The FFED3D Thread

FFED3D f.a.q

ok, time to light on that cigar

Q: What the Hell is FFED3D?
A: FFED3D is a directx 3D port from Dreamzzz, of JJFFE/WinFFE, written by John Jordan to make FFE playable on modern machines.
FFE stands for "Frontier the First Encounters" which is a sequel to Frontier which is based on Elite (elite->FE2->FFE)
all three games are about trade and survive in a sci-fi environment, unlike others you will have in Frontier a "open
space", which means you can fly "free" and land/dock to and through any system in Frontiers galaxy.
FFED3D is a W.I.P a Work in progress, a lot of things are left to fix and a lot of models and textures still have to be made.
pay tribute also to frontier.co.uk

Q: What is the goal of FFE?
A: There is no predetermined goal in Frontier/FFE (FFED3D), except the additional "hand codet missions" in FFE, but
the game has much more to offer then them alone. You have the choice to do a miltary career if you like or gain
exeedingly much money as a trader. You can go for bounty hounting or challange Fortuna by digging for goods.
Maybe you just like to explore the Universe or you go for experiences in manual flight.
Visit Hooplatec or Jades FFE site

Q: Where can i download FFED3D?
A: in SSC's download section (02/13/2010) and at Elite-Games.ru (03/26/2010), hooplatec offers a hack of ffed3d.exe with balanced ships specs.
to "glue" the ssc download parts together:
start command shell (dos)
type
"yourdownloadfoldersdriveletter": (i.e. E: ) press return

"yourdownloadfoldersdriveletter":\
type
cd "yourdownloadfolder" (i.e. downloads)

"yourdownloadfoldersdriveletter:\yourdownloadfolder>"
type
copy ffe3d.7z.001 /B + ffed3d.7z.002 /B + ffed3d.7z.003 /B + ffed3d.7z.004 /B ffed3d_ssc.7z /B (you can copy-paste the command to shell if you are to lazy to type).

this outputs ffed3d_ssc.7z of 175'011'810 Bytes with a MD5 checksum of CFC0CEEA1CC995F56F5817A005DE7BB6 (checksum generated with HEX workshop)
Q: What's in the Box?
A: Depends a little where you download it from, SSC's download includes:
Code:
FFED3D\ 
   bass.dll
   FAQ.txt (o. translation from elite-games.ru)
   FFE D3D.exe
   ffesound.log
   ffewin.cfg (the config file for ffed3d, open with notepad)
   glu32.dll
   jjffe.cfg  (i'm not shure if this still is in use, else keyboardlayout) 
   JoneSoft.txt
   JSGME.exe (Generic Mod Enabler, "Mod Changer")
   JSGME.ini (config file for imagine what, has NOT to be edited)
   JSGMEHelp.txt (Generic Mod Enabler help)
   mission.dat (FFE's missions file)
   opengl32.dll
   README.txt (how to run ffed3d)
   +Links\
      links to various ffed3d/ffe related sites
   Commandr\ (ffe's savestate folder)
   FX\ (the sound fx folder)
      AIROPEN.RAW
      BIP.RAW
      BONG.RAW
      BOOM.RAW
      CAMERA.RAW
      CHIME.RAW
      CLUNKIT.RAW
      DAMAGE.RAW
      ECM.RAW
      HYPE.RAW
      LASER1.RAW
      LASER2.RAW
      LASER3.RAW
      LASER4.RAW
      LAUNCH.RAW
      MISSEXPL.RAW
      NECM.RAW
      NOWT.RAW
      PHASER.WAV
      ROAR.RAW
      SHIPEXP.RAW
      SIREN.RAW
      STATION.RAW
      WIND.RAW
   Manual\
      FFE's Manual in PDF format
   Models\ (the 3D Models Folder)
      instead of a listing of all foders only the Byte count: 61'899'006 Bytes
   MODS\ (folder for Mod Enabler to backup/enable mods)
   MUSIC\ (folder for the acoustical pollution of your environment)
      custom\
         folders for custom mp3's relating to the different sets in FFE
         (battle,docking,space,station)
      link to dream-ware
      babayaga.mp3
      barem.mp3
      bluedan.mp3
      custom
      ggofkiev.mp3
      hallking.mp3
      intro.mp3
      jupalt.mp3
      qqatmosp.mp3
      qqdrama.mp3
      qqescape.mp3
      qqfront.mp3
      qqfront2.mp3
      qqparadi.mp3
      qqrock.mp3
      qqsuspen.mp3
      qqtravel.mp3
      valkries.mp3
   Textures\ (textures folder for the "in game" models and menues of FFE)
       instead of a listing of all textures the Byte count: 12'833'568 Bytes

all together: 175'011'810 Bytes with a MD5 checksum of CFC0CEEA1CC995F56F5817A005DE7BB6

Q: How can i make it work?
A: It should work after unzip by first attempt (mainly). You need >= Directx9 and a OpenGL2 compliant Graphic Card,
some reasonable fast cpu and ~1GB RAM at least. a sound card not to forget to hear some noisy stuff.

Q: What means "winffe create device failed"?
A: This means FFED3D(winffe) didn't finds the proper DirectX libraries to open the applications surface. It is a indication that DirectX is not properly installed. Check your Windows Software installation (Control Panel/Software), look out for doubles of DirectX installs (mainly DirectX SDL), uninstall all except latest download (date, version). for users of grfx card tweakers, check that "open GL lie" is deactivated (if).

Q: Why do i have missing files?
A: Check if the missing files are in the download (compare to the above listing in "What's in the Box"), are you shure you didn't run it in compatibility mode?. if it's a missing directx.dll, check your Windows Software installation for doubles/old version of DirectX(SDL).

Q: Why do i have no console icons (buttons)?
A: Mainly a display/resolution issue in general 1280x1024 in windowed mode with aspect fix, should work, but ends in a small window on slightly bigger screens. To find the best working resolution you have to work that out by yourself. Your screens native resolution in fullscreen with no aspectfix should work as well. Check for a proper installation of DirectX, but if your grfx card didn't supports OpenGL2 (full), you will never get the buttons to appear.

Q: How can i change the Games resolution?
A: Edit (notepad) the file "ffewin.cfg" in your installation of FFED3D.
settings:
Code:
[VIDEO]
fullscreen=0
#set this to 1 for fullscreen mode

aspectfix=0
#set this to 1 to respect ffe's aspect ratio (300x200) in modes that have a other aspect, i.e. 1280x1024

modelexport=0
#set this to 1 to export FFE's original models to the (gen.) "_model" folder as directx model (.x).

wireframe=0 
#set to 1 to show the wireframes of the models in FFED3D, can be toggled in game with CTRL-W.

# Set parameters separately for fullscreen (fs) and windowed (win)
# Switch between with Ctrl-F12
# enter here the values for your desired resolution(s)

# Fullscreen parameters - this is only a example fill in here your desired resolution!
fswidth=1680
fsheight=1050
fsbpp=32

# Windowed parameters - this is only a example fill in here your desired resolution!
winwidth=1650
winheight=1024

# both screen modes represented here works well with aspect fix off (0)

##############################
## Planet detail parameters ##
##############################

# Dist for max divide deep
control_dist=20000000
# Max divide deep 
max_divide_deep=8
# Real time optimizer (0 - disable, 1 - enable)
smart_optimizer=1
# smart optimizer factor
smart_optimizer_c=3

# Brightness correction parameters
# -10 => somewhat darker 
# 10 => somewhat brighter

RedBase=0
GreenBase=0
BlueBase=0

[DIR] 
#insert here your correct path to your installation
SamplePath=\FFED3D\FX
SongPath=\FFED3D\MUSIC
AVIPath=\FFED3D\DATA
CmmdrPath=\FFED3D\COMMANDR

[SOUND]

# softsynth=1 forces the MS Softsynth rather than a hardware MIDI device
# Try this if you don't get any music output
# forcemci=1 uses the older MCI interface instead of DirectMusic

softsynth=0
forcemci=0

[TIMER]
mtimer=0

#following settings are NOT used in FFED3D 

[MOUSE]
sensitivity=80


[KEYBOARD]
repeatdelay=500
repeatrate=10

[JOYSTICK]
enabled=0
xmax=512
ymax=512
xexp=20
yexp=20
xdeadzone=50
ydeadzone=50
xmaxzone=20
ymaxzone=20
 
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part2

Q: How do i get the videos running?
A: No videos in FFED3D so far, only sound (videos have to be in their folder therefore).

Q: Can i play custom music in FFED3D?
A: Yes, just put your mp3's in the apropriate folders in "MUSIC".

Q: How do i get the midi songs played?
A: remove all mp3's from "MUSIC" (use ModChanger).

Q: Why are some models so low detailed?
A: Remember, FFED3D is a W.I.P. Models that have not been made new yet, will look as in original FFE.

Q: Where can i get new models or updates?
A: SSC's download section and at elite-games

Q: Where can i find additional stuff for FFED3D?
A: check all the above listed sites and keep yourself informed at SSC and of course here (forums.frontier.co.uk).

Q: Why do i have wrong typefaces/symbols in the game?
A: This is a Font issue, because FFED3D uses a OS font to relace the (crappy) bitmap font in FFE. This will be solved soon :mrgreen:

Q: Why do some bases/stations not appear on the system map?
A: Some issues due to the use of "solid" models, textures and external font are still not solved.

Q: Why am i so weak?
A: I don't know, go to a Gym or take extensive walks in the woods. FFE isn't easy to start, but offers longer lasting fun. You will need a lot of experience if you are new to the Frontier Universe, else you wouldn't ask this question. Read what the Veterans have to say here and there

Q: I can't finish my ...mission?
A: FFE still has it's own bugs, read all known issues and their possible solutions here or there

Q: How do i become a millionaire (in the game)?
A: like in real life (work won't help). Read what the Veterans have to say here and there

Q: What is ELITE, Federal, Imperial rank?
A: if you really have no idea: elite ranking is your advance in elite fed., it's based on the shoot downs (pts./ship).
Federal rank is your rank in Fed. Army, Imperial in Imperial Navy rank progress, they are based on succeedet military missions.

Q: How do i advance in ranking?
A: Shoot on everything that moves...., again read the veteran's stuff: hooper and jades

Q: What can i do with my spare time?
A: read the user created "Tales from the Frontier", write a own story, create some Models for FFED3D, make a little intro for SSC with Blender, make sci-fi movies from the "Tales", paint a picture, hack the game/savegames, program a new super realistic multiplayer space sim, marrie, get divorced, walk through the desert, it's up to you.

Q: Who am i?
A: I don't know, but i heard of people having lost their Mind after playing Frontier for to long.

Q: Who are you?
A: I have lost my Mind :lol:

prof2.jpg


potsmoke66
03/28/2010

i hope this covers most of the questions that come along with FFED3D for a nubie
 
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part3

listing of useful and not so useful things for FFED3D

Hoopers starting guide
Helps you on your way to become ELITE. Attention this is a spoiler! have more fun by trying it without the guide.

The Missions guide
Helps you on your way through FFE's Missions. Attention this is a spoiler! have more fun by trying them without the guide.

The Videos from FFE
Videos didn't work actually in FFED3D (only sound), but for completeness....

Replacement Snd FX
to burn your ears and bend your eyes.

Custom M u s i c Some files to tickle your eardrums

Original & Custom Bitmaps for FFE (Background img)
won't work for FFED3D, but you can convert them to a PNG file in the same size as 96.png name it to 96.png in textures folder and drop it there (you will have only one cockpit/cabin, but at least one, use mod enabler to exchange them, 96.jpg exists also in glffe). file contains self extracting zip files of the original FFE cabin bitmaps, hoopers replacement bmp's, and two P66 created.

Icons for FFE P66 created FE2 & FFE icons.

SysMap
A complete virtual Map of Frontiers galaxy as a standalone Program, helps to coordinate your activities in FFED3D (which goods are needet in a specific system i.e.), shows also your ranking (score) and other infos of your whereabout, finds systems by their name.

Hoopers FFE hack guide
The complete FFE hack suite, fixed up by scowie for ffed3d

Hoopers Starting Ships for FFE Ships for you to try them all.

The FFE save game editor
To decrypt and edit your save states with a HEX editor, comes with a helpful object list created by P66.

ShowMesh
Program to show all models in firstenc.dat

Frontier Image Viewer
Another Jongware program, shows all graphics in firstenc.dat

FE2 Random Flight Plan generator fits for ffe to, regardless of the changed systems, use SysMap to compare between FE2 and FFE.

Beginners Missions for FFE
none so far, but i will create some similar to my "FE2 Beginers Missions" (edited savestates for different tasks in FFE and to give you a good start when you succeed).

Gimme more links
 
Useful Stuff

This is useful stuff, I'm going to add this thread to the index.:D

Would you mind if I made some suggestions ?
(Just to make it read better)

Alien

EDIT - I changed my mind. It's great the way it is. I don't want to ruin it.

Alien
 
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When downloading from StarsimCentral I only get a little part of the file before Firefox decide I have received the entire file... :confused:

I hope this version is less "buggy". The "old" one kept on crashing badly.
 
Dont know WHY, but I cant download the game from either site. I get around 50 meg and then i cuts and all I get is an useless corrupt zipfile. Tried using IE, Firefox and unpack with WinRAR, 7-zip but no go. Weird, since I managed to download and run the previous version. Wich I now cannot find ofcourse... :mad:
Gaahhhh! I guess Ill just have to take my car and drive recklessly in heavy traffic to cool my nerves! :D
 
Hi Snapphane, have you tried downloading the 4 part version of FFE3D from space sim central? I had a similar problem that was caused by an incomplete download and that fixed it.

Here is the link http://www.spacesimcentral.com/downloads.php?cat=37

Same results... :confused:
But downloading a TEN mb version from the russian site worked, but with horrible graphics. :( Anyway, its so unstable anyway, Ill just go back to play the original and wait for IV.
(I need it to run properly in the background as i work, hrrmm.... )
 
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You can greatly increase the speed of the game if you set the details to medium. And you can fix some bugs with the full screen mode, if you disable Aero on Vista/7.


Detailed information about all this can be found in this thread:

http://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1599


This needs to be included in the FAQ.

Hola! Thanks for your help!
I have no problem with speed and I use XP. Its just keeps crashing after I hyperspace. Not always, almost solely when I have taken mission from FedMil.

Okay, I got it to run but the graphics are WORSE than in the old FFE? I downloaded textures and applied mods but still crappy.

Edit #3 I got it to work with better graphics, but without the more "fancy" instrumentpanel. In my tries to get that back I managed to screw up the entire game and are now trying AGAIN to download the intire file from SpaceSimCentral, so far the first try resulted in 63mb of the file. Is there something wrong with their website or whats going on? Never had this error in downloading a file before. I am registered there and that should help the bandwidth problem if there is one. At least according to their site.
 
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yes, myself i can't download the full file from ssc :mad:
but the partfiles download well.
i don't know if 7zip can join (part)files together.
else here a solution to join the partfiles into one which can be unzipped with 7zip.

start command prompt (window)
type
"yourdownloadfoldersdriveletter": (i.e. E: )
press return

"yourdownloadfoldersdriveletter":\ (E:\)
type
cd "yourdownloadfolder" (i.e. cd downloads)
press return

"yourdownloadfoldersdriveletter:\yourdownloadfolder>" (E:\downloads>)
type
copy ffe3d.7z.001 /B + ffed3d.7z.002 /B + ffed3d.7z.003 /B + ffed3d.7z.004 /B ffed3d_ssc.7z /B
press return

you can copy-paste the command to shell if you are to lazy to type.


i repeat myself i know, but just in case you missed it. ;)
 
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