| .............. Log started at Sun Oct 29 16:05:58 EST 2006 ........... | |
| Rick_Raisley | Hello all, and welcome to the first, annual HeavyMetal Program Chat. |
| Rick_Raisley | Good timing with Mordel showing up. He was a great help in setting this chat room up, in fact did it all. And thanks to BattleCorps. |
| Chris_Raisley | Great chat room. |
| Rick_Raisley | I'm too poor to pay a moderator, so we'll have to do things a bit different. |
| Ghost0402 | the banner at the bottom kind of gives it away ;) |
| Rick_Raisley | What I suggest is that when I open it up to questions, people can post. |
| Mordel_Blacknight | Dave owes me a lot of favors. :) |
| Rick_Raisley | And then I'll post a quick message saying that people should not post until I answer the question. |
| Vyper | just say stop |
| Rick_Raisley | That will help keep the confusion of the chat, and especially the transcript, to a minimum. |
| Rick_Raisley | So stop already! ;-) |
| Vyper | groan |
| Mordel_Blacknight | Rick, you could have set yourself up as the moderator you know :) (I'll be quiet now) |
| Rick_Raisley | First, I'd like to thank everyone for coming. HMMap was an especially difficult project, made more so by many personal problems and health problems with my family. And the playtesters were great at bearing with me. |
| Rick_Raisley | But I enjoyed the project immensely. It is /very/ different than any other program I've done, and hope that people are pleased with the results. |
| Ghost0402 | the screenshots have been, very very intriguing |
| Vyper | didn't he say stop? |
| Rick_Raisley | Okay, just for a start, to let me know who has and doesn't have the program (I know the playtesters do), would anyone who does /not/ yet have the program please say so now. |
| Ghost0402 | don't have it |
| ScAvenger001 | I don't |
| Lobsterback | I don't. |
| its_dan_v | i do have it and im here in michigan |
| Highball | have it |
| Rick_Raisley | So, only 3 do not have it? |
| Ghost0402 | i'm a broke college student, i dont have anything other than bills :P |
| Rick_Raisley | That's fine, just trying to get a feel for things. |
| Rick_Raisley | I understand, Ghost. Although if you simply cut that pizza budget by 10%.... |
| Direktor_Andreijew | have it, so do 5 of my chapter friends |
| Ghost0402 | Pizza, i wish i could get that lol |
| Rick_Raisley | Okay, that said, I'll open the floor for questions. As I said, as soon as I see a question I think I can answer, I'll post a quick notice to hold up on other question until it (or they) are answered, okay? |
| Mordel_Blacknight | yes sir |
| Vyper | QX |
| Rick_Raisley | And the first question is..... |
| Ghost0402 | will we be seeing an update for the other programs to bring them inline with TW, at least the weapons and new construction bits? |
| Rick_Raisley | Definitely. Chris and I were discussing that today. The first will be HMPro6, which I hope to get out early next year. After that, a logical progression would be HMVee3. After that, I'm not sure, but surely HMAero needs an major update as well. HMBA is probably close now, so maybe just some minor revisions. Next? |
| JimDigriz | I noticed that there isn't a space map. Will that be in a future project? |
| Vyper | shame on you ghost ;) there is a FAQ on HMpro.com answering that |
| localhost | [2009] touser Okay, I'll answer that. Please hold off questions for a bit. |
| Rick_Raisley | Well, if all you want is a space background, similar to some of the published map, any star background used as a tiled background would work. I should have included one, but there are many. I (and another fellow are doing some work on a possible Space Expansion Kit for HMMap, which would provide very extensive, and gorgeous, planetary assault maps, with all the features required for them. I'm not rushing to get it done, but think it will end up very nice if we're able to do it. Next? |
| Dart | Will there be any updates soon on HMLite...it seems like it was neglected compared to the rest of the HM.... |
| Ghost0402 | i spend most of my day reading school or work related stuff, by the time i get to fun stuff, i'm completely fried ::tongue |
| Vyper | I know the feeling |
| Rick_Raisley | We were also discussing HMLite. Except for Total Warfare, there haven't been many changes in the area of ProtoMechs. And I'm not sure that many changes in TW will have a large effect. I like to think the program has been kept up to date as of this time. But we were discussing possibly adding, in addition to the new style record sheets, infantry construction rules to it, and maybe some other things. Does that answer it? |
| its_dan_v | from what i seen with map maker im going to have allot of fun with it. but my buds and i combine our table top with rollplaying will there be a mapmaker that will be scaled for mech warrior so we can build out side and inside of buildng |
| JimDigriz | Will there be a category on these forums or the CBT forums for those who want to post their creations? |
| Mordel_Blacknight | What are the plans (if any) for HeavyMetal MechWarrior? |
| Dart | sure...ill make suggestions as time goes on on the fourm |
| Rick_Raisley | Map printouts can be scaled to any size, although some inside buildings might be hard to do with the existing graphics. Add-ons help with that. I guess it depends a lot on exactly what your looking for. |
| Rick_Raisley | A MechWarrior designer is still in the plan, but it is going to change, again, with the TW series, and I think it best to wait and see what happens there. Plus, sounds like I'll be busy in the meantime. |
| Vyper | You can create your own graphics and use it for inside stuff |
| Dart | But dont we already have a MechWarrior Designer...Its called HMPro? |
| Rick_Raisley | I may add a Map upload page, but I think I prefer all the maps and graphics and stuff to go on the page I've already set asside for it. And to prevent any XXX graphics, all maps and graphics will have to be sent to me, and I'll post them. Next? |
| Vyper | Like tables, chairs, stairs, etc |
| Rick_Raisley | I think he meant an RPG designer. |
| Mordel_Blacknight | yes, I did |
| Dart | ok cool |
| Rick_Raisley | Ah, well you could certainly add graphics to do that. I'm sure there are much better artists out there than I, and would be very surprised if some didn't come up with ideas and graphics that I never would have thought of. I think the HMMap graphics web page will be great to share those with others. Next. |
| its_dan_v | cool my buds and i allready use the maps for D&D allso |
| Vyper | you've sen that you can print without the hexes? |
| Vyper | seen not sen |
| Vyper | Helps with DnD maps |
| Dart | in HMMap, could there be a "ZOOM" Button or something on the right pannel, like on the bottom or something so we dont always need to go up into the sub menues and open a whole new window pane? |
| Rick_Raisley | As Vyper says, while everything is designed with hexes, the hexes outlines can be eliminated for printing. |
| Dart | Its in the Map Settings window...I did it this morning |
| Rick_Raisley | Well, the function keys work real well for that, F4 for full map, F5 to F8 for the others. Not what you're looking for? |
| Dart | eh...then i just need a way to remind my self...I dont use keys a lot...like like buttons |
| Rick_Raisley | I could add buttons to do that. But there are already /so/ many buttons on the program. Just would need to find a logical place for them. |
| Vyper | And don't forget: When in daubt press F12 |
| Direktor_Andreijew | No more buttons! *g* |
| Dart | hehe |
| Rick_Raisley | Hehe... and then Ctrl-Z to undo! |
| Dart | calm down guys hehe |
| Dart | umm...how about on the left pannel on the bottom? |
| Rick_Raisley | BTW, anyone with the program, please make sure you download the update. It allows dragging the preview images around, and corrects a terrain/elevation problem. |
| Rick_Raisley | The left bottom is always filled, when you have Details on. Or did you mean in the info bar area? |
| Dart | ya |
| Dart | or give the details a lil push over and put it in the details space |
| Direktor_Andreijew | Is there any chance of translation in other languages? |
| Rick_Raisley | Well, that would be a possibility. It's not the first place you'd look for them, though. |
| Dart | it works! |
| Dart | we could make then REALLY BIG so they do notice them? |
| Rick_Raisley | Well Details, are like all the other buttons, and take up a lot of space. And anything at the top means you see less of the terrain/detail buttons. |
| Fanam | In HMMap why was it decided to only allow paths to go through hex faces? |
| Rick_Raisley | I really would have liked a toolbar on this program with such buttons, but really hated to lose the vertical real estate and reduce the map size. |
| Rick_Raisley | Well, again, this is a hex-based program. Roads on all CBT/BT maps either go through a hex, or they don't. You can make a map go anywhere you want, but I felt it best that they squarely go through each hex. Probably doesn't answer your question. |
| JimDigriz | Is it possible to give rivers a little more "waviness" to them? |
| Rick_Raisley | You can make |
| Rick_Raisley | You can make them really wavy by just going back and forth, zig-zagging. They look quite good that way. If you are making them straight for quite a few hexes, they don't look as natural. I looked at making the graphics more "winding", but as it repeats in each hex, it didn't seem as natural to me. But don't forget, you and others can make your own river graphics, any way you like. |
| Rick_Raisley | Next. |
| Lobsterback | Can I save a map from HMMap as a ".jpeg" (or any graphic file) take the saved file to a print shop and have a full "FanPro" size map printed? |
| Chris_Raisley | Just remember, if a graphic is not exactly what you wanted, one can always be made or adjusted with very little trouble. |
| Rick_Raisley | Absolutelyl! In fact, we have a printer in our midst. He has been able to make /excellent/ maps from the JPG files, and may even be able to make them from HMMap files. We're trying to get some pricing worked up, but I guarantee it will be less than other printshops charge. He's a BTecher, after all. But yes, you can take the JPG to your local print shop and have them print them up. The correct DPI is even encoded in the JPG for standard size maps. Next. |
| its_dan_v | have you every thought of haveing a table or better yet running a battel tech game at gencon. |
| Rick_Raisley | I'd love to, but I'd probably blow my year's profit in going. I've been to only one Con, Origins in 2000, when HMPro was introduced. I stayed with Cord Awtry and Rob Feehan, and at the time, FASA was selling lots of the programs. That doesn't exist anymore, so it's a bit tougher. Still, I would like to do it, if it would be possible. Next. |
| Fanam | what I was hoping for was the ability to make square buildings (and walls) not paralellograms or circles (kinda), making bases look right is difficult with the current restrictions |
| its_dan_v | gtg been great haing out with you guys love your programs |
| Chris_Raisley | Thanks for coming! |
| Rick_Raisley | Yes, square buildings are not HMMap's forte. But you can easily make add-on graphics to do that. Take a look at some of the add-ons that are included, they are fairly large rectangular areas, and work well for that purpose. And the program can resize them to any size. Next. |
| Rick_Raisley | Thanks for stopping by, Dan. |
| Mordel_Blacknight | Not one who goes to printers much, when I go to the printer with my JPG, can I hand them a CD and ask them to print this on a paper the same size as standard map sheets (give them the dimensions; what are they anyways)? Do they have different paper weights so I can print on heavier paper (more durable)? |
| Rick_Raisley | Highball, would you like to answer that? |
| Mordel_Blacknight | he fell asleep :) |
| Vyper | Yep |
| Rick_Raisley | No, he's awake, just PMd me. |
| Highball | Mordel, Any print shop should be able to take the file you have and resize it to the size you need. It comes down to making a good choice of paper and laminate if you want to keep it longterm. |
| Rick_Raisley | Standard maps are 18" wide by 22" high. A 4-map combo would be 36" x 44". |
| Mordel_Blacknight | ideally I want one sheet that is a nice weight that I can fold. If it's a good weight, I may not even need to laminate it, I wouldn't think |
| Highball | I think you should make sure to pick the right materials for the map so your investment will last |
| Rick_Raisley | Rolling is much better than folding. |
| Mordel_Blacknight | is it really? |
| Dart | going back to future products, When will the next HM software signup sheet (if its space or not) be open for playtesting? |
| JimDigriz | Rolling is harder to store. |
| Rick_Raisley | Kist a sec. Dart. |
| Dart | k |
| Chris_Raisley | I agree, may I add to this part? |
| Rick_Raisley | The maps he makes are vinyl, heavy weight sign material, and are fantastic. Can be marked up if desired. Go ahead Chris. |
| Vyper | If rolling don't leminate. |
| Direktor_Andreijew | Gotta run. Thanks for the chat. |
| Vyper | If rolling laminated roll so the printed stuff is outside. |
| Rick_Raisley | These aren't laminated. The are actually printed, permanently, on vinyl. |
| Vyper | by DA |
| Vyper | Nice |
| Dart | wow! |
| Vyper | byye not by |
| Vyper | groan nad spelling |
| Chris_Raisley | I agree with Highball. A good vinyl map is perftect, and better than laminate. This would allow for a mape to ba made once, and you can put your terrain on top of it. |
| Chris_Raisley | You may cut it out and make 3D terrain, like I will put in the tutorial, or you could just make a cut out of your terrain. |
| Rick_Raisley | Chris has made some excellent 3D terrain, and when placed on the large vinyl map, works fantastic. He will have a future PDF article with how-to. |
| Chris_Raisley | Either way, this will be printed by HMMap. |
| Highball | I printed on vinyl banner material that was printed on a solvent printer. Its waterproof and can be written on with grease pencils. Using paper is nice, but all it takes is one spilled drink and it is ruined. Try and find a ship that can print on at least 10oz banner material and your money will be well spent |
| Highball | ship - shop |
| Rick_Raisley | I'll answer Dart's question now, although we can go back to printed maps if you like. |
| Mordel_Blacknight | unfortunately we don't have many good print shops around here that I knw of (doesn't mean they don't exist though) |
| Chris_Raisley | The terrain that is made using the materials is very easy to make, and is very good looking as well. |
| Mordel_Blacknight | so I'll probably take you up on map printing if you offer it :) |
| Highball | Mordel, I am talking with Rick about this now and we hope to have something set up soon where that can happen |
| Rick_Raisley | I'm not sure about the playtest signup yet. I already have a group of good playtesters who have served well in the past. And I intend to solicit some of those who have been playtesting Total War and the Tech Manual, as they are most familiar with all the new changes. Next. |
| Vyper | and I'll probably sell my sister so I could pay for postage to Croatia |
| Rick_Raisley | Trust me, getting them from Highball and paying shipping will cost less than going locally. I've priced them. |
| JimDigriz | When you're ready to do the printing, how will you get the announcement out? |
| Vyper | We'll see :) |
| Mordel_Blacknight | hopefully Highball is pricing it enough so he's at least making something off of this |
| Rick_Raisley | As usual, I will send out an HMP newsletter to all those signed up. I'll try to also post on the forums. It will also be on my web site, probably on several pages. We want to do it right, and I know Highball is the one to do it. |
| Rick_Raisley | Next. |
| Mordel_Blacknight | I got nothing :) |
| Vyper | How long is it going to take humanity to stop killing each other? :) |
| Dart | kjggggggggefffggffffr44555555521 l;l |
| Dart | Ack! |
| Rick_Raisley | I didn't know that was even a goal. ;-) |
| Vyper | Hehehe |
| JimDigriz | That would ruin the game! |
| Vyper | As Agent Smith would put it: Keeping the pest under control! |
| Dart | (my cat wants to be part of this to...she becomes a utter announces to my games sometimes) Like shes lies to play BT Vs. Cat |
| Vyper | pset pests |
| Rick_Raisley | I guess even if there's world peace, we can console ourselves with killing 'Mechs. ;-) |
| Rick_Raisley | I have something from Highball concerning maps, if you wait a sec. |
| Vyper | sec's passed ;) |
| Rick_Raisley | In the heavy weight vinyl that he mentions, easily rolled (but best not folded), for a single map made from a furnished JPG, or even from an HMMap data file using /standard/ palette graphics, he's looking at $19 delivered. For a 4-map combo, made in the same way, about $49. That may sound high, but I can tell you it's dead low. |
| Mordel_Blacknight | that sounds like a great deal. |
| Vyper | hmm. what do you mean 19$ delivered? |
| Mordel_Blacknight | What if you use non-standard graphics? |
| Chris_Raisley | I would certainly pay that. |
| Mordel_Blacknight | does it depend on the graphics and ink usage? |
| Vyper | delivered? |
| Rick_Raisley | The best pricing I've seen locally is from Staples, who wants $78 for a printed, mounted on foamboard (which deteriorates) and glossy laminate (which cannot be written on with grease pencil), for a 24" x 3^", or two maps. |
| Rick_Raisley | Today's special was 40% off of that, or $46.50. That's about the price of HIghball's 4-map combo, in a /much/ more durable and storable configuration. |
| JimDigriz | You'll get about the same from Kinkos. |
| Rick_Raisley | Yep, delievered to the states. |
| Vyper | that sounds ok money wise. aha. and abroad? approx? |
| Rick_Raisley | Actually, Chris got a price from Kinkos for about $150, but I forget what size that was. Chris? |
| Chris_Raisley | It was about 48"x36" for nearly $160 |
| JimDigriz | It's about $20 per square foot. |
| Chris_Raisley | Correct. |
| Rick_Raisley | They round up to the next foot in length, apparently. Highball's 44" x 36" would be $49 delivered. And there won't be any confusion about what it's supposed to look like. |
| Chris_Raisley | We know it looks good. |
| Chris_Raisley | And remember, you could order multiple ones from him. Some with grass, concrete, or just sand for desert maps. |
| Dart | Oh I thought of something.....Would there be anymore possability of adding on any more turrent or emplacemnt graphics in HMMap? |
| Mordel_Blacknight | I'll buy one to see for myself (and then more afterwards, I'm sure) |
| Rick_Raisley | Anyhow, we used to make up 3D maps from the standard sheets. And 4 map sheets meant a couple garbage bags full of maps. With this, one small box plus the rolled maps. |
| Dart | or could some be made up by someone whos not as bad a me at graphics? |
| Chris_Raisley | Dart- Remember, anybody can make these with a photoshop program of any sort. |
| Chris_Raisley | You can make anyting, really. |
| Rick_Raisley | Those are ones I came up with for the program. But again, I'd be shocked if people don't come up with more. Or research and find your own, and add them. The program includes a section in the User's Guide on how to make and use graphics in the program. |
| Dart | ya.....but iv never been that good with it |
| Rick_Raisley | A lot of us aren't. But others are. |
| Chris_Raisley | Trust me, many are good at making that, and will, I'm quite sure. |
| Rick_Raisley | I thought some of mine were good, until I saw others. |
| Dart | yep...ill just keep a hopefull eye on the image upload page |
| Dart | eh...i like em! |
| Rick_Raisley | Any questions on the program's operation? Or suggestions? |
| Chris_Raisley | These will be available in a downloads page. All files will be sent to Dad directly to avoid any innapropriate content finding it's way on the page. |
| Vyper | Chris approx when are you going to finish the How-to for 3D maps? |
| Chris_Raisley | Good question. |
| Rick_Raisley | And the answer is... |
| Mordel_Blacknight | can you make it so it diverts 0.00001% of all bank transactions into my account? |
| Vyper | Suggestion: All F keys should produce F12 effect!!!!!! ;) |
| Chris_Raisley | The pictures have already been taken. I have taken over 70 pictures for the tutorial, but will be using alot less. |
| Rick_Raisley | Oh, I'm sorry, I thought that was supposed to be /my/ account! |
| JimDigriz | Thanks for the answers. Love the program. Bye. |
| Vyper | Naaa you gotta share... |
| Rick_Raisley | (Vyper loves the F12 key. I think he's gotten lazy.) |
| Chris_Raisley | The tutorial will be done I expect in a week, since business at work is picking up. I will post on the forums when my how-to tutorial is finished. |
| Vyper | It is mine! My own! MY PRECIOUS!!!!! |
| Rick_Raisley | And I'll post it on the HMMap graphics page for downloading. |
| Vyper | Ok Chris |
| Chris_Raisley | It is really quite easy. |
| Mordel_Blacknight | well, I've gotta run. need to finish setting up for a Halloween party. |
| Chris_Raisley | It just involves a few simple steps, and you'll be off to making terrain like a pro in no time. |
| Mordel_Blacknight | thanks for another great program Rick!!! |
| Chris_Raisley | Thanks for coming Mordel. |
| Dart | Oh.....On HMMap, when your building you map, there is that box thing bordering around the map, when i clicked preview, i noticed that that shows what will be in the preview.....could there be a option to show JUST wants in the preview and cut off that extra space...we may even might be able to obtain more room? |
| Rick_Raisley | Take care, Mordel. |
| Vyper | I think there were some picts on HM site regarding your 3D terrains. |
| Dart | tx for the cat! |
| Dart | chat* hehe |
| Vyper | buy mordel |
| Vyper | bye mordel |
| Chris_Raisley | Yes Vyper, there were. What did you think of them? |
| Vyper | I liked them. I do terrains for WH40K but your's stayed true to BTech feel |
| Chris_Raisley | I play 40k as well. |
| Rick_Raisley | That's an idea, Dart. I'll write that down and see what I can do. Just so I understand you, you're talking about the (starting program to get the wording right) Single upper-left full size sheet printout? |
| Chris_Raisley | But the idea was to stay true to BT, while giving it a 3d feel, and completely modular as well. |
| Vyper | Well, let me rephrase that. I did terrains for... I have a one year old... |
| Vyper | Yeah I got that. And I like it. |
| Dart | ya...i think hehe |
| Dart | I havent done much more then that |
| Dart | printing wise yet...i need somone who can do VINAL prints |
| Rick_Raisley | Was thinking more about it. The Single sheet upper left printout is a Printing option, you don't select it until the Print screen. Maybe a print preview of it there.. |
| Rick_Raisley | The maps Highball makes /are/ vinyl maps. Very strong and durable. |
| Vyper | Most of my gaming has to be once a week now. |
| Dart | yep! |
| Chris_Raisley | You know, one thing I love about the 3D terrain, the hills especially is since the terrain is in hexes, they are almost the shape of puzzle pieces. And because of that, you can take two sets of hills, and put them together to make one big hill. You can even take smaller hills to put on top of larger hills to make taller hills. |
| Vyper | Not that I complain, but no more 5 to 7 games a week |
| Rick_Raisley | Poor thing. Some of us get to play /far/ less often. |
| Dart | ya...im lucky if i can find someone to play 1 every other week =>.<= |
| Rick_Raisley | Other questions? Comments? Complaints? |
| Chris_Raisley | I run a MechWarrior RPG campaign, and these maps are ideal! |
| Vyper | It's good that my office is just next door from my flat. So when we play I have everything all the time... |
| ............................ ScAvenger001 left............. | |
| Highball | HM SpaceMap ....... What is the status of that rolling again, even if slowly? |
| ............................ calabris joined............. | |
| Rick_Raisley | Oh, and if you really can use them, Highball can print far larger than 36" x 44". We have a couple we could floor a small room with! |
| Vyper | I tryed to run it but didn't have the time |
| calabris | BTW love HMMAP! |
| Vyper | hi calabris |
| Rick_Raisley | My intent was to go right from HexMap to SpaceMap. But this Total Warfare thing has changed everything, I'm afraid. Obviously it's still something I really want to do. And intend to continue to spend some time on. But with TW and the Tech Manual coming out soon, gotta give priority to those changes, I'm afraid. |
| Highball | I can print up to 48" wide and 600" at any one time. I can make larger maps, but they have to be seamed together and that raises the cost quite a bit. |
| Chris_Raisley | Greetings Calbris, and thank you! |
| calabris | hello |
| Vyper | you're late |
| Rick_Raisley | Aw, gee, nothing larger than 50' long?? |
| Dart | oh...idea! ummm....The program can create 4 map...is there a option to load all 4 maps and get a preview of what your entire board will look like? |
| Vyper | ;) |
| calabris | YEa, was playing 2142 and lost track of time::ohmy |
| Rick_Raisley | You have a small map preview when you make the Multi-Map. You take up to four maps, and place them in position, flipping or mirroring each as desired, then make a JPG of the whole thing. No close preview, but you get a good idea what it will look like. |
| Dart | eh...that works |
| Vyper | I was playing Dawn of War Dark Crusade but my wife reminded me on time. |
| calabris | IS their a way to load the boarder of another map so you can contine terrian features from one map to the next one? |
| Rick_Raisley | I'm particularly proud of the multi-map. Being able to load four maps, and flip and mirror, while keeping all the text and number correct, is pretty neat, I think. |
| calabris | DoW DC is great also |
| Rick_Raisley | I thought about that, calibris, and it would be possible. What I've done for now, though, is added the ability to mirror and/or flip the current map, then clear the center area if you like, or just draw over it. By mirroring and flipping, you have common hexes that will match the adjacent hex. So it's easy to make one map that mates up properly with a previously designed one. Next. |
| calabris | ok |
| Dart | This might be a big project but i just got a idea...kinda..... |
| Rick_Raisley | oh-oh... |
| calabris | The ablility to scale up hexes is great. I have been using the figgues from mechwarrior dark age and the such for minis in my CBT games |
| Rick_Raisley | Welcome, Bedwyr |
| Dart | When you put together a map...is there a way to get a % breakdown somehow on the program? Like you used 20% Empty space, 2% walls, 5% bushes and such? so you can get a idea of what you map is made out of? |
| calabris | I belive it does somthing like that now when you create a ramdom map |
| Dart | ya...but i mean not random |
| Bedwyr | Hey |
| Rick_Raisley | That's an interesting idea. It would be fairly simple, just need to have a place to display it. |
| Dart | thats where i got the idea |
| Rick_Raisley | You have the map data sheet, of course, which lists hexes, but not percent. |
| Rick_Raisley | I guess if there were a screen to view it, you could then make your random settings "absorb" it, and use the same settings in the future. |
| Dart | PERFECT! |
| calabris | When I print out my mapsheets, I tell my printer to print borderless. BUt I still end up with some whitespace at the top and bottom. Any idea how to get the sheets to take up the entire page? Trimmiing 30 pages can take some time. |
| Rick_Raisley | It would only be able to absorb the standard settings, of course. |
| Dart | just to have a excuse to have "Absorb" in all your programs rick! |
| calabris | The HM programs are GREAT! I got the new BT book and bough just about everything Rick makes! I love em |
| Rick_Raisley | I can't say, calibris. Basically, the program interrogates your printer, and receives the size, in inches, of the printable area. I then specify that size (or smaller) in the printout. Continuing... |
| Rick_Raisley | But don't forget, unless the printout is an exact multiple of your available print size, it will always have borders. You might try specifying the number of X and Y sheets, to make it fill the sheet as much as possible. 2x2 for a standard map works pretty well, usually with hexes just a bit smaller than standard. Next. |
| Dart | Are any of the graphics officeal...like do they have $$ asigned to them so you can see how much your map would cost? (just trying to breainstorm) |
| Rick_Raisley | No, they don't. I'd like some day to make a building construction set or something, and it would have costs. So, you want to become a landscaper and sell trees, too? ;-) |
| Dart | yep! |
| Dart | we could have HMMap compitions about $! |
| Rick_Raisley | I guess. But when you're paying for ink, I like to put as much "junk" on a map as I can. Buildings cost no more to print that trees, after all. |
| Rick_Raisley | That's another way Chris's idea of printing scenery while re-using the same large map works especially well. The grass background is only paid for once. ;-) |
| calabris | What kind of printer do you use to print out your maps. Any brand of printer you like or format? |
| Chris_Raisley | Exactly |
| Rick_Raisley | Any printer will work. I have a color laser at home which prints out incredible maps, but it's still a lot of taping. We have a large format printer at work, but only grayscale. Any printer will work. If you have an 11x17 or large format, you'll be the envy of others using the program. |
| Lobsterback | Got to go guys...Thanks Rick [and Mordel] for a great Chat::smile |
| Rick_Raisley | Take care. Thanks for coming. |
| Rick_Raisley | calabris, I don't remember when you came in. Were you here for the discussion of Highball's printed vinyl maps? |
| Dart | Ummm...every map has a compass?...Lat and Lon lines?...hey...you need to get those atrilery cord. from somewhere? |
| calabris | what brand color laser do you use? I am using an injet right now and the ink costs are just a bit high right now :-) |
| calabris | no, I just cought the tail end of that |
| Bedwyr | yeah, repeat. :) |
| Rick_Raisley | A compass would make a /great/ Add-on graphic. Continuing... |
| Dart | (And yes Rick...i have come to bug you about putting ART on the disk again!) ::biggrin |
| Rick_Raisley | I use an HP 2550. It's not that cheap either, but results are great. |
| calabris | I had a weird idea to use microsurfaced plastic to make the base hex map and then add on to that. |
| Rick_Raisley | Maps. Okay, Highball manages a professional printshop, and he is willing to throw profit to the winds and print custom maps, from JPGs or HMMap data files, for the /extremely/ low price of $19 for a single map, $49 for a 2x2 4 map combo. Believe me that is 1/3 to 1/2 of what most shops charge. And this is delivered to any of the 48 states or Canada. |
| calabris | pant, pant pant |
| UTSU | has been a great chat, but I have to leave... from Spain, good night all! |
| Bedwyr | :O |
| UTSU | bye |
| calabris | what is the web address |
| Highball | ahhhh Spain. gottal love Rota |
| Dart | What about a Tactical View map? |
| Rick_Raisley | If you check out the manual, there's a screen shot of one of his maps with some 3D terrain my son made. It works fantastic. You buy the background once (okay, maybe a couple different backgrounds), then add your homemade or HMMap printed 3D terrain. |
| Chris_Raisley | A tactical View Map? |
| Rick_Raisley | What type of tactical? |
| Rick_Raisley | We are working on the possible of addition of special Planetary Assault maps, as well as advanced space maps, if that's what you're thinking of. |
| calabris | highball, do you have a web address or something so we can send you files? |
| Dart | like when your done with your map, you can load it into some other part of the program and it can have arrows and lines and dots and starts and tons of stuff for you to stick on it and you can print out a small version of the map so you can discuss a stragity or something |
| Rick_Raisley | I'll be adding a page to my web site for his maps, but he's welcome to do anything he wants in the meantime. |
| Dart | or just save it and use it for later reference? |
| Highball | points to ricks line |
| Dart | haha |
| Vyper | Rick, Chris, and the rest it's been fun. Good night (It's 23:31 here)! |
| Chris_Raisley | Take care |
| calabris | night |
| Rick_Raisley | Aw, wimp! Take care. |
| Highball | BUT if you have the program and want to send maps NOW all you have to do is send methe order ofthe maps and I will just convert the maps to the hires .jpg images and print them |
| Vyper | You're lucky you're across the ocean mister :) |
| calabris | lol |
| Dart | we could call it HM Lines and Dots? A addon to HMMap! |
| Rick_Raisley | hehe.. Yeah, I could charge by the dot. ;-) |
| Dart | hey im serious ::cool ...but whatever |
| Rick_Raisley | Dart, I'd have to see more about what you're looking for. But again, I think that Add-ons, with the ability to flip, mirror and resize, might work very well for pointers, lines, etc. |
| Dart | *shrugs* |
| Rick_Raisley | Basically, anything you can't do somewhere else, you can pretty much do with an Add-On. Even to having the entire map predrawn in a paint program, and use it as the background. |
| Dart | eh...trying to brainstorm more |
| calabris | Any one else here using the mechwarrior plastic figs for their battletech games? |
| Chris_Raisley | I do, but not the 'mechs |
| Rick_Raisley | Also, I think most of what you're asking for would work well by taking the JPG to a paint program. I'm not trying to down your idea, just trying to figure the best way to do it. |
| Dart | ya....thats what i was thinking |
| Chris_Raisley | I use the infantry and battle armor, they work out very well. |
| calabris | why not the mechs? |
| Chris_Raisley | Too big. |
| Rick_Raisley | Other questions? Comments? Complaints? |
| Chris_Raisley | I already have 4-500 miniatures. |
| calabris | Not with HMMAP! just use 2" hexes! |
| Dart | well the only nice thing i thought about was the % thing if theres a way |
| Chris_Raisley | I meant, I don't have enough MWDA mechs to make it worthwhile. |
| calabris | ahh, I just started after a 15 year lull. So have 0 fiigs |
| Rick_Raisley | I'll open this up to any general discussion when I think we're through, and everyone can stick around, of course. |
| Rick_Raisley | I've made a note of the % thing, Dart. |
| calabris | I am still gettting used to hmmap but I like any program that I can install, and be using in less than 10 min without reading instructins. Overall the program is very intutitive |
| Dart | hmmm.....if a firend gave us a map file and they used graphics that say i dont have...what happons? |
| calabris | I have a quick question about HM Pro |
| Chris_Raisley | Yes, most things about the program are self-explanitory. |
| Dart | Rick made it....could it be hard? hehe |
| calabris | IS their a way to open several mech files at once? |
| Rick_Raisley | The problem is especially if they use a palette you don't have. Add-on graphics you don't have will be deleted from the file. If you don't have the same palette they are using, it just can't be displayed properly. |
| Rick_Raisley | You can't actually open more than one file at once. But from the multi-map image screen, you can view four maps at once, place them as desired, mirror and flip, and if you want to, make a JPG of it. |
| Dart | could their palette be included with the map file? |
| Rick_Raisley | Not /with/ the file. The complete Advanced palette contains about 15MB or more of graphics. You wouldn't want that with every file. But you can also zip up and send people the palette you used. |
| Dart | what about side by side map comparisons |
| calabris | BRB |
| Rick_Raisley | At the Open screen, there is a map preview as you select each map. So you can see that small preview for each, and compare them. Of course, you can load two maps and keep switching the one loaded. They load pretty fast, if the palettes are the same. |
| Dart | what about a autosave feature? |
| Chris_Raisley | I've got to go for now. If anybody has any questions about the terrain, just post on the forums. You may also e-mail me at CRaisley@sc.rr.com |
| Dart | ok |
| Dart | cool. txrick |
| Rick_Raisley | There is no autosave, but there is a 10 level Undo and Redo. Are you thinking of in case of a power failure? |
| Dart | mabye....it happons |
| Dart | mountains are evil.... |
| Dart | and MS Word has a feature like that |
| Rick_Raisley | Well, it could be done. But my experience with autosave is that it always saves when I'm in the middle of something, and slows things down. |
| Dart | ya...that too |
| Dart | could there be a total or something somwhere of how many graphics youv used total? |
| Rick_Raisley | Actually.... it /is/ auto-saving, with the Undo feature. If I could just make a way to recover the last version saved, it would provide an automatic autosave.... |
| Rick_Raisley | You mean a listing of them? |
| Dart | ya..that would be too....i know you can do search...i was thinking to do a search on the entire map...guess it kinda goes with that % idea i think.... |
| Rick_Raisley | Well, the percent gives one thing. If you print out a Map Information Sheet, it lists all the graphics used that have special rules or properties attached to them. |
| Dart | ok....that works |
| goose | still at it? |
| Dart | like i could say "My map has xx graphics! beat that!!! haha |
| Rick_Raisley | It comes in really handy for games. And you can hide things like the building CF on the map if you like, but only let the gamemaster have it on the map info sheet. |
| Rick_Raisley | Oh, hehe.. Just say your map takes xx minutes to load. Beat that! |
| Dart | YEP! ::tongue |
| Rick_Raisley | Yep, we are Goose. Watch stop? |
| Dart | its all about brainstorming! |
| goose | [david lee roth]I think the clock is slow . . .[/david lee roth] |
| Rick_Raisley | Yep. We had a lot of that during playtest, but we have a whole 'nother audience now! |
| Dart | hehe... |
| Dart | i should of worked harder to keep up with the playtest...im good with ideas |
| Dart | lets see here....what about........hmmmmmmm...stumped |
| goose | funny how that sounds |
| Rick_Raisley | Yeah, except for calabris, we're pretty much playtesters here now. Any other questions? If not, I'll end the transcript and open it up for general discussions. |
| goose | right: it's dark and my mom's calling, so . . . ;-) |
| Dart | dang i keep thinking of something but i keep looseing it |
| goose | It's like . . . you know . . . |
| Dart | o ya....is there a way to completely clear all the hexes of text when you do a print? |
| Dart | i tryed it this morning........it can only remove the numbers |
| Rick_Raisley | Yes there is. You have complete control over that. Hex lines, or not. Hex numbers, or not. Depths or not. Building CF, or not. It's all set on the Map Properties screen. |
| Dart | ok...i knew i should of looked around a lil more |
| Kentares | Hi |
| Dart | what about selections? |
| Kentares | Got in the end, right? |
| Rick_Raisley | I think some items, like Trees, are printed regardless. But you have control over anything with CF, like buildings, as well as levels, water, hex numbers. |
| Kentares | still going... cool |
| Rick_Raisley | Yeah, we were just about to end it, officially, but do you have any question or anything? |
| Dart | you could select multiple hexes...and like clear a lot at one time insted of "Painting" or whatever |
| calabris | well I was not a playtester, but if you ever need another one ::biggrin |
| Kentares | errr... no... just wanted to see because I didnt bought HMMap... yet |
| Kentares | I?m a great fan of your programs Rick |
| Bedwyr | gotta go |
| Kentares | Got all except the last two |
| Rick_Raisley | So, you may have questions. As to selecting multiple hexes, by the time you select them, you could have cleared them with the same painting. |
| Dart | true..... |
| Rick_Raisley | I'll be publishing a transcript of the chat, but if you have any specific questions or anything, please go ahead. |
| Kentares | Life isnt going well in the last couple of years... not even have time to play BT |
| Dart | well i think im pretty much done now....out of ideas |
| Dart | for only today ::biggrin |
| Rick_Raisley | Sometimes the only BT we get is what we see on our computers. Just like reading the books. Another way to enjoy the universe. |
| Kentares | no... I read the chat later I post something in the forums if I have... thanks |
| calabris | When will this get to the forums? |
| Rick_Raisley | np, but don't feel shy to ask anything you're interested in. |
| Kentares | I?ll try to get HMMap asap |
| Rick_Raisley | My guess is it will be up tomorrow. I have to get the log from Mordel, and then I'll upload and post a link on the forums. |
| Kentares | cool |
| calabris | great, I want to read about Highballs vinal maps |
| Dart | hes really got something there |
| Rick_Raisley | If there are no other Map questions, I'll end the transcript and let everyone discuss whatever they want. |
| Dart | welp im done...tx a lot rick for this program...it does wonders! |
| calabris | I just had the one question myself |
| Rick_Raisley | Shoot. |
| calabris | I already asked it before about loading the boarders of other maps. |
| Rick_Raisley | Oh, okay. That's it then? |
| Kentares | got one question about HMMap... although it doesnt have to do with BT... |
| Rick_Raisley | Okay. ;-) |
| Kentares | Can I make maps to use them in the my beloved Renegade Legion Centurion game? |
| Kentares | different size... |
| Kentares | :D |
| Kentares | I?m showing my age here... |
| Dart | multi-purpose! |
| Rick_Raisley | Well, I'm afraid that HMMap only makes standard CBT style maps. But you can 1) Use just a portion of them, 2) Make multiple ones and put them together, 3) Bring them into a paint program and do anything you want to them, and 4) Although they are hex-based, you can leave all the hex lines off. |
| calabris | OMG I remember Renegade Legion! |
| Kentares | RL Centurion uses hexes also |
| Kentares | but with different counting |
| Rick_Raisley | We still use some of the minis in our CBT games. ;-) |
| Kentares | ok.. thanks |
| Rick_Raisley | You can leave the hex numbers off, if you like. You can also start them at a different number, but it will number in the normal BT way. |
| .............. Log stopped at Sun Oct 29 18:02:56 EST 2006 ........... |