[Svizel]

Recently i updated my FSO build and media files and i noticed slowdown on all mission loadings. After half an hour of testing i'm sure problem is in mv_models_a.vp file.

With old models file everything was ok and my loading times were about 15-30secs (depends on mission), with new models file mission loading gets stuck on one line and two dots (-..-..-..-..-..-..-) and holds there for about minute anf half, then loading resumes and is finished in just few seconds. If i remove mv_models_a.vp from my FS2 directory mission loading gets back on normal.

I tried to check this file with VpView and it seems ok, exact file size is 10178165B. Is it just my version corrupted somehow or my file is ok and this models version is somehow bugged?

[taylor]

This is the two hi-poly ship models having to have their buffer information generated on load.  This is a rather slow process at the moment I think a new proposed model format will have this information already generated and ready to use.  I'm not really familiar with this code or the new model format though so one of the others might want to add something to this.  Basically there isn't much you can do about this right now except not use mv_models or accept the slowed loading to the time being.

[WMCoolmon]

Anything with the Fenris will take a long time due to its high polycount. You can get around this by switching to an older build or removing mv_models_a.vp, like taylor said.

It was added with index buffers, IIRC.

[Svizel]

Ok... I'll try to warn all multi pilots to remove mv_models_a.vp from their FSO. In single player you don't mind longer waiting but in multi if your loading takes too long you get quite a big chance that you lose connection on host and get kicked out of game.

[Tepa]

i just removed mv_models.vp completely and load times shortened dramatically..

i wonder what other VPs there can be disabled
would be handy to know for those ppl who wants to play but crashes due to integrated grafcard or just too low system spec's
Ps. Sviz when u load slow that gives us time to drink your beer away

[kasperl]

Anything but the core is optional, you might just loose glows or make the spec look ugly, but it isn't necesary to run.

[karajorma]

If you know what you're doing you should create a moddir called Multiplayer and simply extract the corvette2t-01 and cruiser01 pof files to your models folder.

That way you can play multiplayer with the default models simply by choosing Multiplayer as your -mod option but still have the high poly mods in singleplayer mode.

Of course if you don't know how to do what I've just suggested simply moving the vp file around will almost certainly be easier

[kasperl]

This really should be explained better when installing the VP's, I think.

OT:
Kara: should we change the installing manual to use the installer, or keep it this way?

[Tepa]

kara i might end to do that job to clients tro VNC...
so movin VP's i still findin that better option maybe keeps players inside game this time with cost of details
also custom flag -timeout 120  helps some if hostin maybe clients should set that too

[Svizel]

Originally posted by Tepa
i wonder what other VPs there can be disabled
would be handy to know for those ppl who wants to play but crashes due to integrated grafcard or just too low system spec's
Ps. Sviz when u load slow that gives us time to drink your beer away

Before i found out what was the problem i played with different .vp configuration but didn't find much difference in loading speed (except for the models file).
Lightest possible multiplayer combination loaded ToF in about 10seconds. With all original and FSO .vp files installed (except for models) it loaded in 15secs. But if you wish lightest possible multiplayer version i mentioned is basic Freespace2 instalation with high-res graphics only (no music, no briefings, no techroom animations etc) and mv_core_b.vp. Hires graphics contains only new interface textures so it shouldnt affect loading speed. Just remember to turn on -nomusic flag so it won't want to load music from CD.

Originally posted by karajorma
If you know what you're doing you should create a moddir called Multiplayer and simply extract the corvette2t-01 and cruiser01 pof files to your models folder.

That way you can play multiplayer with the default models simply by choosing Multiplayer as your -mod option but still have the high poly mods in singleplayer mode.

This isn't usually necessary since most multiplayer pilots plays multiplayer only. If i was creating mod folder than it would be for single.

[Singh]

extracting the original low-poly Fenris and the Herc from the vanilla .vp ought to do it.

A long term suggestion though:
Perhaps renaming the high-poly ships with a -htl flag at the end, and then having a command line option that, upon recognizing the flag loads it might help? Same could be done with the custom textures actually.

[karajorma]

Originally posted by kasperl
OT:
Kara: should we change the installing manual to use the installer, or keep it this way?

Hmmm. I think the best way might be to write a new guide for the installer and simply move the old guide to a page called manual installation.

I'm not certain what exactly is the best thing but if you give me a few more days I'm currently re-writing the FAQ to have support for the wiki (links to wiki pages that either have better information or are likely to change often) and for FS2_Open (I'm planning to have seperate technical/troubleshooting sections for FS2 Retail/HotU and guides for FS2_Open on both installs).

 By the time I've finished that I'll be in a better position to advise.  

BTW kas. Aren't you using the HotU - like ISO download? Any info you have on that would be very useful. Does it too have all the files in Data or does it have vp files?

Originally posted by Svizel
This isn't usually necessary since most multiplayer pilots plays multiplayer only. If i was creating mod folder than it would be for single.

I can understand what you mean but it's a better practice to leave the media.vp files in the main folder because that's where everyone expects them to be.

Still doing things your way is actually simpler

[Kazan]

we need the damn OBJ3

[kasperl]

I am using some stuff acquired from a friendly neighbour. I'll do the rest via PM.

[karajorma]

Thanks for the info Kasperl. It will probably be similar enough to the HotU version that I can simply add it in there.

[Tepa]

ok so its just leviathan and herc 1 or herc2 model causin the prob? and what about fenris ?
bcouse il just extract those files put em on site for every multiplayer to DL unless u guys beat me first

[kasperl]

Levy and Fenris are the exact same model, poly wise.