SC4 Devotion Forum Archives

SimCity 4 Devotion Custom Content Showcase => Network Addon Mod (NAM) => Topic started by: Tarkus on July 02, 2020, 06:45:41 PM

Title: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: Tarkus on July 02, 2020, 06:45:41 PM
The NAM Team is pleased to announce the official public release of the 37th edition of the Network Addon Mod, NAM 37.

Note that, if you are coming from NAM 36 or earlier, this version has major, substantial changes in terms of file architecture and installation procedure.

NAM 37 marks the official introduction of the NAM's new cross-platform Java-based installer, designed by daeleyPlease ensure that you have the latest version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed. (https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-jre8-downloads.html)

Download Link
SC4D LEX (Cross-Platform) (https://sc4devotion.com/csxlex/lex_filedesc.php?lotGET=851)

Release Notes
Note that the NTCore 4GB Patch is REQUIRED if using this mod on a system with 4GB RAM or more, and due to the installer change, is no longer installed by default. Failure to patch the game accordingly may cause Crash-to-Desktop (CTD) errors. The patch can be found inside the download, or downloaded directly from NTCore here (https://ntcore.com/?page_id=371), where further instructions on use of the patch can be found. Also due to this installer change, the NAM Controller Compiler is no longer run as part of the installation process. All users will be initially given a full NAM Controller, which has a substantial size. Users not using all features wishing to have a smaller controller can still run the Controller Compiler manually, as it is available in the download.

The NAM is also now using a Java-based installer, designed by daeley, which is cross-platform (meaning no more separate Mac versions, and Linux support without WINE). As such, the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is now REQUIRED to run the NAM installer. It was previous recommended for users wishing to utilize the NAM Traffic Simulator Configuration Tool (TSCT). The JRE can be downloaded from Oracle here (https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase-jre8-downloads.html).

With the new installer, the old NAM installation is no longer removed automatically, so users should manually remove the "Network Addon Mod" and "z___NAM" folders from their Plugins directory. It is recommended, particularly with this Release Candidate, that you back those folders up in a location that is not in your Plugins folder. The "z___NAM" folder has been eliminated, and all files are now installed to the "Network Addon Mod" directory.

The RealRailway (RRW) standard for Rail is now the default and only option. The original Maxis Rail specification will be supported via a Legacy Plugin, downloaded separately. Also note that a number of cosmetic-oriented NAM plugins, such as the El-Rail Alternate Implementation, the Bullet Train Mod, and some advanced texture options (largely deprecated) have been removed from the installer. The Alternate El-Rail and BTM will be made available separately. Please note that, much like Maxis Rail, these Plugins are effectively in "Legacy" status, and may not be actively maintained or supported by the NAM Team going forward. Both the original Maxis Highways (MHW) and the "Maxis Highway Override/Project Symphony" (MHO) remain available.

The Station Locator, Updater, and Reconstruction Project (SLURP) is also no longer handled by the new installer. A scaled down version of the old installer will be made at a later date to handle SLURP routines. Users wishing to retain SLURPed stations should retrieve them from the "z___NAM\Mass Transit Lots\Station Overrides" folder in their existing NAM installation, where they will be found in the "Mass Transit Lots" subfolder. Note that users running the 64-bit version of SimCity 4 on macOS may wish to refrain from retrieving SLURP stations, as there have been some encoding issues with stations that cause that version of the game to CTD.

The new installer also no longer performs a version check. Please note, however, that for Windows users, Version 1.1.638 and above are still required, as Versions 1.1.610 and 1.1.613 have notable instabilities that may have a significant negative impact on the use of this mod. Copies purchased from the Origin Store may still not meet this requirement, and support will not be offered to users with "unofficial" copies of the game.

Features List


Changes since the NAM 37 Release Candidate of 23/24 April 2020


Installation

When one initially opens the NAM package after downloading, there will be several items present, besides the document you are now reading: the installer itself is NetworkAddonMod_Setup_Version37.jar

4gb_patch.exe is the NTCore 4GB Patch, the Controller Compiler folder contains the NAM Controller Compiler, the Documentation is loose in the folder (and in the "feature-guides", "images", and "old" folders--this has not been substantially updated since NAM 36, but will receive updates for the finalized NAM 37 release), and the Traffic Simulator Configuration Tool folder, which contains the Traffic Simulator Configuration Tool (TSCT).</p>
            
NetworkAddonMod_Setup_Version37.jar is the NAM Installer, which you will need to run to install the NAM.  If User Access Control (UAC) is enabled on your system, Windows may ask you to approve running the file with a simple "Yes"/"No" prompt.  Click "Yes" to allow the installer to run.
                        
In order to progress through the installer, simply click on each tab.  Note that the license agreement must be agreed to before subsequent tabs can be accessed.  The "Cleanup" tab (under "Setup") allows one to remove any residual files from old NAM releases, and pre-NAM transit mods that might cause conflicts, and is loaded with the old Cleanitol list that shipped with NAM 36.

Special Note to macOS Users
Due to some change Aspyr made with the new 64-bit update to the macOS version of SimCity 4, the process for cycling through TAB Rings/Menu Icons has changed.  In order to progress through the entire ring (without inexplicable skipping), use Ctrl-TAB instead of TAB to cycle forward, and Shift-Ctrl-TAB instead of Shift-TAB to cycle in reverse.

Upgrading from a Previous Version

If you are upgrading from a previous version of the NAM, MANUALLY MOVE YOUR OLD NAM INSTALLATION OUT FROM YOUR PLUGINS FOLDER, INTO A SAFE LOCATION (note that this has changed from previous NAM releases).  The NAM installer can no longer detect your previous installation options by reading the existing folder structure.  It is recommended that you check your existing installation, to determine which features you presently have installed.

Generally speaking, the NAM Team makes every effort to ensure that new versions at least retain some form of "legacy support", such that cities built with any previous NAM version will continue to function well with the latest version.

If you have consolidated your NAM files using a tool such as SC4DatPacker or JDatPacker, please read the note in the "Read First" document, which is also attached to this post.

This release is dedicated to David Edgren (dedgren) and his family--we wish you the best.

And thank you to all the members of the SC4 community for their patience, through this record-long development cycle, and for the continued support of the NAM Team, now in its 16th year of operation!

-The NAM Team
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: Durfsurn on July 03, 2020, 12:40:09 AM
Thanks to everyone involved for getting this one out! Here's to a fresh release cycle faster than this one!
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: TJ1 on July 03, 2020, 09:49:06 AM
Really cool, my first login in months and the newest nam is released lol. Super excited but the installation process is super confusing  ()what() Even with the readme im lost. UPDATE: My copy of SC4 is different which is why it was confusing. But I have it working now.
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: Tarkus on July 03, 2020, 05:02:34 PM
IIRC, you're on a Mac, TJ1?  If you're on the App Store version of the macOS port, you'll have to manually move everything over to the right spot once it's installed--and unfortunately, I'm a little fuzzy on the details as to where/how.  It works out of the box with the Steam version of the macOS port (the version to which I have access).

-Alex
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: AsimPika3172 on July 04, 2020, 02:12:17 AM
Thanks for update as well I buy a new PC just few days or weeks before this program was updated!  :D
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: TJ1 on July 08, 2020, 03:06:15 PM
Quote from: Tarkus on July 03, 2020, 05:02:34 PM
IIRC, you're on a Mac, TJ1?  If you're on the App Store version of the macOS port, you'll have to manually move everything over to the right spot once it's installed--and unfortunately, I'm a little fuzzy on the details as to where/how.  It works out of the box with the Steam version of the macOS port (the version to which I have access).

-Alex

Im on MacOS and a PC I figured out what the issue was. It was a few manual things I had to do but everything is working perfectly now.
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: deanva on July 08, 2020, 05:26:52 PM
I have read on another website that the retail version of SimCity4 deluxe is not compatible. When Windows 10 came out and they had an update that no longer allowed the CD disc to work I was able to get a free digital version. So I take it the NAM 37 will not work for me?
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: woodb3kmaster on July 08, 2020, 05:52:46 PM
Quote from: deanva on July 08, 2020, 05:26:52 PM
I have read on another website that the retail version of SimCity4 deluxe is not compatible. When Windows 10 came out and they had an update that no longer allowed the CD disc to work I was able to get a free digital version. So I take it the NAM 37 will not work for me?
It depends on where you bought it. Digital downloads from Amazon and GOG.com should include the correct version of the game's .exe, while those bought on Origin are unlikely to be the correct version. The only way to be sure is to check the version number of your SimCity 4.exe by navigating to the folder that contains your install, going in to the "Apps" subfolder, right-clicking the file labeled "SimCity 4" (or "SimCity 4.exe" if you have filename extensions set to visible), clicking on the "Properties" option, and switching to the "Details" tab in the window that appears. If the version number listed there is 1.1.638 or above, you'll be able to install NAM 37.
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: deanva on July 08, 2020, 06:40:14 PM
Ok I just found which version I have 1.1.641.0 thanks for your reply. I got my digital copy from Origin just to let you know guess I am one of the lucky players.
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: deanva on July 08, 2020, 07:14:18 PM
Is the Plugins Directory mentioned by Tarus above, the same as the Plugins folder?
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: metarvo on July 08, 2020, 08:37:16 PM
Quote from: deanva on July 08, 2020, 07:14:18 PM
Is the Plugins Directory mentioned by Tarus above, the same as the Plugins folder?

Yes.
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: deanva on July 09, 2020, 05:04:34 PM
One thing I have noticed that after installing NAM 37 that all my avenue intersections that intersected another avenue had to be redone and saved.
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: Tarkus on July 09, 2020, 07:10:20 PM
Quote from: deanva on July 09, 2020, 05:04:34 PM
One thing I have noticed that after installing NAM 37 that all my avenue intersections that intersected another avenue had to be redone and saved.

If you by chance had the Legacy Avenue Turn Lanes plugin (the one with the auto turn lanes) and didn't choose to reinstall it with NAM 37, you'd probably get blank tiles and have to redraw.  That isn't new to NAM 37.

-Alex
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: deanva on July 10, 2020, 02:52:43 PM
Never heard of the Legacy turn lanes and how would I choose to reinstall it with NAM 37? Perhaps it is called something else, but the turn lanes automatically appeared before installing Nam 37.
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: Tarkus on July 10, 2020, 07:56:59 PM
The Legacy Avenue Turn Lanes are basically the old Avenue Turn Lanes that, as you mentioned, appear automatically.  All the old "auto" turn lane plugins are considered deprecated by the NAM Team (which is why they're "Legacy" now), since that functionality has been found to interfere with other features.  I believe it may have been changed from being installed by default to not being installed by default, however, so you would either need to do the rebuild of those intersections as you've described, or specifically select that box on installation.

-Alex
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: deanva on July 10, 2020, 08:32:48 PM
I reinstalled NAM37 checked the box you were talking about finally got it to work thanks for the assist Tarkus (Alex).
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: figui on July 16, 2020, 02:39:48 PM
i can't get the type A1 or B1 transition for diagonal RHW6S. the preview shows ok but when placed the intersection disappears. 
it works fine with diagonal RHW4
()what()
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: Tyberius06 on July 16, 2020, 02:55:41 PM
Hi Figui!

Could you share image about the issue? Thanks!

- Tyberius
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: mgb204 on July 16, 2020, 04:20:04 PM
I think this is because the LText (Item Description) of the FlexRamp piece states the Diagonal A1/B1 ramps work with most RHW networks. I've a feeling that only RHW4 support had currently been added for diagonals. Therefore it could just be an incorrect text being displayed.

I'm also getting issues with the FlexRamp D1 Dual Shift Inside for both 6C / 8C textures, using EU LHD (see attached)
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: Tarkus on July 16, 2020, 04:53:38 PM
The Diagonal RHW-6S does not support any ramp interfaces at present.  They have been in development, and at one point were slated for inclusion in NAM 37, but were shelved.  There will probably be a future NAM release (not NAM 38) dedicated almost entirely to adding more RHW diagonal ramp support.  It's only RHW-2 and RHW-4 at this point, though.

As far as the D1 Dual Shift Inside . . . that one's been a textural pain in the rear for awhile.  Fixed it once during testing, and it appears I still need to adjust it a little more.

-Alex
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: figui on July 18, 2020, 08:36:47 PM
thanks mgb204 and Tarkus for your answers :thumbsup:
i'll be looking forward for the diagonal 6S interfaces. in the meantime, i'll look for alternatives  :-\
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: lolo69ol01 on August 07, 2020, 06:22:14 AM
Hello, I really like the nam but my game crash since i installed the nam 37. I need to delete the z_nam_controller_rhd, but when i want to use the nam piece, i don't have the piece, just a red cursor. Who can help me?
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: Tarkus on August 07, 2020, 06:30:42 AM
Deleting the NAM Controller will remove all the code that makes all the NAM's network additions work, causing your red cursor.

As noted in NAM 37's "0-read-first-nam37.html" file (included in the download package itself), Windows users will need to apply the included 4GB Patch file (4gb_patch.exe) to their copy of the game, which will make it Large Address Aware (LAA).  Without the 4GB Patch, the game will crash.

Open this file, point it to the SimCity 4.exe file in the game's installation directory, and click "Open".  You should then get a window with an "Executable successfully patched!" message.  Click the "OK" button.  Your game is now successfully patched to be Large Address Aware, and you can run NAM 37 without issue.

For reference, these are the default locations of the SimCity 4.exe file in the available and compatible versions of the game:

GOG: C:\GOG Games\SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition\Apps

Steam: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\Common\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps

Disc: C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps

(Origin: C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition\Apps--note that copies purchased from the Origin Store are not supported, due to being unpatched and unpatchable.  Ask for a refund.  If your copy was obtained by redeeming a CD Key with Origin support, it is patched.  Check the version number on the executable if you remain unsure.  1.1.641 = fully patched, 1.1.610 = unpatched, unpatchable, and incompatible.)

While all NAM versions over the past 6+ years have incorporated a routine to apply the 4GB patch, do not assume you automatically have already applied it and are ready to use NAM 37 out of the gate.  If you've changed from disc to digital in the time since NAM 36 was released, or have swapped to a different digital edition, the edition you are now using will need patching.

Alternatively, see this video from NAM Team developer mgb204 on the installation process:
https://www.youtube.com/v/ROtulkSF2m4

-Alex
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: lolo69ol01 on August 07, 2020, 07:18:34 AM
I use Windows 7 32 Bit just for Simcity.
My .exe is version 1.1.640 not 1.1.641. I made the GB patch but the problem is the same.
Title: Re: NAM 37 Now Available!
Post by: Tarkus on August 08, 2020, 05:13:25 AM
Quote from: lolo69ol01 on August 07, 2020, 07:18:34 AM
I use Windows 7 32 Bit just for Simcity.

That might be your problem.  32-bit Windows can only address 4GB RAM total (even if your system actually has more), and at that max, it likes to leave 2GB reserved for Windows itself, with the remaining for applications.  It can address more by using hard drive space for virtual memory page files, but it's possible the processes involved are simply exceeding 32-bit Windows' ability to cope.  There's also ways to up the space for applications to 3GB, but that requires boot.ini modifications and isn't always the most stable.  32-bit Windows is like a straight jacket for your computer, especially since CPUs supporting 64-bit Windows have been commonplace since well over a decade ago.  The fact that Windows 10 32-bit is actually a thing is . . . disturbing.

To be safe, I'd double check that the patch was indeed applied--if you're on a disc copy on 32-bit Windows, check the C:\Program Files\Origin Games\SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition\Apps folder (that is the default install path), and see if there is a SimCity 4.exe.Backup file in there.  The 4GB Patch saves the pre-patch version of any .exe it touches in such a fashion.

You can shrink the size of the NAM Controller down to a size that might allow 32-bit Windows 7 to cope, by running the included Controller Compiler and deselecting some features. 

I'm guessing the reason you're using 32-bit Windows 7 is because your other OS/system is some flavor of Windows 10 (hopefully 64-bit!), which won't play nice with the disc copy.  There's a few other options available to you, which would allow you to run SC4 on a 64-bit OS with a full-blast NAM, and the other improvements that having the 4GB Patch provides for those using custom content. 

One would be to get in touch with Origin Customer Support.  They've long had a program to allow users to redeem their CD Keys and receive free digital copies--and strangely, unlike the infamous horror that is the unpatched/unpatchable version that users who buy the game off the Origin Store get, those doing CD Key redemption get a fully-patched Version 1.1.641 copy.  The other prospect would be to purchase a digital copy from GOG.com or Steam, which both sell Version 1.1.641.  Right now, the GOG version (which is DRM free, and also has all the command line prompts added to ensure compatibility with newer systems/OSes right out of the box) is on sale for US$4.99 (https://www.gog.com/game/simcity_4_deluxe_edition).  (Just make sure you go for the "Offline Backup Game Installer" rather than GOG Galaxy.)  Steam's storefront has it at full MSRP right now (US$19.99, absurd for a 17-year-old game), but someone on /r/simcity4 on Reddit recently posted a reputable third-party dealer, selling the Steam key for US$1.99 (https://www.fanatical.com/en/game/sim-city-4-deluxe-edition?ref=indiekings).

It does appear we may have mark the newer iterations of the NAM as being "for 64-bit OSes, unless you're willing to manually run the Controller Compiler".  As far as what we do with 32-bit OS users, if there are enough out there, the prospect of a "NAM Lite" would be the most viable option.  Making old NAM versions available is completely out of the question for us, however, as version mismatch issues have proven to be nightmarishly annoying in the past--and we'd much rather spend our limited volunteer resources continuing making and sharing new content, rather than dealing again with ancient bugs we've long since fixed.

-Alex