The DCS Updater / Launcher GUI Utility Version 2.0 (2023+)

[MAXsenna]

Thanks for the incredible work SZ!
With this utility, is it possible to have once install of DCS use multiple saved games profiles? 
I know that dcs_variant.txt I can specify where the saved game install is located. I was just wondering whether or not there are settings in this app that would allow me to specify different saved games locations, and when I launch DCS with Skatezilla, it would either automatically update this file (or otherwise launch DCS with parameters that pointed it to another saved games location if such a parameter exists?)
Also... I notice with my current install (I have 2 DCS installs, one used to be open beta, the other used to be stable), in the app, it shows Slot 1 pointing towards my original Stable release, and the second pointing towards my open beta install (to be expected), but the SG Path for both point to the same location (saved games\dcs.openbeta). 
It doesn't matter what I do to try and change this parameter (including manually editing the config file), it keeps defaulting them both to the same location. This doesn't appear to make any difference to DCS launching. (My original 'stable' install still uses the saved games\DCS path - so I'm guessing that this is a display/cosmetic only label, and doesn't have a bearing on the actual launch parameters), but didn't know if this was a bug, or a potential issue with my install.

I didn't really get your initial question. Do you want ONE SINGLE install of DCS use MULTIPLE Saved Games folders? I'm sure this is not what you're asking.
When installing Stable, it did not create a dcs_variant.txt, while OB did. Could this be your issue, that you do have one in Stable now,ans that it's not empty.
As for the app, there are settings to use special Saved Games folders it seems, I have not tried that myself, as there was never any need.
Cheers!

Sent from my SM-A536B using Tapatalk

[SkateZilla]

On 5/22/2024 at 6:22 PM, VR Flight Guy in PJ Pants said:

Need any update for the F-4E and Kola?

 

The Answer is still the same as it was earlier this month,
App is developed and worked on daily.

On 5/2/2024 at 10:45 AM, SkateZilla said:

Just letting everyone know,
I have not forgotten about ya'll.

the app is in daily development on my end, most of the issues with the last public build have been fixed, and other things completely re-vamped.

The next public release isnt scheduled until June likely,
As the app is also developed and maintained to aid testers, there are some functions that are integrated into the app that are not in the release version of DCS.

The change log is extensive between the October build and now.

On top of finding a suitable host so I can re-enable the auto update function, I am also looking into 2 separate deployment paths, one for testers and one for the public that way there wont be such a long wait.

 

On 5/19/2024 at 3:14 AM, Dangerzone said:

Thanks for the incredible work SZ!

With this utility, is it possible to have once install of DCS use multiple saved games profiles? 

I know that dcs_variant.txt I can specify where the saved game install is located. I was just wondering whether or not there are settings in this app that would allow me to specify different saved games locations, and when I launch DCS with Skatezilla, it would either automatically update this file (or otherwise launch DCS with parameters that pointed it to another saved games location if such a parameter exists?)

Also... I notice with my current install (I have 2 DCS installs, one used to be open beta, the other used to be stable), in the app, it shows Slot 1 pointing towards my original Stable release, and the second pointing towards my open beta install (to be expected), but the SG Path for both point to the same location (saved games\dcs.openbeta). 

It doesn't matter what I do to try and change this parameter (including manually editing the config file), it keeps defaulting them both to the same location. This doesn't appear to make any difference to DCS launching. (My original 'stable' install still uses the saved games\DCS path - so I'm guessing that this is a display/cosmetic only label, and doesn't have a bearing on the actual launch parameters), but didn't know if this was a bug, or a potential issue with my install.

The App should be auto detecting whatever the dcs_variant.txt or branch in the autoupdate.cfg file is.

if you want to launch and use a different path, then you can use the Custom Write folder or the -w "<foldername> in the arguments line.

[pabletesoy]

Hello,

 

I have moved DCS to another hard drive and Updater Utility does not locate DCS executables.

How can I change the DCS paths inside Updater Utility. I,m trying to generate a new build but It,s impossible.

Thanks

 

null

Edited May 26, 2024 by pabletesoy

[Lange_666]

Just right click on a slot, it will show you the options to set the path yourself.

[pabletesoy]

Thanks!

[Dangerzone]

18 hours ago, MAXsenna said:

I didn't really get your initial question. Do you want ONE SINGLE install of DCS use MULTIPLE Saved Games folders? I'm sure this is not what you're asking.
When installing Stable, it did not create a dcs_variant.txt, while OB did. Could this be your issue, that you do have one in Stable now,ans that it's not empty.
As for the app, there are settings to use special Saved Games folders it seems, I have not tried that myself, as there was never any need.
Cheers!

Sent from my SM-A536B using Tapatalk
 

I currently have 2 installs of DCS with different configurations, but I'm wondering if I can get away with only having one install, yet still have 2 different configurations for that one install. 

2 installs worked in the past, because I used the Open Beta for testing, as well as additional mods, and the stable install for my live / mission days/nights gameplay. 

Now that ED only has the single branch, but I still want 2 different configs, I was wondering if I could cheat, and reclaim some disk drive space and have a single install, but with 2 (or even more) configs.

7 hours ago, SkateZilla said:

The App should be auto detecting whatever the dcs_variant.txt or branch in the autoupdate.cfg file is.

Interesting. I'll have to check when I'm next on my gaming rig, but I don't think my stable version has a dcs_variant.txt file, only the second install 'open beta'. If so, creating a dcs_variant.txt for my base DCS install might resolve the issue.  However I'm not sure what the autoupdate.cfg file contains, so I'll check that out too. Thanks!

8 hours ago, SkateZilla said:

if you want to launch and use a different path, then you can use the Custom Write folder or the -w "<foldername> in the arguments line.

Oh sweet. Thanks.

So if I just add the following to different launches, I could have as many saved game configs/variants as I want?

dcs.exe -w DCS    (For say my original install)
dcs.exe -w DCS.OpenBeta   (To be able to use my 2nd install, without having to have a second program install)
dcs.exe -w DCS.Sanitized  (To create a new one that's brand new/sanitized for debugging)
 

That's neat! Thanks SkateZilla!

 

[SkateZilla]

3 minutes ago, Dangerzone said:

I currently have 2 installs of DCS with different configurations, but I'm wondering if I can get away with only having one install, yet still have 2 different configurations for that one install. 

2 installs worked in the past, because I used the Open Beta for testing, as well as additional mods, and the stable install for my live / mission days/nights gameplay. 

Now that ED only has the single branch, but I still want 2 different configs, I was wondering if I could cheat, and reclaim some disk drive space and have a single install, but with 2 (or even more) configs.

Interesting. I'll have to check when I'm next on my gaming rig, but I don't think my stable version has a dcs_variant.txt file, only the second install 'open beta'. If so, creating a dcs_variant.txt for my base DCS install might resolve the issue.  However I'm not sure what the autoupdate.cfg file contains, so I'll check that out too. Thanks!

Oh sweet. Thanks.

So if I just add the following to different launches, I could have as many saved game configs/variants as I want?

dcs.exe -w DCS    (For say my original install)
dcs.exe -w DCS.OpenBeta   (To be able to use my 2nd install, without having to have a second program install)
dcs.exe -w DCS.Sanitized  (To create a new one that's brand new/sanitized for debugging)
 

That's neat! Thanks SkateZilla!

 

correct.
you don't need dcs.exe in the argument's box, just the command aarguments.
using -w "FolderName" will disable launching w/ App Presets, but it will allow you to launch w/ different \Saved Games\ Folder Sources.

as for dcs_variant.txt, it's only present on non stable versions, unless manually made by end user.

Edited May 27, 2024 by SkateZilla

[MAXsenna]

@Dangerzone Ah, I see. I just use presets for that.
Cheers!

Sent from my SM-A536B using Tapatalk

[Dangerzone]

On 5/27/2024 at 10:19 AM, SkateZilla said:

correct.
you don't need dcs.exe in the argument's box, just the command aarguments.
using -w "FolderName" will disable launching w/ App Presets, but it will allow you to launch w/ different \Saved Games\ Folder Sources.

as for dcs_variant.txt, it's only present on non stable versions, unless manually made by end user.

 

Hi Skatezilla,

My apologies, I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong or not, but I can only find one place to set the custom launch arguments (Under Advanced Launcher Options), and it seems that this is a global parameter. (ie, I can't have different custom launch options per Build Slot). Is this correct? If so - do I need to create separate desktop icons instead for different custom saved games locations for the one install?

Cheers

DZ

[SkateZilla]

4 hours ago, Dangerzone said:

Hi Skatezilla,

My apologies, I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong or not, but I can only find one place to set the custom launch arguments (Under Advanced Launcher Options), and it seems that this is a global parameter. (ie, I can't have different custom launch options per Build Slot). Is this correct? If so - do I need to create separate desktop icons instead for different custom saved games locations for the one install?

Cheers

DZ

in the current public build, it's global.

the next public build, it's per slot, as the function was rewritten.

[Dangerzone]

Sweet - thanks for clarification. I look forward to the next build.

[gosfalcon]

Thank you very much...Excellent utility...Well done!

[SkateZilla]

On 5/26/2024 at 1:04 AM, McTschegsn said:

Thank you for the great piece of software. Are the options to clear shader and fxo caches missing in version 2 or am I just too blind to find them?
thank you for a quick heads up.

I know that there are options that they will be cleared after an update but Im missing the standalone options.

Sorry I missed this post,

They (Delete FXO/MetaShaders Folders) should be in the Builds | User Profile Subsection.

[SkateZilla]

Just to give everyone a heads up, there will be a huge-ish update this month, depending on a few life variables, testing, if not June, definitely July..

I will attach preliminary change log so far from last public build until now, in order (top is older, bottom is newest changes):

Spoiler

- Adjusted shadow dropdown rules for screen space shadows
- Fixed tooltip for screen space shadows.
- Adjusted layout of rendering tab.
- Moved LoD multiplier from scenery tab to rendering, renamed to match DCS.
- Tooltip corrections.

- Added Model Viewer MT launch if above 2.9.1.x
- Added auto console text clear at 10,000 Lines (.log remains intact for session).
   (Testing different values and settings, Large log file causes memory usage spike/lag in UI).
- Added icons to menus for processes for DCS, SERVER, UPDATER, MODELVIEWER menus.
- Refinement of loading sequence, App fade in animation fixed, App will no longer auto set focus on app window at launch.
- Added Max FPS slider and info to parser.
- Adjustments to string formatting on slider numerical values for Scan, Import, Load, Save and Compare parser.
- Restructured settings parser, Added "UNREAD" value if parser returns blank or unknown value, Added control to Skip/Disable UI elements for "Unread" items.
- Fixed Case-Syntax error from compiler that changed all "true"/"false" definition values to "True"/"False".
- Expanded logging for Preset Scan, Load and Save parser functions.
- Fixed parser return values for several items.
- Added Improved Spotting System and info to parser.
- Added Import / Export / Clear App Settings functions / buttons (Functions related to App.Settings will be moved to the context menu later).
- Added Update All to the system tray menu.
- If the dcs_updater process by path is running when a function is launched, the app will skip launch and bring the dcs_updater window to focus. (Early WIP Function).
- SIM / MV will run a post launch scan at 30 seconds for process paths.
- Added right click toggle to Update Button, Right click switches between Normal Update and Update All, setting is saved and persistent. (WIP Mechanic/Control.).
- Fixed broken link between launch external apps checkbox and switch when closing app.
- Precoding and control placeholder for re-ordering external apps order added.
- Added dcs_updater process by path check and restore window focus to Repair, Clean, and "Update To" functions.
- Help button added to top right of main form (Will not be active in the public version until manual is updated/finished.).
- Added User.Settings button / graphic on top right next to network icons.
- Added User Settings context menu, ,oved Save, Export, Import and Clear Settings functions to context menu.

- Corrected all Launch buttons linking to LaunchVR Off Function (and system tray launch options).
- Added a new external apps function to the dedicated server launch function.

- Adjusted spotting version #. 
- Help context menu added to help button, Links to manual and Video 01 (Initial Setup)(Will be disabled in the public version until content is done).
- Global log file writer adjustments (Exception Catches if File\Folder is Missing).
- Moved hidden theme editor panel to its own form. (still disabled).
- Adjusted size of module info panel.
- Module Info Panel activated for aircraft through Row 2 on Aircraft Tab.
- Changed some update function settings and parameters from Private to Public to be accessed by other forms (ie Mini Form).
- Updated Mini Form update function to include the Update All,  Repair / Clean also updated to link parameters from Main Form.
- Updated Mini Form Launch, Dedicated Server functions/parameters to link w/ Main Form.
- Added Builds List box to Adv. Update Options / Update All Section.
- Updated Scheduled / Updated All function to use order in Builds List box.
- Added reset order button for builds list box.
- Added Save/Load settings parameters for builds list box order. (List Order will be persistent.)
   Renaming a Build will reset the list box order.
- Revision to logo on about page.
- Made the log label invisible, was not rendering text correctly in some instances, served no function, so invisible for now, likely to be removed.

- Added Olympus to utilities section, No links/filters/functions Yet, *revised below*
- Pre-coding module context menu.
- Module context menu attached to row 1 of jets (A-10A through C-101, and FC3)
- Added Debden Eagles campaign assets.
- Corrected errors in some tooltips and log output lines.
- Fixed crosslinked controls for KA-50 MAD and F-16C FIW.
- Added "Auto Set User Profile Path" checkbox to each build menu.
- Added Convert to Release / Beta options to each build menu.
- Added Clear and Reset Slot option to each build menu.
- Added Icons to build context menus.
- Server settings read parser updated/revised to match options read parser.
- Adjusted parameters for auto generating server settings .lua and path check. (more adjustments coming).
- Added Olympus paths, binary names, art assets and added to module scan function.
- Revised GPS module graphics.
- Adjustments to some variables from private to public to be accessed by other functions in the app.

- Attached the theme context menu to the user settings menu on the main page. (makes it easier to change themes from anywhere).
- Replaced selected build highlight / graphics w/ rendered textbox. 
  ( Old graphics and control hidden and retained if needed for revert).
- Adjusted themes to incorporate new highlight text boxes and colors.  
- Adjusted build switching function to work w/ new highlight text boxes.
- About page updated.
- Renamed "Build Manager / Stats" to "Build Statistics"
- Preplanning / Test layout for "Other SZS Products" Page (Links to Liveries I've made, other mods, etc).
- Corrected all instances of Heat Blur Simulations to Heatblur Simulations.
- Attached module info panel open function to module menu name menu item click.
- Module context menu, information and functions attached to 2nd row in jets category.
- Corrected typo on F-86F button information.
- Adjusted preset UI elements (Highlight on the outside of the button is no longer visible, to be removed).
- Corrected Mirage F1 PDF Path.
- Added System.Environment.Date to timer, App will now ping System for date as well as time.
  (Date was only pinged during app startup, so date wouldn't advance with days in log readout.)
- Corrected PDF path for MirageF1 and MB-339.
- All Remaining Modules in "Jets" category updated to new context menu and data values.  
- Adjusted Module info panel size.
- Adjusted Module info panel layout.
- Adjusted Text blocks for module info.
- Added box art picture box.
- Added code to fetch box art from digitalcombatsimulator.com (will add Exception catch and a local image for exception catch).
- Separated Module info service and operators data values.
- Adjusted Log writer params (fixed log no longer writing if file was deleted).
- Several fixes in the import/export user settings functions, 
  (Fixed slots 3-6 populating w/ slot 2's information, adjusted export to exempt any settings w/ empty values, exempted autoexec and scripts settings for being exported.)
- Added deselect build function to clear and reset build slot option if that build is currently selected.
- Adjustments to L39C/ZA Module detection *(was reported as 2 aircraft even before the ZA launch dates for 1.5/2.0).
- All Jets updated to new module info panel setup and data structure.
- All Rotary updated to new module info panel setup and data structure.
- All Asset packs updated to new module info panel setup and data structure.
- All GPS updated to new module info panel setup and data structure.
- All Utilities updated to new module info panel setup and data structure.
- All Terrains updated to new module info panel setup and data structure.
- Revised exception catch for Module Icon scrub function, if no icon file, use ED_DEFAULT_ICON Embedded in App instead of default in mission editor folder of build.
  (as Dedicated Server Builds do not have images, and apps would crash.)
- Moved Campaigns Tab to the End before Utilities, as Aircraft, Terrain, Asset Packs are Usually more substantial 
  (Campaigns are Smaller DLC Mission Packs that require items from above categories).  
- Replaced old embedded "Flanker in Sky" box art w/ new "15 Years" box art.
- Precoding for OH-58D.

- OH-58D Kiowa art assets added.
- Added OH-58D Kiowa to module scanner and version check.
- Adjustment to Startup log file maintenance function.
- Revised Log Clear @ 10,000 Lines (to resolve conflict with the updated log stream writer).
  (10,000 Lines will trigger a function to append log contents to log.old file and clear log.)
- Precoding for moving system tray menu back to default control from 3rd party library, merging drop down menus for builds/presets/processes/user profiles.
   (Moving back to MS's embedded control will resolve some issues that req. a secondary function to update items after loading the library), 
   (merging drop down menus will also make it to where the same menu is used in multiple locations instead of having a function update and manage multiple menus for the same items).
- Replaced app header label with default label control (deleted 3rd party control), moved all functions to default control.
- Renaming and unifying format of context menu names.
- Rescan builds icon hidden, rescan function moved to build menu. (icon to be deleted).
- Rescan preset icon hidden, rescan function moved to presets menu. (icon to be deleted).
- Transitioned all System tray functions from 3rd party menu to default control.
- Switched System tray menu from 3rd party to default.
- Revisions to builds, presets, user settings, process, theme buttons and how Menus are loaded/shown. (resolves location issue since linking to new systray menu).
- Remaining refresh icons (logbook, module count, version #'s and processes) hidden, the refresh / rescan functions will be moved to another control.
- Adjustments to Slot text formatting (some functions had different data arrangements, all updated to match, added slight indent to lines below slot name).
- Phase I of renaming and unifying buttons and other controls, also moving from 3rd party controls if a .net default exists (to reduce 3rd party library dependency)
- App Home tab labels condensed and converted back to default controls.
- Build management tab condensed and converted back to default controls, user profile backup/delete condensed to manage menu.
- About tabs converted back to default controls.
- Moved external apps management to context menu, removed the excessive amount of buttons for each on app settings page.
- Linked external apps menu to system tray menu, synced "Launch ext apps" checkboxes.
- Adjustments to Open Composite External app vars/property names.
- Adjustments to Polling ED Update site for version #s (Open Beta line was removed.)
- Added Olympus to external apps menu options (Server and Client).
- Added DCS Viewer to external apps menu options.

- Transitioned server settings items back to default controls, replaced "global control" buttons with a condensed context menu control.
- Adjustments to ServerSettings.lua parser functions (Scanning, Loading to UI and Generating new file etc.).
- Added Generate default serverSettings.lua file to server settings menu. (will backup the file if it exists and write a new one.)
- Added Import function to server settings parser.
- Added Import settings from another .lua to server settings menu (will import values to UI, user req. to save).
- Updated template for generating default options.lua and serverSettings Lua files to latest public build.
- Added DCS_UNIFIED variable for future use. (in versions check and update check etc.).
- Folder scanning re-written to integrate more control of detecting branches correctly by branch and version #.
- Adjusted folder scanning data block to resolve crash when selecting random folder not containing DCS files.
- Precoding for adding preset slot 5.
- Revisions to preset folder scanning (cleaning code and using a more advanced function to save lines and commands sent).
- Fixed mislink with slot 6 linking to slot 5 user profile paths during user profile scan for preset files.
- Revisions to preset on and preset off functions ( to add preset 5 as well as revised to match preset scanning function and transition to single context menu structure).
- Added preset slot 5 functions to build switching functions and build scanning functions.
- Added preset slot 5 slot name entries to settings data block.
- Activated preset slot 5 selection.
- Added Raindrops quality version data.
- Local source selection for builds condensed to context menu from 7 buttons. (buttons hidden if needed for revert, will be cleansed after testing.
- Adv. updater section converted back to default controls, layout adjusted.
- Added Slot Path to update all order list boxes, revised update all function to search for Slot0x Name + Slot0xPath. (fixes same name bug w/ update order).
  (users will be required to click update / reset to import new name + path data, and re-do their order and it will save on close).
- Corrected Update all functions running on thread 00, (moved new update all w/ custom order to thread 11, deleted old unused update all function from thread 11 and app.)
- Corrected cash app button behavior (was launching both CA and PP windows).
- Advanced launch options page transitioned back to default controls.
- Minor adjustments to log stream writer (there's some dark voodoo in the stream writer, still trying to iron it out.)
- All options editor controls transitioned back to default controls.
- Fixed mislink in model viewer launch function for slot 3-6.
- Revised graphics with 2024 DCS Logo.
- Added all liveries to the Other SZS Products page. (No rendered previews of F-86F, they need to be re-mastered.)
- Added F-15C ACM Campaign assets.
- Testing condensed module info lookup protocol (Reduces code lines per module by 75%), Starting w/ F-15C ACM Campaign, 
   I will integrate into campaigns section first, since it's the largest section to have to rewrite (75+ Modules)
- Added log writer process count block, if a 2nd+ instance of app is opened, they will not write log files (until I come up with a _variant solution)  .
- Added flow panel to module info page to allow dynamic adding/removing elements.
- Added terrain_campaign switch to module info page function, if terrain or campaign, some elements are renamed or hidden.
- Updated all terrain data blocks w/ the terrain_campaign switch.
- Revision to campaign Module functions, handlers, data blocks and info lookup, now a single unified function for everything (prev. was 7 separate functions).
  Will be transitioned to other module sections one by one, but starting at the bottom of the campaigns list and moving up.

- Preset editor functions moved to the menu, and old buttons removed.
- Preset editor category tab control vertical height adjusted.
- Adjusted list item titles in VR Rendering Drop down menu (from "API" to "Runtime"),
  May require the user to set the API again,
  I put a conversion from the old string to the new, but I'm not sure if it's 100% working correctly.
- All section layouts adjusted and controls re-named to the revised naming scheme.
  (Renaming controls takes priority over conversion to new data block function, as the new naming scheme will make the data block conversion quicker).
- Changed old FC3 Training modules names / tags to FCS.
- Added multiple splash screen variations w/ control to change them depending on the time the app launched. (may switch some around eventually.) 
- Removed external apps launch switch from adv. launch tab, button to take user to external apps config on app settings page 
  (1 less control and control type to sync, as ext. app toggle was in multiple locations, now just app settings and system tray). 
- Quick cleaning passes on aircraft modules to correct flight model types for 3rd party modules.
- Replaced graphic titles for modules w/ Text control, to allow reusing background graphic, graphic to be updated and "category" tag to be removed from graphic.
- Added "Select Module" option to module right click menu, will replace checkboxes when the bottom row buttons and section is removed from module panel.  
- Module scan category re-ordered (moved campaigns to end of official modules, then discontinued, utilities, unlicensed.)
- Interim. module art generated, will revisit and tweak art after the data block conversion. (old art to be purged).
- Rem'd code for switching module graphics for FC3 assets. ( not needed w/ adjusted UI appearance ).
- Removed icon from module panel showing installed (honestly it says if it's installed in the info block, just redundant excessive graphics.)
  (Those graphics will be purged in the big "rem / redundant controls purge" before the next public build).
- Corrected mis-link in post launch process scan for MV and Updater functions.
- Added watcher control for logbook scan and preset scan functions.
- Further adjustments to log stream writer (resolving some write/copy/delete file error during startup).
- Added F-4E code and art assets.
- Added NS430 for Christen Eagle II code and art assets.
- Adjustments to UI updating thread. (fixes some elements not updating during function.)
- Renaming controls has been completed.
- Added a checkbox function to highlight the panel when checked to all modules.
- Updated check / uncheck all functions to work with the new control name scheme.
- Updated module filter function to work with the new control name scheme.
- Updated "turn_servers" options.lua setting name in parser.
- Corrected label for "Server screenshots".
- All module sections converted to new data block format.
- Adjustments to module info panel layout (added buttons to install/purchase direct from panel).
- Converted home screen external apps section to flow panel, external apps that aren't detected will have buttons removed, added back if set / detected.
- Revisions to external app scans, fixes to a few mis-linked parameters in custom app scans.
- Added Olympus client button to external apps flow panel.
- Home launch buttons converted to Sim launcher, server launcher and updater launcher flow panels. Adjusted margin values.
- Adjustments to theme switching and applying to accommodate new flow panels.
- Converted build selection buttons to client / server build tab control to home page (server builds not functional, yet).
- Precoding for adding server slot functions *(will be slots 7-12 internally).
- Slots 7-12 activated to test switching between client / server tabs.
- Settings save functions merged and re-organized into a unified function for save button and form close events.
- Individual preset context menus merged into a single menu, rename/restore default functions re-written and condensed.
- Removed old preset menu controls and code.
- Condensed build switch functions (rem'd a lot of redundant and duplicate code paths).
- Unified build slot menu & functions. (added to Server slots 7 to 12 to start, to be applied to all slots once tested and rem'd later).
- General renaming of subroutines for easier navigation.
- Adjustments to Local source selection function.
- Added local source select to unified build menu.
- Converted modules and sim options version# database chart to new naming scheme.
- Slots 1-6 converted to new unified menu and functions.
- As of now, the big purge will be all the unique function rem'd code, all old module graphics, old build/preset highlight graphics, button graphics and old system tray 3rd party control / graphics.

- Pre Purge Stats: 25.1 MB (26,396,672 bytes), 94,569 Lines in Main form code.
- PostPurge Stats: 16.5 MB (17,362,432 bytes), 84,232 Lines in Main form code.
- Purged old Controls for refreshing information and build setup from home tab, referenced code also purged.
- Purged old local source controls from advanced updater tab, referenced code also purged.
- Purged old build/preset highlight controls, referenced code also purged.
- Purged old graphics for deleted controls, referenced code in themes and designer files also purged.
- Purged old build content menus, referenced code also purged.
- Purged old system tray menu, referenced code also purged.
- Purged old module graphics.
- Converted advanced launch scripts / autoexec back to default controls to remove the icon graphics.
- Corrected mislinked auto profile settings from old controls to new control parameters for slots 1-6.
- Added Border highlighting effect to active build/preset button.
- Corrected mis-link in slots 1-6 auto set profile settings save/load.
- Adjusted module scan order, adjusted progress bar update/reporting frequency.
- Adjusted “update all” listbox size.
- Fixed mislink in slot 8 status reporting.
- Reverted dedicated server and GUI titles back to the old name ( so "dedicated" doesn't text render through graphics ).
- Fixed build drop down menu not responding when choosing slot 7-12.
- Fixed main launch button Does not launch DCS with external apps enabled.
- Disabled "in testing" module filter, likely to be removed.

- Adjustments to app loading status and data reporting to splash screen labels.
- Adjustments to build scanning.
- Adjusted several data strings from private/local to public to be accessed by MiniUI Form instead of calling them twice.
- Converted the MiniUI form buttons to flow control.
- Added Sim/Server tab control to MiniUI form.
- Converted MiniUI form controls to new naming scheme.
- Fixed mis-link in slots 7-12 model viewer menu.
- Converted splash screen controls to new naming scheme.
- Renamed all forms (Main, Mini, Theme etc) to new naming scheme.
- Converted mini form build buttons function to match the main form (left and right click functions / context menus).
- Adjusted theme apply function for new mini form controls, revised theme switching to allow theme to switch while in mini form.
- Adjusted module info panel close and uninstall routine to unload any module graphics before attempting uninstall to avoid locked file exception.
- Revisions to all parser/scanner progress reporting to UI thread.
- Adjustments to some thread sleep commands.
- Added public links and conversion function for App / Sim status labels between Full UI and Mini UI Labels, thus not having to update and control labels twice.
- Fixed broken MT launch for model viewer when in MiniUI mode.
- Added auto-scan toggle to app settings, default is on, turning it off, will stop auto-scanning of Preset values, logbook and modules when selecting builds.
   (if the toggle is off, App will scan for modules when going to the modules tab, and scan preset when going to preset tab.)
- Added Kola Peninsula Art Assets and data block info.
- Added CH-47F Art Assets and data block info.
- Removed "in testing" module filter and controls.
- Fixed mis-link in slot 1 auto user profile setting.
- Fixed mis-link in slots 1-6 renaming not populating correct default name.
- Updated F-15E ED Shop box art image link.
- Updated F-4E ED Shop box art image link.
- Updated Ka-50v3 ED Shop box art image link.
- Updated Theater / Terrain Art.
- Added OrbX to the module filter system.
- Added Opacity Slider for app (non persistent).

- Purged custom theme editor and code (will go back to it when the app is more mature).
- Adjustments to Slots 7-12 default names.
- Added mouse app move functions to mini ui logo.
- Fixed mislink in tab style switching w/ new tab controls for builds.
- Corrected some log readouts for the model viewer platform.
- Reactivated detection for the press preview branches.
- Added Launch VR/2D, Server, GUI Options to build drop down menu, to directly launch builds without switching.
- Corrected scan error that resulted in the preset 5 button being disabled.
- Corrected button styles on advanced launcher tab.
- Removed process icons from running processes buttons and left panel launch mode buttons, both main ui and mini ui (graphics to be purged later.).
- Changed update mode buttons text.
- Updated F-4E data block.
- Added canopy reflection slider to options editor.
- Added canopy reflectance value information to the parser.
- Moved options editor checks to separate function, added to editor disable function as well. (so they won't show even when the editor is disabled).
- Converted right side of home screen to sub tabs for preset info, logbook, build info, latest versions and server info.
- Updated logbook scan function to scan when selecting the logbook tab if auto-scan is disabled.
- Updated modules scan function to scan when selecting the modules tab if auto-scan is disabled.
- Adjustments to containers and applying theme properties.
- Removed "user theme" and values left over from the purge.
- Server status moved to text control, icons on top edge hidden to be cleansed.
- Renamed external app data values to new naming scheme.
- CDN status and modules count tabs on home hidden.*(redundant info)
- Adjusted server build graphic.
- User settings icon on top right replaced w/ generic text alt character.

- Added Menus to Transition "update all function/order" to Menus. (replacing the list box).
- Rewrite the “update all” functions to use the order menu, order must be set (old setup if order was blank it went in numerical order).
- Removed old update all function code.
- Removed old update all listbox.
- Removed old update all settings from user.settings.
- Updated F-4E Trailer link to release date announcement trailer.
- Consolidated Donate / Links buttons to single button + menu.
- Removed images from the theme menu.
- Cleansed UI art for items that had art removed.
- Updated build scan branches chart for all slots.

- Corrected Open Composite Check path.
- Fixed Tacview menu options not working.
- Adjusted Update All slot order menu location when opening.
- Adjustment to mini ui tab text.
- Log / Console moved to a sub tab on the home screen.
- Log / Console enlarge / small functions disabled (moving log and re-sizing does not work when in container).
- Sim / Ext app launcher buttons divided into tabs, Text adjusted, size adjusted, margin spacing adjusted, revised flow panel control order.
- App main window height reduced by 80px.
- Adjusted some theme color values. (mainly MT Mode Toggle Button).
- Corrected some mis-linked color / theme values for mini ui.
- Added TPS Theme.
- Adjustments to Build -> Update to custom branch sub menu appearance. (and functionality).
- Added External Apps order master menu and sub menu.
- Moved External Apps Delay text box to External Apps order sub menus.
- Added Key.Character numerical only restriction to option editors for height, width ,aspect, port, ping, and max player textboxes.
- External apps launch order function re-written to use new master/sub menus, will need to have slots re-set by user, old UI elements hidden for purge.
- Mini UI layout adjusted and updated to the same standard as Full UI left side menu.
- Added switch and persistent user setting for "allow multiple updater instances", this will allow multiple to run instead of bringing updater to focus.
- Fixed double action call on Home Update button, was launching Updater.exe twice.
- Log window hide switch hidden (to be purged).

- Adjustments to text rendering on multiple controls. *(Removed the old compatibility text renderer)
- Adjustments to theme settings, separated highlighted control color to its own value, updated and adjusted theme colors.
- Tron/Matrix theme main color adjusted away from absolute black.
- Fixed selected theme indicator icon color for army theme.
- Re-enabled Master Chief 117 theme (was disabled due to some color rendering issues that were fixed when separating values).
- Changed F-4E Trailer to Release Trailer.
- Updated F-4E Version#/Release date chart values.
- Adjusted module info panel size.
- External App Settings and Launch Order moved to "Advanced Launcher Options" screen.
- Added external app launch delay time to user.settings for persistence.
- Oculus Mirror settings moved to sub menus of Oculus / MetaVR on the External Apps menu.
- Added custom option for Mirror resolution, will spawn height/width entry boxes. (added User.Setting entries for persistence.)
- Converted oculus mirror launch function to use new controls.
- Renamed external app check/launch functions.
- Purged old external app functions and hidden controls.
- Merged some system tray functions with main functions and removed the duplicate function.
- Adjusted system try External apps menu to load the new menu system.
- Converted "update available" flag from Image to panel w/ rendered text.
- Added Thunderbirds theme, just because we have a Blue Angels theme.
- Resorted themes menu, light and dark up top, then sorted by main color shade, added separators in the menu.

- Adjustments for Update to custom build/branch on build menu.
- Added numerical restriction to version # entry boxes for update to custom build functions.
- Added Operation Green Line and Massun Asset Pack information to versions chart.
- Added G-Warm Up to the versions chart.
- Added Massun92 to module filters.
- Adjustments to some theater UI images.
- Corrected mislink in Msgscale, Gui Scale and LODSwitcher labels/scan of preset editor.
- Corrected typo that resulted in Antialiasing drop down being disabled on preset value loading.
- Added G-Warm Up to options editor/difficulty.
- Updated embedded NewtonSoft.JSON Parser from v13.0.2 to v13.0.3
- Moved framework from .net 4.7.2 to .net 4.8.0.
- Added Secondary Log Window, Linked it to log make large / small function, will also render over all controls.
- Re-enabled the Expand Log option in the log menu, linked to a new secondary window.
- Revised Expand/Collapse log functions and linked to secondary log window.
- Added log option to user settings menu, and linked log menu, log options now accessible regardless of leaving the home page.
- Adjusted OH-58D Version# chart values.

- Exception catches on loading and leaving options editor before scan finishes, causing crash when compare function is started.
- Fixed missing value in CEII NS430 information causing app exception when module info panel opening.
- Fixed missing commands to enable/disable difficulty, audio, misc options menus.
- Added External source for processes (for DCS Processes in paths not set in the App.).
- Converted Adv. Launch params to be per build instead of global.
- Added launch parameters to the master build menu.

- Integrated app control scaler core function.
- Adjusted Picture box controls for SZS and DULU logo so image remains centered when app scale is changed.
- Fixed missing value and link for master volume label control value.
- Code level disabling of double click maximize function.
- Removed IconExtract function from external process detection.
- Tweaking to launch params setting. (used to pull param from textbox on adv launch page, now pulls from saved value, textboxes save value when changed.).
- Adjustments to top right controls sizes/location, icon alignment.
- Adjusted scaler core for to use preset font pt sizes vs math.scaling%.
- App Scale 1.25X Enabled for testing on 1080P or above (I need to add a check that blocks scaling change if display resolution is not sufficient.)
- Added user.setting for scale, but might be disabled, like form opacity value, form has to fully load before being changed. *(Looking into re-working).
- Added screen resolution check for primary and secondary displays.
- Adjustment to Build Stats sub pages controls, prev. setup was not compatible w/ scaling.
- App Scale 1.50X Enables for testing on 1440P or above.
- Corrected scaler code to allow persistence when closing / reopening app.
- Adjusted CH-47F data block.
- Logbook Scan function added to Logbook Tab is auto-scan is disabled.
- Prompt added to "Clear all User.Settings" menu option, Prompts user Yes/No if they want to reset all settings.
  *Prior it would just clear all settings, so to avoid accidental clearing, a prompt was added.
- Revision to build scan and "update available" behavior to resolve flag updating when scanning on separate thread.

 

Edited June 4, 2024 by SkateZilla

[speed-of-heat]

good grief!

thank you!

[MAXsenna]

Oh, Lord! THAT was some changelog!
Thank you for all your efforts @SkateZilla! Really looking forward to the update. The reorder of the presets looks really good!
Cheers!

Sent from my SM-A536B using Tapatalk

[YSIAD_RIP]

Oh.. My!   Still reading the changelog.. so much to digest... had to take a break. More than half way at - Pre Purge Stats: 25.1 MB : )   

Edited June 4, 2024 by YSIAD_RIP

[Dangerzone]

Is there a setting/function that allows us to permanently set the missionscripting.lua options after each update, and if not, could this be considered for a future release please?

It would be nice to just be able to use this to update DCS, and not have to remember to go back into MissionScripting.lua each time to desanitize the settings - especially on servers. 

[MAXsenna]

Is there a setting/function that allows us to permanently set the missionscripting.lua options after each update, and if not, could this be considered for a future release please?
It would be nice to just be able to use this to update DCS, and not have to remember to go back into MissionScripting.lua each time to desanitize the settings - especially on servers. 

I have enabled the "uninstall mods" reminder whenever I update. So I just disable all core mods before update, and enable them when the update is done. Just like I close VAICOM, (VoiceAttack), pre update, and start it again before I launch DCS post update.

Sent from my SM-A536B using Tapatalk

[Dangerzone]

3 hours ago, MAXsenna said:

I have enabled the "uninstall mods" reminder whenever I update. So I just disable all core mods before update, and enable them when the update is done. Just like I close VAICOM, (VoiceAttack), pre update, and start it again before I launch DCS post update.

Thanks Maxsenna. When you say you disable core mods, and then reenable them again, is that using the DCS Updater, or OVGME, etc? For me, I don't have any mods in the core directory of DCS - except for commenting out the sanitization.

[MAXsenna]

Thanks Maxsenna. When you say you disable core mods, and then reenable them again, is that using the DCS Updater, or OVGME, etc? For me, I don't have any mods in the core directory of DCS - except for commenting out the sanitization.

True! I use a mod manager. Open Mod Manager, successor to OvGME. Same developer. I have quite a few core mods. The sanitization is one of them. The app reminds me to disable it, and then I just re enable. Basically the same as copying the file back after the update.
Cheers!

Sent from my SM-A536B using Tapatalk

[imacken]

I’m curious, the sanitisation?

[Dangerzone]

6 hours ago, imacken said:

I’m curious, the sanitisation?

The scripts\missionscripting.lua file in the program install directory. Commenting out certain files gives DCS scripting access to various OS functions. (Such as read/write to files, or access to different lua libries, etc). 

By default it is sanitized. (As in, stops any scripts from doing any harm to your OS, files, etc). But some scripts that we write or use require access to these. (Such as persistent saving of units in a mission, loading in templates during gameplay, etc), so it needs to be desantized (commented out). 

Every update re-sanitizes the script, and if we forget to desanitize again, it breaks our missions/scripts.

[Razor97]

Hey all,

I've searched this thread for 30-45 minutes and can't seem to find an answer. I just updated to v2 of the updater utility, but it will not find SteamVR, I navigate to the Steam/steamapps/common/SteamVR folder which in my case is on my G drive, but it does not find it, the old version was able to launch steamVR, but I can't find what path it was using. What path should be set here?

Navigating to the path G:\Steam\steamapps\common\SteamVR and pressing ok produces this error screenshot is attached.
06/08/2024 | 06:05:17 AM | APP      | App Startup Complete
06/08/2024 | 06:05:27 AM | USER     | Application Settings Tab Selected
06/08/2024 | 06:09:49 AM | CHECK    | Checking for SteamVR Software
06/08/2024 | 06:09:49 AM | CHECK    | Checking Default Paths
06/08/2024 | 06:09:49 AM | CHECK    | Checking User Path
06/08/2024 | 06:09:49 AM | CHECK    | SteamVR Software Not Detected

Thanks

Edited June 8, 2024 by Razor97

[SkateZilla]

On 6/8/2024 at 6:20 AM, Razor97 said:

Hey all,

I've searched this thread for 30-45 minutes and can't seem to find an answer. I just updated to v2 of the updater utility, but it will not find SteamVR, I navigate to the Steam/steamapps/common/SteamVR folder which in my case is on my G drive, but it does not find it, the old version was able to launch steamVR, but I can't find what path it was using. What path should be set here?

Navigating to the path G:\Steam\steamapps\common\SteamVR and pressing ok produces this error screenshot is attached.
06/08/2024 | 06:05:17 AM | APP      | App Startup Complete
06/08/2024 | 06:05:27 AM | USER     | Application Settings Tab Selected
06/08/2024 | 06:09:49 AM | CHECK    | Checking for SteamVR Software
06/08/2024 | 06:09:49 AM | CHECK    | Checking Default Paths
06/08/2024 | 06:09:49 AM | CHECK    | Checking User Path
06/08/2024 | 06:09:49 AM | CHECK    | SteamVR Software Not Detected

Thanks

 

Point to G:\Steam\

Subdir's are added automatically as it scans for 2 separate subs.

Edited June 10, 2024 by SkateZilla