openBVE 1.4.2

For those, who haven't noticed - looks like there is an update to openBVE on Odakyufan's website, the version to be found is 1.4.2.

Check it out HERE

Great, and thanks to Odakyufan for it!

This looks promising...

Much appreciated, I have it installed and loading without errors.
Now, it's just a question of which route to play with first . . . . .

Problem detected, video rendering issue??

I have found serious problems with objects flickering and disappearing. The behaviour is not present in the two previous versions running the same routes/trains.

Perhaps you haven't copied SDL.dll?

That's not the problem. SDL.dll is present in all versions used and it it only this new release which exhibits the fault.

Do you actually see that error message, or whatever? If yes where is it shown?

I searched through the source code and can't find the occurrence of it.

There is no error message from the program. The error message is from ME, I'm alerting the fact that something isn't working properly with the rendering.

Try decreasing the Anti-alias level, which is added in this version, to, for example, 2.

No, that makes no difference. Something has changed in this release which is causing the reported effect. It never happened with the previous 1.4.12 or the 1.2.14.0

Both large and small freeobjs at various different distances are (apparently randomly) flickering or disappearing completely for a short time

So what's with this release that should cause it?

I think this is where Odakyufan should give the answer...

Huh... Sorry if I sound enbittered but I don't believe he'll care...

We'll see, he did actually care by releasing the update.

Yes but he doesn't care for the people standing behind the simulator. I've seen other projects die because of the devs not understanding their program is only alive because others care for it (addon devs and the, often enough, so detested "simple" [unproductive] users). Let's not let OpenBVE take the same way... We should've taken matters into own hands.

Well, I would love you to be wrong in that assessment. I'm giving Jens the benefit of the doubt unless I see a bit more proof for your fears.

In the meantime I would recommend sticking with one of the previous versions of the program, at least DO NOT discard it finally until this is sorted.

graymac wrote:No, that makes no difference. Something has changed in this release which is causing the reported effect. It never happened with the previous 1.4.12 or the 1.2.14.0

Both large and small freeobjs at various different distances are (apparently randomly) flickering or disappearing completely for a short time

So what's with this release that should cause it?

Cranking the anti-aliasing up to maximum (16) fixes the flickering here, which appears to be transparency related, so I suspect it's a change in the way the rendering works. Try both maximum and minumum and see where that gets you.
Decent anti-aliasing is a pretty big deal IMHO- Try looking at a wire fence with 1.4.1, and with 1.4.2 with anti-aliasing maxed. Transparencies look far better in this version

Cheers

Chris Lees

http://www.bvecornwall.co.uk

Thanks Chris,
I did the same and ratcheted it up to 16. It has stopped stuff disappearng.
For this to have happened is not helpful. Is it possible to see the program with default settings to te anti-aliasing set so the risk is minimised. Those who wish to mess around can do so after, but if this is happening to a less experienced user its bad

Completely agree, it'll be a bug somewhere in the rendering code.
I'd hope it'll get fixed quite quickly, especially as the anti-aliasing makes things look so much better.

Cheers

Chris Lees

http://www.bvecornwall.co.uk

Hope so too. A lot of us don't mess about too much with the settings, especially if it all seems OK on installation. For those who haven't seen where the adjustments are, here is where to look. In previous versions the options panel was like this:

http://imageshack.us/content_round.php?page=done&l=img171/7589/1412d.jpg

In the latest version the anti-aliasing adjustment is to be found here:

http://imageshack.us/content_round.php?page=done&l=img36/6356/1420i.jpg

Version 1.4.2 runs fine for me on an old WinXP m/c.
In fact I can't spot any real difference in the versions.
I have to say though, I have no programming knowledge and am looking at it simply from a player point of view.
I just hope that OpenBVE continues for the future and we see futher contributions from the likes of NWM and Railsimroutes et al.
I would hate to see it all to fall apart because of all the bickering which is going on.

Long may OpenBVE continue.

Best regards to all.

Check the Backface Culling setting (F11) - it should be ON which will stop objects with rear faces e.g. NWM from z-fighting which causes the flickering - it defaulted to OFF first time I loaded this version... once set it stays

That looks like the likely culprit Wulf. I experimented with switching it on and off, and with it "off" the offending behaviour is evident.

Ideally, it should be seen to in the release that the defaults are the "safe" state so that these problems aren't encountered.

After ensuring backface culling is "on", and with the anti-aliasing reset to "8" (the middle value in the range) I'm getting good quality visuals and a very respectable framerate.

Is there any documentation in plain, simple language to offer guidance to users concerning possible settings in the options menu? It would be good to bring that info into the open. I would consider making it available on the celtictrainsim.co website at the next major update.

I Have a Problem

I can under OpenBVE version 1.4.1.2 Download no addons because the server is no longer Exsiestirt what I now do ask for help.