Last updated: April 25, 2001

SnapShot

Aircraft-Snapping- and Slot-Switching tool 
by Paulo Morais

Please read the notes carefully before you download the package from the bottom of the page, thank you.

Introduction:

SNAPSHOT is a integrated solution to generate a complete backup of selected aircraft slots. The backup comprises the entire flight model, weapon loadouts, 3d model and skin. The stored files can be used to quickly restore a particular aircraft configuration and visual aspect to the original slot or to any other compatible slot. 
The backup/restore processes are fully automated by a set of MS-DOS batch files. These files were written in way to make the process
transparent for the user. Possible uses include but are not restricted to:

- Simple backup of a favourite but hard to install aircraft mod;

- Creation of aircraft packs by the additional creation of a single batch file to apply them all;

- Creation and distribution of independent aircraft add-ons;

- Move aircraft between slots in order to get better combinations for a particular theater and/or period;

- Generate special online environments in order to provide visual identification of squad members or allow for squad cooperation against a common foe when using the same aircraft model.

Main Features:

- Copy the complete Flight Model, Weapon Loadouts 3D Model and Skins files in order to create a whole pack. The pack will be formed by all files that determine aircraft behaviour and look independent of being original and stored inside the CDF files or modified and provided by another addon.

- The snapshot creation and restore are governed by batch files, that can be modified to extend the process to other simulation aspects that are not currently covered. These aspects include the user interface aspects like hanger screens, b&w selection photos and  floating menus.

- The transfer of aircraft from slot to slot is accomplished by simple editing of a single parameter inside one batch file.

Installation:

Unzip the contents of the archive into EAW folder keeping the internal folder structure. After unzipping there should be the following folder structure:

Usage:

»»»»» To create a snapshot:
1) Install any add-ons that apply to the desired EAW slot by using the normal mechanisms provided by them or by use of a configuration manager like Stab or SnM.
2) Open a MSDOS window in the SNAPS folder.
3) Execute the following command line to create the SNAPSHOT:

SNAPS <slot name> <destination folder> <"Aircraft display name">

<slot name> is one of the internal 4 letter code names used by EAW to identify each slot. These can be one of:
p38h p38j p47c p47d p51b p51d bb17 b24a b26a hurr sp2a sp09 sp14 typh temp mosq 109e 109g 109k 110c 110g m410 190a 190d 262a j88a j88c ju87 h111 v1v1
<destination folder> a new or existing sub-folder of SNAPS to store files.
<"Aircraft display name"> The aircraft name/model to be shown on screen and in menus. Place " " around. Example:

SNAPS 190D 190D_Michalski "Fw 190D-9"

»»»»» To restore a snapshot.
- The above SNAPSHOT creation process generate a batch file inside the storage folder with the same name. The execution of this batch file patch the current EAW configuration with the SNAPSHOT data. Using the example given above inside the
190D_Michalski folder will be a btach file named 190D_Michalski.bat.

»»»»» To restore to a different slot.
- To force the use a different destination it will be enough to edit the installer batch file whose contenst will be of the form:

---------------------------------
cd ..
REM (dest slot) (file name seed) (Sub-folder) (Display name)
call insts.bat 190d 190d 190d_Michalski "Fw 190D-9"
cd 190d_Michalski
---------------------------------

1) Create a suitably named copy of the batch file. For example to transform the Bf109G into another Fw190D use: 190D_109G.bat.
2) Edit the first parameter next to 'insts.bat' in the third line to reflect the change (yellow and underlined)

---------------------------------
.
. 
call insts.bat 109g 190d 190d_Michalski "Fw 190D-9"
.         
---------------------------------

Notes:
Due to hardcoded data in EAW executable some aircraft types are unsuitable for generic use. For this reason the Heavy bombers and the V1 slots shouldn't be used in slot transfers. Also, twin engined slots should continue to house twins and single engined slots singles. 
The above procedures can't correct some minor side effects like the radio calls reffering to the wrong nationality or aircraft type because these effects are hardcoded in EAW.EXE or defined in a not yet understood data file.

Acknowledgements:

I would like to thank to:
Microprose for making a very good simulation with all this potential and for releasing the PAINTPACK; 
Christian Mosimann for all the support and encouragment in mine and others editing/painting efforts without forgetting some of finest
contributions to EAW.
Cord Hartmann and Jamie Richards for past and current cooperation in other EAW related projects; and finally a special word for all the people that are devoted to improve, explore, modify, use and bring EAW to a level that the original developpers probably never thinked possible.

WARNING
MICROPROSE/HASBRO DOES NOT OFFICIALLY SUPPORT THE HEX OR OTHER TYPE OF EDITING/MODIFICATION OF ITS SOFTWARE. IF YOU ARE HAVING TROUBLE WITH EAW USING THIS PACK, DO NOT CONTACT MICROPROSE/HASBRO. DELETE ALL FILES WHICH CAME WITH THIS PACK AND SEE IF THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. IF THE PROBLEM IS ONLY THERE WHEN YOU ARE USING THIS PACK, PLEASE TRY TO REACH ME.

The files included are freeware and can be freely distributed and used. I hope you enjoy them. Any comments, suggestions or complaints are welcome, through SimHQ or other EAW related discussion boards.

Paulo Morais, April 2001

  SnapShot - Download (135kb)

 SnapIt - auxiliary batch file - Download (1kb)