Traveller: Universe

[GBoyett]

I'm wondering if anyone have worked with the software called Traveller:Universe. It's listed on the BITS site.

T:U is an ODBC based world generator. It has various mapping options, including subsector, sector, and J-6 maps.

So I'm curious on things like ease of install, use, and functionality before I decided to buy it.

Thanks.

 

[RainOfSteel]

Well, as I understand it, you need to have bought Borland's database, or acquired the open-source Firebird database.

I already have two database engines installed on my machine, and have been putting off installing a third (Firebird, since I can't afford Borland) because my machine is 4 years old, and the hard-drives are getting a bit cramped. That's the main reason I don't have Universe, which is really an application (SQL driven) that's right up my ally.

But as for actual functionality, you can check out additional info at: Stuff Online -- Universe. There are plenty of notes, logical database design, etc., to review.

 

[Hemdian]

Hi

Just a few of points from the author of TU:

First, the current release is not a generator. That functionality will come in Release 2 (which may not be out before Christmas 2005). Its best to think of the current release as an alternative to Galactic, but with nicer maps and other features. (The intention is that when Release 2 hits the market there will be both a full price full version, and a cheaper (half price?) upgrade version for those who already have Release 1. Interim patches are free.)

Second, you do not need to buy InterBase (Borland's database) as it comes bundled with an Open Source version of InterBase 6 right on the disk. As Firebird 1 was spun off InterBase 6 you can use it as an alternative if you want, and there is a guy in Switzerland who is working on a port to MS SQL Server. An Oracle8 port may also be possible.

I've tried to make the install process as simple as possible. Just remeber to read the readme file before you install. Todate only 2 users have had any problems with installing (I'm not sure but I suspect a recent Windows XP patch) and both were sorted out via email.

Regards PLST

 

[GBoyett]

Originally posted by Hemdian:
I've tried to make the install process as simple as possible. Just remeber to read the readme file before you install. Todate only 2 users have had any problems with installing (I'm not sure but I suspect a recent Windows XP patch) and both were sorted out via email.

Regards PLST

First thanks about the clarification about what TU does and does not handle. For the now the mapping feature is the primary item for me.

I did read what was posted regarding Win:XP. Is there anything else in installation and operation that was not posted yet for Win XP and Win:2k? I haven't decide which machine to install when I buy TU.

Thanks.

 

[Andrew Boulton]

Working fine under 2k here.

The maps are *very* nice (any chance of a patch to add subsector grid lines, though?)

One thing I'm having problems with ATM is importing sector data files (specifically, the Gateway ones that somebody posted a link to a few days ago). I'm only given the option to import .tux files, and I get an "invalid header" error if I try to import the .sec files.

 

[Flynn]

PLST,

I am the one to post the Gateway Era sec files. If it's just a matter of parsing data appropriately, I might be able to parse the Gateway Era data into the right format. I just need to know what that format is, first. If you don't mind me asking, how could I learn more about the .tux format?

Thanks in advance,
Flynn

 

[snrdg082102]

Evenig George Boyett and to everyone else,

I recently bought a copy of T:U and had no problems installing the program on a Windows XP machine. I have checked some data, Sword Worlds, and the program seems to run fine.

My thanks to you Hemdian for producing the program and letting me know that I could order it directly from the sellers web site.

Best of luck on the next version.

Originally posted by George Boyett:
I'm wondering if anyone have worked with the software called Traveller:Universe. It's listed on the BITS site.

T:U is an ODBC based world generator. It has various mapping options, including subsector, sector, and J-6 maps.

So I'm curious on things like ease of install, use, and functionality before I decided to buy it.

Thanks.

 

[Andrew Boulton]

.tux is Traveller Universe eXchange, but the program is supposed to be able to import data from all the main Traveller programs. I don't think the problem is with the Gateway files, because I just tried it with a H&E sector and that failed too.

 

[Hemdian]

If there's a problem with TU its that I obveously did a lousy job of the help file. The one issue that keeps coming up is how to import. Importing is controlled via parameter files called IEL files (Import/Export Layout), and several have been provided. However, before using them for the first time you need to register them with TU Manager. The reason I did it this way is so you can write your own IEL files if you have simple formats that I didn't cover.

In other words, decide which IEL files you need, register them, and then you can select the appropriate file type when importing a sector.

Regards PLST

 

[Hemdian]

Originally posted by George Boyett:
I did read what was posted regarding Win:XP. Is there anything else in installation and operation that was not posted yet for Win XP and Win:2k? I haven't decide which machine to install when I buy TU.

First, read these installation notes (which lists a few potential issues).

Next, be aware there is a bug in the WinNT sound system that can be corrected by setting a switch in the program Preferences ... some people have experienced a crash the first time they run the program but can then get to the Preferences screen (after which they report the program is stable). With hindsight I should have made WinNT the default rather than Win9x.

Third, there is a free patch available that corrects a number of issues. It can be found on StuffOnline.

Finally, the readme on the CD (which is similar to the installation notes mentioned above) includes the default Referee password.

Regards PLST

 

[Andrew Boulton]

Importing is controlled via parameter files called IEL files (Import/Export Layout), and several have been provided. However, before using them for the first time you need to register them with TU Manager.

Aha! IMHO they should've been registered already - users are stupid and easily confused (as I've just demonstrated), so the less work you make them do the better...

Still can't import the Gateway files, though. I think they're slightly non-standard.

 

[Andrew Boulton]

Success! A bit of tweaking the headers fixed it.

 

[Flynn]

Anything I need to know in order to bring those files into compliance and make them easier to use?

-Flynn

 

[Andrew Boulton]

Your header said

LEY SECTOR - M1000 (GATEWAY) ERA

The data in the sector text files is laid out in column format:

1-14: Name
15-18: HexNbr
20-28: UWP
31: Bases
33-47: Codes & Comments
49: Zone
52-54: PBG
56-57: Allegiance
59-74: Stellar Data

....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+....6....+....7....+....8

but TU was expecting

SECTOR LS
1-13: Name
15-18: HexNbr
20-28: UWP
31: Bases
33-47: Codes & Comments
49: Zone
49: Zone
52-54: PBG
56-57: Allegiance
59-74: Stellar Data

....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+....6....+....7....+....8

 

[Andrew Boulton]

Hemdian, another question: why is the IGS2 data missing from imported sectors?

 

[Hemdian]

Originally posted by Andrew Boulton:
Hemdian, another question: why is the IGS2 data missing from imported sectors?

IGS2 is summary figures from the 2nd Imperial Grand Survey (IIRC circa 1065). As such it does not necessarily represent the current situation (unless you ensure your sector data is also from that time). Think of it as a specialised form of library data. Thus it is not computed but entered separately from one of the maintenance screens.

However, if you want to know what the current totals are it should be possible to construct an SQL query (if you know SQL) and run it from the Freeform SQL screen.

Regards PLST

 

[Andrew Boulton]

Ah, I see. I haven't used SQL for nearly 10 years, so I don't think I'll bother. A "calculate from current data" button would be useful.