Just released a version 3.6 R140 of DS...

* MUCH more seedup for reading data from FL - Now it reads in just 60 Seconds
* Fixed a bug with wrong Brackets if near 100%
* Memory-Usage is real low now while reading data: 50-70MB of free memory is needed (depends on the mod)

60 Seconds on AMD 2600+

Thanks SE_HELLFIRE, It's now loading, but... how long does it usually take ? I've got version 3.4, and my computer is a 1.8 Ghz. After about 15 minutes, it's at 40 %
I mean, it's going up one hundredth every second !
Why ? Did I do something wrong ?

Yepp - u dont use Version 3.6

get it here: http://ds.fa-matz.de

v 3.6 has a little Prob showing Bribes (the button with that 2 hand shakeing).

I got that fixed and added some more infos about Guns, Ships and Equipment while searching it.

Additionally the new version 3.7 trys to free um memory and swap out while getting data from FreeLancer - that SHOULD work with 256MB and win 98. Probs may appear if u got a real big mod - but 1st try it

I v uploaded a v3.7 R145 here: http://ds.fa-matz.de/FLDS370.exe PLEASE TEST AND REPORT ERRORS so i can build a final version 3.7

Greetings -Holger.

Final v3.8 released. Please Upgrade to 3.8 b4 reporting bugs.

How can a mod maker prevent people from using this program. Because I consider using this program blatant cheating and worse than for example using a shield mod because at least you can see it when someone uses that.

FL DataStorm isnt designd to MOD or CHEAT with it (till now).

It´s just an EXTERNAL Tool to SHOW the Map & Ships Stats. Why a Modder want to block that tool???

Hidden bases, hidden wrecks etc.

hmm - but that tool is designed to show hidden things.

I know it´s a prob if u use a mod like PINBALL - u will soil it if u use DS for it. BUT THATS EVERYONES OWN DECISION to spoil it.

Best u can do is writing a BIG warning when releasing your mod - something like:

DONT USE FL DataStorm WITH THAT MOD - Cause you will spoil the fun out of it!!!

If theres a real good reason to block DS with a mod - I m *maybe* able to program something special for that mod to block DS (only prob here is that old versions of DS dont have that new function)

Anyway - the big warning should be a good solution - right?

Greetings -Holger.

It's all about SELF CONTROL.

Why do programmers have to make decisions for people?

Please please make such a block. There are always people who cheat and in the mod I'm making with a few others finding secret wrecks, bases etc. is a big part of the game, if a cheater were to use datastorm (and yeah there probably will be people doing that without a means of stopping them) they could totally own people who play in an honest way.

We'll prolly have close to 50 secret bases and probably even more secret wrecks so we really really need something to block this program.

Of course we will be putting in a warning, but using datastorm is undetectable.

so YOU want to own people in your own mod - cause YOU know where that wrecks are...

Anyway - every protection is removeable:
* they can modify DS
* they can use an old version of DS
* they can modify the mods-data (so the protection will not work)
* they can analyse the mods data "by hand"

Everyone who WANT to know know where that stations/wrecks are CAN look into that modsdata. A Protection inside DS has the only effect that not EVERYONE has the chance to look at that specials in your mod.

So my personel thinking is -> its better to show that wrecks and stations to EVERYONE cause then NOONE can own others. What do you think about that point?

Greetings -Holger.

We as modmakers have decided we will not participate in the clan system or any regular play on the server. We will simply act as diplomatic people, act against cheaters etc.

The secret bases is simply a part of our mod, take it out and we might as well be using any other mod. We feel that if people don't use datastorm or any similar program they will have a far more enjoyable experience than with any other mod.

As for the other points, valid ones.
But do they others on the server know older versions will work?
Will they go through all the more trouble it takes to get the info?
They will have to analyse stuff themselves instead of see it clearly on a map.


And again I repeat, we don't want to own people in our own mod. We want ALL players to get a good experience out of it and not have theirs ruined by people in my eyes cheating with programs like FL datastorm.

I have decided to build a version which is able to show a big warning what every modder can include into their mod.

So DS will show that warning (eg. The mod XYZ has many secrets and new stations built in and you will spoil the fun out of it if you use DS to find them - please use DS ONLY if u searched them for your own - OK to open MAP, Cancel to quit and have fun).

Any more ideas?

EMail me or add my EMail to MSN-Messenger - so we can chat and find a solution for your problem with DS..

Greetings -Holger.