What's New

May 12, 2008

Updated Weapon Battle Value Calculator

The Weapon BV Calculator has always been very useful, but now it's been updated to cover even more. All of the possible missile/cluster hits from Total Warfare have been included (like17 and 29), maximum range has been increased to 40, and most important, you can enter separate damage values for Short, Medium and Long Range (for those Heavy Gauss Rifle lookalikes)! The expanded range table shows all the values as before, and you can check calculations the whole way through. Best of all, you can simply save this page to your computer's hard drive, and calculate weapon BV even when you're not connected to the Internet. Be sure to check it out here!

March 13, 2008

HeavyMetal Vee BV2 Change

Seems like BV rules changes are happening faster than I can make them. It has been recently ruled that the BV of Defensive equipment (such as the Anti-Missile Systems) does not get halved if mounted in the rear, like Offensive weapons do. Therefore, I've updated HMVee to accommodate this change. You can view all the changes, and update, at the Program Updates Page.

March 6, 2008

HeavyMetal Program Releases

Various small, but significant, changes were made during additional BV2 playtesting, and the compiling of BV2 values for publication, and these have all been rolled into this release of HMPro and HMVee. You can view all the changes, and update to one or both programs, at the Program Updates Page.

March 2, 2008

HeavyMetal Vee BV2 Correction

Another small BV2 correction, where the Clan Active Probes were changed to Defensive equipment. You can view all the changes, and update, at the Program Updates Page.

February 27, 2008

HeavyMetal Vee BV2 Correction

I've made a correction in the calculation of Battle Value 2 by HMVee. Previously, the BV of LB 20-X AC ammo was incorrect, and Beagle Active Probes were considered as Offensive, rather than Defensive, equipment. Although only the weapon data files changed, I also up-revved the program file, to keep track of things easier. You can view all the changes and update at the Program Updates Page.

February 18, 2008

HeavyMetal Pro on Vista

While HeavyMetal Pro has always been able to run on Windows Vista (I use it to run and develop the programs), there are a few hoops Mr. Gates wants you to jump through first. I've just updated my Running HeavyMetal on Vista page to include information on eliminating the annoying flickering equipment boxes while dragging and dropping equipment on the HMPro Distribution screen. Please check out this page for instructions on how to set this, and other information about the HeavyMetal programs and Vista.

February 4, 2008

New HeavyMetal Vee Release with BV2

In an effort to keep up with the never ending changes of the BattleTech Universe, a separate release of HMVee has been made available which incorporates all of the new Battle Value 2 calculations, weapon BVs and tables from the new Classic BattleTech TechManual, even including changes that have not yet made public. To help the player, two versions of HMVee are being made available: V2.07 R5, with the original BV, and V2.20, with BV2. You can keep BV, update to BV2, or even run both. For more information on the differences and how to work with them, look at the Battle Value versus BV2 page. You can view all the changes, and update to one or both programs, at the Program Updates Page.

November 9, 2007

Some Programs Updates

Updates for HeavyMetal Map, Aero and Lite have been posted. Most of the changes are not major, but you'll still want to update to download the latest releases at the Program Updates Page.

July 28, 2007

HeavyMetal Pro BV2 Update

A couple little problems snuck into the BV2 calculations, and they've now been fixed. Please download and install the update to be sure your new Battle Value is correct. You can view all the changes, and update your program, at the Program Updates Page.

July 28, 2007

New HeavyMetal Pro BV2 Release

The new Battle Value system (BV2) changes the way Active Probes are used in Battle Value calculations, as they are now considered Offensive equipment. A new update of the BV2 version of HMPro now includes this change. You can view all the changes, and update your program, at the Program Updates Page.

July 21, 2007

New HeavyMetal Pro Release

By accident, some code put in for TPTB that left off Battle Value and cost figures on the record sheets was left in, so this fix simply removes that, so it works as it's supposed to. You can view all the changes, and update to one or both programs, at the Program Updates Page.

July 17, 2007

New HeavyMetal Pro Release with BV2

In an effort to keep up with the never ending changes of the BattleTech Universe, a separate release of HMPro has been made available which incorporates all of the new Battle Value 2 calculations, weapon BVs and tables from the new Classic BattleTech TechManual, even including changes that have not yet made public. To help the player, two versions of HMPro are being made available: V5.10, with the original BV, and V5.20, with BV2. You can keep BV, update to BV2, or even run both. For more information on the differences and how to work with them, look at the Battle Value versus BV2 page. You can view all the changes, and update to one or both programs, at the Program Updates Page.

May 15, 2007

New Postal Rates & Methods

The USPS postal rate increases and rate restructuring have forced us to increase our shipping costs for the first time. Previously, we absorbed these increases, but they're just too different, and in some cases, too high, for us to do so. You can read more about the new rates at the Shipping Costs & Methods page and our rationale for the changes, as well as changes we are making in our packing and shipping methods, on the Postal Changes page.

March 27, 2007

HeavyMetal and Vista

While we're all in a learning process with Vista, please visit the Running HeavyMetal on Vista page for the latest in instructions and information on running the HeavyMetal program on Microsoft's latest operating system. The bottom line is: YES! You can run your HeavyMetal programs on Vista. Bill just has some hoops he'd like you to jump through first!

March 12, 2007

Updated BV Balance Spreadsheet

Since the latest CBT publication, the Classic BattleTech TechManual, has now been released, and since the Battle Value modifications for both skills (piloting and gunnery) and force numbers have changed, the BV Balancer Spreadsheet has been updated as well, with the with the help of Chris "Goose" Searls. To download the Version 2.4 of the spreadsheet, just go to the Battle Value Balancer page.

February 18, 2007

RUS Data Files Added

For the first time, additional RUS data files are being made available. Adding to the considerable number of data files included with the program, the latest files include tables from the new Total Warfare book as well as other sources. So check out the new RUS Data Files. And if you're not already familiar with RUS, please go to the RUS Features Page for more information.

November 18, 2006

HeavyMetal Map Program Update

As a result of suggestions for users of the program, HeavyMetal Map has had a few improvements and new features added to it. To download your update please go to the Program Updates Page.

October 28, 2006

First HeavyMetal Map Program Update

It always happens, as soon as a program is released for general distribution, problems are found and suggestions for improvements are received. The first revision for HeavyMetal Map has both, so to download your update please go to the Program Updates Page.

October 26, 2006

New Chat Room Available

Thanks to Scott "Mordel" Bukoski and BattleCorps, we have a new, neat chat room for use by all. We have a "HeavyMetal Map Chat with the Developer" scheduled for 4PM EST on Sunday, October 29, but you can stop by and use the chat any time you like. To see a transcript of this chat, please go here. Be sure to bookmark the HeavyMetal Software Chat Room, and stop by often.

October 26, 2006

HeavyMetal Map Available for Download

HeavyMetal Map is now available for download, for those who prefer that method. Of course, you can still get the CD in addition to an immediate download. Check out this new program HeavyMetal Map web page, or if you're ready to order, you can go right to the Order Page.

October 20, 2006

HeavyMetal Map Ships

HeavyMetal Map shipped to all those who had ordered on time, on Friday, October 20, 2006. Actually, the global priority orders were taken to the post office on the 19th, so they'll get a bit of a head start. If you haven't already taken a look at this latest HeavyMetal program, please stop by and take a look at the HeavyMetal Map web page, where you can read about all the features, see lots of screenshots of its awesome graphics, and even download a sample User's Guide.

October 14, 2006

HeavyMetal Map Release Announced

HeavyMetal Map, the Official hex map design program for Classic BattleTech, is now available to be ordered, for shipment beginning October 20. This latest release in the HeavyMetal software series breaks new ground, in may design and graphics style for a HeavyMetal program. Over a year in the making, we are very pleased with the result, and think you will be too. Please stop by and take a look at the HeavyMetal Map web page, where you can read about all the features, see lots of screenshots of its awesome graphics, and even download a sample User's Guide, so you know what all you can do with the program.

October 14, 2006

All Programs Updated

Updates of all the programs have been posted. Most of the changes are not major, but you'll still want to update to download the latest releases at the Program Updates Page.

July 29, 2006

HeavyMetal Lite Updated

No changes to the other programs, but the HMLite rounding fix in the previous revision was done incorrectly, so has now been corrected. Make sure you update this important download for HMLite at the Program Updates Page.

June 11, 2006

New Map Files for ARTy

Lee "T-Bolt" Smith has been kind enough to take the time to make GIF images of all maps from six map sheet sets, in a format that can be used with ARTy. It's a 30 MB download, but if you're into using artillery on standard, published map sheets, you'll want to go to the ART (Artillery Resolution Tracker) web page, at the bottom, and download them. Thanks again to Lee for all his time and effort!

April 22, 2006

HMVee Updated

The update of April 22 included all the programs except HMVee. The HMVee update has now been added as well. You can download all of the updates at the Program Updates Page.

April 22, 2006

All Programs Updated

Updates of all the programs have been posted. You can download all of the updates at the Program Updates Page.

February 11, 2006

All Programs Updated

Updates of all the programs have been posted. HMAero and HMLite, in particular, have changes that you will want to have. You can download all of the updates at the Program Updates Page.

December 4, 2005

All Programs Updated - Again

While the previous updates increased the maximum number of custom weapons allowed in the programs, the code to Absorb a weapon from an existing design was not changed, and still had the limitation. That limitation has now been removed in all of the programs. You can download the updates at the Program Updates Page.

December 3, 2005

HeavyMetal Vee Update

Today's earlier update of HMVee included some testing code that should have been removed. It can cause the program to not start properly, depending on the installed location of the program. It is fixed now, so if you were among the first to download your HMVee update, you get to do it again. Sorry. You can download the updates at the Program Updates Page.

December 3, 2005

All Programs Updated

A small change has been made to all the programs, which increases the maximum number of custom weapons and equipment, in most cases about tripling the number. This has been requested by many for some time. You can download the updates at the Program Updates Page.

October 29, 2005

Updated HMPro Data Files

Mostly, the files were updated to make sure Quad costs were correct. You can do that more quickly yourself by using the HMPro menu Options > Utilities > Update All Data Files; do this for all of your HMPro folders. The new zip files are all located at the Data Files Page. You can also see what other changes are made in the data files at the Data File Change Log page.

October 29, 2005

All Programs Updated

Although most of the changes are small, some are definitely worth having, so please make sure you update your programs. Check out the changes and get the updates at the Program Updates Page.

October 27, 2005

BV Balancer Spreadsheet Updated

Just made a few small changes in the BV Balancer spreadsheet, such as limiting skills input to integers from 0 to 7. No big change, just a fine-tuning, I guess. You can download it at the Battle Value Balancer page.

September 7, 2005

Updated ProtoMech Files. Again

Okay, while I did correct some Usage information, it was not updated in accordance with Field Manual: Updates. So, I've gone back through and made sure that the usage now includes the usage described on page 218 in the Random ProtoMech Assignment Table. A new zip file of all ProtoMech designs with the latest usage and other information is now available at the Data Files Page.

September 7, 2005

All Programs Updated

Just a few small details have been changed, except for HMAero, so you may not need to bother with these. Check out the changes at the Program Updates Page.

September 2, 2005

Updated ProtoMech Files

Somehow, many of the ProtoMech data files as they have been recently provided lacked the Usage information. Therefore, a new zip file of all ProtoMech designs with the latest usage and other information is now available at the Data Files Page.

August 26, 2005

All Programs Updated

Although most of the updates are minor, all of the programs have again been updated. You update all of the programs at the Program Updates Page. As always, you only need the latest update, not any intermediate ones, when you update your HeavyMetal programs.

August 21, 2005

Data File Change Log

We've added a separate page for logging data file changes, so you know what has changed when. With this permanent record (for the future, especially), you'll be able to better decide what files you need and what you might have missed. Just check out the Data file Change Log Page.

August 20, 2005

Combat Equipment ProtoMech Designs

The new Combat Equipment book included eight new ProtoMechs, each with two variants. You can download them, as well as the pictures for them, from the Data Files Page. (The new Combat Equipment Battle Armor designs were previously included in both HMBA and HMLite.)

May 15, 2005

All Programs Updated

Although most of the updates are minor, all of the programs have been updated. You will especially want to get the HMLite update, but you can check out all the changes, and update the files, at the Program Updates Page. As always, you only need the latest update, not any intermediate ones, when you update your HeavyMetal programs.

May 14, 2005

TR 3026r Lost Designs

The Revised edition of Technical Readout 3026 added a new section of Lost Designs, early designs, some of which pre-date the Star League era, which can still occasionally be found. The files include 24 data files (18 HMAero files and 6 HMVee files) and 19 high-quality pictures (15 aero designs, and 4 vehicles or VTOLs). They are organized in four separate zip files. Please see the Data Files Page for the files.

March 3, 2005

All Programs Updated - Again

Due to a technical difficulty, the updates made available on March 1 did not actually include the changes stated. So I've uploaded all new setups, along with a revision of HMAero and HMVee above what was supposed to be uploaded previously. Sorry 'bout that. :-( You can check out the changes, and update the files, at the Program Updates Page. As always, you only need the latest update, not any intermediate ones, when you update your HeavyMetal programs.

March 1, 2005

All Programs Updated

Updates have been uploaded for all of the HeavyMetal programs, Pro, Vee, Lite, Aero and Battle Armor. Some changes are very minor, especially for Lite, but you'll want to stop by and take a look. You can check out the changes, and update the files, at the Program Updates Page. As always, you only need the latest update, not any intermediate ones, when you update your HeavyMetal programs.

January 21, 2005

All Programs Updated

Updates have been uploaded for all of the HeavyMetal programs, Pro, Vee, Lite, Aero and Battle Armor, with some fairly major ones to HMBA. If you have Plus, you will want to check out the updates for Pro, Vee and Lite. You can check out the changes, and update the files, at the Program Updates Page. As always, you only need the latest update, not any intermediate ones, when you update your HeavyMetal programs.

December 28, 2004

All Programs Updated

Updates, including some new features, have been applied to all of the HeavyMetal programs, Pro, Vee, Lite, Aero and Battle Armor. If you have Plus, you will want to check out the updates for Pro, Vee and Lite. You can check out the changes, and update the files, at the Program Updates Page. As always, you only need the latest update, not any intermediate ones, when you update your HeavyMetal programs.

December 14, 2004

HeavyMetal Battle Now Available for Download

HeavyMetal Battle Armor is now available for purchase by download only, or download plus a CD, through Register Now. To purchase HMBA, or any HeavyMetal program, and also receive an immediate download, go to the Order by Register Now Page.

December 11, 2004

HeavyMetal Battle Armor Ships!

A couple days ahead of schedule, HeavyMetal Battle Armor is now available for order and immediate shipping. It's been a long time coming, but we think it will be worth the wait. In the meantime, you can check out the features and screenshots by going to the HeavyMetal Battle Armor page.

November 27, 2004

What Should Be Next Poll

We want your feedback on what HeavyMetal program should be developed and released next. Just to go the What Should Be Next Page to place your vote!

November 21, 2004

HeavyMetal Battle Armor Available for Pre-Order

HeavyMetal Battle Armor is now available for pre-order by mail or PayPal, with an estimated release and ship date of December 13, 2004. It's been a long time coming, but we think it will be worth the wait. In the meantime, you can check out the features and screenshots by going to the HeavyMetal Battle Armor page.

November 3, 2004

New WizKids, Inc. License Agreement

With all the changes in the gaming industry in general, and Classic BattleTech in particular, changes were required in the license agreement for HeavyMetal products. This has now been completed, and again, the future looks bright for HeavyMetal software. This agreement insures the future of HeavyMetal software, continued availability and updating of previous products, and development of new products as well.

April, 2004

Microsoft Approval

Since Microsoft controls all rights to all software and electronic forms of the BattleTech universe, it was necessary to obtain written permission from them to continue to produce HeavyMetal software. This was done, and we will be continuing to produce our software for the Classic BattleTech community.

September 17, 2004

ART (Artillery Resolution Tracker)

ART (or ARTy to his friends) is a much-improved, but still FREE, artillery planning and resolution program, allowing you to specify the weapon and ammo type for your artillery, select your targets and gunnery skill, and randomly calculate and display damage based on the standard scatter rules from Classic BattleTech. You can even display the damage on standard map sheet graphics, and print out the damage grid, with or without the map sheets. Good for planning artillery barrages for that next game, and give your enemy a real surprise! A free program for our customers, you can see more about ART and download it here.

September 11, 2004

Revised and Update Faction Information

All 'Mech and vehicle data files have been revised to have up to date faction usage. In addition, some typos and naming inconsistencies were changed. Go to the Data Files for Programs Page for more information and to download.

September 6, 2004

New - Combination Data File Zips

You can now download all 'Mech or vehicle data files at one time, with a zip file that contains all the individual zip files in one single zip. Go to the Data Files for Programs Page for more information and to download.

August 28, 2004

Artillery Simulator

Not a real HeavyMetal program, this little gem lets you select artillery weapons and ammo, and target locations, then depending the gunnery skill, randomly determine damage to the target and surrounding hexes. Good for planning artillery barrages for that next game, and give your enemy a real surprise! (Please note that the original artillery program has been replaced with a far more advanced version referred to above.)

August 14, 2004

All Programs Updated

Updates, including some new features, have been applied to all of the HeavyMetal programs, Pro, Vee, Lite and Aero. If you have Plus, you will want to check out the updates for Pro, Vee and Lite. You can check out the changes, and update the files, at the Program Updates Page. As always, you only need the latest update, not any intermediate ones, when you update your HeavyMetal programs.

July 24, 2004

HeavyMetalPro Newsgroup

A Yahoo! Group has been activated, which you can join, and thereafter receive periodic newsletters (emails) concerning HeavyMetal software products. For more information, please go to the HeavyMetalPro Newsgroup Signup Page.

July 18, 2004

All Programs Updated

Minor updates have been applied to all of the HeavyMetal programs, Pro, Vee, Lite and Aero. If you have Plus, you will want to check out the updates for Pro, Vee and Lite. You can check out the changes, and update the files, at the Program Updates Page. Don't forget, you only need the latest update, not any intermediate ones, when you update your HeavyMetal programs.

June 26, 2004

RUS (Random Unit Selector) V2 Released

RUS, the popular and free random selection program, has been greatly improved, and is now available for download with a sampling of data files. A RUS V2 File Creation Project has been begun as well, where we hope to have eventually available every random table published! Please go to the RUS Page for the latest information and downloads.

June 24, 2004

HeavyMetal Plus Can Now be Downloaded

When purchased through Register Now, for the first time, HeavyMetal Plus can be downloaded immediately after purchasing. This is the full version of HMPlus, as received on the CD. Please note that in the case of Upgrades to HMPlus, confirmation of the upgrade qualifications must be made prior to downloading. This will usually take one day.

May 29, 2004

HeavyMetal Pro Updated

A minor update has been added to HeavyMetal Pro, which is available for downloading from the Program Updates Page. You can also check the changes in the update. Don't forget, you only need the latest update, not any intermediate ones, when you update your HeavyMetal programs.

May 22, 2004

Photo Gallery Added

A Photo Gallery feature has been added to the HeavyMetal Forums. Registered users can make their own photo albums and post pictures. Everyone can view the pics, whether they're registered or not. Even if you don't want to participate in the forums, you may want to join so that you can post your own pictures in the Photo Gallery.

April 4, 2004

New Winners in Design Contests

Please check out the next winner in the design contests at the Contest Page. Additional contests are also being held on the Forums. Why not enter one of your designs?

March 20, 2004

Record Sheets: Project Phoenix Designs

The new versions of the Unseen BattleMechs from Record Sheets: Project Phoenix are finally available. Please go to the Data Files page to download these new 84 updated designs (with the new fluff from the TRO) as well as 84 pictures, one of every variant. For free, of course!

March 20, 2004

First Contest Winner Posted

The first of the design contests at HeavyMetalPro.com is over, and the winner has been posted on the Contest Page, along with a link to the next contest.

March 18, 2004

Record Sheets: Dark Age Designs

The BattleMech and vehicle designs from Record Sheets: Dark Age are finally available. Please go to the Data Files page to download these new designs. For free, of course!

March 13, 2004

First Winners in Design Contests

Please check out the first winners in the design contests at the Contest Page. Additional contests are also being held on the Forums. Why not enter one of your designs?

March 12, 2004

Revised BV Balancer Spreadsheet

A new version of the Battle Value Spreadsheet has been posted, which does not require that macros be enabled to be used, and also has a small correction. Please download and begin using the new one.

March 6, 2004

New Forum Look

The HeavyMetal Forums have been fine-tuned in color, and new "metal" graphics have been added, giving an overall improved look to this popular meeting place. With almost 110,000 posts, the HM forums have proven extremely popular, so why not stop by and have a look?

March 5, 2004

Battle Value Balancer Spreadsheet

Let the new Battle Value Spreadsheet help out when balancing those games, especially large ones where you have varying warrior skills. Even automate the Force Size rules from Operation: Stiletto and Operation: Flashpoint, as the rules are included right in the spreadsheet..

March 4, 2004

Weapon Battle Value Calculator

Sure, the HeavyMetal programs calculate custom weapon BV, but here's another way of doing it. Plus, the new Weapon BV Calculator page shows you the calculations, step-by-step, so you not only know the BV, you understand the BV.

March 3, 2004

Contests Begin

The HeavyMetal Forums are now posting periodic design contests for user-submitted designs. Please take a look, and add your entry to the forums. Or just look at what others have done. You may want to check out the Contest Page occasionally, to see what is going on and who has won.

March 2, 2004

Site Additions

A Matter of Scale page was added comparing the scales used by WizKids for their MechWarrior: Dark Age miniatures and Classic BattleTech miniatures. Also, it is now possible to order HeavyMetal Plus and get downloads of the three programs instantly. If you're interested, please go here.

February 28, 2004

Newer Look

Not content with the already new look of HeavyMetalPro.com, I decided that the buttons and tabs needed a bit of rework. The new ones are more colorful, and change more when you mouse over them. Hope you like.  ;-)

February 23, 2004

Line of Sight Calculator

BattleTech Master Rules LOS is easy enough, but what if you want to use the formula or chart in Maximum Tech? This LOS Calculator page simplifies LOS calculations, and let's you compare the three calculation methods.

February 22, 2004

Fishy Business

We are proud to have photo and video documentation on The Fish, a common Betta who has risen to the uncommon role of being the aviator with flight time in more aircraft types than any other aviator on his carrier. A truly heartwarming story, you'll definitely want to check out.

February 22, 2004

More Fun Stuff

Several items have been added to the Fun Stuff page, including Murphy's Laws of Combat, Famous Quotations, and even photos of our cat Kassie!

February 21, 2004

User-Submitted File Upload/Download

The user-submitted data file area is now complete. You can download files that others have submitted, and you can upload your own files for others to download. A new feature is that after submitting a file, you will be given a link to that file, that can then be copied and pasted into a forum post or elsewhere, directing others right to your file. This is great when you post your designs on the HeavyMetal forum. You can get to it all by going to the User-Submitted Designs page.

February 19, 2004

Over 350 New Data Files

In reorganizing the HeavyMetal site, I downloaded all of the custom files that everyone had posted on the User-Submitted designs pages, and have grouped them and zipped them up. They are now available for download on the Data Files for Programs page.

February 19, 2004

HeavyMetal Forum Improvements

In keeping with my goal of overall site improvement, I have added "metal" buttons to the HM forums, to make them blend better with the look of the new web site. I've also added an often-asked-for feature: SpelChek™. Posters can now spell-check their posts before they are submitted. If you haven't been to the forums recently, please check them out.

February 18, 2004

Guest Book and Search Now Working

It took a bit to get the Guest Book and Search functions working on the new site, but they are now. So please stop by and give us your comments and on the new site, as well as our software, by signing our Guest Book. You can also Search for information on the web site using the Search button above, although the Contents page gives a pretty good overview of what's available.

February 15, 2004

Dice Roller Page

As a part of our new Fun Stuff pages, a Dice Roller page has been added, allowing you to roll various numbers of most any type of dice, multiple times, with a random dice generator. In addition, special random tables are provided for use with missiles and Ultra, LBX and RAC Autocannon, which not only calculates the number of hits, but the hit locations.

February 15, 2004

Web Site Redesign

HeavyMetalPro.com, the home site for RCW Enterprises and HeavyMetal software, has been completely redesigned, from the ground up. New and updated information, easier ordering and navigation, lots of fun and free stuff and more are now available.

What's Not So New?

An Archive of previous news articles, including all those published on the old HeavyMetalPro.com web site are included here for your reference and enjoyment.