Version 3.019 Release Notes

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SB Pro PE 3.019 (X64 Open Beta) Release Notes

Version 3.019 is made available exclusively as a patch (approximately 15 MByte download) in a self-extracting archive:

http://www.eSimGames.com/updates/beta/SBProPE3_019.rar

The X64 Open Beta version is intended to be installed over an existing installation of version 3.011. In other words: Do not uninstall the previous version 3.011 of Steel Beasts Pro PE, or the CodeMeter runtime software 5.10a!

Note: This version will not run without a license for the X64 Open Beta version!

The Open Beta license is free of charge. It requires an existing license for SB Pro PE 3.0

The X64 Open Beta runs only under Windows 7-64! It is file format compatible with both the previous open beta version and the release version 3.011. It's not network compatible with these older versions, however! Testing this beta version only makes sense if you regularly attend multiplayer sessions, and only if both the host and all clients run the same software version.

Licenses are available in limited quantity only, and will cease to function on December 31, 2014. They may be ordered from the eSim Games website: http://www.esimgames.com/?page_id=1643

Purpose

With the previous open beta version the new "network stack" was developed and verified to functionally replace the old network code (and to improve it a bit at the same time). With this X64 Open Beta the 64-bit version of the same code is tested. That way, if bugs are reported, we can say with a higher confidence that the error lies in the 64 bit code, not the new network stack (and hopefully find and fix it quicker).

If you notice strange behavior during network sessions, please report them either in the Tech Support section of the SteelBeasts.com user forum, or use the contact form sheet of www.eSimGames.com.

Compatibility Warning

The X64 Open Beta version is neither network compatible with the regular 3.011 Steel Beasts version nor with previous beta versions 3.017! All test participants are advised to coordinate in advance with which version they intend to play.

The X64 Open Beta version will run exclusively under Windows 7, 64 bit version.

Editor's Note: It was clarified in this post by Ssnake on the SB.com forums that the 64-bit version of SB Pro PE should work just fine with newer 64-bit versions of Windows, such as Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. Additionally, several people in this thread on the SB.com forums have verified that version 3.019 does, in fact, work just fine in Windows 8 and 8.1.

Installation

This X64 Open Beta does not come with an actual installer.

Instead, the archive contains two folders with a number of files that are intended to replace a few files in the program directory.

The executable has a different name: SBProPE64cm.exe

The replaced files are backwards compatible. Therefore you need not worry about uninstallation! You simply start the regular PE program executable SBProPECM.exe instead.

So, extract the archive.

Copy both folders, and paste them into the program files folder “C:\Program Files (x86)\eSim Games\SB Pro PE” of your SB Pro PE installation. This action will overwrite one, and add a number of other files; Administrator privileges are therefore required.

CodeMeter

The X64 Open Beta relies exclusively on time-based licenses that may only be installed into the virtual CM container that is part of every SB Pro PE installation since version 3.0. You will recognize these CM containers by their serial code 128- or 32767- (followed by a ten digit numeral code). After registering for the X64 Open Beta version (see above) a license ticket will be mailed to your email address. Use the link to connect to the WebDepot to activate the license ticket. Remember that your browser security settings for these https connections are set to a “medium” level.

Major User Interface Changes

  • Implemented (for the x64 platform) a version check to enforce that the application is run only on Windows 7 or "better" operating systems
  • In the Options | Network menu are now two fields to enter bandwidth limiter values. By default the limiter is OFF (value zero).
    • No bandwidth limitation works well for any computer with a truly fast broadband connection. In addition it offers the highest speed with which an unknown/new scenario is distributed to the clients
    • On the other hand, for regular DSL connections and slower having no limiter may result in unwelcome fluctuations of the network connection which may result in the dreaded “network overload” message and, in extreme cases, clients dropping from the session.

Therefore we cannot give a clear-cut recommendation whether to use a bandwidth limit or not. Hey, this is a beta version – try us out and let us know what worked for you!

If you want to try the bandwidth limiter, these are our recommendations: Try out your true internet speed with www.Speedtest.org or some other suitable method. Then use 80…90% of that maximum value for your bandwidth limit. Notice that you must enter the values in kBit/sec even if your download bandwidth is given in Mbit/sec (multiply by one thousand). Using less than the maximum leaves some room for occasional email polls in the background, and voice over IP transmissions.

SB Pro PE Server

The server version requires a new executable as well, but will work with the regular license. If you want to host X64 beta game sessions, please contact eSim for details.

Other User Interface Changes

  • Added SpinKit support for Leo 1A5/2A4
  • Improved scenario file loading time (about 10 sec less)
  • Improved infantry squad ability to cross bridges (they will now automatically form a column)
  • Enabled the 'Set Mission Start Time' window to be enabled while in the Mission Editor's 3d preview mode. This allows the scenario designer to more quickly change the time of day in order to see its consequences on light level. The window can be brought up by pressing the Alt+S key combination. In this mode the 'Apply' button updates the new time setting without closing the dialog .

Bug fixes without database entry

  • Improved infantry ability to stay in formation in difficult terrain
  • Fixed Challenger 2 SpinKit fire button support
  • Fixed a bug where the TC would not scan along the gun in case a 'scan here' command was issued

Resolved Bugzilla entries

Bug description is listed only if the bug status changed since version 3.017:

  • Bug #1648 - "Vehicles frequently get "stuck" near buildings" Collision code now allows the vehicle to back out of the collision object's center if they intersect
  • Bug #1968 - "Infantry climbs Bridges" This fix enables infantry to walk under bridges as well.
  • Bug #3181/#3457 - "Roads Overlap Buildings "/ "'Line objects' should not be drawn on top of roads" Roads will now be drawn on top of everything but buildings.
  • Bug #3278 - "AGM-114C Hellfire " The missile now requires continuous line-of-sight during its flight time.
  • Bug #3382 - "TOW missile launcher (infantry ATGM team) next to a building fires its missile skywards."
  • Bug #3456 - "Mission Editor: change the color of the text showing the current scenario name to black"
  • Bug #3469 - "Mission Editor: do not always move 'attached' troops with their PCs" Dismounted attached troops that have tactics assigned will now no longer move along with their as-signed PC if it is being moved by the scenario designer. Note that loading a troop formation into a vehi-cle will reset the tactics to 'None'.
  • Bug #3483 - "Leopard 2A4: Peri should black out during firing" Firing via emergency trigger is not covered (so it will still black out under these circumstances)
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