Starbase+
for VGA Planets 3.5

Copyright ( 1995 Dave Killingsworth - All Rights Reserved

Overview

	Starbase+ is an add-on utility for VGA Planets 3.5 that 
takes advantage of the AUXHOST features found in HOST 3.20.  This 
add-on provides starbases with more inherent abilities.

	Several new friendly codes are introduced with this program.  
They ARE case sensitive and are as follows:

Minefield Fcodes:
	SMF -   Sweep Minefield         MSC -   Scoop Up Minefield
	LMF -   Lay Minefield           

Component Transport Codes:
	GEn -   Get Engine Tech (n) (n = 1-9)
	GBn -   Get Beam Tech (n) (n = 1-9)
	GTn -   Get Torp Launcher Tech (n)  (n = 1-9)
	UEn -   Unload Engine Tech (n) (n = 1-9)
	UBn -   Unload Beam Tech (n) (n = 1-9)
	UTn -   Unload Torp Launcher Tech (n)  (n = 1-9)
	UAP -   Unload All Parts

Contents

	Starbase+ contains two programs:

SPCONFIG.EXE
STARBASE.EXE

	Place these programs in the same directory that the HOST 
normally runs from.  Starbase+ requires access to the VGA Planets 
database (HULLSPEC.DAT, BEAMSPEC.DAT, ect) as well as the Host 
database (SHIP.HST, XYPLAN.HST, ect.).

New Game Setup

	Before Starbase+ can be used the configuration program 
SPCONFIG.EXE, must be run.  SPCONFIG accepts one command line 
parameter, the DOS path to the game directory.  For example; to 
configure a new game in E:\PLANETS\NEWGAME type:

SPCONFIG E:\PLANETS\NEWGAME

	When SPCONFIG starts, a configuration dialog will be 
displayed.  Notice that the DOS path provided on the command line 
is displayed in the Path to Game Directory  edit box.

SPCONFIG E:\PLANETS\NEWGAME

	Default values are automatically provided.  Change them 
to suit the requirements of the game.  Each value has valid ranges 
and all changes must be within the valid ranges.

	Select the OK button when all changes have been made.  The 
following file will be written to the Game Directory:
	
SPCONFIG.HST

	A confirmation dialog will be shown at which time, if 
YES is selected the Starbase+ database will be initialized.  
Additionally, the UFO database will be updated by adding the first 
Starbase+ (if that toggle is selected) and removing any old records 
used by Starbase+.  These files are written to during initialization:

STARBASE.HST

	The configuration program will create and update all necessary  
files needed  to run this program.

Starbase Mine Sweeping

	To cause the starbase to sweep mine (with beams or fighters) 
you need to set the planets (the planet the starbase is orbiting) to 
SMF.  This fcode will cause the starbase to use its beam weapons to 
fire in random patterns and destroy mines.  The number of mines destroyed 
is based on the Starbase+ config setting for beam sweep rate.  Number 
of beams * beam tech squared * {SPCONFIG setting for beam sweep rate).  
This is a variable and independent setting for regular mines and web mines.

#mines destroyed = (Number of beams* beamtech squared) *(beam sweep rate)

	Starbase fighters will automatically launch and sweep mines (if 
this option is configured to be on.  The fighters sweep at the rate set 
in the SPCONFIG program.  The Colonial race always have a 100 LY sweep 
range.  The fighter range for the other races is based on the starbase's 
tech levels.  To determine the sweep range you add Hull Tech, Engine Tech 
and Beam Tech together.  Then you divide by 3 and multiply that result 
by 10.  This will give you the fighter sweep range in LY.

Sweep Range = [ (Techs/3) *10]

	The number of beams available for sweeping by the starbase is 
determined by the following formula.

Number of beams = ( [ (100+Starbase defenses) / 3]

	The tech level of the beams is based on the beam tech level on 
the Starbase.

	The amount of mines swept by a starbase is determined as follows.

Mines Swept = (number of beams * Tech level of beams squared)* (sweep rate)


Gathering Mines With A Starbase

	To gather up a  minefield with a starbase you need to meet several 
criteria. The base must be with in the designated beam sweep range of a 
minefield.  If they are they set the planets fcode to MSC.  This will 
cause the Starbase to gather up all of the mine units in that field(s).  
It will convert them into the highest tech torpedo type available.  To 
determine minefield to Torp yield you do the following equation.

Number of New Torps = ( mine units / Torp slot )


Laying Mines With The Starbase

	Laying mines with a starbase is a all or nothing process.  To do 
this you set the planets fcode to LMF and this will convert all of the 
torpedo stock on the starbase into mine units.  The torpedoes convert 
using the following formula to determine torpedo yield.

Mine unit yield = (Torp slot  * number of Torps)

Component Transportation

	To transport a starship component you must be at a starbase. To 
load a component you use a special friendly code. (see above).  The Gxx 
Fcodes will get a component from the Starbase and place it on the ship.  
Each component will require a certain amount of space.  This space (in KT) 
is determined in the SPCONFIG settings.  You can load a ship up to its 
200 KT maximum weight limit.  You can not load more than one type of 
component at a time.  You can only get components at your own starbase(s).

	The program checks for available space on the ship before it loads 
a component.  If there is not enough space the component will not be 
loaded.  If you later try to load cargo on the ship and this act would 
exceed the freighters weight capacity (including the component) the program 
will trim off the excess cargo that was loaded.

	To unload components you use the Uxx Fcodes (see above).  You can 
unload at any starbase(s). Note: If a ship is captured in battle your enemy 
with also get the components that were on that transport.  Also, if the 
Tag Special Transportation is enabled all med. freighters carrying components 
will have   "ST :"  added to the front of their ship name.


Starbase+
for VGA Planets 3.5

	Design:                 Dave Killingsworth & Dan Gale
	Special Consulting:     Tim Wisseman, Conrad Lesnewski
	Programming:            Dan Gale
	Documentation:          Dave Killingsworth
	BMP Artwork:            Kenneth Wisseman, Dan Gale

Copyright ( 1995 Dave Killingsworth  All Rights Reserved

No part of the program or documentation may be copied, in part, 
or in whole, without the  written permission of the copyright holder
unless being copied for players by the host of a game.

VGA Planets is a trademark of Tim Wisseman




