Starbase+ v2.0 Shareware
for VGA Planets 3.5

Copyright (C) 1995-1996  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             LWF -   Lay Web Mine Field

Component Transport Codes:
	GEn -   Get Engine Slot (n) (n = 1-9)
	GBn -   Get Beam Slot (n) (n = 0-9)
	GTn -   Get Torp Launcher Slot (n)  (n = 0-9)
	UEn -   Unload Engine Slot (n) (n = 1-9)
	UBn -   Unload Beam Slot (n) (n = 0-9)
	UTn -   Unload Torp Launcher Slot (n)  (n = 0-9)
	UAP -   Unload All Parts     (note 0 = 10)

Table 1.1
  Engines (n) codes
	1 = StarDrive One  2 = StarDrive 2   3 = StarDrive 3
	4 = SuperStarDrive 4   5 = Nova Drive 5  6 = HeavyNova Drive 6
	7 = Quantum Drive 7    8 = Hyper Drive 8   9 = Transwarp Drives

  Beams (n) codes
	1 = Lasers    2 = X-ray lasers   3 = Plasma Bolt  4  = Blaster
	5 = Positrom Beam    6 = Disruptor    7 = Heavy Blaster
	8 = Phaser  9 = Heavy Disruptor   0 = Heavy Phaser

  Torp Launchers (n) codes
	1 = Mark 1 Photon  2 = Proton Torp    3 = Mark 2 Photon
	4 = Gamma Bomb  5 = Mark 3 Photon   6 = Mark 4 Photon
	7 = Mark 5 Photon   8  = Mark 6 Photon  9 = Mark 7 Photon
	0 = Mark 8 Photon

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, etc) as well as the Host 
database (SHIP.HST, XYPLAN.HST, etc.).

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

	After the configuration file is saved, a confirmation dialog 
will be shown at which time, if YES is selected the Starbase+ 
database will be initialized. 

STARBASE.HST

	The configuration program will create and update all necessary  
files needed  to run this program.  There is no need to manually edit
the AUXHOST?.BAT files.

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* beamslot 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 = ( Starbase defenses) / 20]

	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 * Slot 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.  Note: LWF
will lay a web mine field if the base is a crystal starbase.

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 MDSF 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.

HOST Sequence
Starbase+
     AUXHOST 1
	Load Starbase+
	Beam Sweep
	Fighter Sweep
	Scoop Mine Fields
	Lay Mine Fields
     AUXHOST 2
	Load Starbase+
	Transport Ship Components


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

SHAREWARE may be distributed freely.  But all copyrights
are still retained and all rights reserved.


VGA Planets is a trademark of Tim Wisseman


************************************************************************
HOSTS----  You need to give a copy of this DOC file to  your players !!!
************************************************************************
You also need to give them copies of all BMP files you find in the ZIP
file you got this program from.  Tell them that they need to place the
BMP files in the sub directory (labeled BMP) under their WINPLAN dirctory.
This will give them the BMP's they need to see the bmps linked to the
messagign system.

NOTE TO HOSTS:

	This is a shareware copy of this program.  It does not allow
you to move starship components of a tech level greater than tech 6.
And the fighter sweeping of the starbases is also disabled.

	Registering the program will allow these function to be enabled.
Fighters will sweep and you can move up to tech 10 components.
	
Registration information is available in the ORDERFRM.ZIP file that
was included in this ZIP file.

Thank you for your interest.

	Dave Killingsworth
		Sysop Of Dan and Dave's BBS 916-345-6447
		Co-sysop of Warp Speed and Tim Continuum

you can contact me at
capstern@aol.com
or dan gale at:
dangale@aol.com
