Tool development abandoned? Haven't seen activity since 2010....

It looks like so, unfortunately. I myself have been using it for years, too. But you might try out this tool, which is similar or better say a further development of the SSP Tool:

http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=15279 (http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=15279)

I'm using this tool meanwhile, and it offers some great new possiblities. Sorry for the "old" SSP Tool anyway.
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Stefan79 on January 22, 2013, 12:39:05 PM
Hi all,

long time ago I started to implement the SSPTool to easier create DAMN menus. I spent much time and support some things the inventor of DAMN didn't know this can be done.
But years past and my time went fewer and a new guy present another tool, a further development of SSPTool.
So I have to make a decision:

a) Spend time for further development of SSPTool and do the same things like the new tool
b) Spend time for development of new things SC4D needs and give my knowledge to the guy of the new tool

After a night (or more) I come to the decision: b)

So, for all who use my tool in the past, try the new tool, which offers some new functions.
You can find it here: http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=15279

I wish you all a good year!
And maybe there will be a new tool soon from me...

Stefan
Title: Re: SSPTool
Post by: Rady on January 23, 2013, 03:31:56 AM
Stefan,

nice to see you back ... A chance to say "thank you" for your tool that helped me keep my menue clean and find things in an instance!

Looking forward to you new tool .. whatever it my be!