VSQL release notes from Dennis Jorgenson

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Ok, to all VASSAL SL’ers –

We have done our best to avoid recurring upgrades as best as possible – however, technology DOES improve on an almost daily basis forcing us to march to the sound of the drummer…

So, we have a new release – haven’t had one in about 6 months – don’t plan on another one until CoD is ready for release. This upgrade is key to successful online gaming. Please keep in mind that there are differences between this new release and the previous that has been known to cause problems (counters disappearing, et. al.)

Also, and most importantly – should you resume a game using the new release – you will not be able to open the logfile in the previous release!

All said and done, please read the Release Notes attached – if we all upgrade at precisely the same time, won’t the world be a better place?

VSQL Upgrade Notice

Module 2.5.3

VASSAL Engine 1.3.1.1

1Release Notes

1.1Introduction

First and foremost, welcome to the VSQL community! These release notes cover important details for the new installation and upgrade of existing users. There are significant changes to the application and the environment with the release of the 1.3 VASSAL engine and the 2.5.that will have an impact on games in progress. Please read these notes carefully to ensure that your games in progress are not adversely affected.

1.2Current Release

There are currently two versions of VASSAL/VSQL in use by the VSQL community. The initial module release, Version 2.5, appears to be the version most widely used by our community members. However, Version 2.5.1 was released that included minor fixes and is used by a fewer number of players. Both of these modules are compatible with the Version 1.2.3 VASSAL engine. There are incompatibilities between these two versions that have an identified affect on online play.

1.3New Release

The new release does not replace the old release on your computer. The new release will automatically install and place an icon on your desktop that you will use to launch the VSQL module. The new release will also automatically upgrade your software to ensure that you are always running the latest versions of both the VASSAL engine and the VSQL module. The module itself has been very stable and we do not expect to releases more than once every 6 months. Each module upgrade will require an approximate 5MB download and will be required for the installation and operation of the VASSAL version 1.3.1.1 engine.

1.4Games in Progress

Games that have been started with either version 2.5 or 2.5.1 VSQL modules can be read by the new VASSAL engine. Games created using the new release can not be read by previous versions. Should you decide to upgrade your game in progress, open it using the new release and play through. Nothing else is required on you part. Logs generated for return turns will require that your opponent has the new release installed. Be sure to notify your opponents that you have upgraded to the new release.

1.5*** Important: FTF synchronization

There are a number of identified issues with players using an old release that synchronize with players using the new release. Please use established protocol and obtain the approval of players for online games in progress before synchronizing and be sure to state your current version.

1.6New Features

1.6.1Integrated Window Panes

Instead of having 5 or 6 different windows open, the new release comes with an integrated window interface. This feature has met with varied reviews, so, the previous approach remains supported. To select individual windows, deselect the Used combined application window option under File->Preferences->General tab.

1.6.2Improved Zoom/Map Scaling

Wow. You can actually play on and read the pieces on the zoomed out map. ‘Nuff said.

1.6.3Mouse-Over Stack Reveal

2.2The VSQL Site

On the VSQL site, two installation requirements are identified as shown below.

To run the latest version, click here.
Be sure you have installed version 1.4.x of Java first.
If the link above doesn't work, look at the Web Start Notes.


VSQL uses board files from VASL, downloadable here.



2.2.1Install Java

If you have not already downloaded and installed Java v1.4.x, click the Java installation link first and follow the instructions on the Sun site. If you have any questions, please contact me directly at dennisj2@yahoo.com. Some types of operating systems may require you to reboot your machine before the functionality of Java is implemented. Please consider doing this prior to executing the VSQL installation procedure.

2.2.2Install VSQL

Click the ‘run latest version’ link and the download and installation of the VSQL module begins. This is a 5MB download initially so, for slower connections, please expect this step to take some time. The status panel appears and displays the download progress.

After the download has completed, installation automatically begins. The following panel displays the options to start, get more information (Details) or exit the process. If you wish to continue with the installation, click the Start button. Select the directory in which to install the VSQL module. Typically, for Windows-based systems, place the file in the C:\Program Files\VASSAL directory.

If you would like a desktop icon created to launch the VSQL module, select Yes. If you do not select Yes, you will have to launch the VASSAL Engine in stand-alone fashion and will have to physically locate and launch the VSQL module. Most user should click Yes to this option pane.

2.2.3Install Boards

VSQL uses a number of boards that are the same used by the VASL community. On the VSQL web page, click the boards download link. Each board can be downloaded individually or as a set; see the far right column for downloading groups of boards. Click the link of the board or boards to download. This launches your zip program. After the download is complete, place the bd* files into the \boards directory where VASSAL has been installed typically C:\Program Files\VASSAL\boards for most Windows-based operating systems.

Placing the files in this directory requires no additional configuration however should you choose a different directory to store these files, you will need to customize your VSQL installation. Launch VSQL and select File->Preferences->General, locate the boards directory option and enter the new location.

2.2.4Ready to Play

You should now be ready to launch and play VSQL! Welcome aboard!
 
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