Squadron Command System - Revision history

Phkb: Updating BB links

2024-02-29T03:29:05Z

Updating BB links

Cholmondely: Added comparison with Fighters

2022-11-14T09:17:45Z

Added comparison with Fighters

Cholmondely: /* Comparison (with Escort Deck MFD) */ Tweaks!

2022-11-14T09:03:22Z

‎Comparison (with Escort Deck MFD): Tweaks!

Cholmondely: /* Comparison (with Escort Deck MFD) */ Tweaks

2022-11-14T08:59:46Z

‎Comparison (with Escort Deck MFD): Tweaks

Cholmondely: Added comparison with Escort Deck

2022-11-14T08:47:19Z

Added comparison with Escort Deck

Cholmondely: /* Comment */ Added note about hopes for the HUD

2022-09-29T09:21:30Z

‎Comment: Added note about hopes for the HUD

Cholmondely: Page Created

2021-12-01T14:21:12Z

Page Created

New page

For controlling a squadron of ships.

== Overview ==
This piece of equipment was introduced by Ramirez's [[Resistance Commander]] mission .oxp to enable a player to give commands to a small squadron of ships. It is a "primable" equipment.

== Instructions ==

The Squadron Command System (SCS) is activated by using SHIFT+N to cycle through available equipment and selected using the N key.
Once activated, the SCS opens a comms channel and brings up the unit selection panel:

[[File:Unit Selection Panel.png|thumb|right|150px|Unit '''Selection''' Panel]]

=== The Unit Selection Panel ===
This panel allows you to send a message to each of the four units, with the '''diamond''' being used to send a message to all active units.
Use the '''Y''' key to cycle through the icons; use '''T''' to 'arm' the icon and '''M''' to select it.

[[File:USP - unit 2 selected.png|thumb|right|150px|Unit 2 selected]]

 
'''Note''': if you're currently locked onto a target and either the unit selection panel or the unit command panel is obscured, press '''T''' to reveal the relevant panel while still maintaining the lock. 

=== Unit Command Panel ===
[[File:Unit Command Panel.png|thumb|right|150px|Unit '''Command''' Panel From left to right: Undo, Sweep, Hold, Regroup & Engage]]
Once a unit has been selected, the command panel is revealed:

You can now navigate and select the icons using the Y, T, and M keys in the same way as for the Unit Selection Panel.
From left to right these icons represent the following commands:
:• Undo
:• Sweep
:• Hold
:• Regroup
:• Engage
The nature of these commands and associated rules of engagement are described below:
*Undo: returns to the unit selection panel without sending any command.
*Sweep: unit conducts a sweep within scanner range for Dictatorship forces. Any targets identified in the sweep will be engaged immediately.
*Hold: unit holds its current position and awaits further orders.
*Regroup: unit cancels any current orders (including any current engagement) and returns to formation.
*Engage: unit engages the leader’s current target.

In addition:
:• A unit’s default status is to remain in formation. In this state, units will engage any ships that are a threat to the leader, but will not attack other targets unless ordered to do so.
:• Once an order has been completed, a unit will automatically return to formation.
:• Where a unit is out of action, the unit selection panel will return an error message.

:• Similarly, if the leader has no target locked, the ‘Engage’ command will return an error message.
:• A unit will always attempt to acknowledge a valid command.

NOTE: The SCS uses a dedicated low-complexity protocol that enables commands to be sent reliably to units at extreme distance. This means that, while active units will always receive and execute an order, they may be too far away for you to receive their acknowledgment over standard voice comms.

To exit the SCS, select it again using the SHIFT+N method.

== Comment ==
Ramirez had plans for expanding this, which he never realised prior to being devoured by the Witchspace Lobster and returned to RL.
'''Special Functions''' (to be completed)
In addition to the commands described above, the SCS provides a further set of functions used by commanders to help manage their squadron. These apply to all active units and mainly consist of different types of status check, and are useful when units become separated and are beyond visual range.
'''Check status''': units report their current status, confirming the orders that have been issued to each of them by the leader. This is the quickest way to determine the position of each unit without overriding any existing orders.
'''Check systems''': units report on any problems with their on-board systems, e.g. low energy or equipment damage. It’s good practice to call this check before sending your squadron into a potentially risky engagement.
'''Check hyperspace''': units confirm whether they’re ready to follow the leader into hyperspace (see hyperspace procedure in the .pdf).

''While the BB was down I had a flash of inspiration for a potential OXP. Now, we've seen random mission generation done in various ways, we've seen the player join in battles with different factions, and we can also buy armed escorts to see us safely through the spaceways. But what other experiences are there to offer?''

''I was having a break from Oolite, leading my squad of Paras through the dusty streets of Zargabad in ARMA2 when I suddenly had a thought: wouldn't it be interesting to command a small group of NPCs in combat?''

''Quickly I tried some tinkering and have managed to come up with a fairly simple command system. No prizes for guessing the method - it's the old pylon-mounted weapon trick - but it works reasonably well.'' [http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9087 Ramirez, 2011]

== Links ==
*[[Resistance Commander]] oxp
*Author: [[User:Ramirez|Ramirez]]
*[http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9087 (RELEASE) Resistance Commander] BB Thread (2011+)
*[[Communication]]

[[Category:Equipment]]

@@ Line 66: / Line 66: @@
 ''Quickly I tried some tinkering and have managed to come up with a fairly simple command system. No prizes for guessing the method - it's the old pylon-mounted weapon trick - but it works reasonably well.'' [http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9087 Ramirez, 2011]
-== Comparison (with Escort Deck MFD) ==
+== Comparisons ==
 Norby developed the [[Escort Deck]] MFD in 2014. Here, the escorts are controlled through the MFD. It allows the following instructions (Deck-related ones are italicised) [[File:Edmfd.png|right]]
   ATTACK: Attack a hostile ship (your target first)
@@ Line 78: / Line 79: @@
    ''SALVAGE: Unusable ship, will be salvaged in the next dock for a few thousand credits''
   SNIPER: Sniper attack, need a forward laser over 15km range, like Military Laser
 == Links ==

@@ Line 67: / Line 67: @@
 == Comparison (with Escort Deck MFD) ==
-Norby developed the [[Escort Deck]] MFD in 2014. It allows the following instructions (Deck-related ones are italicised) [[File:Edmfd.png|right]]
+Norby developed the [[Escort Deck]] MFD in 2014. Here, the escorts are controlled through the MFD. It allows the following instructions (Deck-related ones are italicised) [[File:Edmfd.png|right]]
   ATTACK: Attack a hostile ship (your target first)
    ''DECK: Landed on the deck''

@@ Line 67: / Line 67: @@
 == Comparison (with Escort Deck MFD) ==
-Norby developed the [[Escort Deck]] MFD in 2014. It allows the following instructions (Deck-related are italicised)
+Norby developed the [[Escort Deck]] MFD in 2014. It allows the following instructions (Deck-related ones are italicised) [[File:Edmfd.png|right]]
   ATTACK: Attack a hostile ship (your target first)
    ''DECK: Landed on the deck''
@@ Line 76: / Line 76: @@
    ''LANDING: Landing approach, will not do anything else until landed''
    ''LOCKED: Stay on the deck and will not launch with the other ships''
   SNIPER: Sniper attack, need a forward laser over 15km range, like Military Laser

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:47, 14 November 2022
Line 65:		Line 65:

	''Quickly I tried some tinkering and have managed to come up with a fairly simple command system. No prizes for guessing the method - it's the old pylon-mounted weapon trick - but it works reasonably well.'' [http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9087 Ramirez, 2011]		''Quickly I tried some tinkering and have managed to come up with a fairly simple command system. No prizes for guessing the method - it's the old pylon-mounted weapon trick - but it works reasonably well.'' [http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9087 Ramirez, 2011]
		+
		+	== Comparison (with Escort Deck MFD) ==
		+	Norby developed the [[Escort Deck]] MFD in 2014. It allows the following instructions (Deck-related are italicised)
		+	ATTACK: Attack a hostile ship (your target first)
		+	''DECK: Landed on the deck''
		+	FLEE: Flee from a missile or recover some energy (from 40% to 80%)
		+	FOLLOW: Follow your ship at 2km range
		+	GOTO: Go to a hostile ship using Injectors if available until arrive within Beam Laser range (15km)
		+	INJECT: Attack using Injectors until distance is over 10km
		+	''LANDING: Landing approach, will not do anything else until landed''
		+	''LOCKED: Stay on the deck and will not launch with the other ships''
		+	SNIPER: Sniper attack, need a forward laser over 15km range, like Military Laser

	== Links ==		== Links ==

@@ Line 64: / Line 64: @@
 ''I was having a break from Oolite, leading my squad of Paras through the dusty streets of Zargabad in ARMA2 when I suddenly had a thought: wouldn't it be interesting to command a small group of NPCs in combat?''
-''Quickly I tried some tinkering and have managed to come up with a fairly simple command system. No prizes for guessing the method - it's the old pylon-mounted weapon trick - but it works reasonably well.'' [http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9087 Ramirez, 2011]
+''Quickly I tried some tinkering and have managed to come up with a fairly simple command system. No prizes for guessing the method - it's the old pylon-mounted weapon trick - but it works reasonably well.'' [https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9087 Ramirez, 2011]
 == Comparisons ==
@@ Line 88: / Line 88: @@
 *[[Resistance Commander]] oxp
 *Author: [[User:Ramirez|Ramirez]]
-*[http://www.aegidian.org/bb/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9087 (RELEASE) Resistance Commander] BB Thread (2011+)
+*[https://bb.oolite.space/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=9087 (RELEASE) Resistance Commander] BB Thread (2011+)
 *[[Communication]]
 [[Category:Equipment]]

@@ Line 57: / Line 57: @@
   '''Check systems''': units report on any problems with their on-board systems, e.g. low energy or equipment damage. It’s good practice to call this check before sending your squadron into a potentially risky engagement.
   '''Check hyperspace''': units confirm whether they’re ready to follow the leader into hyperspace (see hyperspace procedure in the .pdf).
-−
 ''While the BB was down I had a flash of inspiration for a potential OXP. Now, we've seen random mission generation done in various ways, we've seen the player join in battles with different factions, and we can also buy armed escorts to see us safely through the spaceways. But what other experiences are there to offer?''