BigShips OXP

[Thargoid]

As it's now introduced, it should probably have its own thread for download purposes etc.

BigShips is an OXP by Eric Walch and me with the purpose of giving shipbuilders a simple way to introduce large trader ships (too large to launch from and dock with the standard station dock) without problems and without overloading the space lanes by each having its own individual populator.

To do this the OXP does not have any ships of its own, but introduces a new role of "bigTrader" which is populated by a single populator script in the OXP. Also included is an AI that can be used for such large ships that will act in a similar way to the normal traderAI but will not attempt to dock.

Currently there are two OXPs using this facility, Aquatics and Dredgers, with more hopefully to come in the future given the current interest in big ships. It is requested that OXP makers who do use it to please include the zip file of the OXP in the package of their OXP to ensure it is always available when relied upon.

The v1.01 adds docking support to the original v1.00 AI, following the proposals for PAGroove's Aurora class Galaxy Queen.

v1.02 has a script adjustment to block population of big ships in systems going or gone nova.

-- == Download BigShips.oxp here = = - -

[goran]

Will separate BigShips.oxp override BigShips incorporated in other oxps? When updated BigShips.oxp gets out do we need to replace Aquatics.oxp or something?

Just to be on the safe side here.

[Thargoid]

Within the zip file of Aquatics I've put the zip file of BigShips (if that makes sense), which is identical to the one linked to above. Basically as the BigShips zip is only 5Kb in size it's no big problem to include it within the package of other OXPs that use it to ensure that if it's the first such OXP then its available.

You just need to separately unzip BigShips from within the Aquatics zip file (or whichever one it was packaged in) and unzip and install that OXP in the normal way. Essentially it's a separate OXP, it's just one that Aquatics relies on being there.

There is no overriding, as it's just included as part of the zip file, not as individual files. Basically just to save having another download.

And if Bigships needs updating, it will either just be downloaded from the link above or be included in some other OXP that makes use of it. Then it's just a case of upgrading your BigShips OXP install. Nothing should need doing with any of the ones that depend on it.

[Eric Walch]

Will separate BigShips.oxp override BigShips incorporated in other oxps? When updated BigShips.oxp gets out do we need to replace Aquatics.oxp or something?

Just to be on the safe side here.

Thargoid explained already. It is not incorporated in aquatics.oxp but bundled as separate file. This makes it less likely you add two copies.

But when you do accidentally install two copies, the later will overwrite the former so there still be be just one version running.

[Lestradae]

Thanks guys, for this solution. If and when I finish my own oxp project I'll be sure to include the oxp into the download.

Would it be possible scripting-wise to do something like that for other roles than trader, too? (Especially police & interceptor)



L

[Thargoid]

Thanks guys, for this solution. If and when I finish my own oxp project I'll be sure to include the oxp into the download.

Would it be possible scripting-wise to do something like that for other roles than trader, too? (Especially police & interceptor)



L

It is possible yes, and we did consider it. But a possible simpler solution there is to use the role "hunter" rather than police or interceptor, as that has similar properties (except perhaps scan class?) but I don't think it's ever launched by a station.

[Eric Walch]

It is possible yes, and we did consider it. But a possible simpler solution there is to use the role "hunter" rather than police or interceptor, as that has similar properties (except perhaps scan class?) but I don't think it's ever launched by a station.

Yes, should work. Hunters get the same AI file as police. When defining a scanclass of police for that ship, it will behave identical as normal police.

Only difference will be that such police might also be added in anarchy systems while police is never. (except for station defence)

And when that ship must have escorts, they will get the scan class of the mother. But probably it will than be better to define "wingman" as an escort-role. (Never tried this out with escorts)

[goran]

I thought that bigships is INSIDE aquatics...

my idols...

Everything clear now, thanks.

[Phoenix4]

Hi Thargoid,

You mention Dredgers v2.2.2 in your first post. What if we are using Realistic Shipyards v3.02 which has 'Dredgers' listed.

Can this be installed as well? (Sorry if its a newbie question, but basically I am. )

Thanks,
Px4

[Eric Walch]

You mention Dredgers v2.2.2 in your first post. What if we are using Realistic Shipyards v3.02 which has 'Dredgers' listed.

I think you can add both. RS has only one of the four models in it. And to avoid conflicts with older releases I renamed some files.

[Lestradae]

Hi Phoenix4,

Dredgers v2.2.2 and Realistic Shipyards v3.02b are fully compatible with each other. The Dredgers oxp listed as merged into RS is a much older version, so by all means combine the two oxps if you want salvaging ships etc. in your game!

Cheers

L

[Phoenix4]

Thanks mate!

Excellent news.

Px4

[Eric Walch]

Added also the bigTrader role to the Guanako from BuoyRepair. This ship can now also be present in other systems. When added in a system were a GRS station is, it will head for that station as it should. Needed a bit more than just the role adding to make it behave wel.

Uploaded buoyRepair as version 1.02.2.
No other changes to the oxp itself except a few cosmetic ones.

[Thargoid]

We've just updated the script to version 1.02, to prevent bigTrader ships being spawned in systems which are going or have gone nova.

Download from the first post above, or the links below. Aquatics v2.11 has also been updated to include the newest version.

[Commander McLane]

What about incorporating my formula for the spawning of big ships from bigtrader.oxp?

Just as an offer from OXPer to OXPers.