Multiple character sets

[Fippy]

I don't think my question requires a config uploaded, as it is of a general nature.

I have a character set with six characters. My config works fine if I have all 6 launched. But sometimes I want to use a subset of the original set (box 2,3,5 today, box 1,4 tomorrow). This breaks things like follow and assist, which makes sense given that the virtual keys were assigned assuming six characters.

Is there a good solution for this? Ideally I would be able to change those virtual keys while I'm in game. Creating character sets with all possible subsets seems a bit overkill.

[bob]

There is no easy way for ISBoxer to do this for you because not everyones config or game will be setup in such a way that this can easily be achieved. EQ would allow you to do that with a load of virtualisation using /TAR CHARNAME and /ASS CHARNAME, but that setup is a PITA to configure sweetly, but it would definitely achieve what you want.

If your config is using Variable Keystrokes for the Target Slot X calls, then you can change these on the fly in the in game ISBoxer GUI (CTRL+SHIFT+ALT+G). I can't find the original source I read through, but in game, open up the ISBoxer GUI, goto the Variable Keystrokes tab, select the one you want to change, and set the new value that will be sent. You do need to do this for each applicable slot. i.e. if you load slots 2, 3, 5, then you will only have a 3 man team, so Target Slot 5 (assuming team leader), will probably be F3 for slots 2 and 3, because in game you only have a 3 man team, and not the 6 man. It will take a bit of practice to get it right, and it will probably depend some on how you load your team. I'm 60% sure that if you load per slot, then the slot numbers will be wrong (1, 2, 3), rather than if you load the whole team and then close down those you don't want (2, 3, 5).

It's probably easier to create a new combination on the day that you want to play that one (preconfiguring them seems a bit OTT).

[Fippy]

Well maybe there is a way to work through some of this.

The first problem I see is that if I have a character in a slot running (say slot 1), and I launch that same char again another instance of EQ will be launched. ISBoxer doesnt know that this is already running.
If I launch slot 1 in another char set, another client is launched -- now I have two slot 1s.

OK, sill stuff which I shouldn't do. But this might be one possible solution. Sometimes I launch an entire character set. Sometimes I launch individual characters.

It would be useful to be able to redo the virtualization when a new character launches. When I launch a wizard in slot 1, any existing virtualization would be overwritten by the wizard's, and old ATG assignments are removed. If my cleric was previously running in slot 1 we would only need to keep track of the ATG assignments for that char and remove them. The wizzy would add itself to the appropriate ATGs, and keymaps would function as usual: directing actions to ATGs rather than specific characters.

It is an idea.

Last night I boxed without ISBoxer because I didn't have a char set created for them. I swap chars in and out all of the time, based on what I need. If I don't need the enchanter in slot 5 today, but would rather have a mage on the same account, launch that one instead.

I used to do this sort of stuff with Innerspace. I had buttons on my GUI which I would select the chars on each account. I didn't have anything like ATGs (which I did), but I did have class-specific variables which were used.

[bob]

I use a menu for this.

Basically all the class configuration is virtualised, so This key map is now Other key map. As You can run this via a mapped key (you aren't limited to only setting this on the character), then I can load any character I like, open the menu, tick the appropriate class set, it gets applies the correct virtualisation branch, and away I play.

Sometimes it means your menu may end up being rather large to support the character specific settings too, but then menus can cascade.

[Fippy]

Sounds great Bob! But I'd like a little clarification (staying up all night playing EQ isn't helping me right now). I can change virtualization via an action? How?

(If this is obvious, I'll notice when I'm thinking clearer)

The menu approach sounds an awful lot like what I was doing in InnerSpace.

You mentioned changing virtual keys via the ISBoxer GUI, so this means we can change virtual key maps but not keys? May I request adding the ability to change virtual keys via an action to the wishlist?

[bob]

To change a variable keystroke, use the Keystroke Actions -> Set Variable Keystroke Action. This does the same thing as the Variable Keystrokes on the character set/slots used for "Target Slot 1 is now F1", etc.
The change a virtual key map (or mapped key) use Key Map Actions -> Mapped Key Virtualization Action. This does the same thing as the Virtual Mapped Keys you set like "Virtual Combat Key Map is now Mage Key Map", etc.

Setting up a menu for this was interesting and I ended up using a custom template. I got the initial idea after coming across this http://www.isboxer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=3959, and http://www.isboxer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=3992. I then took this one apart and had a good look at how it worked, and then went from there to make my own (although without the pretty graphics because my skills don't go that far).

[Fippy]

Fun. I see the ability to include a single background image, but the first link suggested even more was being done. Is there any more info on this subject?

[firescue17]

You can layer buttons on the z-axis with transparent graphics to create some unique visuals. Generally, I make the bottom layer a background. The middle layer the border, and the top layer an icon. Using menu actions to switch any part or the "set" can provide an unlimited number of indicators in the same x,y space.

[bob]

For the images. You do have 3 options. Background, Pressed, Mouseover, and you can change these on the fly too, with the Menu Action -> Menu Button Action.
As I have the drawing skill of a snail, I use a couple of different fonts to achieve a tick/cross setup.

The "more" that you are referring to I guess could mean the custom xml which is really just defining button sizes and locations. The rest of the work is mainly being controlled by Menu Button Actions.

[Fippy]

Would you be willing to post one of these multilayered images? I'd like to take a closer look, so that I can make my own.