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| Re: Macros to make it easier 09/01/2012 at 10:52 #26973 | |
maxand
1637 posts |
I'm happy to announce that the bad ole "version 1.0 blues" are over and the time has come to improve upon perfection by releasing v1.1, which you can download here. Some snappy new macros have been added, several old ones have been combined and streamlined, and the code has been made more robust and idiotproof. Additions include: Clear Messages Window Copy TD from Train List Set Messages transparency Display current transparency level Show Timetable in opposite quadrant Check Timetable for any train Copy TD from Train List Alt+C = clear sticky note and leave open Alt+X = clear sticky note and close Full details, as well as expanded programming notes, are included in the download. General improvements include even less clicking and pecking to achieve the same end. For example, pressing the spacebar Interposes from a berth or from a signal - how easy is that? Similarly, Shift+R-click Cancels a berth or a route, whichever you prefer, leaving R-click free to display a signal number. Train List and Show Timetable may be Minimized or Restored without even needing to be the active window - View can retain user focus. And Showing a Timetable need not plop it right over the train you happen to be following - a simple trick ensures that the Show Timetable window will always be far away from your train, thus ensuring maximum visibility; important for those playing SimSig on only one screen. Now you can even extract the TD from the train selected in the Train List. I would like to say that all SimSig's interface shortcomings can be overcome by macros in some shape or form, but we will have to wait for future builds to be able to do simple things like copy and paste a Next Working headcode into a berth, or go from Train List to panel train and vice versa. In the meantime, enjoy what you are able to accomplish and have fun playing with your new tools. The difficult we do at once. The impossible takes a little longer. Perhaps if IECC panels included similar refinements, they might lighten the load of signalmen so much that more trains might actually arrive on time. 
Last edited: 09/01/2012 at 11:05 by maxand Log in to reply |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 09/01/2012 at 11:34 #26974 | |
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Ron_J
331 posts |
" said:Perhaps if IECC panels included similar refinements, they might lighten the load of signalmen so much that more trains might actually arrive on time. :)Sorry, but have you ever actually had anything to do with a real IECC installation whatsoever? Even with the smiley I think this comment is out of order. Log in to reply The following users said thank you: jc92, agilchrist, ipswich |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 09/01/2012 at 12:20 #26976 | |
postal
5265 posts 
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" said:important for those playing SimSig on only one screen.Isn't that a little presumptuous, assuming what is important to the rest of us. “In life, there is always someone out there, who won’t like you, for whatever reason, don’t let the insecurities in their lives affect yours.” – Rashida Rowe Last edited: 09/01/2012 at 13:41 by postal Log in to reply The following user said thank you: agilchrist |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 09/01/2012 at 13:50 #26982 | |
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maxand
1637 posts |
Ron_J: Quote: Sorry, but have you ever actually had anything to do with a real IECC installation whatsoever? Happily, no. Why? Don't forget, SimSig is a simulator. My job is to keep them red stripes moving. postal: Quote: Isn't that a little presumptuous, assuming what is important to the rest of us. I didn't write these macros for people with two or more screens. Last edited: 09/01/2012 at 13:58 by maxand Log in to reply |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 09/01/2012 at 14:15 #26987 | |
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postal
5265 posts
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" said:postal:I have one laptop, one screen and a way I enjoy of operating a sim. You got very, very upset a few weeks ago, being very rude to a poster who dared to hold a contrary view. On 08 December (UK) you wrote "You're entitled to your own view, of course, but don't pretend to speak for the many." By the same token, isn't it a little presumptuous assuming that you know what is important to the rest of us? “In life, there is always someone out there, who won’t like you, for whatever reason, don’t let the insecurities in their lives affect yours.” – Rashida Rowe Last edited: 09/01/2012 at 14:17 by postal Log in to reply The following users said thank you: officer dibble, sloppyjag, agilchrist, Hooverman, Meld, AndyG, delticfan, ipswich, Signalhunter, GoochyB, crompton |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 09/01/2012 at 15:15 #26989 | |
jc92
3690 posts |
" said:Ron_J:well taking this view ceases to make it a simulation and makes into into a game in my opinion, the aim is to keep trains well regulated and running as close to time USING THE AVAILABLE equipment. you cant claim a simulation to be accurate if it has hundreds of functions that the real thing doesnt have. additionally, the comment regarding usage of this on real IECC installations is totally unfounded, hardly any of these functions would be useful in practice, and IECC signallers are well trained, experienced people of grade 7-9 (someone correct me if wrong) who know how to do their job properly with the existing equipment, i hardly think the ability to copy and paste a description with suddenly enhance PPM drastically "We don't stop camborne wednesdays" Log in to reply The following users said thank you: andyb0607, Didcot, Meld, officer dibble, delticfan |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 09/01/2012 at 16:44 #26992 | |
Meld
1111 posts
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" said:" said:I've been biting my lip for long enough now, I have to agree with Postal here, at the same time you rebuked the idea of opening a 2nd program (Excel) to see a simplifier for a sim, now in your eyes we need two programs to run SimSig.postal:I have one laptop, one screen and a way I enjoy of operating a sim. You got very, very upset a few weeks ago, being very rude to a poster who dared to hold a contrary view. On 08 December (UK) you wrote "You're entitled to your own view, of course, but don't pretend to speak for the many." By the same token, isn't it a little presumptuous assuming that you know what is important to the rest of us? Like Postal I only run one monitor and dont find the need for all this - Perhaps its that our generation still have a little savvy and can still adapt to situations as the need arises- as others have said - if it aint broke then don't fix it - we have all magnaged quite happily with what we 've got and are grateful for the efforts of Geoff, Clive and the developers for the continued efforts in providing the most realistic SIMULATION !!!!!!!! around These continual presumptions about whats good for us are now getting up my back for one Passed the age to be doing 'Spoon Feeding' !!! Last edited: 09/01/2012 at 18:03 by Meld Log in to reply The following users said thank you: Sam Tugwell, sloppyjag, Hooverman, ipswich, agilchrist, postal, officer dibble, Signalhunter, woodjohn, BarryM, Noisynoel, MikeW, delticfan, GoochyB, crompton |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 10/01/2012 at 00:28 #27024 | |
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maxand
1637 posts |
jc92: Quote: i hardly think the ability to copy and paste a description with (would) suddenly enhance PPM drastically Had to look up that one. Nearest I got was Public Performance Measure - a measure of punctuality of trains. Guess that's it (must add to Wiki). Despite what others have said here about macros being unrealistic, forced upon sim players, etc., I like to think about them as follows. Whatever technology happens to be in use, be it lever frames, wall panels with lights and train describers, ancient computers, etc., someone had to design a human-machine interface for each, using the best ideas they could come up with at the time for the most efficient solution. Training operators to use them is a secondary fait accompli - "we're giving you this interface, now we'll train you to use it". That doesn't imply that they designed the best interface possible in the first place, otherwise the panel (not to mention the fridge) wouldn't be plastered with post-it notes, just as one example. I commend Geoff Mayo highly for introducing this non-standard feature to SimSig when he might just as well have told us to stick our own notes on our screens. To extend this analogy I believe that if IECC, Westcad or whoever designs computer interfaces let a few creative GUI (Graphic User Interface) designers loose, they would also come up with innovative changes begging to be made. When I said earlier "Perhaps if IECC panels included similar refinements, they might lighten the load of signalmen so much that more trains might actually arrive on time", I was joking, of course, though it appears that some took this rather too personally. I titled this thread "Macros to make it easier", not "Macros to make it more realistic". I'm not expecting the IECC interface to change any time soon, simply because of inertia, and we all know how that works. After testing an interface (or any other component) as far as the budget permits, it gets approved by a committee and is then cemented into place by the weight of its documentation. Luckily, we here at SimSig can allow ourselves a great deal more flexibility than this if we want. Although SimSig claims to conform as closely as possible to the IECC standard, it has already made large concessions to those who enjoy multiplayer games, so I don't feel too badly about providing a macro layer for those who want to smooth over some of the rough edges. May I again remind those who can't stand the notion of change that these or any other macros don't change the way SimSig actually works, which is still in accordance with the IECC. You still have to set and clear routes, change TDs, etc. I cannot presume to tell you how to play SimSig your way. All I can do is offer to share with you what works well for me. Some consultants get paid big bucks for doing exactly the same. Last edited: 10/01/2012 at 00:28 by maxand Log in to reply |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 10/01/2012 at 00:39 #27025 | |
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postal
5265 posts
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" said:I cannot presume to tell you how to play SimSig your way. All I can do is offer to share with you what works well for me.Please read that and then some of your previous postings and you might have the faintest glimmer why a lot of posters are not totally on board the Maxand bandwagon. “In life, there is always someone out there, who won’t like you, for whatever reason, don’t let the insecurities in their lives affect yours.” – Rashida Rowe Log in to reply The following user said thank you: Signalhunter |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 10/01/2012 at 00:59 #27028 | |
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maxand
1637 posts |
I also don't shrink from sharing with you what doesn't work well for me, if that's what you're on about. If you wish to discuss this any further, please send me a PM and keep this thread for those who appreciate what macros can do. If I see the need for change, I post in the Features Wish List section, where such suggestions belong.
Last edited: 10/01/2012 at 01:13 by maxand Log in to reply |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 10/01/2012 at 08:23 #27031 | |
agilchrist
258 posts |
" said:I also don't shrink from sharing with you what doesn't work well for me, if that's what you're on about. If you wish to discuss this any further, please send me a PM and keep this thread for those who appreciate what macros can do. If I see the need for change, I post in the Features Wish List section, where such suggestions belong.Postal - It is easier to just give in. It is unfortunate that maxand is relentless in sharing his opinions with the rest of the community where he is always correct, it is far better to ignore than to consider replying as you will never have the last word. What we have is a simulation of what actually happens, in real live many of these suggestions don't exist hence why this simulates real life. I would rather this be a simulation with all its flaws rather than a game whereby the realism disappears. In real life signallers know their headcodes, know their trains, and know when to pull the auto out behind a train and when a freight can leave in front of a passenger, in the games we play we dont and we make mistakes but over time we do get to the point where we know the timetable and the realism level increases. For those that want macros then fine you have them, for those that dont then fine dont have them, lets just be thankful we have a great number of sims all of which to date are free of charge and just accept them for what they are and what they offer, I for one enjoy playing and this sort of thread is ruining the whole essence of the community. Blessed are the true believers, for only they shall walk the Path, and they shall be welcomed unto the realm of the Ori and made as one with Them. Log in to reply The following users said thank you: Signalhunter, JDC, andyb0607, postal, BarryM, Meld, AndyG, Noisynoel, TimTamToe, Hooverman, delticfan, Stephen Fulcher, officer dibble, crompton, Sam Tugwell, woodjohn, y10g9 |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 10/01/2012 at 09:16 #27034 | |
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postal
5265 posts
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That's why I went to bed last night rather than adding anything after 00:59 GMT! It is very difficult to have any sort of constructive discussion when the framework goes along the lines of "I do wish people wouldn't be so arrogant and presumptuous as to tell me what is important to me or how I should run some software" and the response is "There's nothing wrong with my macros". Thanks for the brave attempt to bring sanity back to the Forum.
“In life, there is always someone out there, who won’t like you, for whatever reason, don’t let the insecurities in their lives affect yours.” – Rashida Rowe Log in to reply The following user said thank you: Meld |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 10/01/2012 at 09:55 #27036 | |
northroad
872 posts |
" said:If I see the need for change, I post in the Features Wish List section, where such suggestions belong.But this has been posted in the general, questions, comment and issues. Can I say, whilst not being a signaller, not having any knowledge of railway rules and regulations (but learning since I took up Sim Sig) I was attracted by what was said on the Sim Sig home page i.e ' Be an armchair signaller' I took to using this incredibly good simulation. I also do not profess to having any sort of core code or any other computer programming literacy. I am therefore not able to comment in detail about all of these mails recommending changes to this and changes to that. What I do know is that I enjoy Sim Sig as it is and also cannot state enough how much I appreciate the amount of work that goes on in the background by Geoff and the team to give me and others what we get free access to and enjoy. It does worry me slightly though knowing how much time the responses to all of these requested changes takes when it may be at the expense of new simulations and updates to exisating sims might be taking. I know I might be unpopular for saying this and I apologise but can we not put these type of requests and recommendations in the other page ie. 'wish lists' as suggested for those that may wish to comment or read them. Almost every time I open the forum pages and look for the latest postings I see yet another one recommending change. I know we have to accept change but come on do we really need this many suggestions, I for one think we might be trying to make far too many and Sim Sig cannot possibly need this many refinements to make it enjoyable to the average person like me. Geoff Log in to reply The following users said thank you: delticfan, Signalhunter, Meld |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 10/01/2012 at 10:00 #27037 | |
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Meld
1111 posts
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" said:Whoa there !! where the hell do you get the idea that large concessions are made for Multiplay. Multiplay is a damn sight more realistic when playing a SIM like Saltley Bristol Exeter etc as the panels are accurately represented as each workstation is, in the 'Box' - The only concession would be the ability that has been added to communicate with other players that would not be on a real life panel - After all the panels on Saltley are exactly as they are in the 'Box' where each individual panel has its own signaller In reality you are the one playing Exeter/Bristol alone that is being unrealistic neither box would be worked by a single signaller - try joining a few multipayer games first before you make such statements - you may learn something useful Passed the age to be doing 'Spoon Feeding' !!! Log in to reply The following users said thank you: agilchrist, Noisynoel, AndyG, JDC, Sam Tugwell |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 10/01/2012 at 10:08 #27039 | |
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agilchrist
258 posts |
" said:I agree, Max has made the comment that he plays on his own so it would make sense to join a multi play game so he can see how it works, as passing judgement on it is a little premature. Given the added benefit of Teamspeak or Skype it is just like sitting next to others in the real box where you can chat and convey information easily between signallers. I and a few others would be more than happy to host a game for Maxand and use Skype or teamspeak to help him understand how it all works maybe then he will be able to see where we are coming from. Blessed are the true believers, for only they shall walk the Path, and they shall be welcomed unto the realm of the Ori and made as one with Them. Last edited: 10/01/2012 at 10:09 by agilchrist Log in to reply The following users said thank you: maxand, Meld, Signalhunter |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 10/01/2012 at 10:19 #27040 | |
Peter Bennet
5402 posts |
Again don't forget to play nicely. If I can add that it's probably the case that additional functionality has been added to some Sims to aid solo play. For example I added ARS to Edinburgh and in that mode several additional, normally manual functions, were automated to a degree; level crossings being the one that come to mind. So yes I agree with the gist of what you say, it's just it's the other way round. Peter I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs! Log in to reply The following user said thank you: maxand |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 10/01/2012 at 11:44 #27044 | |
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kbarber
1743 posts |
" said:
I'd go so far as to suggest that this isn't a concession, more a way of (sort-of) simulating the reality: that all the panels of a multi-manned box are in the same room and the operators can (& do) communicate with each other using those bits of (semi-)hardware called the mouth and the ears! Log in to reply The following user said thank you: Meld |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 10/01/2012 at 13:26 #27051 | |
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maxand
1637 posts |
When I said Quote: Although SimSig claims to conform as closely as possible to the IECC standard, it has already made large concessions to those who enjoy multiplayer games for which some of you have taken me to task, this was just reiterating an earlier remark posted here: Quote: (maxand) Remember that the more extensive the sim, the steeper the learning curve and the greater the workload. I'm amazed to see players handle timetables covering large scrolling areas, when in reality this would be broken down into several workstations, each with its own operator. With such a large concession already made to reality, SimSig deserves to provide every interface enhancement possible to lighten the load on the solo player without losing its reputation for authenticity. That's all I meant, that no one operator in real life could be expected to handle comfortably a large multipanel sim of the type that is being produced for SimSig these days. If the documentation does not make clear that such a sim is really intended for multiplay, it obviously becomes unrealistic, like the notion of a single operator being called upon suddenly to work the whole panel by himself. Thanks agilchrist for offering to host a game for me. I will PM you about this. Last edited: 10/01/2012 at 13:33 by maxand Log in to reply |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 10/01/2012 at 17:13 #27069 | |
Steamer
3985 posts |
" said:That's all I meant, that no one operator in real life could be expected to handle comfortably a large multipanel sim of the type that is being produced for SimSig these days. Please see my post here (posted 6th Jan 2012). I should point out that of the bundle of Sims that were released on the 26th November, Lime Street and Euston are suitable for a single player (Saltley would probably fall under the catagory of "Experienced single players only"). Also, the previous bundle of Sims released on the 21st August (Brighton and Oxted) are both suitable for single player. "Don't stress/ relax/ let life roll off your backs./ Except for death and paying taxes/ everything in life.../ is only for now." (Avenue Q) Last edited: 10/01/2012 at 17:13 by Steamer Log in to reply The following user said thank you: Sam Tugwell |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 10/01/2012 at 17:24 #27070 | |
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Stephen Fulcher
2084 posts |
I hate to be a troublemaker, but this thread now appears to have drifted far from its original subject and has got more than a little "bitchy". Perhaps the best option would be to close it down. Log in to reply |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 11/01/2012 at 06:52 #27095 | |
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maxand
1637 posts |
If the thread were closed down, it would be necessary to start another one for any who wish to stay on-topic and discuss their use of macros. I'm sure this will arise in time, also this macro collection will need updating sooner or later. Judging by the number of downloads already, I think there is sufficient interest in them to continue this thread. I don't want this topic to extend across a number of threads. I agree with Stephen though that the issue of whether macros are desirable or not has been exhausted. Take from them what you need, but don't feel obliged to do so if you don't need them. What more can I add? Last edited: 11/01/2012 at 07:20 by maxand Log in to reply |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 17/01/2012 at 12:42 #27537 | |
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maxand
1637 posts |
Poor Man's ARS We can hope all we like that one day, signals (and level crossings too) which needlessly require manual resetting, will be fully automated, but who knows when that may be? Take for example Tiverton Junction in the Exeter sim. So far, 99% of all trains I've routed proceed happily Up and Down the Main lines without needing to use passing loops. So why aren't these running signals capable of automatic settings? Time and again TORR steps in while I'm at the opposite end of the area, and trains grind to a halt. Well, now with a bit of ingenuity you can let your PC do what it's supposed to do - save you time and effort - by automating route settings that should be automated, but somehow aren't. This routine automates Tiverton Jn. Here's how it works. From wherever you happen to be, press Ctrl+1 (the hotkey, though you can make it anything you like). This makes the panel jump to View 7, which includes Tiverton. This fixes the view so the signal coordinates work correctly every time. It then sets a route through Up Main signals 61, 63 and UM178, after which it repeats this for the Down Main signals 40, 42, DM179. You need to use AHK's Window Spy to deliver the X,Y coordinates of each signal (most likely the values you get will differ from mine). Here's the code: #IfWinActive, ahk_group SSGroupI've added Sleeps (delays) to give SimSig enough time to respond. Naturally you can make this as complex as you like, employing PixelGetColor to check for the current signal state. But this is just a start. Enjoy. It will be included in the next version of my macro collection, out soon. PS I could have reduced code a lot by passing all these variables to a common function, but it's more transparent this way, for newcomers to AHK. Last edited: 17/01/2012 at 13:07 by maxand Log in to reply |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 17/01/2012 at 14:37 #27547 | |
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jc92
3690 posts |
" said:Poor Man's ARSwhat do you mean TORR steps in and trains grind to a halt? TORR just automatically disengages a signal after a train has passed its overlap, TORR or not, the signal will not clear again (couple of exceptions on exeter of course) regarding tiverton junction, the box and panel was commissioned when junction station was still open, hence a fair split of trains used both the mains and loops, making the setup sensible. when parkway opened to replace junction, the panel was just never upgraded "We don't stop camborne wednesdays" Log in to reply |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 17/01/2012 at 14:58 #27549 | |
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postal
5265 posts
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" said:Time and again TORR steps in while I'm at the opposite end of the area, and trains grind to a halt.Maxand If that is happening, are you taking the many times repeated advice to scroll along the whole sim every one to two minutes? If you do that it is unlikely that trains will grind to a halt as you will see a train approaching the yellow in advance of the manual signal and be able to take the appropriate action before the grinding takes place. It is very easy to get tied up with solving a problem in one area of the sim and let go of the rest (although that is actually what is happening in real life where more than one signaller is covering what is one sim) so you need to find strategies and tactics that enable you to keep an overview of the whole sim even while there are problems to be solved in one location. “In life, there is always someone out there, who won’t like you, for whatever reason, don’t let the insecurities in their lives affect yours.” – Rashida Rowe Last edited: 17/01/2012 at 15:08 by postal Log in to reply |
| Re: Macros to make it easier 17/01/2012 at 14:59 #27550 | |
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AndyG
1842 posts |
" said:Poor Man's ARS...and if the signal before a level crossing was to be fully automated, the route wouldn't cancel, so the barriers won't raise, so you'll get the LC delays penalty. I can only help one person a day. Today's not your day. Tomorrow doesn't look too good either. Log in to reply |