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New DATech 0.72b Plus More

Patrick has a new release of DATech for you all to try, with this new version (0.72b) you can: -

• Add new BATTLE pictures
• Add new MISSION pictures

They are very simple to add: -

Remember the title of this news post? I said Plus More right, well the plus more is another new Utility Patrick made called Mapicon.

This nifty little Utility will allow you to have the correct ship picture showing in a mission briefing.

How you ask?

Well if you have added new craft pictures to the Licon.bmp, (which resides in the Frontres\Mapicons Folder in the XWA DIR)

Mapicon will allow you to add the correct co-ordinates to the icon used for your new craft to the Shiplist.txt numbers. If you didn't now the last four number in the line refer to the X and Y co-ordinates of the top left corner and the X and Y co-ordinates of the bottom right corner (?, ?, ?, ?, X1, Y1, X2, Y2), as discovered by JM.

Again this is very easy to use, but I'll let you discover how to do this for yourself, until such time as I can get around to making a tutorial for DATech and Mapicons.

Anyhow you can download DATech 0.72b (which includes Mapicons 1.0) from the Craft Editors Section or from the link on the menu bar.

Have Fun.

Oh Patrick has some very interesting plans for the next version so be sure to visit often for news of the next release.

More New Utilities

It's DAT time again, PalPatrick has released DATech 7b, yes I said 7b, don't think you have missed out on version 6, you haven't.

Version 6 was too buggy so Patrick trashed it and started again.

Anyhow with version 7 you can now add you favourite ship pictures, hull icons, and map icons.

This version uses a different GUI but is basically the same as the older versions.

Oh one note, DO NOT use older versions of DATech with this newer version, If resdata.txt is modified, old programs will no longer work correctly.

You can download DATech 7 from the Craft Editors Section or from the link on the menu bar.

The other Utility is for Rogue Squadron, it called RogueArm, essentially it will edit your data file to increase or decrease the power of various weapons from trooper blaster's up to bombs, with the same ease it will restore default power of these weapons.

You can download the RogueArm from the Rogue Squadron Files section.

To Keep You Happy

PalPatrick sent along a DAT Viewer, until such time as he has sorted out a few problems with the new version of DATech

Eventually it will be integrated into DATech, it will allow you to view and extract pictures from ALL the DAT files

You can download the viewer from the Craft Editors Section or from the menu bar.

NEW XMOD Tutorial

New tutorial for you "How to create an XMOD".

Hopefully it will guide you through how to put your files together and how the commands should be written

I would like to thank Defiant for his support and allowing me to use part of his manual in the tutorial.

While I'm mentioning Defiant, if you haven't already downloaded XIS (X-wing Install System) 2.6, visit the Flying Temple now to pick up your copy.

You can read the NEW tutorial by scrolling down to the Tutorials S on the menu bar and clicking on the "How to create an XMOD" link.

Updated Version of RogueCar

LukA_YJK emailed, to inform me that he has updated RogueCar to version 2.1.

RogueCar is a small utility for Rogue Squadron that lets you replace and restore the V-Wing with a Black Buick and visa versa.

The update it's self adds some new interface elements

You can download the new version from the Rogue Squadron Files section.

You have probably noticed already the new web design, I just got a little bored with the purple and orange look so for a limited time this look will be up. Oh and if your wondering what the red thing is behind the Episode II lettering it's NOT Darth Maul but part of Boba Fetts insignia.

NEW Version of DATech

Patrick Darbon a.k.a. PalPatrick, has something a little special for you this time with the release of DATech 5b.

First he has combined DATech with HULLTech to make one utility. The new version consists of such features as: -

You can download the new version from the Craft Editors Section or from the menu bar.

NEW Opt The TIE Scimitar

Yes that's right another TIE for you, the TIE Scimitar or Scimitar Assault Bomber

This opt has taken a little longer than the other TIE opts as I had to make all but a few textures from scratch

It comes with it's own cockpit opt but if you don't already know the Scimitar is a two man craft, but as I couldn't be bothered to make a new cockpit it uses the TIE Bomber cockpit and just moved it forward a little, so if you wanted a two man cockpit you will have to use your imagination.

It also comes with MXvTED *.shp file (Default slot #33), BHE stats and a Hull Icon

I have also split the Imperial Fighters section in to two pages, as it was getting a little big.

You can download the Scimitar from the Imperial Fighters #1 section

X-wing Install System (XIS) updated to 2.6

Defiant has released version 2.6 and this is what he has to say about it: - I've posted yet another set of additions and fixes to XIS. It's up to version 2.6 now.

I do suggest you update as some patches coming out now, use the new commands.

So what are you waiting for go to Defiant's Flying Temple and update your version now!

NEW Icon Utilities

With special thanks to Patrick Darbon a.k.a. PalPatrick, we in the XwA community can now add our own HUD Icons for custom made craft into the Hull_Icons.Dat

The first Utility DATech, is still a beta version as Patrick hopes to add more capabilities to it, with a little artist skill you (as I have said already) can add your own custom icons into the Hull_Icon.Dat files.

The Second Utility HULLTech, you can change the values for the new icons (Default Icons only though).

To enable you to change the custom made icons read the news post below (NEW BHE Module)

As Patrick doesn't have his own Website, I offered to host his Utilities for him, so don't forget where you first downloaded them.

You can download both Utilities from the Craft Editors Section on the menu bar.

NEW BHE Module

With the new information from Patrick Darbon and JC, I have put together a new BHE Module version 1.2, with this new version you can change: -

You can download the New 1.2 Module from BHE Modules

Patrick is also working on a new utility called DATech, which will enable you to ADD new Icons to the data files yourself.

From what I have seen of it so far it's very promising.

New Jedi Order Project has new website

Chris Walker from the New Jedi Order Project has informed me that they have moved the entire site to his own server, so bookmark the new link now

New Jedi Order Project

EP1 Shipset News

Chris Walker, who made the Episode 1 Shipset has a new site set up for the Shipset, as I offered to host the shipset until he could sort out a new site, my site has now become the mirror, until such time as I need the space for other things.

The new site is Episode 1 shipset

And the mirror is Here

You can also find the links on the menu bar.

He also mentions that he is working on updating the shipset, fixing some bugs and updated opts will be included in the patch.

An additional patch will include voices for the missions, but he needs your help, a few voice talents still have to be filled.

The parts still available are:

Bravo 2
Nubian Courage Commander
Obroa Skai Research Station Director
Ric Olié

So if your interested and would like to help please e-mail Chris

NEW Tutorial

Another tutorial for you, How To Add A New Weapon To XWA, well that says it all really, oh if your too lazy to try it yourself there is a small Xmod in the tutorial which adds Yellow lasers to the Firespray (Slave1).

Three More NEW Opt's

Yes you've guessed it more bloody TIE's, sorry but there easy to make. Your probably sick of them right, well you know the obvious answer to that.

Anyhow, the first new Opt is the TIE GT, as it's older than the TIE Bomber, so it has gray hull plating. It comes with it's own cockpit, but make sure you take note of the POV's if you use a different screen res, as they are totally different from the regular TIE's.

The Second and Third NEW Tie's are the TIE Raptor, this is not a SFS design but was developed by Warlord Zsinj. One version is a pilotable and the other is the earlier droid version and non flyable.

And before anyone asks and says that I'm ripping off Hobbie318, as he was going to make these, well I'm not they are my own designs, plus I contacted him, to see if he minded me releasing them, the reply I received said he didn't and that he was too busy to make anything for XWA anyhow.

You can download all three from the Imperial Starfighters Section.

Now to get back to the X-Wing again LOL!

XIS updated to version 2.5

Just a small update from Defiant this time, he's add another command to the list, so you can add sound effects to the SFX folder.

If you want the new version then you will have to go to Defiant's Flying Temple

Abolisher after having PC problem, has released Battle 2 of his Ashgard Campaign (hmm.. Heard that name before), so head over to Abolisher's Mission Command Outpost and download and test them.

All we need now is a new release of Jedi Hunters OPTech, please!!

Azzameen Family Base Released

Well after being made for so long, here it is, its in Xmod format, so there is no installation problems, all it does is replace the TG version.

One thing I will point out is that, this opt does not have a LOD (Level Of Detail) model, Why you ask? The reason for it not having a LOD is that I have played all the missions that include the base, and in every mission you do not get far enough away from it for a LOD to kick in, plus there was no slow down while using this opt.

You can either download it from the New Azzameen Station link under the XWAUP Project Opts on the Menu Bar, see if you like the look of the page or you can download it from the X-Wing: Alliance Upgrade Project

In other news, If you haven't noticed yet, I have removed the Starship section, in my eye's both the Colossus and the SSD where crap, I have never liked making starships, so I thought sod it and removed them, so there gone.

If you still wish to used a 17.6km SSD you can download Matt's old one from his website here, until such time as he makes the new XWAUP version.

In my opinion Matt's version is much better than the version Rebel and myself made, and I have used it for sometime now.

I have made a few changes to the menu bar for each section, so when you go to the link, say the Alliance Statfighters (Opt Section), you will only be able to see the Opt links, same goes for the File Archive and Tutorial Sections. It should be a little easier to view each section instead of scrolling all the time.

Oh last but not least, I have added some screenshots of the new Bwing on the Forum, you can read all about the changes and improvements I have made to it on there.

Nothing much to report

Well the title says it all, sod all going on, nothing new made, nothing to download.

Oh yeah! the EP1 DVD has now been released to buy.

I've posted some pictures on the forum of the New Xwing.

Cleared the old news to the Archives

Hit's for this site are now at 64000

That's about it really, crap isn't it.

Oh Ace Antilles has news about the forthcoming game releases at Ace Antilles X-Wing Outpost.

Compatibility issue with the NEW TIE's

Due to a few problems brought up on the forum, the NEW TIE's (TIE Clutch, TIE Vanguard, TIE Drone, TIE Cyclone and TIE Lambda) now have to be manually installed.

Although the TIE Defender MkII is still in Xmod format, as this was only meant to replace the standard XWAUP TIE Defender.

All the new files include MXvTED *.shp files and for advanced users the BHE stats. All the included *.shp files will place each craft in slot 33, but can be placed elsewhere.

NEW TIE's and XWAUP TIE's available NOW!

I couldn't be bothered to wait until Sunday 19th to release them, it's close enough anyhow.

Well what can you expect to see?

Well there is a updated version of JM's TIE Clutch.

TIE Drone (or Droid) from the Battle of Calamari.

TIE Defender MkII, with the launchers on the side of the cockpit pod.

TIE Vanguard a reconnaissance TIE, based on the common TIE fighter.

And a couple of NEO TIE's the TIE Lambda and TIE Cyclone.

All the above craft have Exterior and Base Opt's apart from the TIE Droid, which only has the Base opt as it's set to Non Flyable, as well as having LOD's in all the Base Opt's.

Included in the patches are all the resolutions you may need so be careful when installing, the Default will be set at 800x600 and the other resolutions range from 1024x768 up to 1600x1200.

Also the above craft DO NOT come with there own cockpits, for further information please read the release note's.

All the New Opts come in separate Xmod patches, so if you haven't downloaded XIS, be sure to visit Defiant's Flying Temple to download the latest version.

One warning before you install these new TIE's, they will overwrite anything you have in that specific slot, for further information please read the release notes.

Now for the X-wing Alliance Upgrade Project Tie's, they are now available in separate Xmod patches, but as most of you will have downloaded the ITP and IFP, you will have them all by now.

There hasn't been any changes made to them so you lot who have downloaded the ITP & IFP there is not real point downloading these.

Oh before anyone asks, NO YOU WILL NOT FIND THE MISSILE BOAT OR ASSAULT GUNBOAT HERE AS THEY WHERE MADE BY MATT, AND NO THE TIE'S ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR XVT/BOP!

So which TIE's are there, well: -

TIE Fighter
TIE Interceptor
TIE Avenger
TIE Bomber
TIE Defender
TIE AdvancedX1

And the Experimental TIE's

TIE Bizarro
TIE BigGun
TIE Warhead
TIE Bomb
TIE Booster

Apart from the Experimental TIE's they all come with Exterior, Base and Cockpit Opt's, all the base Opt's have LOD's and each patch includes all the resolutions you may need so be careful when installing, the Default will be set at 800x600 and the other resolutions range from 1024x768 up to 1600x1200.

All the new TIE's can be found in the Imperial Starfighter section, and the XWAUP TIE's can be found in Section #1 or #2

Last but not least, as I mentioned on Tuesday 31, July I would be removing the XvT versions of the Skipray Blastboat, Authority IRD, Cloakshape Fighter, Cloakshape Fighter, Planetary Fighter, Preybird Fighter, Razor Fighter, Toscan Fighter, and StarViper

Sorry but they have now been deleted never to be seen again.

ONE LAST WARNING: BEFORE INSTALLING ANY OF THE NEW TIE'S READ THE RELEASE NOTES FIRST!!!!!!

You shouldn't have any problems installing any of the patches, but if you should come across one please post your problem on the forum, with full details of what happened, DO NOT e-mail me as they will likely be ignored, plus you will get a faster answer on the forum.

So why are you still reading this, get out of here and download them!

Oh and if you do find any broken links please report them ASAP on the Forum

Thanks Enjoy

OPTech version 0.7 Released

This version fixes some bugs that popped up during the last version. In addition, it has improved OBJ file support and now performs coplanar checking in the Tri2Quad function. Two new error checks are added: vertex ordering and hitzone volume.

So upgrade to this version of OPTech ASAP at XvT Technologies

Or you can download it from the Opt Editors section

New Tutorial and a few updates

Chris Walker sent me a tutorial on How to Install Shipset Launcher 2K, so I added a few pics and put it up.

So if any of you wish to make a decent Tutorial and want it hosting, please send then in.

Oh other things, added a few new banners and corrected a few links, think that's about it

OPTech version 0.6 Released

That's right a new version of OPTech, this is what Jedi Hunter aka Com_Trooper has to say about it: -

After a long break from updating OPTech, I spent the last month meticulously combing through the code and removing every bug the user could accidentally stumble upon. As a result, OPTech is now 1000 times more stable than any previous version. The main fix that should please everyone is that now you can use the OpenGL driver that comes with your video card. You no longer have to rename it with a *.bak extension, just rename it back to *.dll and the program will be able to take advantage of it with faster rendering speeds. This was a tricky one to fix because there was an actual bug in the glxctl.ocx driver, so I had to alter its source and compile a new version. Therefore, be sure to replace your old glxctl.ocx with the one found in the zip. I also made the wireframe lines antialiased so it should look better as well. Another fix is with the vertex ordering reversed. Whenever you used this option in previous versions it would scramble up the textures, but now it will preserve the texturing when reversed. But wait, there's more! OPTech v0.6 now comes with these new features:

OBJ Support--I don't think it will be able to import every OBJ file on the planet but I do know that it supports OBJ files generated by Rhino. If you have an OBJ file that does not load into the program tell me which art program you used to create it and I will try to add support for it. The nice thing about OBJ files is that they contain texture co-ordinate data, so you can do the texture calculations outside the confines of OPTech.

Tri2Quad--Kind of like the Quad2Tri option, this one will convert any triangles that share a pair of vertices into a quad. Unfortunately, the program does not yet check to see if the triangles are coplanar so this could occasionally cause unwanted effects (Does anyone know how to find the slope of a triangle?). If your model has a lot of triangles you should certainly try this out to see if it helps.

Saved preferences--Whenever you change the options in OPTech it will save them to a file so that you won't have to keep changing them. I added a new option that toggles between just displaying the visible faces of a model (much easier to use in wireframe mode) or displaying all at once (like before).

Error checking--There is a new option under the info menu that will display any found errors in the OPZ file. It doesn't check for every possible error yet, but I will add stronger error checking in future versions.

Engine glow density vectors and colour-coded hardpoints--The selected engine glow will now show three vectors coming out of it that represent its density vectors. Hardpoints have been assigned colours for easier identification.

I think that covers everything, but who knows, there may be something else I forgot to mention ;-). So go grab your copy of OPTech at XvT Technologies

Or you can download it from the Opt Editors section

Animation Preview

Snooba the Wookiee has released a small preview of one of the animation to be included in his forthcoming Rebirth of the Empire Platinum, there will be around 6 included with it and uses the program and DLL file Defiant made.

Snooba is being helped by Rook from AllinaceHQ.org with the main intro.

And I must say from viewing the preview, its really good, well done to all involved.

To read more and download the preview please visit Snooba the Wookiee's Design Site

Special Announcement of Episode II Title from Official Star Wars Website

The title for the next film in the series will be (wait for it)

Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones

It's Pathetic, GEORGE LUCAS should be hung, drawn and quartered, minced, left to rot, fed to maggots and finally used for fish bate, it's terrible it's as bad as the first EP1 title The Phantom Menace, which had at one time going to be called, The Balance in the Force, it's no wonder with the addition of bloody Jar Jar Binks, EP1 was classed as a FLOP!

If they keep that name, it's bound to go the same way, even before it's released, lets just hope it's a working title, like Return of the Jedi, was once called Revenge of the Jedi, and on film Location was called Blue Harvest.

Someone please get a Poll up somewhere, so we can make our feelings known to these idiot's.

Removing some craft from the site

If anyone is still interested in the XvT versions of the Skipray Blastboat, Authority IRD, Cloakshape Fighter, Cloakshape Fighter, Planetary Fighter, Preybird Fighter, Razor Fighter, Toscan Fighter, and StarViper.

You had better download them before the August 19th, as I will be removing them from the site.

You can download them from either the Imperial Starfighters page or the General Starfighters page.

So be warned and don't complain if you can't find them, they will be gone, never to be downloaded from this site again.

Ace Antilles and Abolisher News

Ace has updated his news page with some interesting topics from around the community

Be sure to visit his site at Ace Antilles X-Wing Outpost

Abolisher has a new web address, so if you wondered where his old site went, then don't panic, he's now hosted by X-wing: Legacy

So be sure to visit his new site, check out the missions and make sure you bookmark it.

Abolisher's Mission Command Outpost

All Files & Opts Are Back On-line

Yes that's right all the files and Opt's are back up, so if you need anything you can now download it, there are a few new Utilities so look around.

And Again I ask, please if you find ANY broken or wrong links please report them ASAP, either by e-mail or on the forum

Thanks again!

Completely new look!

Well as you can see the Station has a new look to it, the total site has had a overhaul, with new pages, graphics, better navigation, improved file structure, and a few other new bits.

Please be sure to check out all the pages, and the new Banner page find the one you like and please replace your old banner.

All of the files and opts will be back up by Friday or Saturday morning so don't worry, they will be back.

Since the site has had a major face lift, there might be a few broken links, please if you find any, report then ASAP.

For older news please visit the news archives at the bottom of the page.

Thanks and enjoy the new look!

Another Historical Day

The X-Wing: Alliance Upgrade Team proudly presents

THE IMPERIAL FIGHTER PATCH

It been a long time in the waiting but I'm sure you will love it

It's available from the X-wing Alliance Upgrade Project in the downloads section

Be sure to get XIS 2.21 from Defiant's Flying Temple before you try to install the patch!

Make sure you read the installation notice!

It's an Historical Day

The X-Wing: Alliance Upgrade Team proudly presents

THE IMPERIAL TIE PATCH

It been a long time in the waiting but I'm sure you will love it

It's available from the X-wing Alliance Upgrade Project in the downloads section

Be sure to get XIS 2.21 from Defiant's Flying Temple before you try to install the patch!

Make sure you read the installation notice!

XIS (Xwing Install System) 2.2 Released

Defiant's Released XIS version 2.2 so please go to his site and download it if you wish to install the IFP and ITP correctly.

Warning: if you do not use this new version to install the Xmod Patches then you come across a few problem!

This is what he has to say about the new enhancements: -

Go get it from Defiant's Flying Temple!

Last but not least Stealth has a new version of Cage, Cage 0.5 sorry but I missed 0.4, the new features include the ability to open

*.RFH - Emperor of Dune (there must also be the RFD file with the same name in the directory)
- Fixed a small bug where it would report you had less than 200 mb on your harddrive left

and from Version 0.4

- Added opening of the following container files.
*.11K - Turok sound files

You can download this from the Miscellaneous Utilities Section or from Code Alliance

New Utility

A new version of RoguEdit by LukA_YJK, RoguEdit 2.0 has a new Codes feature which allows you to edit passcode data, so now you can try any passcode even without knowing it at all ! For example it turns out that there is a passcode for famous black Buick in PC version ! Although it is still unreleased so you can't directly type it into the Passcode Box, you can set it using RoguEdit 2.0 !..

You can either download it from the Rogue Squadron Editors Section or for LukA's Website at Secrets of Star Wars: Rogue Squadron

Abolisher's New Missions

Abolisher has released some new missions to play, this is what he has to say about them.

"After more than two months, I have finally updated my site. The first three battles of my new campaign have been released which means 15 brand new missions.

I have revamped my missions page, so there are now three pages. One page for the campaign, one for the previously released single missions, and one for missions that I will soon host by other authors.

To those that have already sent me missions, thank you. I will get to them ASAP."

So if you wish to try them please visit his site at :-

Abolisher's Mission Command Outpost

Also if possible can you give him some feedback on the new missions either in his forum or by e-mail.

Episode I Shipset Hosting

That's right, I am hosting the EP1 Shipset made be Chris Walker, as Chris was finding it difficult to find web space and as most of the craft used in it are made by myself, I thought it only right that I should offer my web space to host it.

So if you still haven't tired it, I suggest you download it now.

You can either use this link Episode I Shipset or you can use the link in the Prequel's Craft Section