Malakie

Isn't it amazing I posted about this problem in 2016 and for a sim we all paid a lot of money to support, this STILL is not fixed!

Been a while since I have been able to play.  Just got back and was looking forward to doing so.  However, I see there have been NO updates in over a year now, even this forum has very few new posts or updates.

And the SAME problem that came out of the 023 update, still exists which makes Steel Beasts unplayable.. ie the mouse pointer completely disappears in full screen and the design does not allow a windowed lower resolution apparently because it just crashes out with a DX error when you try to resize the window.

For as much money as I have paid for this title and all the upgrades over the years, it is getting a bit irritating that the developer is not bothering to use industry standard coding, window and screen API's etc.

Has anyone found a workaround so we can at least play the sim full screen and be able to see a mouse pointer?

16 hours ago, Ssnake said:

There's borderless window mode; it's a command line option. Open cmd, change to the ..\Release\ folder in the Steel Beasts program directory, then type

SBProPE64cm.exe --help

This will bring up a window listing all the command line options and what they do.

 

 

In your case you'd need the command

--fullscreenwindow true

Thanks will switch to that mode...   Will there be a future update fixing this issue?

Just went to load SBPro after upgrading to 4K UHD.  No mouse pointer appears now for SBPro in the menus or game.   I have seen this in some other games and the solution was to change to windowed mode which was a temp fix but I want to run in full screen which I cannot without a mouse pointer.    System is also Windows 10 Pro, dual GTX-780's in SLI mode, i7 based.

I'm wanting to play SB in full screen mode. When I go through the Options menu to the Display sub menu and choose Full Screen mode I lose the availability to see the mouse pointer. I know its there because if I cross over a selection in the menu area it will highlight that selection. What do I need to do to see the mouse pointer, or am I stuck using the Windowed mode? I'm running Windows 7.

Windows 10 has problems with a lot of games in FULL screen mode.. I have quite a few titles with this problem.. If you run in WINDOWED mode OR can change the mouse option to hardware mouse in the game options, it works fine..

The devs will need to update the way they handle the mouse cursor but for now, changing to windowed mode will solve it..

Well... that's unfortunate isn't it. Just another sign that this is all rushed for political reasons. Not unlike the new rifle they recently announced.

Clearly this particular vehicle had a serious problem with the transition and/or breaks. That BREM ARV(780 hp) should have been able to tow it in what is ideal conditions, paved level ground. Off-road, or in the field of course is something else entirely.

From the rear engine deck layout, it looks pretty clear that the same engine/trans combo from the T-72-90 is used. Albeit in a likely upgraded form. So that brings up the question of whether the vehicle itself is able to tow another of the type.

Specs say it is a gas turbine... did they change that?

Hi,

I am not understanding something about scoring I guess and need some help.

Last night I played a scenario that comes with the game when installed. (Pro-PE 3002)

Much of the scenario had been set, I.E. checkpoints and so forth so all I really needed to do was issue proceed orders, watch my flank during a major attack and assist any units in danger of being over run.

I did have the option of calling in arty as well which I did not need to use.

I lost no full platoons in the battle but a few platoons lost a unit or two here and there and if I remember, those that did take losses were only two platoons, one a scout platoon of jeeps and the other a jaguar anti-tank platoon.

The enemy on the other hand was decimated. 100%. bow, bow, bow... LOL

Anyhow, the score gave me 260 out of 1000 for the scenario and 26 out of 100 for mission scoring AND was told I LOST the mission as a defeat!!?!?

I hit all milestones in the scenario, accomplished all tasks AND walked away with minimal loss.

What am I missing because this seems to be the case with a lot of missions I am now playing...

There is no v3 license file installed. If you purchased the upgrade, you should have received a email with a link to a website that will install the license for you. If you did purchase it and did not receive the email then let us know.

Dam... oops. Turned the brain off for the holidays... Thanks... should be fine once I grab the new license..

Hi,

Been offline for a while but finally able to get some sim time in again.. I downloaded and installed the V3 upgrade to Steel Beasts. However when I plug the dongle in, the light comes on then goes off although an icon does appear in by system tray and my computer list.

I have also downloaded and installed the latest Codemeter software, 5.1.

When I try to run Steel Beast, I get an error that says : "Codemeter error: Please ensure your CM Stick is securely in a USB port"

I have tried unplugging it and plugging it back in. My system is fully updated and current (I am actually trying two different systems with the same result just to confirm it is not hardware or driver related from the machines)

One system is running Windows 7 and the other is running Windows 8. Both are 64 bit.

Suggestions?

Really want to get into the sim again plus I bought a new TrackIR I want to finally try out!

Here is the attached dongle diags file I generated...

CmDust-Result.txt

Also, clean out the mod folder (My Documents/eSim Games/Steel Beasts/mods). It may contain texture files for older vehicle 3D model files that no longer work.

Generally, I recommend reading the Release Notes before installing anything. I know, it's for wussies, but so far all the advice in this thread is something that you could have gathered from the first page of these documents. We're writing them for a reason.

I had read all the docs and faqs. Having done a lot of coding myself, I happen to be one of those that tries everything before asking for any kind of help. Thanks though for the recommendations. The install was clean from the DVD then the 2.640 update then the latest update.

I have uninstalled completely and re-installed with the 2.6xx latest version only. So far it seems to be working but still trying different vehicles to check fully.

Hi,

I am finally able to get into really digging into Steel Beasts Pro PE so bear with me as I learn the nuances of the sim finally.

A couple questions have come to mind at this point..

First, why do rocks block tanks and tracked vehicles? Large boulders I can understand. But smaller rocks even on the large side should be able to be tracked over easily or pushed aside at worst. Yet every time I try to move through a rock field, my tracked vehicles are stopped. Is there a specific reason for this design decision or something that will be fixed/changed in the future?

Next, Why do units separate attachment when they get a certain distance from each other?

Finally, Is there any plan to allow external guns (i.e. commanders mounted 50 .cal) to be mouse enabled for aiming etc?

One other thing, any mods or scenarios that are highly recommended for use?

Thanks for any help...

Todd

Thanks will do that and see what happens. Already updated Codemeter and DX

When I first bought ProPE, I had a problem after install where the graphics were not correct. The maps for the M2A2, for example, were all messed up. I remember there being some cockpit issues as well.. However I was not able to do anything about it at the time due to lack of internet access and some other things I have been dealing with on a personal level.

Today, I now have internet access and finally the ability to really dig into Steel Beasts ProPE. However I again have a major problem after clean install.

This is a completely different system all around. After install, I then installed the patches v2.640 then 2.654. Was I supposed to install all the previous patches as well?? I am seeing two major problems.

First the outside graphics for some of the units is all messed up. Second, in the majority of units, anytime I try to use certain positions, I get an all black screen but if I look around, I can see the cockpit above me?!!

Again this is a brand new system, completely clean install and then patched per above.

Any ideas on this one?

HI all,

For those of you reporting you are not hearing a difference in sound after setting up Alchemy, You must ALSO go into the Creative Audio Control Panel and select 'Games Mode' and even more important let it auto detect your speaker configuration.

For some reason, the Creative drivers and tools seem to 'lose' configuration settings once in a while for no apparent reason. If after you setup alchemy you are not hearing a difference then either you are not using the right speaker setup or the config for the Creative drivers is not set for your specific speaker layout.

Many times, especially after a reboot or software install I have gone into that tool to find that my speaker config and THX config had rest to basic surround sound or to 2 speaker when I actually have a full 7.1 surround system. Once I clicked the autodetect button.. WHOA!!

BIG difference trust me...

Hi all,

Wondering if anyone might be able to assist me in getting the latest patch/update of 700megs. I am a veteran on disability now and because of the limited income I only have a 24K dial-up modem connection. I am wondering if someone would be willing to send me a disk with the huge update on it by mail? I could send a couple dollars via PayPal if needed to cover postage and the cost of the disk.

I had thought about just starting the download and letting it run however the last few weeks I have been trying to download a new update for Combat Mission Shock Force Marines as well which is only 133 meg or so and my connection craps out every time. Large files are just not possible to grab on a dial-up connection.

If anyone can help, please let me know. You can email me direct using this address: MalakieUSN for the email account and the google mail address or the hot mail address. You can also leave me a private message here although because of my connection I do not check things very much.

Thanks..

i understand where you are coming from BUT, and this is a big BUT, of the height maps available, how many have user-created terrain files? of those terrains and those user-made, how many missions have been created? and finally, how many have I played? not that much, i haven't created any terrain maps other than adapting some to work for scenarios i've created, but i have created quite a few mission -- just haven't released them all. that said, have we really hit the "end" of the possibilities in this sim in it's current form? I think not. in fact, i'd wager everything i have against anyone that thinks so.

shit, we just got an upgrade with several new vehicles, not to mention all the additions and enhancements that have nothing to do with new vehicles.

not meant as a rant against you Malakie, but toward the idea we've reached some end-point and explored everything in this sim. shit, many people can't even operate all the vehicles we do have. that said, i've been into this sim in some form or another for about 10 years -- we are just scratching the surface of PE.

p.s. and here comes the purist... i for one do not want a bunch of ad hoc, user-embelished, screwed up new vehicles created by fans of their favorite AFV. sorry, i'd rather see eSim crank them out properly. no offense moders, but you rarely get things like this right -- stick with skins...

i was and i wasn't Ssnake if we had streetlight, i think it would be inherantly obvious that we would need to be able to turn them on and off given specific conditions -- i.e. a bunch of live firing in town -- lights out (staggering out, of course, set on "delays" within the condition, civis hiding in cellars.

I don't take what you said in a negative way. I was just expressing my opinion as you are with yours. Although it was a nice reply from the DEV about my wishes might actually come to fruition! That would be awesome.... most awesome in my opinion.

As for your comments... you might be surprised at how 'deep' some of us getting into great simulation engines like this. I have owned Steel Beasts from the original release. Although I was not able to afford SBProPE until a few months ago, I continued to play with and use Steel Beasts until then. Since the basic engine functionality and scope are very similar, it was very easy to move into the Pro PE edition. The only thing I forgot about was the ability to lock views out from use in missions... thus my first few operations had me frustrated because I could not use external view until someone pointed that out to me again..

For someone with a military career background, sims like SB are what I enjoy... for me though, it is the realism and details that matter the most in my mission designs etc. I too have created some scenarios but to date, I have not released any because none are accurate in representation. For someone like me that is a very large important part of the simulation scenarios I create.

I also enjoy Combat Mission Shock Force but it too lacks in equipment. It is not as detailed as SBProPE in terms of mission scope and detail but it is a pretty good combat and tactical simulation engine.

This might give you an idea of how I like my sims:

1) Free Falcon and Falcon 4 Allied Force for fixed wing sims

2) Steel Beasts and Steel Beasts Pro PE for land combat

3) Combat Mission Shock Force for land combat

4) Apache/Havoc and Comanche/Hokum orig modded for Helo Combat Sim

5) Call of Duty 4, ARMA for first person combat

6) Silent Hunter IV with RFB and RSRD for Sub Sim

7) X3 series (X-Beyond, X2-The Threat, X3-Reunion and X3-Terran Conflict) for space simulation, fleet battles and space station construction.

8) Pacific Storm Allies and Dangerous Waters for naval conflict (very lacking though)

Most of those mentioned are pretty good.. The one area that is truly missing a good, detailed and accurate simulation is in Naval Warfare, especially modern.

Anyhow, As you can see I like the most realistic I can possibly get for what I enjoy.... especially when recreating real life situations I have seen or been part of.

Some days I think it would be so cool to actually create scenarios and campaigns for a living using my experience and experiences as framework! 46 years old and fully retired due to my military service connected injuries has given me more time than you can imagine to do things.. I would love creating full real situations that people could experience in full meticulous detail. I am one that pays attention to detail... from background sound to the direction of the wind, if I can manage and set it, I do. I also try to tell the story through the missions as well to give you the feeling of immersion.

I look forward to seeing what is in the future for SBProPE that is for sure.

I just want to see the top of the line current tank and armored vehicle models for all major countries today. THEN we could really create some interesting scenarios.. U.S.A., England, Russia, China, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Israel, Egypt, N. Korea, Syria, Iran... those would be a good start and allow for some very active and interesting combat scenarios......

although I admit I am biased, I have no doubt the M1A2 Sep V2 would come out on top.... :-)

Seriously though, after reading many of the posts, in reality I think the U.S. and British forces would currently have the upper hand in any tank on tank combat. With the current experience and active training from Iraq and Afghanistan, the crew can make all the difference in the world. Although Iraq and the equipment was subpar, the fact our forces have been in live fire situations makes a big difference no matter whether it was a tank, apc, technical, car or sniper/attack building.

I too would like to see more vehicles, tank crew members, campaign mode, etc etc... What would be nice is if the sim were set up to allow for easy methods to simply add units by modders. Then anyone that designed and created a 3D working model of a tank, apc or other vehicle or soldier could add them to the sim without a lot of hassle. If the SIM could somehow read 'add-on' unit files, this would be possible... or can it do so now?

I am still waiting for that first game/sim that comes out that can simply add into the game anything it finds in a certain directory... for example, lets say you have a dir called mods. Any 3D model, conforming to the style and naming conventions needed by the sims engine would automatically be added to the available in game units. Many games allow you to simply add mod files to a directory then activate which mods you want to use in game. With SBProPE, having this ability especially when it comes to 3D models would be a great addition.

I know though this is not going to happen since they make their money off adding units based on customer requests... too bad. It does get a bit boring using the same units, maps and so forth over and over... not to mention trying to create scenarios that are 'real life' oriented.

SOS is no longer in use, it has been replaced by MAYDAY for any Distress condition reported through voice comunications, be air, sea or ground.

SOS was mainly used via radiotelegraphy, with morse, but that we do not use both anylonger thankfully

PAN PAN is the voice to report an urgent condition that may evolve into a distress if no proper action is taken but that so far has not yet become a distress.

LOL that PLAZTDA is surely not on the Maritime and Aviation distress calls. :debile2:

Morse is still used all the time by many entities.. the U.S. Navy definitely still uses morse code, usually via visual signaling, under water comms etc. I use and was trained in the United States Navy in morse code. Plus SOS is still recognized fully as a universal sign for help due to the shortness of the signal.. Try tapping out Mayday vs SOS.

Talking about collision avoidance... I am brand new to Pro PE although an original SB user until about two weeks ago when I finally got Pro PE.

Why is it that small rocks and boulders are not or cannot be driven over? In fact Humvee's also cannot go over them. All of those units should easily be able to traverse over reasonable sized rocks and boulders yet none can. Is there a reason for this?

in the mission editor it is possible to set which positions you are able to acccess during the mission.

some mission builders will disable the exterior view because they don't want you to be able to see too much.

if you are trying to go to the F8 Exterior View in any of the missions, especially the tutorials, it is probable that the F8 view is not available.

Ahhh... ok, since my copy just arrived today I am just getting into it and the manual... But I assumed many key commands would be the same (which they are) so I thought perhaps I was doing something wrong.

Some larger battles I prefer to actually be a battlefield commander over seeing the entire battle and controlling forces rather than hands on... Using the F8 mode works best in this case as I can switch and monitor unit by unit battles.

This video shows the UAV in action in SB Pro PE version 2.460. In this demo scenario its providing airial recoinassance to US ground forces in Iraq which are on the way to purge some iraqi villages of hostiles along the Euphrates. Aside from recon it's also serving as directing artillery and airstrike capabilities on enemy forces.

Thread is also ment as discussion forum for the usage of UAV's (hopefully it wont get dumped into the ground zero section this way ) I'm eager to see the effect of UAV usage in multiplayer games going on - if you fail to notice it in time, you are pretty much done for - this little baby is like the "Fist of Heavens". Check it out!

Kind of an odd question... what is that music in the background and do you happen to know the album name? Both my GF and I really like that music and want to get the album if possible! :-)

ACK NM... laughed when I saw someone else also had the same question! Thanks for the answer!

Hi all,

I just purchased a new Gateway FX6800 series system. It is an Intel i7 -920 based CPU system. It has a ATI HD 4850 1gig video card, Creative/Realtek X-Fi MD sound, 3 gig ram. EDIT: System comes with and is running Windows Vista Home Premium Edition x64 bit.

I am smoothly running at 60fps with ALL options maxed in CCC panel and IN the sim as well. The lowest I have seen in some heavier combat so far is 52 FPS.

If you can afford $1000, I HIGHLY recommend this system to you. it comes as configured above and you can find it online or at Best Buy where I got mine.

I normally build a system but since I now dependent on VA disability due to my injuries funds are tight. For $1000 though I was able to buy this system and I have never been more happy with any machine I have built or purchased before. BTW, this thing comes loaded with TWO plug & play built in SATA drive ports WITH the caddies included in the front as well as numerous other nice features. No more cables, put a SATA drive in a caddie, plug it into one of the front bays and away you go!

Anyhow this system is running SB Pro PE smoothly and the only issue I am having is key commands not functioning for some reason right now..

Hi all,

Finally have been able after all this time to buy a copy of Steel Beasts Pro PE! Been playing Steel Beasts Classic all these years till now..

Anyhow, I need some suggestions on what I can look for with a problem I am having...

I am unable to move to external views of any vehicle or object. The F8 key (and I think a couple others now that I am messing around) do not work. Most of the others do seem to work.

The wierd thing is that in the lower left corner of the screen it DOES print the text 'External View' when I hit F8. But it never displays it or takes me outside the object.

What did I miss in reading or is this something else?

One other small question... any recommended add-ons or mods? Must haves?

Thanks...

There's SB Pro PE for you.

Yea but for someone like me, it is to expensive. I am a disabled US military veteran on a VERY limited VA disability pension and there is just no way I can afford the cost at the current price.

I have been waiting for the consumer version release but from what I am reading, that is a long way off now, if ever.

So I can no longer play Steel Beasts at all since the graphics do not work correctly on vista and I cannot purchase SBProPE.

Any chance of a patch to fix the video issue on Vista of the original?

Malakie