PC Spiel 1995 October/PCS1095.BIN/patches/tankcom/patch1.exe/README.TXT

Text File | 1995-04-02 | 14KB | 327 lines

     This update contains 3 files:  SETUP.EXE, TANK_MOD.EXE, and the
README.TXT that you're (probably impatiently) reading now.

     SETUP.EXE:  This file fixes a small bug that caused the \TANKGAME
directory's MODEM.CFG dial command line to be improperly written on some
machines.

     TANK_MOD.EXE:  This file changes the modem driver from synchronous to
asynchronous operation.  This can improve the frame rate drastically for
Tank Commanders wishing to play each other using modems of different brands.
(Many modems operate at extremely high speeds if connected to an identical
model.)  If you haven't experienced frame rate problems while running Tank
Commander over a modem, it's unlikely that this file will offer a significant
improvement.

SECTION 1:  ** Installation **

     To update your copy of Tank Commander to Version 1.1, copy SETUP.EXE
and TANK_MOD.EXE into your hard drive's \TANKGAME directory.  ** Please note
that the old SETUP.EXE and TANK_MOD.EXE are hidden and write-protected files,
so you will need to OK the overwrite when your computer asks for it. **

SECTION 2:  ** Basic Hints **

     One of life's little pleasures is dealing with setting up
modems for head-to-head computer games.  Here are some quick
guidelines that might help out if you're running into trouble
playing Tank Commander over the modem:

        Make sure that your modem isn't using a COM port or IRQ
that another device is using.  For instance most mouse drivers
will try to install on COM 1, while most modem drivers will prefer
COM 2.  As long as they're separate, life is good.  However,
trying to run both a modem and mouse off the same COM port simply
won't work.

        In addition, make sure that other devices such as sound
cards aren't using the same IRQ as the modem.  This could result
from an unusual sound card installation which might attempt to use
IRQ 3, which COM 2 prefers.

SECTION 3:  ** Initialization Strings Galore! **

     Make sure that you're using the proper "Initialization
String" for your modem.  (The "Initialization String" is a line of
ASCII text that contains specific configuration orders for your
modem, such as how fast it should run, what kind of error checking
it should use, and so on.)  If your machine fails to show an
initialization string or "OK" while attempting to connect with an
opponent during a modem game, your initialization string is most likely
incorrect for your modem type.  After finding the proper initialization
string for your modem, you can manually insert it into the \TANKGAME
directory's MODEM.CFG file by following the instructions in SECTION 4.

     Here's a collection of initialization strings that might help
if your modem isn't responding to Tank Commander's default strings:

        AT &D2 &Q0\G0 &K0 S37=9 N0 %C\N1
        (This is a good string to use first.  It's something of a
        "universal" initialization string, and has been shown to
        work with a variety of games.)

        Here are a list of other strings that might help you out.
Find the Mode Type you have, and then find the accompanying Number
in the next table for the initializaton string.

     Number     Modem Type
     ------     ----------

        7       Generic Hayes-compatible (w/switches)
        1       Generic Hayes-compatible (switchless)
        1       Generic switchless (alternate)
        2       Acer Ex 14.4v.42bis fax
        4       Acer 9624 int
        2       AMT Star 14.4 2F
        2       Anchor Automation 9600
        2       Anchor Automation 9600i
        5       Archtek Smartlink
        6       Archtek Smartlink 14.4I
        5       AT&T 4024
        7       AT&T DataPhone II
        6       AT&T DataPort 14.4I
        5       BestData SmartOne 9624FQ int
        8       BestData SmartOne v.32bis ext
        8       BestData SmartOne v.32bis int
        9       Bocamodem 14.4E v.42bis/fax
        10      Bocamodem 14.4I (alternate)
        9       Bocamodem 14.4I v.42bis/fax
        11      Cardinal 9600 v.42bis
        5       Cardinal FLASHLink
        5       CMS Enhancements
        2       Compaq 9696 MNP5
        5       Complete PC
        12      CompuCom SpeedModem 9600
        12      Compudyne Speedmodem 9600 int
        8       Computer Peripherals ViVa 14.4 v.42 bis ext
        8       Computer Peripherals ViVa 14.4 v.42 bis int
        8       Dallas Fax DF9696
        14      Digicom Eagle+ v.42bis/fax
        14      Digicom Scout+ v.42bis/fax
        8       Edison v.32bis/fax
        5       Ericsson TAU-2620
        15      Freemont 9600 fax
        16      Galaxy Network 14.4
        17      Galaxy Network 9600
        8       Gateway 2000 Telepath v.32
        18      GVC 9600 v.42bis\MNP5
        19      Hayes Smartmodem Optima 14.4
        19      Hayes Smartmodem Optima 9600
        19      Hayes V-series Smartmodem 9600
        5       IBM PS/1 int
        5       Infotel 9600
        6       Infotel 9600 v.42bis
        6       Infotel FM144/144HVI int FAX
        20      Intel 14.4 (alternate)
        21      Intel 14.4ex
        21      Intel 9600ex
        21      Intel SatisFaxion
        21      Intel SatisFaxion 100
        21      Intel SatisFaxion 200
        21      Intel SatisFaxion 400
        2       LightCOM Lightning 14.4
        2       LightCOM Lightning 96
        2       Logicode QUICKTEL 9600 v.42
        5       Logicode QUICKTEL 9624
        2       Megahurst C5144
        2       Microcom AX-2400C
        2       Microcom QX-4232
        2       Microcom QX-V.32C
        2       Motorola UDS v.32 lcd
        23      MultiTech MultiModem 224E
        24      MultiTech MultiModem 696E
        25      PC Logic v.32bis ext
        19      Practical Modem 14400FX Pocket
        19      Practical Modem 14400FX PS/2
        19      Practical Modem 14400FX V.32
        19      Practical Modem 14400FXMT
        19      Practical Modem 14400FXSA V.32
        19      Reveal UHS v.32bis PM500
        27      Rixon R212A
        21      Spartacus 14.4 v42bis/fax ext
        2       Spartan v.32 v.42bis
        2       Spectrum Envoy
        15      Spirit
        15      Spirit II
        5       SupraFAXModem 24/96i
        2       SupraFAXModem Plus
        2       SupraFAXModem v.32
        8       SupraFAXModem v.32bis ext
        8       SupraFAXModem v.32bis int
        5       Tandy Sensation
        28      Telebit QBlazer
        29      Telebit T1000
        28      Telebit T1600
        29      Telebit T2500
        28      Telebit T3000
        29      Telebit TrailBlazer
        29      Telebit TrailBlazer Plus
        28      Telebit WorldBlazer
        2       Tornado 9600
        2       Toshiba 24/96 FAX
        3       Toshiba Laptop
        11      Turbo Modem Plus 14.4 ext
        11      Turbo Modem Plus 14.4 int
        2       TwinCom 14.4 v.42 fax int
        30      TwinCom 9600 v.42 int
        31      USR Courier HST
        31      USR Courier HST Dual Standard
        31      USR Courier v.32 or faster
        31      USR Sportster 14.4
        31      USR Sportster 9600
        8       Wang 14/14e
        8       Wang 14/14i
        8       Wang 9600e v.42 ext
        32      Yokohama Telecom 14.4/fax int
        2       Zoltrix 14.4 (alternate)
        2       Zoltrix 14.4 v.42bis/fax int
        13      Zoltrix 2496 fax
        8       Zoom 14.4 v.42bis/fax ext
        8       Zoom 14.4 v.42bis/fax int
        2       Zoom 9600 v.42bis/fax
        4       Zoom 9624 ext
        2       Zoom 9624 v.42bis ext
        2       Zoom 9624 v.42bis int
        4       Zoom FC9624 int
        5       Zoom HC2400R int
        5       Zoom MX2400R ext
        34      ZyXEL U-1496 ext
        34      ZyXEL U-1496 int


     Number     Initialization String
     ------     ---------------------
        1       AT&F &D2 &C1 V1
        2       AT&F &D2 &C1 \N0
        3       AT&F &D2 &C1 &Q0 \N0
        4       AT&F &D2 &C1 &Q0
        5       AT&F &D2 &C1
        6       AT&F &D2 &C1 \N0 \Q0
        7       ATZ &D2 &C1 V1
        8       AT&F &D2 &C1 %M0 \N0 &K0
        9       AT&F &D2 &C1 \N0 &K0
        10      AT&F &D2 &C1 %C0 &K0
        11      AT&F &D2 &C1 \N0 \G0
        12      AT&F &D2 &C1 %M0 \N0 \K1
        13      AT&F &D2 &C1 V1 S7=60
        14      AT&F &D2 &C1 *E0 *F0
        15      AT&F &D2 &C1 *E0
        16      AT&F &D2 &C1 \N0 &K0 \Q0
        17      AT&F &D2 &C1 &K0
        18      AT&F &D2 &C1 \N0 \X1
        19      AT&F &D2 &C1 &Q0 &K0
        20      AT&F \N0 \Q0
        21      AT&F %C0 \Q0
        22      AT&F &D2 &C1
        23      AT&F &D2 &C1 &Q1
        24      AT&F &D2 &C1 &Q1 &E0
        25      AT&F &D2 &C1 %M0 \N0 &K0
        26      AT&F *E0 *F0
        27      ATZ &D2 &C1
        28      AT&F &D2 &C1 S58=0 S61=0 S180=0
        29      AT&F &D2 &C1 S58=0 S54=3
        30      AT&F &D2 &C1 &Q6
        31      AT&F &D2 &C1 &M0 &K0
        32      AT&F &D2 &C1 %M0 \N0 \G0
        33      AT&F &D2 &C1 S7=60
        34      AT&F &K0 H0


     This list has been compiled from a wide variety of modem
gamers who have had success with the initialization strings
listed.  (These strings should also work with most other
modem-capable games, so you might want to write the string for
your modem down for future reference.)

     If you don't see your modem here, don't panic!  The
"universal" string and your modem manual will be the best starting
points.  For best performance you'll want to choose the commands
that disable error checking, and set your modem's speed to at least
9600 baud.  If you have difficulties finding the commands in your
modem's manual, please contact your modem's manufacturer for
assistance.

SECTION 4:  ** Mysteries of the MODEM.CFG file: **

     The MODEM.CFG file in the \TANKGAME subdirectory is a five-line text
file that can be read with any text editor.  Here's an example of a
MODEM.CFG:

USROBOTICS SPORTSTER 14.4     (1.  Name of the modem)
AT&F&A3&B1&H1&R2X4S0=OS7=90   (2.  Initialization String)
ATDT6382940                   (3.  Number to Dial)
AT Z H0                       (4.  Hang-Up String)
9600                          (5.  Baud Rate)
2                             (6.  COM Port)

     Note that in some instances the second "T" in line 3 is left off.
The user will need to use a text editor and insert this "T" so the line
will read "ATDT######."  The new SETUP.EXE in this patch file should take
care of this for you, so it's unlikely that you'll ever need to insert this
wayward "T" on your own.

     Also, the user might need to use the initialization string from
dedicated comms program that works with his modem.  This string would be
inserted into line 2 using any text editor.

     Line 1, the modem's brand name, isn't important to configuring Tank
Commander for modem play.  It can be anything.

     If your system should lock up after a modem game is finished, it's
probably due to an incorrect hang-up string in line 4.  Find the proper hang-
up string for your particular modem, and insert it in line 4.

     Attempting to use 14400 baud rate or higher isn't necessary with Tank
Commander, and will more than likely lock your system during modem games.
We strongly recommend that you leave line 5 at 9600 unless you're a glutton
for punishment.

     If all else fails, it's possible to connect manually through a DOS
communications package such as QuickLink or ProComm, exit to a DOS shell
once connected, and then play Modem Tank Commander with the "Already
Connected" option.

SECTION 5:  ** Head-to-Head Play Hints **

     Here's some basic tips on how to win during modem and networked Tank
Commander:

        1)  Use your Radar.  Don't get so fixated chasing flags that you
        ignore the scoundrel trying to sneak up on you.

        2)  Use the terrain or obstacles.  Though the Radar will see through
        these, they'll still protect you from enemy fire.

        3)  Use your turret.  Selecting different views while maneuvering
        allows you to accurately aim your turret while driving.  You can
        actually drive your tank forward using the cursor keys, while you
        use the Gunner's View (F2) to aim at other players behind you.

        4)  Conserve ammunition.  He who gathers the most FLAGS, not KILLS,
        wins!

        5)  Use your base to safely store flags.  Once you deposit a flag
        at your base, it can't be taken from you.  Note the small line at
        the bottom left of your screen that appears when you deposit a flag.
        This line lets you know which ones you still need to win the game.

        6)  Use flags as armor.  Every time you're hit while carrying a flag,
        it disappears.  However, gathering flag colors that you've ALREADY
        deposited at your base adds "armor."  In other words, the hits will
        take the "old" flag colors that you've already collected before
        taking away the precious new one!

        7)  Don't trust anyone.  It's likely that Ghandi would turn on
        you when you're heading back to base with the final flag!  The Homing
        Missile is a great weapon to scrape pursuers off your tail from long
        range.