Draggable Overlays N Hex from Centre Request

ibncalb

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ATM the "N hex from centre" overlays go from 1 to 5 hexes. Is it possible to have them increased or user set. They are very useful and it's a shame they stop at 5 hex max.
 

apbills

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Speaking as someone who has worked on many counters at this point, there are many things that can be done. The question is always, should it be done, and how should it be implemented. In the case of these hexagonal outlines, they are really a PITA. Each image is a separate image that must be made. In counters where you can rotate through layers each layer is a separate image. For instance, the firelane overlays I made include a single image for each length of the firelane, rotating through them as you increment or decrement the length. It is not that difficult, but is time consuming. One point from this is that the limitation on number of images is driven by the time anyone wants to dedicate to making them. Any kind of dynamic rending based on an input from the user would require code outside a simple counter implementation - something I do not have the skills to do.

In the case of the area outlines, I had gone through a refresher in geometry in order to generate images for similar things in my DYO extension. In the end, I decided that for the "Range" and "To Hit" overlays I would settle for simple 6 sided images instead of the hex outline due to the expanding amount of data points required as you got to larger radius situations. You can find some of my beta implementations in the extension. A negative aspect of the large area overlays is the extent that they can end up on top of other counters and cause severe frustration when you have no indication there is something there (the transparent inner part).

So that was a small piece of my thought process regarding implementing certain aids to play. With that said, what is your prime use of these? 6-hexes is a very large area in ASL terms. What drives your desire to have even larger areas identified? In my DYO extension the "Range" overlay has 3 hex ranges - 8, 12, and 16 hexes - corresponding to various ASL ranges that matter. Max range of vehicular MG (8, 12), concealment loss determinations (16 ), winter camouflage (8,16), etc. The "To Hit" overlay increments in 6 hex ranges, reflecting the To Hit table. Neither of these overlays was designed to be something permanent on the board as the draggable overlays are. I have them in my QC bar so that I can easily drag one onto the mapboard, verify/check a range for the situation, and then delete it.

Answers to the two questions posed above will help me decide what, if any, priority I put on looking into something. My time working on VASL counters/things has greatly diminished over the last 6 months and will continue to be at that low level for the foreseeable future. The only efforts I am currently engaged in are making gutted building overlays for the RB board, solely due to a game I was playing that required one and none were available. Minor efforts include continued maintenance of my extensions when I or others find an issue.
 

ibncalb

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Thanks a lot for the informative response. My OP came from setting up a scenario where the British could setup within 8 hexes of a certain point and 7 hexes of another and it would have been more clear and more visually pleasing to have the correct overlay.

In these cases the overlays would be deleted when setup is complete.

I am sure there are more uses. However, more clarity and visual pleasure do not seem to justify the work you describe.

I really do appreciate the response and the work that you guys do.
 

apbills

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I have decided to look into these hex radius overlays once more - nothing is guaranteed. If you have followed me I tend to spit-ball things a bit before I dive into making everything. So with that said, I would like opinions on the width of the line. I have a sample of 2 different line widths. IF I make anything, it will have the ability to toggle between solid and dashed lines, so I put dashed line versions with the same two line widths as well.
30988
Granted this is just a single hex (0-hex radius) version, however, it is representative of the line widths I am looking at. Which width do you think is better for the purposes of this overlay? I can't guarantee the final version (or even if I make one) but am always interested in others opinions.
 

Robin Reeve

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The thinner dashed-lines (bottom left) would have my preference, as it lets appear the hexside terrain better and remains discreet.
 

PresterJohn

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When I use the hex radius markers I always use the paler coloured semi-transparent lines and never the solid lines which are too intrusive to be left on the map while playing.
 

von Marwitz

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I would also prefer/recommend the thinner lines for the reasons which have been posted upthread.

von Marwitz
 

apbills

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I agree with the consensus regarding the thinner line. I also have taken interest in the project, so will continue to work something out, although timing of s release will be sometime this summer I think given my other commitments. That being said, below is a comparison of an old version ("existing") and what I have some up with at this time ("modified").
31001
 

von Marwitz

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I agree with the consensus regarding the thinner line. I also have taken interest in the project, so will continue to work something out, although timing of s release will be sometime this summer I think given my other commitments. That being said, below is a comparison of an old version ("existing") and what I have some up with at this time ("modified").
View attachment 31001
I find even the modified line a bit too thick.

From my perspective, the line should meet the following objective:
Mark the area with only minor impact to aesthetics and LOS-drawing.

von Marwitz
 

Michael R

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I agree with the consensus regarding the thinner line. I also have taken interest in the project, so will continue to work something out, although timing of s release will be sometime this summer I think given my other commitments. That being said, below is a comparison of an old version ("existing") and what I have some up with at this time ("modified").
What makes you prefer solid over dotted lines?
 

von Marwitz

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What makes you prefer solid over dotted lines?
I think he was only comparing the thickness of lines it the latest post, which might be better to discern looking at a full line.

Besides that, I suppose that dotted lines are preferrable to solid lines.

von Marwitz
 

zgrose

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btw, you guys should try the hideable perimeter extension is you’re looking to make pleasing setup graphics.
 

ibncalb

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btw, you guys should try the hideable perimeter extension is you’re looking to make pleasing setup graphics.
Good point but I think the overlays are limited in size too? If not then this project might be a bit redundant.
 

apbills

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I thought I had made it clear that the lines will be both solid and dashed (and multi-colored). I will look into even thinner lines, but I am not convinced they will be visible enough. In addition, the dashes can be modified as well (i.e., longer, shorter, space between them).
31006
 

apbills

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The hideable control marker extension has some good things in it as well, just slightly different. The perimeter markers are much thicker for one thing. In addition, the area markers fill in (below) although they have multiple opacity settings, and are limited to 6 hex radius as well. the initial request was to get something with larger radius. My intent would be to make 0 to10 hex radius overlays.
31007
 

zgrose

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Yes, the quick areas are 'limited' but one can build any perimeter as a roll-your-own set of borders. As for the thickness, they are hideable! :)

31009
 
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