Thanks a lot, this will add a little more fun to be able to see new types of stations other then the same old ones.

QuEsTiOn AsKeR
Last Hope MOD

Edited by - Question Asker2044 on 5/21/2006 10:56:56 PM

Forgive my noobness, but could someone explain to me how this works? The files have chunks of stations that you "build"?

Basically, yes.

Though Freelancer uses stations as a single block, they also have the ability to be modulised as well. Freelancer itself uses a combination of both single stations (large_station for example) and modular stations (the shipyards throughout the universe for example) that are comprised of a central station and then added on modules.

Modular Station takes advantage of the ability to do this. You place down one of the docks, and then add to it using the 'Parent = x' line to create any sort of design with the blocks that you like.

For example, taken directly from the Freeworlds code, here is the code used for Juanna Station (which is the station seen on the left in the image on the front page):

[Object
nickname = MAND_02
pos = 36100, 0, 35600
ids_info = 80033
behavior = NOTHING
pilot = pilot_solar_easy
dock_with = MAND_02_Base
base = MAND_02_Base
reputation = br_n_grp
rotate = 0, 0, 0
archetype = singledock
ids_name = 80004
loadout = singledock
difficulty_level = 1
space_costume = im_black_head, ci_mandalorian1_body, prop_hat_ci_manda_helmet3
voice = atc_leg_m01
visit = 1

[Object
nickname = MAND_habitat_dome_01
rotate = 0, 0, 0
pos = 36900, 75, 35600
archetype = habitat_dome
parent = MAND_02

[Object
nickname = MAND_scaffold_01
rotate = 0, 0, 0
pos = 36450, 0, 35600
archetype = scaffold
parent = MAND_02

[Object
nickname = MAND_scaffold_02
rotate = 0, 0, 0
pos = 35750, 0, 35600
archetype = scaffold
parent = MAND_02

[Object
nickname = MAND_habitat_dome_02
rotate = 0, 0, 0
pos = 35300, 75, 35600
archetype = habitat_dome
parent = MAND_02

[Object
nickname = MAND_panel_04_01
rotate = 180, 90, 0
pos = 36100, -200, 35550
archetype = panel_04
parent = MAND_02

[Object
nickname = MAND_panel_04_02
rotate = 0, 90, 0
pos = 36100, 200, 35550
archetype = panel_04
parent = MAND_02


By giving each object the parent line to the base, it attaches it in code, so if you click on the module, it selects the station.

Thanks to the Admins btw who have put the resource up on Lancers Reactors front page today.

Freeworlds Mod Developer
Author of Modular Station

'There is no Good nor Evil in the universe, just perceptions and circumstances.'

So, in-game it is treated as one station as each individual object has it's parent set to the central structure, kinda like a spiders body and it's legs.

But, do the attached pieces have to be set the exact right positions? Because I'm guessing the game won't like overlapped pieces...

Actually, there is no problems in overlapping slightly, unless you get two planes run right through the same area at the same angle. Most of the stations in Freeworlds use overlapping modules.

Did you encluded the SUR-files for the stations too?

Yes he did!

Yep, Sur Files are included. They are not custom built sur files (as the custom sur file building beta tools weren't available when I built the project to begin with), but the sur files are stretched and resized to be a very close match, a much closer match than most custom stations built as a single object.

Also, all models have had their Radius added as well, so there should be no problems with parts vanishing when the centre goes off screen.

Edited by - Aldebaran28 on 5/22/2006 4:06:06 AM