Shareware Overload/ShartewareOverload.cdr/games/modcl2.zip/README.DOC

Text File | 1989-05-29 | 11KB | 192 lines

ModClone  Flight Simulator 3.0 (IBM Version) Mode Maintenance Utility
Copyright (C) 1989 Robert E. Fields III  All Rights Reserved  Vers.2.10

Usage: ModClone [-h] [-d] [-t template] [-s source] [modes...]
Options are:
        -d = Disable configuration menu (for batch file use)
        -t = Specify template filename (defaults to modclone.mct)
        -s = Specify source mode file (defaults to mode1.mod)
        -h = Help screen
      modes... = A list of modes that you want to modify separated
             by spaces. Wildcards are allowed and you don't need
             to give the .mod extension.

Please see NEW FOR VERSION 2.10 (below) if you already use ModClone.

  ModClone is a program that provides an easy way for Microsoft Flight
Simulator "pilots" to customize their flight modes by altering one or more
mode parameters in one or more flight mode (.MOD) files. The ability to
create custom modes in Flight Simulator creates a need to maintain and edit
these modes on a wholesale basis. ModClone is a mode-editing utility
designed for "pilots" who trade modes and want new modes configured to
their likings (a great example of where to use batch files) or just change
their minds on what kind of window setup, axis indicator, ground texture,
crash detect, weather, etc., that they want.

   ModClone uses a template (.MCT) file to know which parameters to change,
and a user-specified mode file as the source of new flight mode parameter
values. The template files are like stencils where only the open areas are
colored when painting. Source mode files provide the colors to be applied.
With ModClone, the FS pilot can configure and save multiple template files
if desired. If no template or value filenames are specified, ModClone will
use defaults as supplied in the files ModClone.mct (supplied with this
program) and mode1.mod (supplied with the Flight Simulator program).

   ModClone is originally distributed with a deactivated template and must
be configured before it will alter mode files. As mentioned above, ModClone
uses mode1.mod (the FS 3.0 initial default flight mode) as the default
source mode. You can specify a different source by using the [-s source]
command line switch or pick any mode as the source from inside the program.
Templates and target modes (the ones to change) can also be specified from
inside the program. You don't have to use the command line switches if you
don't want to. They are really for batch file use so don't let them bother
you if you are not comfortable with them.

   As a precaution, make backups of your .MOD files and check template
configuration before calling ModClone for the first time with any mode
filename arguments. Also, be warned that using wildcards in the [modes...]
field might change modes that you didn't want changed (e.g. accidentally
changing the weather in the "Crosswind Takeoff" lesson mode or expanding
the view windows over the radar in WW1.mod).

   For example, to manually copy the windows, spot plane positions, and
joystick enabling and sensitivities from mode1.mod to the rest of your
modes, you would call the program while in the directory with your flight
modes. Select menu option 1) and then set "Windows, Spot Planes, Quality"
and "Joystick Sensitivities" to "CLONE" and all of the rest to "NOCLONE"
if they were not already set that way (They would be in a new template
file). You may also want to clone the "Auto Coordination" parameter. Exit
back to the menu and pick the target modes with option 7). Set all modes
as targets using the "a" key or select up to 50 targets by toggling with
the space bar, exit back to the menu, and clone the parameters with
option 8). ModClone will do the copying, naming each file that it finds.

   Please note that there are three pages of parameters in the Select
Template Windows to Clone menu. Keep down arrowing and the pages will
switch (up in the other direction). Page Up, Down, Home and End will flip
you between pages too, placing you where their names imply.

   Once a template has been configured and saved, ModClone can be called
with the switches from the command line or in a batch file. It will go
ahead and start the copying automatically. Be sure of your templates when
using the program in this way. The best protection is to BACK UP YOUR MODES
before things get out of hand. This way of cloning can be used to switch
parameters back and forth between different values (stormy, calm,
turbulent, Lear and Cessna sensitivities, etc.). It takes longer than
having duplicate modes but saves space and you don't have to page through
so many modes to find the ones you want to fly.

                       >>>       ---       <<<

NEW FOR VERSION 2.10:

   The Specify Template Name option had a bug in it. It is now fixed.
THE GENERAL PHILOSOPHY OF HOW TO CALL THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN CHANGED. It
used to be that you had to specifically call the configuration menu. Now
it comes up as the default and you must explicitly disable [-d] it for
batch file use. (Thanks to Joe Lincoln for this suggestion!) The program
now allows saving templates under new names from within (menu selection
4)). ModClone now uses mode1.mod as the default (another suggestion from
Joe) instead of ModClone.mod. Now, you don't have to copy any modes to
ModClone.mod to get it up and running. If you weren't already aware,
mode1.mod is the original default mode supplied with FS 3.0 (Chicago
Meigs Takeoff 36).

NEW FOR VERSION 2.00:

   The values of most parameters are now displayed in the "Set Template
Windows to Clone" routine. Digital values like the com radios, etc., can
be incremented with the [+] and [-] keys. [SHIFT][+] and [SHIFT][-] will
increment and decrement in larger steps. Off/On or limited range
parameters can be toggled through possible values with the [SPACE] bar.
This feature allows for configuring a particular mode (the source mode)
outside of Flight Simulator. The modifications can be used in subsequent
clonings or can be made permanent with the "Save Source" option of the
Configuration Menu. Whether the values shown are new or old, they won't
be copied into target modes when cloning unless the CLONE/NOCLONE switch
is set to CLONE.

   The "Specify Template Name", "Specify Source Mode Name", and "Specify
Target Mode Name(s)" routines allow easy selection of files as souces,
templates, and targets. The displays are fairly self-explanitory and all
that is done to select the single files (source, tmeplate) is to hit the
[SPACE] bar. New source and template parameters may be viewed in the "Set
Template Windows to Clone" routine as mentioned before. The "Set Target
Mode Name(s)" option can select up to 50 mode files as clone targets.
Using the [a]ll option will set the target mode name to *.mod so any
number of modes may be modified if you want a global change. These
routines allocate memory and if you don't have much available, you
might not see a complete list of files to select from (if you have biiig
mode lists).

   Template files have changed in size from 568 to 618 bytes long to
accomodate the new parameters that may be cloned in ModClone 2.00.
ModClone 2.00 will recognize the version 1.0x templates and adjust them
up to the new size. The new parameters will be set to NOCLONE.

                       >>>       ---       <<<

   ModClone version 1.03 didn't copy the Joystick 2, Rudder/Brake option.
ModClone version 2.00 fixes this bug.    .....Thanks, Jeff.

                       >>>       ---       <<<

   This software may be distributed by any means, by any individual,
provided that no modifications are made to the software or any files and
that no fee or charges are made other than cost of duplication charges.

                       >>>       ---       <<<

   One further note: No warranties are expressed or implied. The user must
decide the fitness of this program for his or her own application. In no
event will I be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, and without
limitation to damages for loss of business profits, business interruption,
loss of business information, or other loss) arising from the use of or
the inability to use this program, even if I have been notified or advised
of the possibility of such damages. (This is just to cover the ole' seat
of the pants that might otherwise be hanging out in the financial breeze.
I have tried to make this program as safe as I know how; it should only
modify files that have .mod and .mct extensions and are 518 and 618 bytes
long, respectively, but you never REALLY know.)

                       >>>       ---       <<<

   Since you probably obtained this program by modem, you might want to
check out the Computer Pilots Association of America (CPAA) and their
bulletin board at [phone] (a subboard of the MedLantic BBS -- don't
be distracted by the initial logon). Another !excellent! board devoted to
flight simulation is Joe Lincoln's LINX BBS [phone]. He has some
great programs for FS 3.0 -- his FSPro series and others!

   Also, S.W. Enterprises has RuDDer Pedals for FS 3.0 and any other
programs that support a second joystick input for yaw (you know, left
and right) control. The pedals cost $49.95 as of this writing but you
should call and check availability, pricing, and get some info (the
above mentioned boards have a file called pedals.zip that also describes
them (also a .gif picture)). The address is:

                    S.W. Enterprises
                    P.O. Box 5432
                    Norman, Oklahoma 73070
                    [phone]

                       >>>       ---       <<<

   If you use this program and find it of value, a license fee of $5.00
is requested and would be appreciated! Money will encourage me to
distribute new versions with new features. $6.00 will get you the most
recent version on a 360K disk. Any comments are also very welcome.

   Inquiries, comments, and funding should be sent to:

                    Robert Fields
                    2029 Cherokee Lane
                    Norman, Oklahoma  73071-4644
                    CompuServe # 73357,1511

   By the way, Microsoft is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation,
Flight Simulator is a trademark of Sublogic Corporation, IBM is a
trademark of IBM Corporation, CompuServe is a trademark of CompuServe,
Inc., and Robert, well, that's what my mother and father decided to name
me.       Now, how do I turn on the damn magnetos?    '-)    Tally Ho...