WARNING 1 : THIS IS A TEST

WARNING 2 : SOME SKINS ARE CONVERTED THE FIRST TIME YOU RUN THE TEST PATCH - IT CAN TAKE A FEW MINUTES

Hello Racers.

Here is a new test patch W35. It is incompatible with versions earlier than W34, so earlier test patch hosts should upgrade. Thank you!

Please see the list of changes below.

Here is some information about the major changes in this series of test patches :

- Preload added to clutch pack differentials improving handling
- The number of cars that can join a race has been increased to 32
- False starts are now possible (LFS does not hold you at the start line)
- Skin improvements including high resolution premium skin download service
- Global class balancing system (currently applied to GTR and TBO classes)
- A new version of InSim including many improvements and a button interface

There are various improvements related to skins including the option to download high resolution skins while online, for a small charge of £1 for 2000 downloads. The low resolution downloads are still free. We have to charge for the downloading of high resolution skins because of the increased bandwidth and the need to buy and maintain more internet servers for LFS online usage which is always increasing. Please note, we are not selling skins. The skins remain the property of their owners. Your copy is a high resolution compressed version of the original. This is a charge purely for the downloading service which allows you to see other cars' skins in higher resolution.

Downloaded skins are now always saved and shown in compressed form. The original jpg is not saved on other computers. This allows the best use of memory and the quickest load from disk.

To use your own jpg skins, or to view skins that you manually download, save them into your skins folder - you will then find them selectable in game, just as before. You can see your manually downloaded skins compressed or not compressed according to the option for local skins. There are now 4 skins folders but you can ignore them all, just forget about them and just use the skins folder as usual.

skins : you save jpg skins that you want to select in game
skins_dds : lfs uses this to store dds (compressed) versions of your local skins
skins_x : lfs stores automatically downloaded low res skins
skins_y : lfs stores automatically downloaded high res skins

If you want to use this service, you can make a payment at www.lfsworld.net or at the main site http://www.lfs.net/?page=shop

To deal with the increased memory usage, there is also a skin purging system which removes unneeded skins from your graphics card memory, some time after they were last used. You can see the list of skins in use in the Misc Options screen. White means the skin is actually in use. Black means it was recently used and is hanging around a while in case it is used again (to avoid a disc access). In the past, LFS just left all skins in memory until you changed track or weather.

Changes in TEST PATCH W35 :

Admin penalties, pitlane commands and rcm are now recorded in SP Replays
Code page names are now translatable (for switching keyboard layouts)
InSim : Added "always on" option and better control of the clear area

FIX : Dedicated host could stop responding to typed messages and commands
FIX : Occasionally you could not start a race with AI after practicing
FIX : Penalty given during pit stop would make the pit stop never end
FIX : Overtaking lesson could sometimes give an invalid lesson result
FIX : In lesson 81 you needed to park 5 times to complete the lesson
FIX : AI drivers left pit speed limiter on after leaving pit lane
FIX : AI drivers ignored the pit lane speed limit

Changes in TEST PATCH W34 :

Qualifying outlap is no longer added to qualifying table
MPR file format : result times now saved in milliseconds
Removed "unknown finisher" and its stats / insim issues
Command /mprdir to specify mpr folder on dedicated host

FIX : Pit instructions were wrong when taking over a car
FIX : Long messages could sometimes get cut short
FIX : W33 bug - could not play hotlap replays

Changes in TEST PATCH W33 :

Practice sessions now start from pits (like qualifying)
First lap time of qualifying or practice is not displayed
Removed inset button from escape menu shortcut keys text
Improved connection - less likely to fail to join a host
Can now save MPR from dedicated host (auto or manual)

FIX : /end command in single player did not exit correctly

InSim : ISS_VISIBLE no longer changes due to text entry dialog box
InSim : IS_PEN packets now sent on autox false start or wrong route
InSim : Total time penalty is now included in IS_RES (compatible)

Changes in TEST PATCH W32 :

Command line command /player (start LFS with specified player name)
Startup skin conversion now shows progress and skin being converted
New command /wait (like /exec but LFS hangs until the program exits)
New InSim buttons system allowing better interface in InSim programs
Various other InSim updates - nearly all compatible with W26 InSim

FIX : Helmet jpg skins didn't appear in list in uncompressed skins mode
FIX : Damaged AI drivers could get stuck if two nearby wanted to reset
FIX : Single Player Replay of qualifying session did not work
FIX : Replay OOS error when using a voluntary handicap

Changes from W to W26 :

Multiplayer :

Up to 47 guests can connect to a host
Max cars in multiplayer race increased to 32
In demo still only 12 racing but up to 15 can connect
Car is no longer held at start line - false starts possible
Start lights time between red and green is changed each race
Avoided most of the "Can't x - a player is connecting" messages
Implemented a new "canreset" option while leaving hotlaps valid
Automatic spectate if you drive out of bounds when reset not allowed
Global handicaps for class balancing (set by master server)
Remote car's handicap shown in F11 menu, tyres in F12 menu
Grid reordering is now done on end race as well as restart
Kick and ban votes are held open a little longer

Racing :

Start and pit fuel loads range from 1% to 100%
Qualifying sessions now start from the pit lane
Qualifying out lap is no longer counted as a valid lap
Single player now allows up to 20 ai cars (powerful pc)
Pit instructions and live settings work in single player
SHIFT+G gear shift selection no longer stops SP recording
New voluntary handicap system in pits (part of setup)
Added preload setting to clutch pack differentials

Display :

Small map colours can be changed : Options-Display-Interface
Small map cars more than one lap ahead are a different colour
Automatic show results - leaves small map visible when driving
Hide / show results removed from options - now available on CTRL+TAB
Timing info is show in yellow after winner crosses line or time over
Yellow finished message is no longer duplicated in central text
Connection bars are not drawn if they would obscure tyre info
Qualifying cars on out lap are drawn orange (others yellow)
Qualifying position is shown in yellow like race position
Added text on screen showing the reason for a penalty
Display option : Virtual steering gauge
Display option : Rotate small map

Interface :

Added button to spectate directly from pits
Supporting TrackIR with 6 degrees of freedom
Scroll though autocross results with PgUp / PgDn
SHIFT+P now enters garage from game setup screen
SHIFT+O now enters options when watching a SP replay
New keys SHIFT+S (spectate) and SHIFT+P (go to pits)
Button look is now added to the yaw output of TrackIR
Automatic unpause when starting or restarting a replay
Ignition key "I" is now assignable to any key or button
Removed the sound effect of a racer pitting or spectating
Pit instructions fuel load can now be adjusted in 1% steps
Escape menu improvements : can use keys (listed on screen)
Race control message now has priority over wrong way message
Wider FOV and more view pitch available (for extreme settings)
Filter added to list of games to avoid hosts which allow reset
Place objects is now switched off when entering race or qualifying
FIX : Start restriction countdown was missing from OK button in pits
FIX : Q / X / ESC / ENTER keys did not exit from pits if player in race

Skins :

Replay skins download screen new "always" and "never" options
High res premium skin download system (£1 for 2000 downloads)
System to purge skins from graphics card memory when not used
Skin download and preload during connection after loading track
Improved the "new colours" system - combined with skin selection
Skins in skins folder are not converted to dds if using full skins

InSim :

New version of InSim allows up to eight TCP or UDP connections
More race tracking info and many packets added (see InSim.txt)
More commands now work on AI drivers : /spec /pitlane /p_xxx
More commands work even if player joining e.g. /spec /laps
New /i command to send a message to a race control program
Race penalty can now be removed with /p_clear command
Send all players to their pits with /pit_all command
Admins can now use the IS_REO (race reorder) packet
New packet IS_MSX - allows typing of longer messages
New packet IS_MSL - output a message on local computer

System :

Removed the option not to use HVS if it is available
Better messages showing the reason for disconnection
Admins can now edit and /axsave layouts while online
Admin ban dialog now asks for a number of days to ban
Admins can now see other admins in list of connections
Added short track name to SPR, MPR and RAF file formats
Added handicap mass and restriction to hotlap file header
Increased maximum physics objects due to more cars on track
Start grid remains when track or config changes (if possible)
FIX : Removed the need to pass a split after receiving admin penalty
FIX : The TAB key did not work with /press /ctrl and /shift commands
FIX : Autocross checkpoints in line could cause rapid lap count bug
FIX : Path followers were reset when an object was added or removed
FIX : Path follower reset caused a glitch or an out of bounds reset
FIX : Some objects were not drawn after exiting pits while paused
FIX : Start lights were not shown in some of the training lessons
FIX : Autocross layout number of laps sometimes did not load
FIX : Message "NETWORK FATAL : NOTSOCK" when joining a host
FIX : Find user in S2 mode looking for racer on S1 host
FIX : Occasional crash when exiting from List of Games

DOWNLOAD :

PATCH (Version W must already be installed) :
www.liveforspeed.net/file_lfs.php?name=LFS_TEST_W35.exe

ZIP VERSION (If you prefer a zip file) :
www.liveforspeed.net/file_lfs.php?name=LFS_TEST_W35.zip

DEDICATED HOST (for hosting only) :
www.liveforspeed.net/file_lfs.php?name=LFS_S2_DEDI_W35.zip

Good going

/me tests

thanks to cryton for reminding us all of that in irc quakenet channel #liveforspeed



keep up the good work scawen!

Barely finished W33 download, and then I saw this. Me likes fast updates

its same incompatible as W33 to W i think

what does this actually change?

"MPR file format : result times now saved in milliseconds"

Hi, the text of Hotkeys in the ESC menu has the same colour slider than the rest of the menu (Text Unselected). If I want to change only the colour of the hotkeys I end up with all the menu changed

This pic is from demo, but in FZR you nearly cant see any Hotkey if colour is black

to verify... this is incompatable with w33 and below?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

"Here is a new test patch W34. Because of some important fixes, it is incompatible with all previous W versions, so hosts involved in testing should upgrade. Thank you!"


Sorry... just seen that

Quote from zockmachine :

what does this actually change?

"MPR file format : result times now saved in milliseconds"

This doesn't concern you unless you are writing program to parse .mpr files. Previously times in MPR header were MSHT I think.

Thanks for new test patch, its great.
I have a problem with LFS and I know some other people do to.
Say 1/5 times I connect to a server I get a black screen, I would like to know why this happens.
Cheers.
[HR] HogaMan

Hi,

i have since w32 big lag problems . But my ping is <100 . This happens on each server. See replay.

Thx for help!

EDIT:

Sorry! i think i found a solution, it was my firewall (kaspersky internet security on vista home prem, 32bit)

Thanks for this patch. Running nice and smooth

Just one quick question, when is Patch X planned on being released?

frenchy

Quote from Nathan_French_14 :

Just one quick question, when is Patch X planned on being released?

As mentioned and posted numerous times beforehand, it is planned to be released on June 1st.

When you are in the pits, making a pitstop, and get a drive through penalty, you are stuck forever as your pitstop doesnt end. This was seen in the 24h race. The penalties were given by admins with /p_dt username.

Found a bug. Dont know if its a re-occurring one. See attached pic. It is in race mode but still thinks its in practice and thus no AI availabla. I have done a pratice before, but even on another track. Same car though. Also LFS has been closed before, so its a new session.

SpikeyMarcoD, I think that's because now practice starts from the
pits and so the AI will be available only in race... nvm if that's not the case

Quote from MarioX :

SpikeyMarcoD, I think that's because now practice starts from the
pits and so the AI will be available only in race... nvm if that's not the case

The point is, in the screenshot neither practise nor qualify are selected, and it still doesn't allow to add AI

And another one. Doing some singleplayer to get used to new cars Its more an inconvenience actually. Before if i pressed one a replay ran LFS changed to camera/tv mode. And if i pressed SHIFT R for a restart the view came back to in car. Now it needs a manual V to correct. So if its supposed to OK but i think its a slip that somehow got intoduced?


EDIT: cant seem to reproduce so maybe i did something wrong?

Quote from AndroidXP :

The point is, in the screenshot neither practise nor qualify are selected, and it still doesn't allow to add AI

yep, you're right, should have looked closer

Noticed a bug with dedi server. After it has been running for some time, you can't enter commands & messages any more. That is, you can type text in and see it, press Enter, text disappears, but nothing happens.

Quote from SpikeyMarcoD :

Found a bug. Dont know if its a re-occurring one. See attached pic. It is in race mode but still thinks its in practice and thus no AI availabla. I have done a pratice before, but even on another track. Same car though. Also LFS has been closed before, so its a new session.

That errormessage is missing if oyu start a multiplayer race with compulsatory pit stop and AI drivers.

Just racing on W34 - Dead Men rRacing server.

I joined the server on lap 2. Was running 20 lengths infront of the lead pack - Just dropping in and out of the blue flag region for 2 laps - but entering the final straight - I took to the pits for a compulsary pitstop. (also to clear out of way of leaders). Leader then chose to pit behind me.

I had blue flags going into the pits. On leaving I still left infront of the leader - only about 10 car lengths - but didnt get blue flags till after the chicane and heading up the hill to the hairpin (AH National Rev).

Should have had blue flags on leaving pits immediatly.

Didnt get a replay as I disconned just after the race finished (totally unexpectedly)

One of the chaps has saved the replay - hopefully it shows.

Scawen,

In Training, lesson 81 - Oval Testdrive - XR GTR we need to park between barriers 5 times to finish the lesson.

Quote from Vagner :

Scawen,

In Training, lesson 81 - Oval Testdrive - XR GTR we need to park between barriers 5 times to finish the lesson.

Would be nice if results are saved on LFS world. Did some of them today on test patch. If i do them on regular LFS they are still shown as not completed. So test scores would not be lost with reinstall/patch.

Just some extra for the never ending list . Wrong topic i know, but since its related to this bugreport.

Thanks all for the testing. Most of the few bugs reported sound like they will be reproducable - not too worrying.

Quote from hackerx :

Noticed a bug with dedi server. After it has been running for some time, you can't enter commands & messages any more. That is, you can type text in and see it, press Enter, text disappears, but nothing happens.

This one sounds... not so reproducable. Or is it? Would I just need to run a dedi for a while, or do I need to join and leave? Any ideas on the simplest way to make this happen? If I can make it happen easily then I'll be able to see what's up in the debugger.