New special components

[Enamel_32]

I'm working on creating some new components as part of a little mod, but I've come across a problem. As it stands, I'm using modified copies of default stuff, which means that it all displays as default stuff on the HUD. Say I make something based off an ECM, it'll show up as an ECM and use all the same sound effects. It's not a deal-breaker, but it's kind of annoying.

I'm not sure if I can define new special component types, either. As far as I can tell, there's no function to do so. It might be as simple as adding a new entry somewhere for the new component so it has a unique name. I don't know.

Does anyone know how to modify the in-game name of components?

[Cloudburst]

Supposedly it's the name of the file....

So file it?

[Enamel_32]

You mean like datIntMounts.cs?

[DisPilotSoMe1]

What shows up on the HUD is the type of component. I don't know if there is a way to do it other than changing the name of the type (in Sim.Strings.cs I think). One of those string files. Also got your PM. Send me an email address and I'll get you the goods.

[Enamel_32]

Looks like it's in Gui.Strings.cs... I'll have to do some fiddling with that.

[Feret]

Yes you can create new types, and change those strings.

Sim.Strings.CS and Gui.Strings.Cs are where the String Identifiers are setup. I'm not sure whether you can make new 'types' of equipment per say, but you can make new IDs in datIntMounts.cs I believe it is.

[Enamel_32]

Right. The problem is that I'm still constrained to making another instance of a ECM/Battery/Nano-Repair/etc. and players can't mount 2 of the same type of component.

[Feret]

Right. The problem is that I'm still constrained to making another instance of a ECM/Battery/Nano-Repair/etc. and players can't mount 2 of the same type of component.

Yeah, there is no way to make true "New components" with any relevant new features unfortunately.

[Enamel_32]

I just might end up getting rid of the nano-repair module and replacing it with a secondary power source type of item. Who really uses that thing anyway? If I did that I could just change the name of every instance of the nano module in gui.strings and it'd work fine.

[Feret]

I just might end up getting rid of the nano-repair module and replacing it with a secondary power source type of item. Who really uses that thing anyway? If I did that I could just change the name of every instance of the nano module in gui.strings and it'd work fine.

Tanks often needed it especially before Quick Armor is gotten. And you can add additional reactors and batteries, heck I did so in my old Kestrel mod.

[Enamel_32]

My goal was to make a special component that provides a continuous supply of energy. Useful, but a little heavy. Reactors can only be mounted once, just like any other component, and batteries dont exactly do what I want. The nano repair module actually has an energy cost of 1, but it can easily be made negative (and larger) while it's repair factor is changed to zero (side note: negative values are... interesting). Yes, it's pretty much a cosmetic issue that it shows up on the HUD as a nano-repair module, but it bothers me. It feels unpolished.

It's all down to how I want the whole mod to be. If it's server-side compliant, then I'll have to break a couple eggs to get my omelette - the number of weapons and internals have to be the same as standard SS. Then again, I can't make everything shiny and special without a new texture or .dts here and there.

What do you think? Decisions, decisions...

[Deliverance]

sounds good to me. of course many times you can only see how well it works in game, balance issues ect...