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1988-06-17
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DOCUMENTATION for Tradewars Ver. 2 release 5_24_TW2 Released June 19, 1988
Tradewars Ver. 2 by Chris Sherrick (c) 1986
200, 500 sector and Team versions of TW2 by John Morris 1986, 1987, 1988
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************************************************************************
* Tradewars v.ii is copyrighted by Chris Sherrick. You are encouraged *
* to distribute it freely to any and all bulletin boards. You may not *
* distribute Tradewars in modified form without the Authors consent. *
* Tradewars may not be sold (in any way, shape or form) *
************************************************************************
** READ THESE DOCS .. who knows there may be something important in here!
Welcome to the world of the Real Tradewars ][! And thank you for using
an Authorized release of Tradewars! Speaking of Tradewars, There are
a bunch of Tradewars clones which go by various names, and some which
are distributed under the name of Tradewars! . There is only ONE Tradewars
Version 2. There is NO such thing as Tradewars 500, or Tradewars 1000.
Only Tradewars Version 2.
Because of the size of the files needed for Tradewars to run, they are
distributed in two .ARC files:
TW2-EXE1.ARC - contains Tradewars Executable files & documentation.
TW2-EXE2.ARC - contains Tradewars Editor & documentation.
TW2-EXE1.ARC contains the following files:
------------------------------------------
README.DOC - This file
TW2.DAT - Data file containing customized BBS info used by TW2.EXE
TW2.EXE - TW2 main executable file
TWFINIT.EXE - Tradewars Flexible Init program
TWINSTR.DOC - Tradewars player instructions
TINIT200.MAP - 200 sector map used by TWFINIT
TINIT500.MAP - 500 sector map used by TWFINIT
TWMAP200.DOC - 200 sector SysOp map
TWMAP500.DOC - 500 sector SysOp map
TWOPENC.DAT - ANSI graphics opening screen
TWOPENG.DAT - TEXT opening screen
TW2-EXE2.ARC contains:
----------------------
TWEDIT.EXE - TWEDIT executable file
TWEDITOR.DOC - Tradewars Editor SysOp documentation.
*******************************************************************
**The following is a list of files used by TW2 at run-time:
-----------------------------------------------------------
(These files MUST exist on the same drive/path as TW2)
Program files:
TW2 .EXE - Plays Trade Wars (v.ii). + the Trade Wars maintenance program
run once per day automatically in TW2
TWEDIT .EXE - The Trade Wars (v.ii) editor.
TWFINIT .EXE - TradeWars Flexible Initialization program for Trade Wars Ver. 2.
Sets up TWDATA.DAT, TWMESG.DAT, TWPMSG.DAT, TWRMESG.DAT,
TWNAME.DAT, TWTEAM.DAT and TW2.DAT.
Data files:
TWDATA .DAT - Most of the game data for Trade Wars Ver. 2.
TWMESG .DAT - Contains Galactic Newspaper and Sysop messages.
TWPMSG .DAT - Contains info on messages to players.
TWRMSG .DAT - Radio message data file.
TWNAME .DAT - Contains Alias names (if used).
TWTEAM .DAT - Contains Team Info.
Text files:
README .DOC - This file.
TWEDITOR.DOC - Documentation for TWEDIT.EXE (the editor.)
TWINSTR .DOC - The instructions for TW2.EXE (the game.) This file is
used by TW2. I also recommend putting this up for download
by the players.
TWOPENG .DOC - The opening message. You can change this to what ever
you want, but make sure it exists.
TWOPENC .DAT - ANSI graphics opening message.
TWCLOSEG.DAT - Tradewars closing message.
TWCLOSEC.DAT - ANSI graphics closing message.
[*END of file listing*]
********************************************************************
Features of this release of TW2
(or.. if you will, Features of the DoorMerge Include files)
-----------------------------------------------------------
[SysOp Functions]
Function keys are active in TW2:
F1 -- Exit TW2 immediately
F2 -- This key will cause TW2 to load a copy of COMMAND.COM over itself
type EXIT to return to TW2. NOTE: COMMAND.COM must be present!
F7 -- Toggle Music on/off
F8 -- By pressing F8 you can adjust a users time allotment in that game.
It will not adjust the users time as far as the monitor is
concerned. You can force the user off-line in this manner by
adjusting his time down to a small amount.
A prompt will come up asking you the amount of time you wish the
user to have. This prompt tells you the current amount of time
left. If you change the time, the user will get a warning
notice, whether the time limit is less, or more.
F9 -- By pressing F9 you will change the current state of 'SNOOP'. This
operates in the same manner as SNOOP in RBBS-PC, but will not
change the status of SNOOP of the RBBS. F9 is the SNOOP key of
RBBS-PC and appropriately enough, it is the same in the door game.
F10 - By pressing F10 you will engage CHAT mode with the user. Just hit
ESC to get back to the game.
/G - command line switch. This will turn Ansi color on.
/N - command line switch. This will turn graphics off.. no matter what!
it will override the /G switch
* TW2 will check to see if you are using a monochrome display adapter
and adjust itself automatically.
/L - This release includes a special command line switch
/L This will put the programs in 'local only' mode, and NO
BBS files of ANY kind need to be present.
/P: - PCBoard SysOps, use this one to specify the TW2PCB.DAT file which
this copy of TW is supposed to use.
Example: /P:C:\PCB2\TW2PCB.DAT
/Txx - This command line switch is also for OPUS sysops. This will tell
exactly how long the user is allowed on the BBS for this call.
Example: /T45 for 45 minutes allowed from the time user logs on to
the BBS
[Other Features]
1. Games compiled with The DoorMerge files will also operate in RBBS-PC's
'Local Workstation Mode'! Just run it like a normal game. TW2
will recognize 'COM0' in the RBBS mode, and act accordingly.
2. Commands can be stacked. They work in a slightly different manner
than RBBS-PC stacked commands, and are extemely useful.
For instance in Tradewars 2, Instead of typing:
M [enter] (move)
wait for prompt....
174 [enter] (move to sector 174)
wait for prompt....
M [enter] (move)
wait for prompt....
176 [enter] (move to sector 176)
A user just needs to type:
M;174;M;176 or....
M 174 M 176
at the first prompt, and the game will take care of the rest.
Of course this feature can be used in any Doorsoft game..
3. Another Feature in Tradewars for the SysOp is the 'E' function.
Only the SysOp (either remote/local) has access to this function,
No one else has access to it. The 'E' function allows the SysOp to
run the Tradewars 2 Editor from Tradewars. From the Editor enter
'T' to return to Tradewars 2, or if in Local Mode, you can enter 'X'
to eXit to dos, Also the 'Q' command will return you to the monitor.
[*END of Other Features*]
Features of TW2 release 5.24 (released on 06/19/88)
I hope to think this is the most bug-free version of Tradewars released
yet, and with the help of MANY, MANY SysOps I think it is. I'd like to
thank all of you who helped out with the bug-reports.
Several parts of the game have been completely (and I mean completely)
rewritten to run more logically, and reduce the risks of bugs. Cabal
maintenance was one of the areas that went through this. The Cabal are now
more ruthless that ever before, and to keep things interesting all 20
Cabal groups are active at least as long as the maintenance program is
running. Some groups won't survive the maintenance program, but they are
active while it is running.
Cabal Regeneration now means what it says, so be careful how high you
set the regeneration per day. Before, there was 'sort of' a limit on
how many total Cabal were wandering around in the galaxy.. This is no
longer so.
Also, most any editing of the Cabal has been eliminated because of the
way things were rewritten... so unless you are really into editing Cabal,
it is now far less necessary.
Logic for entering sectors was the most rewritten part of the game.
There were some reports of players getting past 'fighters in a sector'
and this part of the game needed rewriting anyway. These reports were
reported as late as 06/17.. but I believe I nuked the last bug on that
date.
Appx. 50% of all GOTO statements in the program were eliminated since
the 5.0 release, which reflects itself in some speed improvements, and
will allow easier debugging (if any??? too much to hope for!).
The Tradewars Editor program was completely rewritten internally, and
users of the program probably won't notice much of a difference on the
outside, except for a few more options.
Sector mines now allow both the person who dropped the mine, and the
persons teammates (if any) to pass through the sector. Lots of bugs were
found in this code! but they have all been zapped. There is NO extra
charge for these options.. Also mine prices have dropped since the last
release to 5000 credits from 10,000 credits.
Fighter Factory production limits have been moved to a maximum of 500
fighters, which is up from 200. There has been overwhelming recommendations
for doing this.. so here it is.
This version is just basically a fixed 5.0, and work will soon begin on
6.0 which will many new features. Thanks for using the real Tradewars 2
program, and spread this program around!
Getting started with TW2
------------------------
Notes TW2 by Chris Sherrick:
----------------------------
I recommend using this game with a cache program. Since this game
was designed to survive if people hung up on it, it makes frequent use of
the disks. You will save your disk some usage if you're using a cache.
You should make changes in the program, I ask that you don't change
any of the program files when you distribute them. Make it into another
file and distribute it along with the program, but I ask that you keep
the original programs intact. This program is copyrighted.
The reason I wrote this program is because I always wanted to play
a good multi-player strategy game. I'm too poor to afford a subscription
to something on a national level (like Compuserve) so I never got to play
those games. One day I decided that since no one had a good multi-player,
I'd write one. Unfortunately I don't get to play the game (since I run
it and I usually get accused of cheating - I'm a good player! - Someone
please write another multi-player game so I can play it!)
Now for the begging. This game is distributed as "Shareware." My
attitude is that I'd rather have people having a good time playing the
game than for me to get rich; but if you could, please send $20.00 to the
address below:
TW2
c/o Chris Sherrick
1515 Ridgeland Dr.
Sparks, NV 89431
If I get something, I'll try to write back, but I can't guarantee anything;
I'm a busy college student.
Rumor has it that there might be some new multi-player games coming.
One idea is to make a multi-BBS game, where teams can be made. If the
BBS owners want to pay the long distance, you can gave a game stretching
out over the country. But, these ideas are on the "burner" because right
now because I don't have a computer. But there should be some more games
out shortly after I get one, whenever that is. But in the meanwhile, I'm
keeping myself busy with the UCI micro-mouse competition - We're going
for national championship!
That's all I have to say in this letter. I hope you fully enjoy
Trade Wars to you fullest. The only problem with it is people tend to
spend their time playing TW2 and not posting, but oh well, you can't have
it all.
P.S. Call The Reno RBBS - Sysop John Morris / 702-746-1364 DATA
702-746-1365 DATA
702-746-1358 VOICE
This BBS and sysop has been very helpful to me in play testing and
modifying this version. If it wasn't for John Morris, this game wouldn't
be available for any BBS. Also, he should have the latest and newest
copies of this program.
[Getting started]
-----------------
First unpack TW2-EXE?.ARC using PKXARC 3.5 (or greater). Copy these files
to your drive/path where you wish to put the game. For first time users,
run TFWINIT.EXE to initialize the game. This will create a 200 or 500 sector
galaxy, and several other files.
If you are using a monitor pgm, add TW2 to your GAMES.DOR file, along with
a desription (anything you like). Then just run the game from the monitor,
like any other Door game.
If you aren't using the door monitor, add the name TWARS2 to your MENU5
file, and create a batch file called TWARS2.BAT. The contents of the
batch file are as follows (assuming you are using the pgm WATCHDOG):
WATCHDGx OFF (or whatever WATCHDG program you are using)
TW2.EXE %1 (%1 signifies the node in use, it is passed on by RBBS
NOTE:* if you run a single node, do not add the %1 after TW2.EXE)
and thats it.
Now a user just needs to enter TWARS2 when asked for the door, and they
are beamed over to the Tradewars galaxy.
Getting started with the NEW Multi-BBS Interface now in TW2!
------------------------------------------------------------
There has been several problems with writing Tradewars over the past
couple of years. The most prominent is the fact that a different
interface had to be written for each separate BBS type. This led to
some BBS types to have a -newer- version of Tradewars than another.
This usually upsets the users, and eventually the SysOps as well.
It was decided that Tradewars will now be released as a SINGLE program
to be compatible with many different BBS types. This should solve
any problems with obsolesence.
As you will see below, 3 out of the supported BBS types use the
DORINFOx.DEF file to pass info onto Tradewars (or any door program)
So far this is the most supported standard, and though that really
isn't saying much at the moment, I hope some more BBS program authors
choose this means eventually. I don't really expect that to happen
but it would be nice.
NOTE: There is an official version of Tradewars Ver. 2 for TBBS users.
TBBS operates much differently so a different program must be used.
Contact Gary Funk at 1-501-442-8777 for the TBBS version.
You must first begin by setting the BBS type in the TW2.DAT file. This is
the seventh field in the file. The BBS types are as follows:
0 - RBBS (default)
1 - PCBoard
2 - OPUS
3 - QBBS
4 - Wildcat
5 - GTPowercomm
6 - FoReM PC
RBBS mode:
----------
TW2 now uses RBBS' DORINFOx.DEF file to get info from the BBS, and uses
the messages file only for getting the current status of snoop. The MESSAGES
file is the filespec in field 6 of the TW2.DAT file. The messages file can
be located anywhere you want it. The DORINFOx.DEF file MUST be in the same
directory as TW2.
If you are using GMon, you can enter an 8th field into the TW2.DAT file.
The 8th field indicates whether or not you are using GMon. 0 - no, and -1
means yes. This will speed up the time it takes for TW2 to return to GMon.
PCBoard mode:
-------------
To run TW2 under PCBoard you will need to create a file called: TW2PCB.DAT
enter this filespec on the TW2 command line. (see above) Inside of the
TW2PCB.DAT file you will need to enter four fields of info as follows:
PCBOARD.SYS *field 1 drive/path/filespec for the PCBOARD.SYS file
PCBOARD *field 4 BBS name
JOE *field 2 SysOps first name
BBS *field 3 SysOps last name
Next, set the BBS type (field 7 in the TW2.DAT file) to 1 and you should
be up-and-running.
/P: - PCBoard SysOps, use this command line switch to specify the
TW2PCB.DAT file which this copy of TW is supposed to use.
Example: /P:C:\PCB2\TW2PCB.DAT
Also allowable is: /P C:\PCB2\TW2PCB.DAT
Each node should have a different TW2PCB.DAT file so Tradewars opens
the correct files for that particular node. So, the batch files that
run Tradewars must be different for each node. The TW2PCBx.DAT file
will point to the correct PCBOARD.SYS and .DAT files to use for this
node.
Example of the command to run Tradewars (this line will be in the batch
file.)
TW2 /P:C:\PCB\TW2PCB1.DAT Node 1
or,
TW2 /P:C:\PCB2\TW2PCB2.DAT Node 2
Opus mode:
----------
To run TW2 under Opus you will need to create a file call: TW2OPUS.DAT
enter this filespec into field 6 of the TW2.DAT file. Inside of the
TW2OPUS.DAT file you will need to enter five fields of info as follows:
LASTUSER.BBS *field 1 drive/path/filespec of the LASTUSER.BBS file
JOE *field 2 SysOps first name
BBS *field 3 SysOps last name
OPUS *field 4 BBS name
COM1 *field 5 com port used
19200 *field 6 Input a baud rate here if you have your modem
'locked' at a high rate. make it null string
if your modem is not locked.
Next, edit the BBS Type field in TW2.DAT (field 7) to read: 2
When you run TW2, you will need to run TW2 with a couple of command
line switches (described above, but I'll describe them again)
/G will turns ANSI color/graphics on (default is off)
/Txx will set the time limit allowed to this user this call.
/T45 would set the total time limit for this call to 45 mins.
QBBS mode:
----------
In the QBBS mode, TW2 will read the DORINFOx.DEF (same as RBBS) file.
You will need to edit field 7 of the TW2.DAT file to read: 3
This should get you up-and-running.
WildCat mode:
-------------
To run TW2 under WildCat, you will first need to create a file called:
TW2WCAT.DAT. Enter this filename in field 6 in TW2.DAT. TW2WCAT.DAT will
contain five fields of data as follows:
WildCat *field 1 BBS Name
JOE *field 2 SysOps first name
BBS *field 3 SysOps last name
CALLINFO.BBS *field 4 Caller info file drive/path/filespec
19200 *field 5 BPS rate to lock com port at. enter 'NONE' if you
do not lock the DTE with your modem
TW2 will read in the name of the CALLINFO.BBS file then read it to get the
current users parameters. Make sure and edit field 7 in the TW2.DAT file
to read: 4
GT Powercomm mode:
------------------
To run TW2 under GT you will need to create a file call: TW2GTPC.DAT
enter this filespec into field 6 of the TW2.DAT file. Inside of the
TW2GTPC.DAT file you will need to enter five fields of info as follows:
GTUSER.BBS *field 1 drive/path/filespec of the GTUSER.BBS file
JOE *field 2 SysOps first name
BBS *field 3 SysOps last name
GTPowercomm *field 4 BBS name
COM1 *field 5 com port used
19200 *field 6 Input a baud rate here if you have your modem
locked at a high rate. Make it a null string
if your modem is not locked. Null string means
to just hit enter on line 6 (if using Edlin)
there should be nothing on line 6 if you don't
have a high speed modem.
Next, edit the BBS Type field in TW2.DAT (field 7) to read: 5
FoReM BBS mode:
---------------
In the FoReM PC mode, TW2 will look for the DORINFOx.DEF file.
You will need to edit field 7 of the TW2.DAT file to read: 6
for the FoReM BBS type.
Switching over to the new version of TW2.
-----------------------------------------
It is best to just plain initialize your game when switching over to the
new version of TW2. But, If you have a good game going right now, I suggest
you do a player ranking to get a general idea of 'who has what' and have
TWEDIT make a hard copy for you. Then completely re-initialize using TWFINIT.
Then, re-enter TWEDIT and re-input the user info.
Having problems?
I have added in new code to prevent most any error so you won't have a
'hung' system. If any files are missing, TW2 will recover from the error
gracefully. For instance, if your TW2.DAT file is missing, or doesn't
have enough fields present, TW2 won't even flinch. If the file is missing
you will be notified of the error.
Some problems can creep up when trying to read in certain BBS files.
If you get an error 62, this means that one of the files Tradewars was
trying to read in (lets say for example, TW2GTPC.DAT) has too few lines.
Please check these docs to make sure things are typed in properly.
Error 53 means file not found. Check to make sure all the little text
files have correct spelling, and have the correct filename which you
may have specified. Think things out logically. Tradewars first reads in
TW2.DAT.. make sure its there, the sixth field in TW2.DAT points to another
file, make sure that file is there, and sometimes even that file points to
another file. Make sure they are all present.
Error 64 means bad file name..
Error 75 means path/file access error..
Error 76 means path not found..
make sure everything is type in correctly!
Other problems that creep up also are usually files missing. Make sure
That all files listed above in the 'run-time list' are on the same
drive/path as TW2.EXE. Along with MESSAGES, DORINFOx.DEF. (If you are
using RBBS-PC) or the files associated with the other BBS types. If you
seem to be missing TW2.DAT here is some quick field info:
TW2.EXE will set TW2 defaults, THEN read the TW2.DAT file to get custom
BBS info. In this manner TW2 will have all info necessary to run.
TWRANK.DAT *field 1: filespec for Tradewars player Rankings
5 *field 2: minutes before logging off idle user
1 *field 3: using aliases? 1-yes 0-no.
45 *field 4: Time allowed in TW2, used when monitor isn't used
0 *field 5: DEBUG mode usually '0' or off -1 = on
MESSAGES *field 6: file TW2 will draw additional BBS info from.
0 *field 7: BBS type: 0-RBBS 1-PCB 2-OPUS 3-QBBS 4-WILDCAT etc.
0 *field 8: using GMon? -1=yes 0=no (RBBS only)
0 *field 9: calculate all warp routes regularly, or in memory.
0 = regular, -1 = in memory. NOTE: If you decide
to let TW2 process shortest routes in memory, your
program will run MUCH faster, but it will also take
a little more memory 1k for 500 sectors, 2k for 1000
sectors. Since the 6/19 release is appx. 7k smaller
than the last release, this option is now more
feasible.
The filespec in field one is usually a file used by the BBS, and can
reside anywhere your BBS can get to. Most SysOps make the ranking file
one which can be viewed by the user, such as a bulletin.
More problems you say?
If you seem to have found a bug, I highly recommend sending me capture
file of the problem. Usually just a note with an explaination just
can't help me fix a thing. A note AND a capture file is best. The capture
file should be of the complete session, and should have the Tradewars
version number in the file, ie: Tradewars Version 2 Release 5.24 06/19
(that is usually the first line that Tradewars prints out when it is run)
If that isn't in there, or if its an older version, I won't be able to do
a thing about fixing your problem. I find I can fix bugs that are explained
with a capture file in about 1/100 the time!, no kidding!.
Of Course, I can only support the version I release. Any other version I
will refuse to support. The reason for this is simple, Chris and I know
only how our code works, so a Tradewars released by someone else may work
subtly different, and I won't be able to help you.
Contact me here at The Reno RBBS:
I'm very willing to help SysOps with Door problems. (any problems.. not
just with my Door games.) So give me a ring!
Special Thanks to :
Chris Sherrick
Jim Leenan Andrew Hoag and yes, there are more! I'm just
Roger Reesor Paul Waldinger too adsent minded to remember them
Gary Funk David Friedman all in one sitting!
Alan Davenport Eric Carr
Some For their help in added mods to make TW2 the best door game known to
modern man, and others for their help testing and reporting bugs.
John Morris
The Reno RBBS
702-746-1364 DATA
702-746-1365 DATA
702-746-1358 VOICE