Radarspotting

Mode-S Software => Virtual Radar Server => Topic started by: NE-KID on January 07, 2020, 09:34:33 PM

Title: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: NE-KID on January 07, 2020, 09:34:33 PM
Hello everyone,

I am an issue with not seeing Military flags that I've added to VRS I made sure I pointed to the right folder in the VRS settings box. I also have commercial flags that are working fine and same with silhouettes are working just fine but not the Military flags. For the editor I am using VRS editor plugin. Can someone help please?

- Jamie
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: Anmer on January 07, 2020, 10:41:47 PM
To avoid going over the same ground, I've had a lengthy exchange of emails and personal messages with NE-KID.  This has included a link to my Guide (https://radarspotting.com/forum/index.php?action=tpmod;dl=item17) on logos and silhouettes and suggesting a check on the BaseStation.sqb database to make sure the OperatorFlagCode field is suitably populated with a matching bmp file name.

My last message read as follows:

The Guide I wrote clearly explains how flags/logos work.  If, having read it, you still don't understand I'm not sure how to help you further.

But I'll repeat the basic principles one more time.

For any logo to appear, such as United or a milltary one, the database OperatorFlagCode field must be populated with a record that matches a corresponding bmp file that's found in the appropriate folder, usually OperatorFlags.

It's as basic as that.

You need to view an aircraft record that displays a flag and one that doesn't.  And see for yourself what's different.

Alternatively, ask the question on the VRS forum.

Maybe I've missed something?
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: Anmer on January 08, 2020, 09:46:12 AM
This morning I did some tests with VRS, an application I don't normally use.

I added USNAVY_VQ7.bmp to my OperatorFlags folder and changed the OperatorFlagCode in the BaseStation.sqb file for a BAe Hawk to USNAVY_VQ7.

As can be seen from the attached screen capture, the new flag appears as expected, after refreshing the browser page.  Changing it back to HAWK worked as expected too.

[attachment deleted reduce file load]
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: NE-KID on January 08, 2020, 04:00:50 PM
What basestation editor does everyone use? I'm not sure how to use VRS database editor
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: Anmer on January 08, 2020, 04:21:11 PM
You could download the BaseStation Reporter (free) which will allow you to view the BaseStation.sqb file and edit records.  Reporter is installed as part of the BaseStation CD installation.

http://www.kinetic.co.uk/basestationdownloads1.php

Or you can use SQLite Personal.

I sent you a link to the VRS database Plugin tutorial in a previous PM.
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: NE-KID on January 08, 2020, 04:34:49 PM
I have the SQLite program open what do I do next? I have slow learning disabilities so that is why I'm having a hard time understanding what to do I never done this before.  I opened the Basestation.sqb file but not sure where to go from there.
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: Anmer on January 08, 2020, 04:40:57 PM
Maybe you need to find something less complex than SQLite.

Let's see if other members can suggest something easier?  But whatever you choose, it will need careful use.
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: NE-KID on January 08, 2020, 04:49:58 PM
I think I got it..All I would have to do is click on picture url 1? To add the airplane logo for the desired aircraft? Then once done what do I click on in the SQLite to save the database?
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: Anmer on January 08, 2020, 04:57:51 PM
You need to add the bmp file name (Just the bit before the .bmp) to the OperatorFlagCode field.  I've explained this previously.
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: NE-KID on January 08, 2020, 05:10:08 PM
So I don't have put anything in the picture url section area just the operator flag area only correct? Also once I have completed the adding the operator flags what do I do next? How do I save the file since I added the flags?
(https://i.ibb.co/TYfSRTT/Screenshot-25.png)
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: Anmer on January 08, 2020, 05:15:18 PM
I'm not a regular user of either VRS or SQLite.  SQLite may update the data fields on exiting that field.  The database may be updated immediately and not need saving.  I'm afraid I can't be more help.
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: NE-KID on January 08, 2020, 05:19:29 PM
No problem I appreciate the help Anmer. Just want to make sure I do not put anything the picture url area just the operator flag area correct?
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: Triple7 on January 08, 2020, 05:25:40 PM
Hope it's OK to jump in here.

First things first - before you edit your SQB file using SQLite Personal - back it up. SQLite is very powerful, and it updates your sqb file on the fly - so if you make an error you can destroy the file.

You only need to amend the OperatorFlagCode field – see screen grab attached and, as Anmer has previously stated, as long as you have a corresponding .bmp file in your OperatorFlags folder (or whatever it's called in VRS) with EXACTLY the same name, it will display that "flag" (logo).

Hope of use,

Tim


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Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: Anmer on January 08, 2020, 05:27:59 PM
Thanks Tim.
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: NE-KID on January 08, 2020, 05:31:27 PM
Quote from: Triple7 on January 08, 2020, 05:25:40 PM
Hope it's OK to jump in here.

First things first - before you edit your SQB file using SQLite Personal - back it up. SQLite is very powerful, and it updates your sqb file on the fly - so if you make an error you can destroy the file.

You only need to amend the OperatorFlagCode field – see screen grab attached and, as Anmer has previously stated, as long as you have a corresponding .bmp file in your OperatorFlags folder (or whatever it's called in VRS) with EXACTLY the same name, it will display that "flag" (logo).

Hope of use,

Tim

Hello Tim,

Thank you for that helpful information. I' made a make up copy of the basestation.sqb which is a good thing. Does SQLite automatically saves the database once I complete editing the operator flags or do I need to do anything else before closing out the SQLite program?

Edit what I am seeing once I add the operator flag and it loads it as BM6 in the box?
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: Triple7 on January 08, 2020, 05:33:55 PM
The modifications are saved immediately, hence the suggestion to back-up!

You don't need to do anything other than make the edits you need.

Tim
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: NE-KID on January 08, 2020, 05:37:28 PM
Quote from: Triple7 on January 08, 2020, 05:33:55 PM
The modifications are saved immediately, hence the suggestion to back-up!

You don't need to do anything other than make the edits you need.

Tim
Thank you Tim for the help as well. Once I select the operator flag logo it saves it as BM6 is that right or no?
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: Triple7 on January 08, 2020, 05:43:24 PM
Now you have confused me!

Using SQLite you just enter the name of the bmp file (without the '.bmp' bit of course).

I'm not sure what you mean by "it" saves it as a BM6 - what is "it" and I don't know what a BM6 file is!

Tim
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: NE-KID on January 08, 2020, 05:48:11 PM
Quote from: Triple7 on January 08, 2020, 05:43:24 PM
Now you have confused me!

Using SQLite you just enter the name of the bmp file (without the '.bmp' bit of course).

I'm not sure what you mean by "it" saves it as a BM6 - what is "it" and I don't know what a BM6 file is!

Tim

The box located in the photograph below. I clicked on the operator name only it came on the screen as BM6



[attachment deleted reduce file load]
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: Triple7 on January 08, 2020, 05:54:52 PM
If you are clicking on the three dots to right of the cell, don't, just hit F2 to edit the field and type the filename.

Tim

[attachment deleted reduce file load]
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: NE-KID on January 08, 2020, 06:04:38 PM
Got it! Thank you so much for the help Tim.  ;D
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: Triple7 on January 08, 2020, 06:06:42 PM
Pleasure  8)

Tim
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: NE-KID on January 10, 2020, 12:26:05 AM
Just an update so far no issues I got the operator flags working for Military aircraft!  ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: Anmer on January 10, 2020, 08:30:10 AM
That's good news.

Can you let us know what fixed it?  Was it editing the sqb file and adding bmp name to the OperatorFlagCode field?
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: NE-KID on January 10, 2020, 12:13:45 PM
Quote from: Anmer on January 10, 2020, 08:30:10 AM
That's good news.

Can you let us know what fixed it?  Was it editing the sqb file and adding bmp name to the OperatorFlagCode field?

Hello Anmer,

What fixed it was me editing the basestation.sqb file in SQLite and only using the name in the OperatorFlagCode area.  :)
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: Anmer on January 10, 2020, 12:46:09 PM
Thanks.  That's what I thought it would be but just wanted to be sure.
Title: Re: Missing military flags - VRS
Post by: NE-KID on January 10, 2020, 12:57:02 PM
Quote from: Anmer on January 10, 2020, 12:46:09 PM
Thanks.  That's what I thought it would be but just wanted to be sure.

Always good to make sure.  :)