THE THIRD DIMENSION LETTERS SECTION If you want to write a letter either send it in on paper (typed or written) or send it in on a disk (preferably in ASCII format). For a personal reply,please send a Stamped Self Addressed Envelope unless you prefer it to be placed onto the disk.All letters are very much welcomed whether good or bad....Tony ------------------ To Antony Quinn. Dear Antony, I'm typing this letter in your own text editor. It is really great and simple to use. I noticed you made it in CanDo2. I am using CanDo Jr. to make the interface on the Amiga for our Disk Magazine. I also have CanDo 2 and tried to make the interface in that version too. But I noticed that all in all it used more bytes. As the magazine disk is usually almost completely filled up with all the other files, I decided to stick to the Jr. version. I think CanDo is a very multifunctional program and if I wasn't so hooked on the 3DKits, I would certainly make more use of it. Anyway, I'm going to use this editor from now on to type my letters, tutorials etc. If you make another program with CanDo I would love to see it. Mieke ------------------------------------------------------------ Dear Tony, I read your article on animations with interest and most of it is clear to me. However, I have one question regarding the animation of the man in the datafile Cityanim. In the animation routine the command "REDRAW" has been used several times. Although I know the meaning of the word, I never used the command in animations I have made so far. I never missed it either. I never really understood what the command is doing exactly. Could you give me another example thereby explaining what this command exactly does and why it should be used? When I removed the REDRAW command, the man is walking faster. So is it done to slow down the animation? But you can use the command also in other routines. What is the effect then? And what does the command "DRAWONLY" really do? Thanks beforehand for answering these questions. I had a ride in the Ghost train in Our Town. The ghost house is great to look at and the train ride is hilarious and dark! I am a funfair fan and I liked this one very much. I tried to pick up the star in the Castle but found myself immediately outside again! Why didn't you animate the mouse? Your creation of the Pier of St. Annes is beautiful. I have never seen it in real life and don't know where it is either, but I enjoyed walking around in the area. The nice caravan on the beach was inviting! I saw the picture too and it is beautiful to look at but I prefer the datafile where you can really walk around in the area. It shows again what the Kit is capable of. I had fun with your drums datafile too. Remember the keyboard you once designed in Kit1? I turned it into an electric piano in Kit 2 on the Amiga. I placed the datafile, border and soundbank on this disk together with an explaining textfile. All the best Mieke Dear Mieke I will answer your questions in the order that you have set them out.First of all,the Redraw command.This is used to force an immediate redraw by the computer of the view window.Basically it updates an objects state from the last frame update.It tidies up previously drawn/undrawn objects and is especially useful for animations.The animation that you mentioned,speeds up when the Redraw command is removed because it (Redraw) also acts as a small delay.If you create a cube in an area and then give the cube (object 2) the following condition and then shoot it,then try it without the Redraw command,you will notice a difference. Here is the example.- If shot? Loop(10) Togvis(2) Redraw Again The cube flashes on and off ten times with the Redraw command inserted.When it is removed,nothing happens because there is no command to update the view window to draw and redraw the cube. The Drawonly command is similar to the above but does not effect the object display,just the colour or fade value of it if applicable.So this would alter an objects colour when used in a series of commands but not the actual object. You return to the outside when you get the crystal that is situated in the castle in Our-Town because the idea of that part of the game is to find your way out.The only way to get out is to take the warp crystal.You can not get back out through the door that you came in as that has now been altered in the game. The mouse does now move in my house in Our-Town and the church is now open with a little surprise in it.The Our-Town datafile now has a new border with fully working controls and two text instruments that now inform you about the various games in the town.I would like to see you move in to this town Mieke,so please create a building of your choice for us all to explore.I would also like to see other members create a building too.If it gets larger ( and i hope it does ),we can open up a new area via the new tunnel mouth.This is one of my favourite parts of the diskmag so don't be surprised if anyone gets a letter from me nagging them to create their own building to be included into OURTOWN. I am glad that you liked the St.Annes pier datafile.This place is situated next town down from Blackpool on the North West coast side of England in Lancashire.It is totally the opposite of Blackpool which is lively,exciting and has some of the fastest/largest theme park rides in the country,where as St.Annes is nice and quiet,full of retired people,TV stars and beautiful coastal walks.Both towns make an ideal holiday combination. Tony. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Tony Thanks for the last letter with details of the VistaPro DEM files. They're probably like the Amiga/PC 3D Kit files - subtly different in some way to make them incompatible. I'll keep playing and let you know. Came across yet another VR shareware package for the PC the other day. It seems to be based around a BASIC programming language and the REND386 data files I've mentioned before. The basic formats are probably used by some Atari/Amiga programmes too for all I know. The objects have the extension PLG, while the worlds are WLD. Quite good animation effects and there's a simple rendering technique where fills of varying colour gradients can be applied to sides of polygons. Looks good when static but looses it's effect if you turn because the lines stay parallel with the top/bottom of screen. Trouble is I've all but given up on programming in earnest, preferring to stick to an applications macro or programming language, like FCL. 'C' and BASIC I've not looked at for ages now because with so much shareware/PD around you can always pick up the utility you need without spending weeks coding it. Anyway interesting all the same. What we really need is 3D Kit 3! Nigel Alefounder Dear Nigel I have found that vista DEM files from the PC will work on the Amiga but I am not sure if it works the other way around. Thanks for the enclosed disk with the address of PC format enclosed onto it.I have sent PC Format substantial details about our diskmag and I hope that they will give us a mention soon. I would like to see a kit 3,but somehow don't think that this will come off.It seems that Superscape are moving towards the American market at the moment. You are also right regarding the kit 1 video.There was a tutorial video made for kit 1 which features Ian Andrew taking you through a very basic guide of the kit.I heard that this version was hastily remade because Ian didn't want to have himself seen in a small room dressed without a suit because he was rising up through the ranks and it spoilt his image.Luckily I have one of these early versions. Ian, have you tried smiling? It doesn't hurt! OOPs! I think that I may have lost all favour now with Superscape. Tony --------------------------------------------------------- Dear Anonymum Like many others no doubt,I really find your diary a joy to read.This is John Wright,the alien from.....Mars,mind you,Mickey will not believe this,but i am sure you will.Thankyou for your love-very acceptable to a lonely elderly alien (hope the 'old codger' bit does not put you off).Trust hubby will not get jealous.Ah! but no worry - he will not have time to be jealous with all the attention he is giving to the addition to your hectic household. I am so pleased to have confirmation from you that you are of the opposite sex- it would have spoilt it all had you turned out to be male. Sorry about the Mickey-John correspondence coming to an end - had your remarkrs been a month earlier,it could have been another story (wow!) but who knows what the future holds.Pity you did not see me in all my glory -maybe our dear editor was short of space on the disk,for he has been very good publishing so many of my minor bits and pieces. Love to you (if hubby does not object). John,the friendly alien from Mars? (.........) therin hides a story,may tell it to you some day,with the help of our kindly editor alloting the space. J the A. Dear John,I did enclose your picture onto last months disk.Perhaps you missed it...Tony ------------------------------------------------------------ Dear Tony Greetings! I was going to include this letter with my Zone Runner game but i don't think the game will be finished by the issue 16 deadline for contributions ( 23rd of each month folks!.Tony ). The main point of this letter relates to something mentioned twice in issue 15 of the diskmag,specifically in the 3D kit 2 tutorial ( part 2 ),and the routines,and that is the subject of Keyboard Movement Controls.In both articles,each contributor mentions that if keyboard controls are not wanted,then one key only should be assigned to all controls,and then only the first will be active.However,there is an Even Better way to tackle this problem,and it works on Both versions of the kit.It is quite possible to assign NO KEYS for controls! This is how it works: Kit 1: Select CONTROLS as normal,but instead of selecting a regular key,press the F1 function key.This results in NDEF (meaning not defined) appearing as the assigned key.You are still able to assign mouse controls without a corresponding keypress. Kit 2: Select CONTROLS as normal,but instead of selecting a regular key from the illustration,press the F1 function key. This results in the assigned key being listed as "UNSHIFTED NONE" appearing as the assigned key.You are still able to assign mouse controls without a corresponding keypress. Thanks for the favourable review of Final Countdown and VituaLoco.I welcome constructive cricism-taking note of your suggestion,Zone Runner will have icons on the control panel! Finally,have you thought about a 3D convention where we could all get together to exchange and show ideas in person.We could invite other 3D projects and even invite Superscape etc. I'll be in contact again when Zone Runner is complete.See you in Cyberspace! Peter D Ward. Dear Peter These deadlines,who needs them? Unfortunately the disk always goes for a holiday to Holland each month into the very capable hands of our Mieke to be converted onto the PC and Amiga computers on the 23rd of each month using the 5.15 PM post service.The disks then usually come back to jolly old England about a week later ready to be duplicated and then distributed. I am glad that you were happy with the reviews of your games.I try to be as fair as possible and normally load the games into my computer when i have some fellow computer friends around at my home ( usually Tuesdays ).Some are fellow 3D Kitters,and we normally discuss the merits etc of the game.So the review is usually a collective one made up from the views of other people too.In your particular case,everyone liked the games but kept mentioning the control icons.Not all the games get such a favourable review.I do try to be as honest as possible and you can always send in an updated version as did Antony Quinn with his game 'The Probe'. A 3D convention! I nagged Mandy about this last year but nothing ever came of it.I think that a lot of members wanted it in their home town,suggesting their town to be central to Britain etc.Another thing is being able to set a date that is convenient for everyone.There are also costs involved with the hire of a suite/room too. I am all for this and i will put it to the vote for other members to have their say,and also to mention where they want it to take place,when and also how much they are willing to contribute to the hire of a hall and electricity supply etc.So if you want this to happen then please let me know. Tony. --------------------------------------------- Dear John Wright I am going to come to your house and blast you with my mind warp gun if you have given up all forms of communicating with me.I have seen your picture and I think your legs are very funny. Signed Mickey the alien.Here is a message- *'@:X"@@&%*" Byee! ---------------------------------------------- Dear Tony Thankyou for the latest issue of the Third Dimension. I thought that the Third Dimension video was Very Good and it has a nice light-hearted approach.At first the menu system review seemed a bit brisk and neglected such things as keyboard shortcuts, but then i realised it's not supposed to be a comprehensive reworking of the manual,indeed if it was,it would play into the hands of anyone with illicit copies of the kit. You are in the almost unique position,in that,because of 3D Kitters feedback,you can pinpoint the areas that are most causing confusion and/or problems within the kit,and so address them in the video. If you have ever had to watch any technical films/videos you will probably know that after 30 to 40 min's,the viewer often gets tired or bored with having to take in all the information. That is why the Open University programmes are only about this length. My greatest accolade to the video is that it kept me engrossed for the full three hours,without pausing or fast forwarding it,getting up to make a cup of tea,or falling asleep,so I think you must have got it just right. Yours Faithfully Paul R. Littlewood. I am glad that you liked the video,Paul.It took a lot of time to create.I am producing another one,hopefully in time for Christmas or sooner so i welcome any contributions for it etc.Right i will now go and try to squeeze my swollen head through the door. Tony. ---------------------------------------------------------- Dear Tony Hello again.I received your letter and the 'Devils Abode' and 'The Probe' game disks.Thanks very much! Your game (Devils Abode) is really superb! The atmosphere and sounds are fantastic and the game is excellent.Not only to play,but the design of the areas are very good.The dragon is very well drawn aned the giant devil is superb.I write in superlatives but i really mean it! I love the path to the coffins but everytime,i end up back at the beginning.I'm much more determined to go through.Great fun! The Probe loaded very well into my Amiga A500 and i had a quick look around.The areas in this game are very well designed too and the way the doors open,together with the appropriate sound,is done in an excellent way.So this game looks also very promising and enjoyable. Mieke Thanks Mieke for the compliments.I seem to be getting them from all directions this month.I am sure that Antony will appreciate your views too.It makes a change to do something right.Thanks again! Tony ---------------------------------------------------------- Dear Mr O'Mara Just a short note to say that i enjoyed the tutorials that were on the last disk and i can see how you implemented them from the Third Dimension video ( which is actually excellent! ) which featured yoor game. Keep up the great routines! A.Appleyard. ----------------------------------------------------------- Dear Tony, Thanks for the disks to hand. As mentioned in my previous letter I will have to have a rethink regarding the 3d project I had in mind for you. In the meantime I have done a small item just for fun which you may be interested in. It is on the enclosed disk together with a readme text for it, and a letter for `Anonymum'. Was pleased to hear you have not ditched the `Talkback' column. I will be interested to see if other members have any ideas regarding full employment, and look forward to reading Paul Thompson's ideas about Identity cards. As an editor of a small magazine myself in the days gone by (some sixty years now) I appreciate your problems either trying to find space for items on the disk, or wondering at odd times how you can find items to fill it. I did not, however, have your restriction regarding space, for being editor, publisher and printer I could always add an extra four pages if it was really necessary. Anyway, you do a pretty good job, for the disks are mostly full. Regards. John. (John Wright) Dear John I think that you may have missed an entire section of the diskmag in the Amiga July issue!Because of the questionnaire results,we added a lot more letters and text/routine files because that is what you all wanted.As such,if you clicked onto the Amiga text icon in the diskmag,you will have been presented with a page of textfiles to click onto.Because there were a lot of textfiles,Mieke has added another page of text to select.You can access this second page by clicking onto the blue/orange ( right facing ) arrow (next to the words 'Click on text you want to see') to get to the second page menu.Here you will find the voice over text file with yours and Pauls' opinions in print.This second page also has a lot of routines by Ozzy as well as other items too. The datafile is very good and I have been reminded that there was a lot of 'WOT NO MEAT' etc, witty comments drawn onto these walls during the war years. All the best.... Tony