Dawg Bonz

Thanks for your reply Schrullenhaft. "right after opening up the second CM game" Just tested it to be sure. The Type 2-error message occurs immediately after launching the 2nd CM game after the 1st CM is running. Does not matter if it is CMBB or CMAK running. I did my search to try and understand if there was anything that I could change to handle two copies of CM being open simultaneously. The explanation I found for the Type 2-error message was this: ID=02 Address Error The Motorola 68000 microprocessor can access memory in increments of one byte (8 bits), one word (16 bits), or one long word (32 bits). The microprocessor can access a byte of information at an odd or even memory address. But it must access a word or long word at an even memory address. So, when the microprocessor attempts to read or write a word or long word at an odd address, you see this error. Since that's a 50/50 proposition when running random code, this one shows up quite often. Does this mean CM for Mac OS 9.x is a one game open only proposition? Not complaining. Just looking for a little more user convenience. Being able to handle two copies of CM gmaes being open simultaneously is a good thing. Thanks,

Is it possible to simultaneously play 2 different CM games on the Mac? If I open CMBB, esc to the finder and try to open CMAK I get a "type 2 error" message. I can not have both games running. I have Plenty of memory for both games. Any help appreciated. Thanks in advance,

Posted December 15, 2003 10:42 AM … Appears CMAK does not allow sewer movement! Can not find this option in the Scenario Editor. Only mention is Page 127 in the CMAK PDF manual regarding the Stealth Icon. … I am mow posting this note in the Tech Forum for the tech savvy CM folks. Inquisitive Dawg Bonz wondering … since CMBB allowed this 3 dimensional game feature… sewer movement … allowing a similar 3 dimensional game feature… tunnel, underground passage movement in a future CMAK patch would appear to require no 'major' computer work. If you can chose top floor or bottom floor why not cellar / tunnel? Michael Emrys noted… "If there were tunnels in NA, they don't seem to have figured prominently in the fighting…" Accepted. My note here is not a "my life is ruined cause I can’t crawl in NA / Italian spider hole, tunnel scenarios"… complaint. I am VERY happy with CMAK as is. Thanks for the new & fun game. Computer programming professionals should know about how this 3 dimensional game feature is included. Thanks,

You guys aim to please ... and you do. Thanks,

NORAD PBs in CMAK! Thanks for the heads up Michael. "If there were tunnels in NA, they don't seem to have figured prominently in the fighting…" As noted before … accepted. This is not a "my life is ruined cause I can’t crawl in NA / Italian spider hole scenarios… complaint. I am VERY happy with CMAK as is. Still inquisitive wondering if allowing tunnel, underground passage movement in a future CMAK patch would require major computer work since CMBB allowed sewer movement. Anyone with professional computer programming knowledge know? Maybe I should post this in the Tech Forum? Thanks,

Mac Question: Is it possible to run multiple CM games on the Mac simultaneously? I have type 2 crashes when trying to run CMBB & CMAK. Only 2 CD drives so never tried to run my CMBO as well. PowerPC 8500 (400MHz) ATI Radeon Mac 33 MB PCI Edition Video card. OS 9.1 576MB Ram Thanks,

Slappy ….. Conscript platoon HQ in a shack and surround with the 4th Infantry Division. You'll get a pretty accurate representation. Not going for "historical accuracy". I would give a low morale conscript HQ some fanatical elements and a get away jeep (no taxis modeled). Another suggestion was model scenario "Operation Rat Hole" in CMBB with sewers! Again, don’t know how a common the surrender phenomena are in BB but this is an idea for a semi historical scenario. The desert just has that wonderful plum of dust aura as the Elite forces swoop down to make the catch. Michael … Too bad about pillboxes... What’s up with CMAK pillboxes? "If there were tunnels in NA, they don't seem to have figured prominently in the fighting…" No I figured as much. I just thought leaving the ‘movement’ feature in CMAK as tunnel, underground passage, burrow, crawl space, cellar, excavation, mine, etc. ‘movement’ would be like not changing anything in the existing CMBB engine. Just an uneducated guess on my part. I am VERY happy with CMAK as is. Heck… the Italians had wine cellars for sure. My 88 yo father in law (WWII Medical Officer, in North Africa & Italy) was in several Italian wine cellars at owners request of course … after hostilities. Speaking of wine cellars… Ciao! Robert

Thanks for the 'spider hole' definition MikeyD. I thought that was what it was based on. "I can't recall any Med theater fighting that would quite match that." I am certain tunnels existed in Italy & Africa in WWII. Seems like it could be easy to re-add as a part of CMAK in a future patch. (But then I am not a programmer) In no way do I think a 'spider hole' patch is a BFC priority. Sort of just noticed it while kicking around some map ideas. No big deal. "Operation Rat Hole" with Elite Desert Forces taking down perimeter security forces & capturing "HQ" hiding in a pile of rubble will work just fine. Mscano… "capture Saddam scenario idea"…. I hear you. The 4th ID already played out the real scenario. Regards from… Robert PS 'frame-rate counter' would be nice to see. Shift Y doesn’t work on my Mac?

Sewer movement? Appears CMAK does not allow sewer movement! Can not find this option in the Scenario Editor. Only mention is Page 127 in the CMAK PDF manual regarding the Stealth Icon. I started to develop a CMAK strike force scenario "Operation Rat Hole". It would be Elite Desert Forces taking down perimeter security forces & capturing "HQ" hiding in a "Spider Hole". CMAK Grog questions: Would a "Spider Hole" = Sewer in game play? Could "Spider Hole" movement be a future CMAK patch? Thanks, Robert

I think it's mostly an issue of the read time of your CD drive. ..........A good idea though if you anticipate doing a possible re-installation down the road. Michael Thanks Michael for your good suggestion. I have the HD room but may 3 hour 12 minute 'anticipation of CMAK installation', the fine bottle(s) of Claret … friends over… got me in the mood for talking proper like the British. Next thing I knew I was having tea on the hood of my Scout vehicle while the 3" mortar boys let it rip! Love the taste of dust in the morning. Robert

Toad… 1. Have run BB several times.. still no vehicle sound. Voices are ok so is ambient. 2. Recently installed Ak but I believe this happened before that installation.. but maybe not. Schrullenhaft Have you modified your sounds ? Possibly checking your hard drive for any file system errors might help, but there's a good chance that you don't have anything affecting your sound files. Louie I think Schrullenhaft may be right about the file system errors if your problem occurred after AK installation on the same BB / BO directory. If your file directory has any location / name errors on sound files after your recent installation of AK that may be what is causing your recent Stealthy Toad Silence. Have you modified your sounds? I am not a professional, use a Mac and am only suggesting what I ‘think’ am right. Hope this helps. Robert

Congratulations John. A new Mac & display are a great way to ring in the Holidays. My old ATI Radeon PCI 32MB card is no longer sold retail. I do not know what the old ATI Radeon PCI 32MB sells for used (or what tests to run to purchase a used video card) but as previously noted, the card works fine in CMBO, CMBB and CMAK. Just installed CMAK last PM and graphics, including dust & fog are fine in this game as well. With the reports of new ATI Radeon Pro 9000 video card drivers you may do fine with his card if fog & dust are not an issue for you. I would follow that thread closely as the psychedelic display problems may be corrected to make the game playable but it sounds like fog may still be an issue? Don't Panic Junior Member Member # 5491 posted December 12, 2003 08:24 PM ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Good News !! It works on my 1 Mhz G4 TiBook with Radeon 9000 card. The graphics are now normal and playable. The only downside is smoke and dust looks low res and even my G3 400Mhz Pbook with 8 Mb VRAM has much better smoke/dust graphics. I have tested it on CMAK and CMBB but not CMBO yet. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ BFC makes such great games. Too bad other folks can’t support driver updates for their equipment. Best of luck with your decisions and purchase. Robert

Regarding the slow installation of CMAK on older Mac… be patient. You do not have a ‘duck’. Open a bottle of Claret, grab a good book and give the installer time for a 'full toss'. Three hours and 12 minute for installation of my new CMAK CD yesterday! 1996 PowerPC 8500(180) with Sonnet 400MHz processor upgrade. OS 9.1 & I ran minimal extensions; energy saver set to no HD sleep, etc. Question: You can not change the amount of memory dedicated to the CMAK installer. Would more memory installation speed the process or is installation mostly a processor speed issue. Best of luck with your ‘vintage’ Mac installs. Robert

Regarding the slow installation of CMAK on older Mac… be patient. You do not have a ‘duck’. Open a bottle of Claret, grab a good book and give the installer time for a 'full toss'. Three hours and 12 minute for installation of my new CMAK CD yesterday! 1996 PowerPC 8500(180) with Sonnet 400MHz processor upgrade. OS 9.1 & I ran minimal extensions; energy saver set to no HD sleep, etc. Question: You can not change the amount of memory dedicated to the CMAK installer. Would more memory installation speed the process or is installation mostly a processor speed issue. Best of luck with your ‘vintage’ Mac installs. Robert

"…dual OS 1.25 GHz towers at low prices ($1299)…." Good price! Where is this offered John? You can email me if you prefer. DawgBonz3@cox.net From what I have read, I think Jarmo is right on re: video cards. I have had no CMBO, CMBB or CMAK demo problems with my ATI Radeon PCI 32MB version. You DUAL 1.25 GHz G4s should give you blazing 900MHz ‘blue bar’ turn calc speeds. Option #1: If you can purchase the new dual OS 1.25 GHz tower & a used ATI Radeon PCI 32MB card I would think you would have a good Mac/CM PCI card avoid down sample problems for CM games. Now I am not sure about multiple video monitoring preferences on the dual OS 1.25 GHz tower Mac model. I have dual monitors (8500) and CM runs fine on my NEC FP912 - 1280x1024-85.02Hz. My max 1600x1200-85Hz looks fine with ‘extreme’ graphic settings. Option #2: "I've been thinking about getting a used previous generation OS9 booting 12" iBook with 32MB Radeon 7500... I think Jarmo’s "OS9 booting 12" iBook" suggestion is a cost effective route as well. A 900MHz ‘blue bar’ speed and CMBO / BB / AK portable Mac ‘game boy’. The iBook should mirror to a larger monitor as well. Option #3: I think Wicky also suggested looking at older / used G4 systems that could be upgraded at a reasonable cost. (Nice Italian icon mods.) While writing this my email CMAK shipped notification from "Gail" arrived! I better get cracking as next week I may be on a "Virtual Vacation" in NA & Italy…. Best of luck with your decisions and purchase. Robert

Thanks. Did not think close air support in the vastness of the open desert would be identical to BO/BB. My CMAK copy should be here soon. Robert

Is air support modeled differently in CMAK vs. CMBO /BB? Robert

Have CMAK on order… with CMBO & BB in my drives. Are there any differences in how are Allied Air Forces are modeled in CMAK vs. CMBO / CMBB? Is there a scenario of the 4th Moroccan Mountain Division & the taking Monte Majo? Reading about Operation STRANGLE "65,000 sorties and dropped 33,000 tons of bombs on road, rail, and sea routes…" and the MASSIVE aerial bombardment at Monte Cassino I would think there are lots of BIG explosions, BIG craters and Massive rubble in these CMAK scenarios. Thanks, Robert

Have CMAK on order… with CMBO & BB in my drives. Are there any differences in how are Allied Air Forces are modeled in CMAK vs. CMBO / CMBB? Is there a scenario of the 4th Moroccan Mountain Division & the taking Monte Majo? Reading about Operation STRANGLE "65,000 sorties and dropped 33,000 tons of bombs on road, rail, and sea routes…" and the MASSIVE aerial bombardment at Monte Cassino I would think there are lots of BIG explosions, BIG craters and Massive rubble in these CMAK scenarios. Thanks, Robert

The old ATI Radeon PCI card 32MB works well on my old machine. Fog is fine in CMBO & CMBB.CMAK demo: Dust in CMAK demo, set at 'high quality', looks fine too. Interesting that dust at the next lower setting 'fast and compatible' looks almost opaque?G4 1.25 dual should just rip through turn calculations! Speed is a good thing. Robert

Many thanks to Tanks a Lot for creating & Juju for testing these. Looking forward to their release and installation. Tanks & Juju, I can’t describe how much your (and others) mods make already great games look simply fantastic! Kwazydog & BFC have some great resources in the CM modding cadre. Now that I have Pavlov's MacModganizer, loading these great looking mods on my ancient Mac (32MB ATI Radeon PCI video card) is much easier than before. Games look much more realistic with these great mods installed. Maybe when CMX2 is built there will be built in features for modders & gamers. Switch the grids on / off. Switch the mods on / off. Whatever happens with the new CMX2, hope you guys continue to enjoy modding in CM. Thank you, Robert

1996 PowePC/180 with Sonnet 400MHz processor upgrade. Processor speed 405 MHz, CPU Bus Speed 45.0MHz, System Bus Speed 45.0 MHz, L1 Cache 32Kinst / 32K Data, Secondary Cache 1MB/202 MHz. Memory Disk Cache set to : 32736 ATI RADEON Mac Edition (PCI) 32MB Thousands of colors Default to CM? CMAK Demo application Memory set to: 118500 * CMAKDEMOGRIDTILESMDA Mod installed. It is difficult to judge elevations w/o grids. ----- Playing CMAK demo scenario "Line of Defense" with Axis set to +200% and playing as Axis in similar gameplay. ----- Initial "Loading 3D Graphics.." CM on HD = 46secs Subsequent moves average of 3 turns; "Computer thinking" = 5 secs 'Blue bar progress' = 41 secs ----- * Interesting note that issuing no move commands to the Axis player in the scenario above created a @ 20% faster 'Blue bar progress' = 33 secs! ---- "Roll on a G6 and CMX2" Good idea Wicky. Robert PS: CMX2 #1 priority but I do hope BFC Tech shares their insights for current OS9x Mac game speed tips. The processor / OS challenged Mac folks would greatly appreciate this. Great games so simple speed tweaks would make for faster fun. Thanks.

Jarmo: Thanks for your comments as always. "Instead of using ram disk, you could up the disk cache quite a bit. " I do. Set it at 32,736 max as a normal setting. I think this helps make things pop a little faster in the entire OS but have no ‘scientific data’ to prove it. I have also increased the CM ram allocation & haven't seen any difference either. Amazing how all three CM games are playable and enjoyable on these ancient Macs a/k/a "challenged machines." Wicky: Thanks for all your suggestions. I only play CM with the AI as I have time … and still get beaten. My "challenged machine" blue bar crawl gives me time to do ‘work’ (or sample spirits) till the next move. "… a 2nd hand dual G4 450-500.." Better idea than a $300 processor upgrade for a 1996 Mac. I will most likely hold my $ for the real SPEED fix with the 3.0 GHz G5 next year. By then, with CMX2, the blue bar will be a blur as it zips across the interface. Do not run OSX on my bitza. Tried the utility called xpostfacto for unsupported macs and got 10.1? Running but it was so slow at 400MHz switched back to OS 9.1 . Michael: I was wondering the same questions you were. Here is my plan… Strategy: I also wonder "… what is exactly going on internally in the twin stages; "computer is thinking" and the blue bar progress bar." Maybe someone Battlefront.com Tech Support will read and comment on this and the RAM disk idea? Tactics: Anyone with a humongous amount of RAM willing to test to see if there is a speed up? Gibsonm: Looking forward to test report / results with the smaller CMAK demo. Thanks. -------------------- Just before I posted… Wicky Member Member # 7974 posted November 28, 2003 02:45 PM ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Good idea gibsonm to test with the CMAK demo - Yes it runs in a RAM disk on my Mac!!! Everything seems a lot nippier - will run a stopwatch and post results Wicky is wicked fast! Now your stopwatch will tell the tale. Robert

Thanks for the reply Michael & Wicky. I may not have been clear enough. Yes I could max the memory out at 1024MB. That would not be enough for the entire CM folder, especially with all the mods (Thanks to Pavlov's MacModganizer… great tool for CM Mac players). I have 576MB of memory. This is plenty to play the games. I was wondering if loading selected parts of the CM game files into a RAM disk would give me any turn calculation speed advantage. Form your replies this sounds like a negative. Thanks for clearing this up. Looks like the graphics data gets loaded and then after turn moves are submitted, my 400MHz ‘upgraded’ G4 processor just chugs along slowly, rolling the virtual dice. I could always get a faster processor (Crescendo/PCI Upgrade G4+ (800mhz, 1M L3 Cache, 200mhz) but that would be an expensive solution for a very old (1996) PowerPC computer. Maybe Santa will be nice and drop a faster processor in my sock? I enjoy the games as is just looking for more speed. Speed is good. More SPEED is better. Looking forward to a new & much faster computer with OSX maybe near the end of next year when the G5s should hit the 3.0 GHz speed bump. The new iteration of the CMX2 games for Mac should play & look fabulous on these new Mac machines & displays. Enjoy the holidays. Plenty to give thanks for in Life. Robert

Thanks Wicky. Not sure what needs / must be in the RAM disk for the game to work / crunch faster or if it is even a possibility. Thought the game application program would need to be in the RAM disk but what else? Not enough physical ram in my machine for the entire game package. Robert