1st BN Software Installation Guide
From 7th Cavalry Regiment Wiki
This page is a temporary place holder for the 1st BN Software Installation Guide. Content will undergo iterative review by S3 Battlestaff until a version is published for general access.
Contents |
Preface
Disclaimers
Indemnification
The information provided here is not guaranteed to be flawless. We think this guide is helpful and you should follow it, but understand you are doing so at your own risk. By reading the remainder of this documentation you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Indemnification Agreement.
Intended Audience
7th Cavalry is making this documentation available as a convenience to our members. It is suitable for anyone who desires to participate in 1st Battalion training or operations, and anyone who needs to configure client software required to do so. This documentation is not intended for members who will restrict their play to only the public Tactical Realism server. This documentation does not address administration of game servers, hosting considerations, map making or scripting.
Purpose Statement
By following the recommendations set forth in this document, members will be adhering to a standard of software configuration which we believe will give them the best possible results, with the best possible circumstance under which to obtain voluntary technical assistance from fellow members should such assistance be requested.
Document Conventions
The software icon identifies a step which requires the use of a specific version of 3rd party software
The helmet icon denotes a required action the user must take
The warning icon denotes critical configuration steps which require careful evaluation
The compass icon denotes optional configuration steps which members may find beneficial
The first aid icon denotes troubleshooting or corrective action procedures which members may find beneficial
Overview
Minimum Hardware Specification
| Hardware | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows XP or newer |
| Processor | Dual Core Intel Pentium 4 3.0 GHz or AMD Athlon 3200+ or better |
| Memory | 1 GB |
| Disk Storage | 10 GB free storage space |
| Video Card | Nvidia GeForce 8800GT or ATI Radeon 4850 or better |
Because 7th Cavalry runs additional software such as ACE and TeamSpeak
it is recommended that members follow the minimum hardware guidelines below
for anyone wishing to participate on Training or Operations servers.
| Hardware | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows XP or newer |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 2.33GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 5400 or better |
| Memory | 2 GB |
| Disk Storage | 15 GB free storage space |
| Video Card | Nvidia GeForce 8800GT or ATI Radeon 4850 or better |
Recommended Hardware Specification
A superior gaming experience is possible with better hardware. Not only will the game look better, the performance will be smoother, allowing you to react fluidly with your team mates. Combined Operations now makes effective use of multiple CPU cores. Additionally, the game can now utilize just over 2GB of RAM. With TeamSpeak and other software running it is highly desirable to have at least 3GB RAM, but it is not necessary to have more than 4GB, thus a 64 bit operating system is not necessary. While it is possible to achieve excellent gaming performance from a nicely overclocked dual core CPU, a quad core CPU with a high clock rate is a sure thing for anyone without an advanced degree in CPU cooling. The following specification is recommended for members who wish to maximize the technical potential of their gaming experience.
| Hardware | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 7 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 750 2.66GHz or AMD Phenom II X4 965 3.4GHz or better |
| Memory | 3 GB or better |
| Disk Storage | 15 GB free storage space |
| Video Card | Nvidia GeForce GTX460 or ATI Radeon 5850 or better |
Tips for System Performance
Video Drivers
Periodically, improvements in video card drivers are released from the manufacturers. In most cases, updating to the latest video driver results in an improvement to the overall gaming experience. Refer to your video card manufacturer's web site or to the latest reference drivers for your graphics card.
Motherboard Drivers
Motherboard manufacturers also release periodic driver updates and BIOS feature updates, though they tend to do so less frequently than the graphics driver developers. By keeping up to date with motherboard drivers, you'll be in the best position to enjoy the maximum potential of your hardware and remain compatible with operating system patches and service packs. See your motherboard manufacturers website for updates.
Other Drivers
Sound cards and peripherals such as mice, keyboards, joysticks and TrackIR devices are good candidates for periodic driver updates as well. Periodically check your manufacturer's web site for updates to device drivers and application software related to these kinds of devices.
Drive Performance
After CPU and graphics card, your storage system is the most significant performance consideration for ARMA II:Combined Operations.
There are two categories of storage device in use today: hard drives and solid-state drives. Solid state drives are gaining in popularity due to their superior performance, but they are much more expensive than hard drives.
Hard Drive Users
If you have the option to install from scratch on a fresh hard drive, place your game files on the outer edges of the drive platters. You can accomplish this using a utility such as Ultimate Defrag. Since ARMA2 loads only bits of data from many of it's pbo files, a simple windows defrag can have your hard drive seeking half or even full sweeps as it reads one pbo or another that is placed randomly around the drive. You don't want this. Instead, use a defrag tool that will locate these files togetehr on the fastest part of the platter for maximum performance.
Solid-State Drive Users
If you have a solid-state drive, defrag will do nothing for you. These drives are simply blazing fast no matter the order in which data was placed on them or changed. Recent solid-state drives retain their performance throughout their lifetime and do not require maintenance.
Multiple Drives
Another trick to improving performance is using multiple drives. If you have two drives, load your OS on one and your game on the other.
Partitioning
If you have only one hard drive, you can still benefit from partitioning it wisely. The idea is to create a very simple yet beneficial high performance/low performance separation, splitting the drive into two well thought out partitions. The first partition will be the high performance drive. The second will be the low performance drive. Remember, as a drive spins the outer edges of it's platters are moving faster than the interior. As an example, if you split a drive into two partitions you could locate your game on the first partition and store all of your movies, music, documents, and other files on the second partition where performance is not quite so critical. By locating your game files at the outermost edge of the platter you can dramatically reduce FPS drop due to hard drive access and seek delays.
Swap Files
Windows uses a swap file to store data which it has mapped to virtual memory in excess of your physical RAM. It is best to have enough RAM to avoid heavy reliance on swap, however, if you have to use swap then at least try to make it faster. If you have two hard disks you can put your swap file on both. Windows will stripe your swap across both drives, automatically increasing performance.
Supported Software
- ARMA2 Combined Operations 1.54
- Teamspeak 3.0.0-beta32
- Yoma AddonSync 1.0.67.0
- Public Steam Launcher 0.0.1.2
- Ranger Steam Launcher 0.0.1.3
Preparing for Installation
Operating System Preparation
Windows XP
32-bit (all versions)
Windows XP 32 bit versions have a 3GB memory limit. This is fine since the game plus 3rd party software does not exceed 3GB. As XP is now two major releases behind we can expect that driver support for new hardware and peripherals may be uncertain. There is no technical limitation with XP which would force an upgrade, however, if it is an option consider upgrading to Windows 7 for longevity of support.
64-bit (all versions)
Windows XP 64 bit versions are problematic at best. Driver support is generally poor. Avoid these operating systems.
Windows Vista
32-bit (all versions)
Windows Vista 32 bit versions have a 3GB memory limit. This is fine since the game plus 3rd party software does not exceed 3GB. Vista has good driver support for new hardware and peripherals. Vista performance is sub-par for gaming. It will get the job done, but if it is an option consider downgrading to XP 32 for performance or upgrading to Windows 7 for performance and longevity of support.
64-bit (all versions)
Windows Vista 64 bit versions have good driver support for new hardware and peripherals. Vista performance is sub-par for gaming. It will get the job done, but if it is an option consider downgrading to XP 32 for performance or upgrading to Windows 7 for performance and longevity of support.
Windows 7
32-bit (all versions)
Windows 7 32 bit versions are the best available platform for the game. If you have other computing needs which would benefit from a 64 bit operating system then you may use a Windows 7 64 bit version and enjoy roughly identical gaming performance.
64-bit (all versions)
Windows 7 64 bit versions are no better and no worse for the game than the 32 bit alternative. You may have other computing needs which benefit from 64 bit computing, but this game isn't one of them.
Obtaining Required Software
Official Software Sources
Download the following software. Do not launch it. Just save it to a location where you can find it when needed later in this guide.
| Link | Description |
|---|---|
| TeamSpeak 3 | Download either a 32 or 64 bit version of the client. You do not need to download the server or SDK |
| Addon Sync | Download the most recent version of Yoma Addon Sync. This software is typically provided in both .msi and .7z file formats. If you don't know the difference, just get the .msi version |
| ARMA II Update | This updates ARMA II to the latest version. Download and carefully follow the instructions on the download page |
| ARMA II:Operation Arrowhead Update | This updates ARMA II:Operation Arrowhead to the latest version. Download and carefully follow the instructions on the download page |
| Combined Ops Launcher for Steam | If you use Steam, download this launcher and follow the instructions in this guide to launch Combined Operations |
Verifying Download Legitimacy
Installing Software
Teamspeak
Teamspeak is our primary communication tool while connected to 7th Cavalry Training, Ranger and Operation servers.
Run the TeamSpeak 3 client install executable you downloaded in the previous step.
Windows 7 and Vista users, be certain to launch TeamSpeak with administrative rights.
| | You can make this permanent by doing the following: Right click on the TeamSpeak launcher Select Properties Select Compatibility Check the box labeled Run this program as an administrator Click on the OK button Now, every time you launch TeamSpeak it will automatically be launched with administrator rights. |  |
|---|
You should see the TeamSpeak 3 application open up.
Move on to the Bookmarks section
Server Bookmark
In this section you are going to make an entry for the 7th Cavalry TeamSpeak server in your list of bookmarks.
Select Bookmarks from the application menus.
Click on the Add Bookmark button.
Configure the bookmark as follows:
Label: 7th Cavalry Address: ts3.7thcavalry.us Port: 9987 Nickname: =7Cav=RNK.Name fill in your rank and name Password: 7thCavalry
It should look something like this.
Configure Default Channel
Click on the More button. This is where you set the 7th Cavalry server to be your default.
You can also select a default channel. Each time you launch TeamSpeak it will automatically place you is whatever channel you specify here. Click OK to save the changes.
Move on to Push To Talk
Push to Talk
You are required to use Push to Talk in Teamspeak. Among other things, this helps to keep communication
clear of needless distractions. To configure this, click on Settings, then Options, then Capture.
Select a mouse button or key not used by the game.
When you are done click on OK. Then move on to the Phonetic Nickname section.
Phonetic Nickname
When you enter and exit channels in TeamSpeak3 you are announced by name. This is known as your Phonetic Name. You should always make sure you keep your phonetic name updated with your rank, but please don't include your 7th Cavalry tags in the name. No one wants to hear the computerized voice say equal sign seventh cav equal sign.
Click on Self and select Set Phonetic Name. You can play it back to hear how it will sound before saving.
Server Group Icons
TeamSpeak3 includes the ability to associate users with groups and to represent these groups with icons.
Some icons will indicate special administrative privileges, but most troopers will just see two icons
associated with their name. One icon will indicate the trooper's rank and the other will be the unit crest.
If you don't see either your rank or unit crest icon don't worry. An administrator will sort this out for
you eventually. Just be patient. You don't need to request anything or configure anything.
If you have installed TeamSpeak on multiple computers and connected to the 7th cavalry server, you may
notice that you see your icons when connecting from one PC but not from another. Don't worry. This is
normal. Your group associations are made against your TeamSpeak unique identity. Each time you install
TeamSpeak you have created a new unique identity, even though your nickname is the same.
It will look something like this
If you have gotten this far without errors you are ready to move on to the next topic. If you have encountered a problem you need to review the steps, try again, or seek help. You won't be able to proceed with later steps until this part is working.
ARMA2 Combined Operations
There are some very important differences between Steam and Non-steam distributions of the game. These do not affect game play, but they are essential in configuring your game to work correctly and to connect to our servers. If you purchased your copy of the game through Steam, then follow the Steam Installation instructions. If you purchased your copy of the game through Sprocket, or a retail box, or any other way, then follow the Non-steam installation instructions.
You should also be sure to keep your Combined Operations installation updated with patches as they are released.
Add details on patching versions later.
Steam Installation
Steam offers the game either separately or as a combined purchase.
- ARMA II and ARMA II:Operation Arrowhead
- ARMA II Combined Operations (combined package)
The only appreciable difference between these two options is the price break you get buying them together.
Combined Operations allows us to use all of the content of both ARMA II and Operation Arrowhead. This requires that both games be installed,
and that all updates be applied. Steam makes this easy by automatically applying any patches or updates as they are available. Never apply an update created for a Non-steam version to your Steam game.
Windows 7 and Vista users, be certain to launch Steam with administrative rights. Many common errors encountered during installation and launch are due to insufficient user rights.
Additional information about the installation process with Steam can be found here.
Connecting to the Public Server Tactical Realism
You can launch Combined Operations directly from within Steam by going to the Game Library, right clicking on ARMA2:Operation Arrowhead, and selecting the option to Launch ARMA2:Combined Operations.
Connecting to the Private Servers Training, Ranger, Operations
In order to access 7th Cavalry private servers you will need to take additional steps to install ACE and the Combined Operations
launcher. The Steam launcher will not allow you to connect to the 7th Cavalry private servers successfully.
Continue on to Verify Your Installation
Non-steam Installation
Install ARMA2 and ARMA2:Operation Arrowhead from media
Both games need to be installed to the same path. If you already have ARMA2 installed, you can simply install Operation Arrowhead and it will automatically be placed in the correct folder. If you are starting from scratch, you may install Operation Arrowhead first and then install ARMA2. Avoid installing to two different locations and then moving folders as this can create problems with path information stored in your system registry.
If you have one Steam and one Non-Steam game, install the Non-Steam game into the Steam game location.
Apply Updates
Please note that after the installing this patch it is not possible to rollback to a previous version. Only a full reinstall of the game is possible. If you want to keep your previous version you may want to backup the entire game installation folder before applying this patch.
Apply the latest game patches. You downloaded these in the preparation step. Run the patch executable. It will extract and install automatically.
The patch will install itself to your ArmA 2 installation folder. The default path is C:\Program Files\Bohemia Interactive\ArmA2
This patch will also update your ARMA 2 1.05 to 1.07 if necessary.
Verifying Installation
You can verify that you have correctly installed Combined Operations by doing the following:
- Launch Combined Operations using the method appropriate for you as described above.
- In the main menu, select Expansions. You should see ARMA 2, Operations Arrowhead, and British Armed Forces (Lite)
- In the main menu select Multiplayer. You should see a list of available servers begin to populate.
- Select Filter. In the Host: dialog box type =7Cav= and press OK. You should now see our servers.
- Highlight the Tactical Realism [A2+AO] server and click Join. The game should launch without error.
If you have gotten this far without error, continue on to Configuration
Configuration
There are a couple of small but important game configuration steps you need to complete before leaving this section of the guide: Player Profile and Key binding.
Player Profile
Keyboard Mapping
Make sure you have adjusted any necessary keyboard mappings and set aside keys for TeamSpeak.
To change the default key bindings from the main menu go to Options and click on Controls.
Continue on to Yoma Addon-Sync
Yoma AddonSync
Install Yoma AddonSync from the install executable you downloaded in the Software Sources section.
When the install is complete launch Addon Sync from the desktop icon
Update Yoma
The original version of Addon Sync supported ARMA II but does not support Combined Operations. If you have not updated Addon Sync in a while be sure to do so before continuing. Go back to the Software Sources section.
Configuration
This is easier than it looks. Its almost like magic. I'll walk you through these next 4 configuration steps
1. Set up the path to your game files
2. Paste in an auto-configuration URL
3. Click the import button, and viola, you have configured the application to synchronize with a 7th Cavalry server.
4. Tell Addon Sync to update all of your mods and it does the rest. Pretty simple really. Let's get to it.
Path to Games
If you are a Non-steam user then your path will be something like: c:\Program Files\Bohemia Interactive\ArmA 2
Server Autoconfig
To join the Public ACE server, you will need a client configuration based on the Public Server autoconfig URL. In order to join 7th Cavalry training and operations, you will also need a second client configuration based on the Ranger Server autoconfig URL. Some members may be invited to test new features from time to time in the development server. If invited to do so, you may also create a separate configuration instance for the Development Server.
- Ranger Server: http://yoma.7thcavalry.us/ranger.7z
- Development Server: Certain individuals need this. Follow instructions here if directed to do so by S3 Battle Staff.
Click on the New Server Button
Notice that the New Server Window has opened
Insert the auto-configuration URL in the input field. In this example we will set up a Ranger instance.
Click on the Import Server Button
Notice that the tab name has changed from New Server to 7th Cavalry Ranger Server and details have been filled in
Click on the Save Button
Sync Mods
Click on the Download Addons tab
Notice that the Download Addons window has opened.
Click on 1)Check for Addons
Notice that the files are color coded
Before starting the download, some additional configuration is needed. Do not start the download yet. Proceed to the configuration step.
Check All Mods
Make sure all mods are checked.
Click on 2)Download Addons to start the download. This may take a while. Go get a drink.
Delete Extra Files
After your initial update, you may periodically need to re-run the synchronization steps above. When you do this, you may find that some number of files are no longer needed. Addon Sync will highlight these files in the color peach. Once synchronization has completed, you will see a pop-up window asking if you would like to delete these files. It is safe to do so.
Select the Delete Files button
Click on Yes and then confirm by clicking on OK
Edit ACE userconfig
If you are a Non-steam user then your path will be something like: c:\Program Files\Bohemia Interactive\ArmA 2\userconfig\ace
Open Windows Explorer and navigate to your userconfig\ace folder.
Right click on the file ace_clientside_config.hpp and select Copy
Paste the copy you just made into this same folder. This will store an original copy in case it is needed at a later time.
Right click on the file ace_clientside_config.hpp and select Edit. This will open your default editor. For most people, this will be Notepad.
The default ace_clientside_config file uses the name John Doe as a place holder example of where to type your user name. In this step, you are replacing the name John Doe with your full 7th Cavalry clan name including clan tags, rank, and player name. Only one of these needs to be changed, but to make this as simple as possible you can just perform a Search and Replace on the text "John Doe". In Notepad, you accomplish this by selecting Edit from the main menu, clicking on Find, typing in the text you wish to search for, typing in the text you wish to replace the old text, and then clicking on Replace All.
For those of you who prefer to perform this step manually, the portion of the ace_clientside_config file which would have been updated using the Search and Replace method above looks like this:
Be sure to save your changes. In Notepad you accomplish this by selecting File from the main menu and clicking on Save.
You may repeat these steps for each server (Public, Ranger, Development) as needed by selecting the appropriate autoconfig URL.
Verify Everything is Working
Launch Order
Next, Launch Combined Operations. If using Steam please use the Combined Operations Steam Launcher provided by 7th Cavalry to launch the game.
The Ranger server uses this launch string: -mod=EXPANSION;ca;@ACE;@ACEX;@ACEX_RU;@ACEX_SM;@ACEX_USNAVY;@CBA;@MAPS;@MODS
Those using Steam may find this string works instead (if the one above doesn't): -mod=%_ARMA2PATH%;EXPANSION;ca;@ACE;@ACEX;@ACEX_RU;@ACEX_SM;@ACEX_USNAVY;@CBA;@MAPS;@MODS"
Steam Users
Steam installs ARMA2 and Operation arrowhead in two different places. This is true even if you have purchased the Combined Operations combo pack. This presents a slight problem for the way default content and mods are referenced when launching Combined Operations.
7th Cavalry has provided a simple but effective launcher for Steam users. The launcher determines path variables for both games allowing Combined Operations to work correctly with our list of mods. Members who have purchased the game through Steam are highly encouraged to use this launcher.
Windows 7 and Vista users, be certain to launch Steam with administrative rights.
| | You can make this permanent by doing the following: Right click on the 7th Cav Steam Launcher Select Properties Select Compatibility Check the box labeled Run this program as an administrator Click on the OK button Now, every time you run the 7th Cav Steam Launcher it will automatically be launched with administrator rights. |
|---|
Non-Steam Users
Non-Steam users do not need to use the 7th Cavalry Steam Launcher.
Testing ACE Features
To get the earplugs, gasmask, tactical glasses and similar items to work, there are a couple of things you need to do. If you have followed all of the steps in this guide, then you have already set up your ACE clientside config file. If you jumped ahead to this point, then this is the short version of what you need to edit:
1. Go into your Arma 2/Userconfig/ACE folder. (NOT to be confused with @ACE/userconfig folder)
2. Then open ace_clientside_config.hpp in notepad and scroll down to the class Identity section.
3. Replace name = "John Doe"; with your profile name
Example: name = "=7Cav=CPL.Leathers";
If you did it right, the masks and goggles should be working in-game. Pick them up from the special weapons crate and activate them from the action menu. If you are unable to access these items in game from the action menu, take another look at the detailed instructions for ACE clientside config editing steps.
Earplugs
If not protected, a nearby blast can effect your hearing. You may not be able to hear at all or experience ringing for a while until you recover. Ear protection is your friend. Don't leave a gear box without it. You can employ your earplugs through the Action Menu
Gas Mask
Tear gas (CS) and Mace (CN) are by far the most common non-lethal crowd dispersant agents. They are used by military and law enforcement around the world. If not wearing a protective mask when exposed to gas, you will experience violent coughing and blurred vision. Always remember to carry your gas mask in operations and exercises. You can don your mask through the Action Menu
Testing ACE by Using Gear
 | Load into the game and move to an advanced gearbox. The gearbox is often gray and looks like an air shipping container. |
|---|---|
| | Certain equipment can also be obtained from an ammo crate. Ammo crates are often green and look like a wooden box. |
While standing near a gear box or ammo crate, press G to bring up a gear menu. Select gas mask from the gearbox and double-click on the item name to add it to an empty slot in your inventory. Repeat this step to add earplugs, a radio, and other items to your inventory.
To put on your gas mask or insert your earplugs, you need to bring up your action menu by pressing the MENU key on your keyboard. If your keyboard doesn't have a menu key, read the Keyboard Mapping section.
Press the menu key to bring up the action menu.
Select the gas mask or earplugs or other item you wish to use.
If you have ACE correctly installed and your clientside config file has been updated to match your profile name, then your ACE equipment will be usable.
Keyboard Mapping
Who should edit default mappings
If you use a standard keyboard then you probably don't need to do any custom key mapping... but what in the heck is a standard keyboard? Default keyboard bindings in ARMA2 are made with the assumption that the user has an ISO or ANSI keyboard. There is your definition of standard. But obviously not everyone has one of these standards. Just in case you don't use one of these keyboards, this section will help you map the necessary functions to whatever you are using.
There are many keyboard layouts available in the world. Most layouts are language specific, but the majority of the world has standardized on three types. ISO, ANSI, and JIS. Unfortunately, this isn't quite as helpful as it sounds. Not only will we continue to encounter keyboards built to other standards from time to time, but even among these big three there are variants. For example, there are laptop and desktop keyboards, each in both extended and compact forms. The extended keyboards have 110, 109, and 112 keys (ISO, ANSI, and JIS, respectively), and the compact models have 79, 78, and 80 respectively. Certain keyboards will offer extra keys which are often mapped to special functions via the operating system or software application. In short, keyboards are just not consistent in what they offer, so we need to spend some effort talking about how to manage custom key bindings.
Default key mapping
ARMA
ARMA2 uses the following default keyboard bindings:
ACE
The ACE system adds numerous features to the game experience. Many of these require extra key bindings beyond the defaults provided by the vanilla game.
